Article
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December 30, 2025
14 free tools local businesses should actually use
Most free tool lists are garbage. Half are just trials that charge you in 30 days, the other half are useless. Here are fourteen free tools that we as entrepreneurs and freelancers and startup builders have actually used.
1. remove.bg — remove image backgrounds
Why it's useful
Clean visuals make posts look more professional and help your brand pop on social feeds and menus.
How to use it
Create product photos, staff portraits, or menu item graphics with transparent backgrounds. Works well for IG posts or flyers.
Similar free tools
PhotoRoom – background removal with presets
Unscreen – background removal for videos
Canva (free plan) – background erase on some uploads
Link: https://www.remove.bg
2. RateMyBusiness.ca — free QR codes for Google reviews
Why it's useful
Getting reviews is essential for local search and trust. A QR code makes it easy for customers to leave a review without typing anything.
How to use it
Print the QR code at checkout, on receipts, on table tents, or your door. Customers scan and review in seconds.
Similar free tools
QR Code Generator (by qr-code-generator.com) – create custom QR codes
Beaconstac QR code generator (free tier) – track scans
QR Stuff – basic QR creation
Link: https://ratemybusiness.ca
3. Google Business Profile
Why it's useful
This is the core of your local search visibility. It's free, and every local business needs it. Keep hours, photos, offers, and posts up to date.
How to use it
Post updates, special hours, events, and respond to reviews right from the Google Maps search panel.
Similar tools
Apple Maps Connect – keep your Apple Maps listing updated
Bing Places for Business – free listing on Bing
Yelp for Business – manage reviews and info
Link: https://www.google.com/business
4. RoastMy.Business — Google Business Profile audit
Why it's useful
Your Google Business Profile is your most visible online presence. This tool identifies missing photos, broken links, or incomplete info so you can fix it fast.
How to use it
Run your audit, then follow the suggestions to improve your profile quality. Better profiles rank higher in local search.
Similar tools
Semrush Listing Management (free audit options) – local listing checks
Whitespark Local Citation Finder (limited free use) – find where your business is listed
Moz Local Check Listing – free listing scan
Link: https://roastmy.business
5. Canva (free plan) — simple design for non-designers
Why it's useful
You don't need Photoshop to create good visuals. Canva's free tier gets you templates for social posts, menus, signs, and more.
How to use it
Use premade templates or start from scratch with your colors, fonts, and photos.
Similar free tools
Adobe Express (free) – graphics and collages
Crello (VistaCreate) – free templates and assets
Pablo by Buffer – simple social images
Link: https://www.canva.com
6. Google Analytics
Why it's useful
If you have a website, you need to understand who visits it and how. Google Analytics gives you that for free.
How to use it
Track where visitors come from, what pages they view, and which promotions drive the most traffic. Don't get lost in the data. If you're checking bounce rate and session duration daily, you're wasting time. Focus on traffic sources and referrals—that's what tells you if your promotions work.
Similar free tools
Google Search Console – see how Google indexes you
Statcounter – straightforward traffic tracking
Fathom Analytics (free tier alternatives) – privacy-focused analytics
Link: https://analytics.google.com
7. Mailchimp (free plan) — email newsletters
Why it's useful
Email keeps customers coming back. A consistent newsletter with updates, specials, and events works better than sporadic social posts.
How to use it
Import your customer list, set up a template, and send weekly or monthly updates. Mailchimp's free plan caps you at 500 contacts, but that's enough to start.
Similar free tools
Mailjet (free plan) – basic email campaigns
Brevo (formerly Sendinblue, free tier) – email + SMS marketing
MailerLite (free) – simple broadcasts and automations
Link: https://mailchimp.com
8. Google Trends — know what people are searching
Why it's useful
Google Trends shows what people are searching for in your area. This helps you tailor content and offers.
How to use it
Search terms like "best brunch near me" or "barber near me" to see seasonal interest and related keywords.
Similar free tools
AnswerThePublic – content ideas based on real searches
Keyword Surfer – search volume in Chrome
Ubersuggest (limited free) – keyword info
Link: https://trends.google.com
9. Openverse — library of free stock photos, images, and audio
Why it's useful
A large, open repository of free-use (Creative Commons) stock media for all your social media and content needs.
How to use it
Search for a photo you need, download it. Attribute the artist if you can.
Similar free tools
Openverse - extensive library of free stock photos, images, and audio
Pixabay – royalty-free images and stock photos
Pexels - more royalty-free stock photos and videos
Link: https://openverse.org/
10. Buffer (free plan) — social scheduling
Why it's useful
Posting consistently on social makes a real difference for local businesses. Buffer lets you schedule posts in advance so you're not on your phone all day.
How to use it
Plan your week's posts in one session, then let Buffer publish them automatically.
Similar free tools
Later (free plan) – visual scheduler for Instagram
Hootsuite (limited free) – multi-platform scheduling
Planoly (free) – grid preview and scheduling
Link: https://buffer.com
11. Bitly — link shortening and click tracking
Why it's useful
You need to know which promo or flyer drives traffic. Bitly gives you shortened links and basic click tracking so you can see what's working.
