Given the productivity advancements it’s made possible, the expansion of the digital landscape is showing no signs of slowing down. Thanks to a host of high-tech tools like graphic design software and generative AI models, it’s possible to boost precision and productivity to levels we could only have dreamed of just a few years ago.
To stay relevant in 2025, learning about the various free tools out there will help you capitalise on this productivity in your business operations. If you’re looking to do just that, we provide the top ten free online tools available to SMEs below.
1. PDF Editors
PDFs are among the most widely used file types in the professional world. This is largely due to their versatility – it’s possible to read a PDF document on almost any device.
As an SME, it’s important to have access to a free PDF editor. This allows you to make changes to existing PDFs without having to convert them to another file type and then change them back. These tools also allow you to add your signature to a PDF, which is useful because many of your partners will send official contracts as PDF files.
2. Website Builders
Every business, no matter how big or small, needs a website. While your long-term goal should be to have a professional build your site, this isn’t always possible for newer companies. If you’re running a startup, you can save money by using a free website builder.
Some of the most popular options include Wix and WordPress. It’s important to remember that different website-building software has its own pros and cons. For instance, Wix is incredibly easy to use, making it suitable for beginners. On the other hand, WordPress has a steeper learning curve but leaves more room for customisation. Be sure to do plenty of research and settle on the option that best suits your needs.
3. Email Marketing Platforms
In this day and age, email marketing is necessary to keep in touch with existing customers. However, emails can also be used as an effective marketing channel. If you’re not already, you can use emails to promote new products, publicise discounts and deliver long-form, brand-oriented content.
Email marketing platforms even allow you to craft specialised emails for certain categories of customers. For example, you can send out an automated email with a special discount for people who haven’t made a purchase in a particular amount of time to draw their attention back.
While you often need to pay if you want to send out emails in massive quantities, the free plans of many email marketing sites are sufficient if you’re an SME.
4. Generative AI
Artificial intelligence has changed the business world. No matter the size of your business, generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude can tremendously speed up your processes. You can use these platforms to create an outline for website copy, generate ideas for social media posts, conduct quick research and perform other essential tasks.
While AI is changing the way we work, it’s still prone to making mistakes and producing sub-optimal work, so get someone on your team to edit the final output before releasing it to the public.
5. Influencer Search Tools
Influencers play a massive role in many customers’ purchasing decisions. As an SME, working with these social media socialites can do wonders for brand recognition and sales.
If you do want to dip your toes into the influencer world, some agencies specialise in pairing companies with influencers that suit their needs, but they can often be expensive. For a more budget-friendly alternative, you can make use of the many free influencer search tools like Modash and Kitly Business.
6. Graphic Design Software
Almost all businesses need graphic design. Whether you’re creating a visual for a social media post, running a print ad or creating your initial logo, you need the ability to create high-quality, on-brand images in your repertoire. While working with an in-house or freelance graphic designer is preferred, it isn’t always possible if you’re operating on a tight budget.
Thankfully, there are lots of fantastic graphic design websites out there that allow you to create stunning visual content for free.
7. Work Management Websites
A large part of running an SME is managing your team. This is easier than ever thanks to a host of work management websites like Asana, Trello and Monday that offer a free version. These tools allow you to create tasks, assign them to specific individuals and see when they’ve been completed.
The day-to-day operations of a business can get overwhelming, and once you lose track, you risk not keeping up with your client or customer’s expectations. With the help of a good work management tool, you can stay on top of the work everyone needs to do and get more done in less time.
8. Professional Communication Tools
While there is nothing wrong with an email platform, there are communication methods today that are much more efficient than adding to drawn-out email threads. Tools like Slack and Teams allow your team to stay connected and exchange information instantly. While many communication platforms offer paid plans, you can usually access their most necessary features for free.
If you’re working with colleagues who work remotely, we highly recommend using a video communication platform like Zoom or Google Meet. These allow you to speak with members of your team face-to-face in real time even if they live halfway around the world.
9. Cloud-Based Storage Platforms
There’s a lot of information that businesses need to keep track of, including legal documentation, invoices and branding material. Cloud-based storage solutions can be extremely helpful in this regard.
Cloud platforms allow you to save your documents on third-party servers, which safeguards them against physical theft. Keeping your files on the cloud also allows members of your team to access them from anywhere.
10. Keyword Trackers
All small businesses need their finger on the pulse of their marketing. If you’re performing SEO in-house, having access to a reliable keyword-tracking tool is super helpful. A keyword tracker allows you to identify which terms people are searching for on the internet and helps you decide which ones to focus on.
While you need to pay for more advanced features, platforms like Semrush and Ahrefs provide a host of free tools that can help you get started on your SEO journey. By using these tools strategically, you can drive up your website’s ranking on platforms like Google. This makes it easier for people to discover you and, ultimately, leads to higher sales.
The business world is rapidly evolving, and your SME needs to evolve with it. Often, that means utilising online tools that allow you to get more work done in a shorter amount of time and running your company more efficiently. Thankfully, there is an abundance of free online tools that help you work better, faster and make a bigger impact than ever before. Get started with some of these ten free online tools to boost your output today, and you can expand on them as and when you need them.
