Top 10 Free or Low-Cost Automations for Small Businesses

Small biz life is a grind, but automations can lighten the load. These 10 free or cheap tools handle repetitive tasks, saving you time for the big stuff. From emails to calls, they’re perfect for solopreneurs, salons, or cafes. Let’s dive in!

1. Email Marketing Campaigns

• Tool: Mailchimp

• Cost: Free (up to 500 contacts)

• Why Use It: Automate welcome emails, promos, or birthday deals with Mailchimp. Create slick templates, schedule sends, and track opens with zero effort. Keeps customers engaged without breaking the bank.

2. Social Media Scheduling

• Tool: Buffer

• Cost: Free (up to 3 channels)

• Why Use It: Schedule 10 posts for Instagram, LinkedIn, or X in one go with Buffer. Share client stories or product pics while you’re chilling. No more manual posting!

3. Phone Call Handling

• Tool: Call-Smart

• Cost: Free trial, then affordable plans

• Why Use It: Missed calls cost money. Call-Smart’s AI receptionist answers 24/7, books appointments, and syncs with Calendly. Try the free trial to save hours for your salon or clinic.

4. Appointment Booking

• Tool: Calendly

• Cost: Free (basic plan)

• Why Use It: Let clients book slots based on your calendar with Calendly. Syncs with Google Calendar and sends auto-reminders. Perfect for tutors, consultants, or gyms.

5. Invoicing and Payments

• Tool: Wave

• Cost: Free (transaction fees may apply)

• Why Use It: Send professional invoices and track payments automatically with Wave. Set up recurring billing for regulars. No more chasing late payments!

6. Customer Support Chat

• Tool: Tawk.to

• Cost: Free

• Why Use It: Add a free live chat widget to your site with Tawk.to. Answer questions instantly or use canned responses for FAQs. Great for shops or service businesses.

7. Task Management

• Tool: Trello

• Cost: Free (basic plan)

• Why Use It: Automate task assignments with Trello’s Butler. Example: “New client? Assign to sales.” Keeps solo founders or teams organized.

8. Website Lead Capture

• Tool: HubSpot CRM

• Cost: Free

• Why Use It: Add pop-up forms to your site to grab emails with HubSpot CRM. Auto-send follow-ups to build your pipeline. Ideal for freelancers or small shops.

9. Inventory Tracking

• Tool: Sortly

• Cost: Free (up to 100 items)

• Why Use It: Scan items, set low-stock alerts, and generate reports with Sortly. No more manual counts for retailers or cafes. Keeps stock in check.

10. Document Signing

• Tool: DocuSign

• Cost: Free trial, then ~$10/month

• Why Use It: Automate sending and signing contracts with DocuSign. Store docs securely. Speeds up client onboarding or service agreements.

These tools are your ticket to less stress and more wins. Start with one, like Call-Smart’s AI receptionist, and try their free trial to see how it transforms your workflow. Got a favorite? Set it up today and watch your biz thrive!