How to use it
Create a custom short link for each campaign (Instagram bio, flyer, email) and track which one gets the most clicks.
Similar free tools
Rebrandly (free tier) – branded short links
TinyURL – simple link shortening
Short.io (limited free) – custom domains
Link: https://bitly.com
12. NeetoCal — booking and appointments
Why it's useful
For salons, barbers, consultations, or anything that needs booking, NeetoCal automates scheduling without the back-and-forth texts.
How to use it
Set your availability, share your booking link, and let customers pick a time. Syncs with Google Calendar.
Similar free tools
Acuity Scheduling (limited free) – appointment booking
SimplyBook.me (free tier) – basic scheduling
Calendly (free tier) – appointment bookings
Link: https://www.neeto.com/neetocal
13. Wave — accounting and invoicing
Why it's useful
Wave is free accounting software built for small businesses. Invoicing, expense tracking, and receipt scanning without paying for QuickBooks.
How to use it
Track expenses, send invoices, and run basic reports. It's simple enough that you don't need an accountant to set it up.
Similar free tools
ZipBooks (free tier) – invoicing and bookkeeping
Invoice Ninja (free tier) – invoice management
Zoho Invoice (limited free) – billing and estimates
Link: https://waveapps.com
14. Cap — screen and video recording
Why it's useful
Not an obvious one, but useful for showing staff how to do something or creating short how-to videos for customers that you own.
How to use it
Record your screen or face, share the link. No editing required. I've seen coffee shops use this (and Loom) to show customers how to order online, and salons use it for styling tips.
Similar free tools
Loom (free tier) – a standard for screen recording and streaming
OBS Studio (free, open-source) – screen recording and streaming
CloudApp (free tier) – screen recording with annotations
Link: https://cap.so/
How to pick the right free tools for your business
A lot of "free tools" are actually trials that sneak you into paid plans. The ones above have real, useful free tiers that help you today without paying tomorrow.
Here’s the summary:
Visibility and reviews: Google Business Profile, RateMyBusiness.ca, RoastMy.Business
Visuals and content: remove.bg, Canva, Buffer, Loom
Customer engagement: Mailchimp, Google Analytics, Hotjar, Calendly
Search awareness and trends: Google Trends
Operations and tracking: Wave, Bitly
Start with one tool in each category. Don't try to master all of them at once. Build a routine instead: upload 5 new images this week, send one newsletter next week, check your reviews daily.
Don't download all fourteen so you feel productive — you won’t. Pick two, use them for a month, then add another. Most businesses fail at free tools not because the tools suck, but because they never build a habit around them. Consistency is key!
1. remove.bg — remove image backgrounds
Why it's useful
Clean visuals make posts look more professional and help your brand pop on social feeds and menus.
How to use it
Create product photos, staff portraits, or menu item graphics with transparent backgrounds. Works well for IG posts or flyers.
Similar free tools
PhotoRoom – background removal with presets
Unscreen – background removal for videos
Canva (free plan) – background erase on some uploads
Link: https://www.remove.bg
2. RateMyBusiness.ca — free QR codes for Google reviews
Why it's useful
Getting reviews is essential for local search and trust. A QR code makes it easy for customers to leave a review without typing anything.
How to use it
Print the QR code at checkout, on receipts, on table tents, or your door. Customers scan and review in seconds.
Similar free tools
QR Code Generator (by qr-code-generator.com) – create custom QR codes
Beaconstac QR code generator (free tier) – track scans
QR Stuff – basic QR creation
Link: https://ratemybusiness.ca
3. Google Business Profile
Why it's useful
This is the core of your local search visibility. It's free, and every local business needs it. Keep hours, photos, offers, and posts up to date.
How to use it
Post updates, special hours, events, and respond to reviews right from the Google Maps search panel.
Similar tools
Apple Maps Connect – keep your Apple Maps listing updated
Bing Places for Business – free listing on Bing
Yelp for Business – manage reviews and info
Link: https://www.google.com/business
4. RoastMy.Business — Google Business Profile audit
Why it's useful
Your Google Business Profile is your most visible online presence. This tool identifies missing photos, broken links, or incomplete info so you can fix it fast.
How to use it
Run your audit, then follow the suggestions to improve your profile quality. Better profiles rank higher in local search.
Similar tools
Semrush Listing Management (free audit options) – local listing checks
Whitespark Local Citation Finder (limited free use) – find where your business is listed
Moz Local Check Listing – free listing scan
Link: https://roastmy.business
5. Canva (free plan) — simple design for non-designers
Why it's useful
You don't need Photoshop to create good visuals. Canva's free tier gets you templates for social posts, menus, signs, and more.
How to use it
Use premade templates or start from scratch with your colors, fonts, and photos.
Similar free tools
Adobe Express (free) – graphics and collages
Crello (VistaCreate) – free templates and assets
Pablo by Buffer – simple social images
Link: https://www.canva.com
6. Google Analytics
Why it's useful
If you have a website, you need to understand who visits it and how. Google Analytics gives you that for free.
