13+ digital tools for small busineses to grow

Running a small business today isn’t just about passion and grit—it’s also about having the right digital toolkit. The right small business tools can help you save time, cut costs and keep everything running smoothly. And the best bit? Most of these tools are affordable, easy to use and designed specifically with SMEs in mind.

In this guide, we’ll explore the digital tools for SMEs that are worth investing in if you want to scale smartly, keep your team productive and stay competitive. Ready to explore? Let’s go.

Why digital tools matter for SME growth

Let’s be honest—running a small business can feel like spinning plates. Between managing your finances, keeping customers happy and juggling multiple projects, there’s a lot to stay on top of.

That’s where SME tech solutions step in. The right tools for business growth don’t just save time—they reduce errors, streamline processes and make sure your limited resources are being used effectively. Think of them as an extra pair of hands (minus the coffee breaks).

A few key benefits of adopting small business software include:

• Better efficiency: Automating repetitive tasks frees you up to focus on growing your business.
• Smarter decisions: With access to real-time data, you can make faster, more confident decisions.
• Improved collaboration: Cloud-based productivity tools for SMEs keep everyone connected, wherever they’re working from.
• Cost savings: Many digital solutions are more affordable than traditional methods, especially when compared to expensive bank fees or manual processes.

Must-have tools

Every SME has its own unique needs, but some categories of small business tools are almost universal. Let’s break them down.

Accounting and finance tools

Money matters can make or break a business. That’s why investing in the right accounting software for SMEs is crucial. These tools help with invoicing, expense tracking, tax prep and even forecasting.

Popular options include:

• Xero: Great for SMEs looking for easy invoicing, payroll and reporting.
• QuickBooks: A flexible tool that works well for both freelancers and growing businesses.
• FreeAgent: Especially popular with UK businesses thanks to its HMRC compliance features.

With cloud-based finance tools, you’ll always know where your money’s going—and more importantly, how to keep more of it.

Marketing and social media tools

Getting your brand noticed is half the battle. That’s where marketing tools for small business companies come in. From managing social media campaigns to tracking customer behaviour, these platforms help you maximise visibility without blowing your budget.

Some favourites include:

• Canva: Perfect for creating professional-looking graphics without a design degree.
• Buffer or Hootsuite: For scheduling and managing posts across multiple social platforms.
• Mailchimp: A go-to for email marketing campaigns that help nurture leads and boost sales.

With these marketing tools, even the smallest SMEs can build a big presence online.

Project and team management tools

Keeping your team aligned is easier said than done. Thankfully, project management software takes the chaos out of collaboration.

Top choices for SMEs include:

• Trello: Simple and visual, perfect for small teams tracking progress.
• Asana: Offers more advanced workflows for businesses scaling up.
• Slack: A communication tool that reduces endless email chains and keeps everyone in the loop.

These productivity tools for SMEs help you hit deadlines without the stress.

CRM and sales tools

Your customers are the heart of your business, so managing those relationships well is key. That’s where CRM for small businesses comes in.

Some of the best tools for entrepreneurs in this space include:

• HubSpot CRM: Free to start, with plenty of features for growing teams.
• Zoho CRM: Affordable and customisable.
• Salesforce Essentials: A lighter version of the well-known platform, designed for SMEs.

A good CRM doesn’t just store customer details—it helps you nurture leads, close deals faster and build lasting relationships.

Tips for choosing the right tools for your SME

With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here are a few things to consider when picking your small business software:

1. Start with your pain points: Identify what’s slowing you down. Is it accounting, marketing, or customer management? Focus on tools that solve those problems first.
2. Think long-term: Choose tools that can grow with you. Switching later can be costly and disruptive.
3. Check integrations: The best tools for entrepreneurs are those that “talk” to each other—saving you from juggling multiple platforms.
4. Keep it simple: Don’t overcomplicate things. Sometimes the simplest SME tech solutions are the most effective.
5. Try before you buy: Most tools offer free trials. Take advantage of them to see if they’re a good fit before committing.

Grow smarter with TransferGo Business

While digital tools can transform how you run your business, there’s one area where SMEs often struggle—international payments. Whether you’re paying suppliers abroad or managing global clients, traditional banks can hit you with high fees and slow transfer times.

That’s where the TransferGo Business Account comes in. A TransferGo Business Account is free to set up and subscribe to and allows you to:

• Hold and exchange multiple currencies—you can hold balances in GBP, EUR, RON and PLN, with more on the way.
• Send super-fast international transfers—often arriving in minutes.
• Take advantage of low fees and competitive exchange rates—helping you keep more of your hard-earned money.
• Access multi-currency support when you need it—ideal if you work with partners in different countries.
• Make batch payments—pay up to 200 accounts across multiple countries

Just like the small business tools we’ve covered in this guide, TransferGo Business helps you work smarter, not harder. It’s the perfect addition to your SME tech solutions toolkit.

Ready to make business payments faster and cheaper? Sign up to TransferGo Business today.