85 Essential Startup Resources: Streamline your path to success in the business world with these recommended tools and services—all tried and tested by experts like us.
– QuickBooks: The most popular accounting software in the U.S. Opt for the online version or the desktop version.
– XERO: An online-only accounting solution, popular in Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K.
– Freshbooks: Perfect for small service-based businesses, offering invoicing and online payment features.
Choosing a name:
– NameCheckr: Checks domain and social media platform availability for your business name.
– Namium: Generates a list of name suggestions by using prefixes, suffixes, and replacing letters.
– BrandBucket: Crowdsourced business and domain name ideas.
Domain names and hosting:
– NameMesh: A domain name suggestion and finder tool.
– Domainr: Offers a wide range of domain extensions.
– BlueHost: Affordable hosting for WordPress and web apps.
– HostGator: Similar services to BlueHost, with a visual website builder.
– NameCheap: Provides low-cost domain name registration.
Elevator pitches and pitch decks:
– LivePlan: Create one-page pitches or pitch decks for presentations.
– Haiku Deck: Design beautiful pitch decks with a focus on visual appeal.
– Prezi: Offers a unique and dynamic alternative to PowerPoint presentations.
Logos and branding:
– LogoGarden: Design your own logo for free.
– 99designs: Get multiple design options and ideas from designers.
– Fiverr: Connect with designers, copywriters, and programmers at various price points.
Stock photo libraries:
– Pixabay: Offers a wide range of high-quality, free stock photos.
– StockSnap.io: Another useful site for free stock images.
– Shutterstock: A paid stock photo library with a large catalog.
– CensusViewer: Provides easy access to U.S. Census data.
– Consumer Expenditure Survey: Discover consumer spending habits.
– MyBestSegments: Understand an area’s demographics and lifestyle habits.
– SizeUp: Find business locations and analyze competition.
– Google Trends: Track search trends and volume.
Survey tools:
– SurveyMonkey: Reliable tool for business surveys.
– Google Surveys: Target users from around the web for instant feedback.
– TypeForm: Create beautiful forms and surveys, especially optimized for mobile.
– Qualaroo: Conduct polls and surveys directly on your website.
Social media tools:
– Buffer: Plan and post social media content across multiple accounts.
– Hootsuite: Manage multiple social media accounts and access analytics.
– Project management software:
– Trello: Organize tasks and ideas with a clear process.
– Basecamp: Simple interface for managing projects and centralizing assets.
– Asana: Powerful project management tool with a free plan for small teams.
Launching and PR:
– HARO (Help a Reporter Out): Connect with reporters looking for sources.
– Pr.co: Create and distribute press releases, and manage press rooms.
– Pressfarm: Find journalists to write about your startup.
Help desk and customer service:
– Outpost: A shared inbox tool that facilitates collaboration.
– Desk.com: A customer service solution for Salesforce customers.
– ZenDesk: Offers deep features and integrations with other systems.
Payment systems:
– Stripe: Ideal for accepting online payments for web and mobile apps.
– Braintree: Enables accepting payments from various sources worldwide.
– Square: Provides credit card processing solutions for in-person payments.
Invoicing software:
– Freshbooks: Robust invoicing and payment solution for service-based businesses.
– QuickBooks Payments: Integrates with QuickBooks accounting system.
– BallPark: Offers invoicing features with project tracking capabilities.
Website building and shopping carts:
– Wix: Simple web design with template options and shopping cart functionality.
– Shopify: Focused on selling online with an extensive set of features.
– Squarespace: Known for beautiful design templates and e-commerce capabilities.
– Chargify: Handles recurring payments for subscription-based businesses.
Funding platforms and solutions:
– Gust: Connect with investors worldwide for angel and venture capital investments.
– AngelList: Post your company and receive investment opportunities.
– Zenefits: Free HR software platform with additional benefits and payroll services.
– Kin: Simplifies employee paperwork, onboarding, and time-tracking.
– TSheets: Integrates with QuickBooks and tracks time accurately.
– Lattice: Provides team goal tracking, performance reviews, and employee feedback.
– Workable: Streamlines the hiring process with tools for posting jobs and managing candidates.
Legal help:
– RocketLawyer: Provides legal documents and services, including business incorporation.
– LegalZoom: Offers a la carte legal services for various business needs.
– Avvo: Offers legal Q&A forums, guides, and a lawyer directory.
– Nolo: A trusted resource for legal information, offering books, kits, and forms.
Content resource management (CRM):
– Infusionsoft: Combines CRM, marketing, and sales automation for small businesses.
– HubSpot CRM: Offers a free, user-friendly CRM with powerful features.
Analytics tools:
– Google Analytics: The standard for web analytics, free and powerful.
– HotJar: Generates heatmaps for website optimization.
– OptinMonster: Creates attractive pop-ups and exit-intent offers for lead generation.
– Mixpanel: Tracks user actions on websites and apps.
Financial forecasting and financial dashboard:
– LivePlan: Helps with business planning, budgeting, and financial tracking.
Design tools:
– Canva: Online image editor for creating designs like posters and business cards.
– Piktochart: Creates professional infographics easily.
– Pablo: Generates images for social media posts.
Outsourcing work:
– Upwork: Connects businesses with freelancers for various tasks.
– TaskRabbit: Finds individuals to complete specific tasks or chores.
– 99designs: Competes designers to create designs, logos, and more.
– Fiverr: Connects businesses with freelancers for affordable work.
Landing pages and A/B testing:
– LeadPages: Quickly build landing pages and pop-ups with no coding required.
– Unbounce: Design landing pages and perform A/B testing.
– Visual Website Optimizer: Test changes on your website and optimize for conversions.
– Convert: Conduct A/B tests to increase clicks, conversions, and traffic.
Email marketing platforms:
– MailChimp: Easy-to-use platform for building and sending newsletters and campaigns.
– Sendy: Uses Amazon’s Simple Email Service platform for inexpensive email sending.
– HubSpot: Offers a complete marketing automation and email service.
– Aweber: Provides an alternative with great features and phone support.
These resources will enhance your startup’s growth, productivity, and efficiency. Take advantage of them to propel your business forward.
Hello!
I’m Andrew Brooks, a seasoned finance consultant from the USA and the mind behind phonenumber247.com.
My career is built on a foundation of helping individuals and businesses thrive financially in an ever-changing economic landscape. At phonenumber247.com, my aim is to demystify the complex world of finance, providing clear, actionable advice that can help you navigate your financial journey with confidence. Whether it’s personal finance management, investment strategies, or understanding the nuances of market dynamics, I’m here to share insights and tools that can propel you towards your financial goals.
Welcome to my digital space, where every piece of advice is a step closer to financial clarity and success!