How to use it
Track where visitors come from, what pages they view, and which promotions drive the most traffic. Don't get lost in the data. If you're checking bounce rate and session duration daily, you're wasting time. Focus on traffic sources and referrals—that's what tells you if your promotions work.
Similar free tools
Google Search Console – see how Google indexes you
Statcounter – straightforward traffic tracking
Fathom Analytics (free tier alternatives) – privacy-focused analytics
Link: https://analytics.google.com
7. Mailchimp (free plan) — email newsletters
Why it's useful
Email keeps customers coming back. A consistent newsletter with updates, specials, and events works better than sporadic social posts.
How to use it
Import your customer list, set up a template, and send weekly or monthly updates. Mailchimp's free plan caps you at 500 contacts, but that's enough to start.
Similar free tools
Mailjet (free plan) – basic email campaigns
Brevo (formerly Sendinblue, free tier) – email + SMS marketing
MailerLite (free) – simple broadcasts and automations
Link: https://mailchimp.com
8. Google Trends — know what people are searching
Why it's useful
Google Trends shows what people are searching for in your area. This helps you tailor content and offers.
How to use it
Search terms like "best brunch near me" or "barber near me" to see seasonal interest and related keywords.
Similar free tools
AnswerThePublic – content ideas based on real searches
Keyword Surfer – search volume in Chrome
Ubersuggest (limited free) – keyword info
Link: https://trends.google.com
9. Openverse — library of free stock photos, images, and audio
Why it's useful
A large, open repository of free-use (Creative Commons) stock media for all your social media and content needs.
How to use it
Search for a photo you need, download it. Attribute the artist if you can.
Similar free tools
Openverse - extensive library of free stock photos, images, and audio
Pixabay – royalty-free images and stock photos
Pexels - more royalty-free stock photos and videos
Link: https://openverse.org/
10. Buffer (free plan) — social scheduling
Why it's useful
Posting consistently on social makes a real difference for local businesses. Buffer lets you schedule posts in advance so you're not on your phone all day.
How to use it
Plan your week's posts in one session, then let Buffer publish them automatically.
Similar free tools
Later (free plan) – visual scheduler for Instagram
Hootsuite (limited free) – multi-platform scheduling
Planoly (free) – grid preview and scheduling
Link: https://buffer.com
11. Bitly — link shortening and click tracking
Why it's useful
You need to know which promo or flyer drives traffic. Bitly gives you shortened links and basic click tracking so you can see what's working.
How to use it
Create a custom short link for each campaign (Instagram bio, flyer, email) and track which one gets the most clicks.
Similar free tools
Rebrandly (free tier) – branded short links
TinyURL – simple link shortening
Short.io (limited free) – custom domains
Link: https://bitly.com
12. NeetoCal — booking and appointments
Why it's useful
For salons, barbers, consultations, or anything that needs booking, NeetoCal automates scheduling without the back-and-forth texts.
How to use it
Set your availability, share your booking link, and let customers pick a time. Syncs with Google Calendar.
Similar free tools
Acuity Scheduling (limited free) – appointment booking
SimplyBook.me (free tier) – basic scheduling
Calendly (free tier) – appointment bookings
Link: https://www.neeto.com/neetocal
13. Wave — accounting and invoicing
Why it's useful
Wave is free accounting software built for small businesses. Invoicing, expense tracking, and receipt scanning without paying for QuickBooks.
How to use it
Track expenses, send invoices, and run basic reports. It's simple enough that you don't need an accountant to set it up.
Similar free tools
ZipBooks (free tier) – invoicing and bookkeeping
Invoice Ninja (free tier) – invoice management
Zoho Invoice (limited free) – billing and estimates
Link: https://waveapps.com
14. Cap — screen and video recording
Why it's useful
Not an obvious one, but useful for showing staff how to do something or creating short how-to videos for customers that you own.
How to use it
Record your screen or face, share the link. No editing required. I've seen coffee shops use this (and Loom) to show customers how to order online, and salons use it for styling tips.
Similar free tools
Loom (free tier) – a standard for screen recording and streaming
OBS Studio (free, open-source) – screen recording and streaming
CloudApp (free tier) – screen recording with annotations
Link: https://cap.so/
How to pick the right free tools for your business
A lot of "free tools" are actually trials that sneak you into paid plans. The ones above have real, useful free tiers that help you today without paying tomorrow.
Here’s the summary:
Visibility and reviews: Google Business Profile, RateMyBusiness.ca, RoastMy.Business
Visuals and content: remove.bg, Canva, Buffer, Loom
Customer engagement: Mailchimp, Google Analytics, Hotjar, Calendly
Search awareness and trends: Google Trends
Operations and tracking: Wave, Bitly
Start with one tool in each category. Don't try to master all of them at once. Build a routine instead: upload 5 new images this week, send one newsletter next week, check your reviews daily.
Don't download all fourteen so you feel productive — you won’t. Pick two, use them for a month, then add another. Most businesses fail at free tools not because the tools suck, but because they never build a habit around them. Consistency is key!
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