7 free tools every small business in the Philippines should be using
You don't need a big budget to look professional online. These free tools cover design, your Google listing, social media, video, email and knowing what works.
Running a small business means doing ten jobs at once. The good news: the tools big companies pay for have free versions that are more than enough to start. Here are seven I recommend to almost every client, and what each one is actually for.
1. Canva: make posts, flyers and menus that look professional
Canva lets you design social media posts, posters, price lists and even simple videos by dragging and dropping. Start from a template, swap in your photos and colors, and you're done in minutes.
Tip: save your logo colors in Canva so every design looks consistent. Our free Brand Color Kit gives you a full palette and the exact codes to paste in.
2. Google Business Profile: show up on Google Maps
When someone searches "bakery near me" or "printing shop Cubao", Google shows businesses on a map first. A free Google Business Profile puts you there, with your hours, photos, phone number and reviews.
- Add real photos of your products and storefront.
- Ask happy customers for a review, and reply to every review, even the bad ones.
- Keep your hours updated, especially during holidays.
3. Meta Business Suite: schedule Facebook and Instagram posts
Instead of posting by hand every day, you can plan a week of Facebook and Instagram posts in one sitting and let Meta Business Suite publish them automatically. It also puts your Messenger and Instagram messages in one inbox, so you don't miss customer inquiries.
4. CapCut: quick videos for Reels and TikTok
Short videos reach more people than photos on most platforms right now. CapCut makes it easy to trim clips, add captions and music, and use trending templates, all from your phone.
5. Google Analytics: know where your website visitors come from
If you have a website, Google Analytics shows how many people visit, which pages they read, and whether they came from Google, Facebook or somewhere else. It's free, and it stops you guessing.
To see which specific post or flyer brought visitors, tag your links with our free Campaign Link Kit.
6. Google Search Console: see what people search to find you
Search Console shows the exact words people typed into Google before they found your website, and warns you if something on your site is broken. Pair it with our SEO & Social Preview tool to write page titles people actually click.
7. A free email newsletter tool
Facebook can change who sees your posts overnight, but your email list is yours. Tools like Mailchimp, Brevo and MailerLite have free plans for small lists. Collect emails at the counter or with a simple sign-up form, and send a short update once or twice a month.
Start with just one
Don't try to set up all seven this week. If you only do one thing, claim your Google Business Profile, because it brings in customers who are already looking for what you sell. Add the others one at a time.
Free plans and features change from time to time, so check each tool's website for what's included today.