5 Business Tools We Actually Recommend (And Why)

Use What Works — Not What’s Trending

There’s no shortage of tools out there promising to save you time, automate your business, or 10x your productivity. But let’s be honest, most small business owners don’t need 15 apps and a team to manage them.

You need tools that are simple, reliable, and flexible enough to work the way you work. Here are five we actually recommend, because we use them ourselves or with clients, and they’ve proven themselves over and over again.

1. Google Workspace (for Email, Docs, and Shared Access)

Why it works: It’s simple, scalable, and doesn’t break when you add another person to the mix. Gmail with your domain, Docs and Sheets for real-time collaboration, and Drive for cloud storage.

• Great for small teams or client collaboration

• Keeps everything in one place

• Familiar interface (even for non-techy users)

🧠 Tip: Google Sheets is also incredibly powerful when used in automation workflows. You can trigger emails, sync leads, and log orders automatically with the right setup.

See how we use automation in business

2. Canva (for Quick Visuals Without a Designer)

Why it works: Canva bridges the gap between DIY and pro. Whether you’re creating a social post, business card, flyer, or logo concept, it’s fast, easy, and keeps your brand looking sharp.

• Huge library of templates

• Drag-and-drop interface

• You can share access with others for collaboration

We use it with clients for both branded design handovers and self-managed content.

3. Make.com (for Automation That Actually Works)

Why it works:Make (formerly Integromat) lets you connect your apps and automate repetitive tasks, without writing code. It’s more flexible than Zapier for complex workflows, and it’s what we use to build custom automation setups for our clients.

Examples:

• Automatically send invoice reminders

• Sync booking forms to calendars and CRMs

• Trigger emails based on customer actions

If you’re juggling spreadsheets, inboxes, and to-do lists, this is a game-changer.

Explore our automation services

4. WhatsApp Business (for Speedy, Professional Customer Chat)

Why it works: It’s fast, informal, and where your customers already are. WhatsApp Business lets you:

• Set up auto-replies for out-of-hours

• Organise customer chats with labels

• Share location, links, or documents instantly

It’s especially powerful for tradespeople, mobile businesses, or service providers who want to stay responsive without managing full inboxes.

5. Trello (for Keeping Projects on Track Without Overcomplicating It)

Why it works: Trello gives you a visual way to track tasks, deadlines, and progress — whether you’re planning a product launch, managing client work, or just staying on top of your own to-dos.

• Easy to learn and use

• Ideal for project tracking or client workflows

• Shareable with your team or customers if needed

💡 Bonus: You can automate Trello too, like moving tasks when checklists are complete or sending reminders based on due dates.

What Matters More Than the Tool?

How you use it. The best tool is the one you’ll actually stick with. Don’t worry about being on the “right” app, just focus on tools that solve real problems in your business.

Keep it simple. Start with what saves time, reduces admin, or improves how you deliver your service. Everything else is just noise.

Want Help Setting Up Tools That Work for You?

We work with Kent-based businesses to build simple, effective systems, often using these exact platforms. No jargon, no bloated stacks. Just tools that do the job.

Let’s have a chat