When you’re in the trenches of running a business, the right small business tech stack can make all the difference. Time isn’t just money — it’s everything. If you’re anything like me, you’re constantly on the lookout for that edge, that extra 10% that could take your day from chaotic to controlled. You don’t need to be a tech guru to make smart choices, but you do need the right tools.
Enter the small business tech stack. It’s not just about having tools—it’s about having the right tools that actually make your life easier, not harder.
Below I have listed some of the best productivity tools that i’ve tested, (and now use daily), that will help you streamline your operations, boost productivity, and ultimately, let you focus on what you do best: growing your business.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps support the content I create. 😀
I have only listed tools that I use and recommend.
1. Notion for Business: Your all-in-one workspace
I have only recently found Notion, and it changed everything up a gear for my team and I instantly. Notion is like your Swiss Army knife. It’s one tool, but it does just about everything – and it’s really easy to use. Think of it as the digital equivalent of having your entire office, brainstorming boards, and filing cabinets all in one place. Whether you’re managing projects, tracking leads, or simply trying to keep on top of your to-do list, Notion’s got you covered.
Here’s why Notion should be a non-negotiable part of your small business tech stack:
- Centralised hub: Keep your notes, databases, tasks, and docs all in one place.
- Customisable templates: Build systems that work for you—whether that’s a content calendar, a CRM, or a project tracker.
- Collaboration made easy: Share and collaborate with your team in real time, cutting down on endless email chains.
💡 Pro Tip: Use Notion for business to create a daily dashboard that consolidates all your tasks, projects, and key metrics. This way, you start your day knowing exactly what needs your attention.
There is so much more to Notion, you can even download the app on your phone! So if you’re like me and you’re looking for excellent tools that save you time and help you collaborate easier with your team, this is 100% for you.
2. Dripify lead generation: Automate and scale your outreach
Let’s be real – if you’re not automating part of your sales outreach, you’re leaving money on the table. Dripify is a powerful LinkedIn automation tool that takes the grunt work out of lead generation. You can automate your messages, track performance, and optimise your campaigns all in one place. The best part? It’s built specifically to avoid LinkedIn’s spam filters, so you can focus on nurturing genuine connections.
Why Dripify deserves a spot in your small business tech stack:
- Lead generation on autopilot: Set up personalised drip campaigns that connect with your prospects while you sleep.
- Analytics: Track which messages are hitting home and optimise your strategy in real time.
- Safe to use: Built to comply with LinkedIn’s terms, so you’re not risking your account getting flagged.
Dripify is a game changer and i’ll be showing results and analysis of some of our campaigns shortly.
💡 Pro Tip: Set up different drip campaigns for different stages of your sales funnel. This way, your outreach is always contextually relevant and increases your chances of conversion.
3. Score App Quiz Tool: Insight-driven lead generation
If you’re serious about understanding your customers — and you should be — then Score App is your secret weapon. This tool allows you to create interactive quizzes and assessments that not only engage your audience but also provide you with valuable insights. Score App helps you to not only generate leads, but also qualify leads while delivering value upfront.
Why Score App is a game-changer in your small business tech stack:
- Engagement: Quizzes are inherently engaging, offering a fun way for prospects to interact with your brand.
- Qualify leads: Based on quiz results, you can segment your audience and target them with personalised offers.
- Data-driven decisions: The insights you gain can directly influence your marketing strategies and product offerings.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the Score App quiz tool to create a quiz that assesses where your prospects need help the most. Then, tailor your follow-up strategy based on their results.
>> Find out more about Score App here
* Sign-up via this link and get 50% off your first month!
4. Canva Design: Design like a pro without being one
Let’s face it – branding and design are crucial, but not all of us have the luxury of hiring a full-time designer. That’s where Canva comes in. It’s the tool that lets you create professional-looking designs with zero design skills. From social media posts to presentations, Canva’s got a template for everything.
I’ve used Canva for year’s now and I remember first being told about it and thinking, “this will change my life” ~ i’ve used it almost every single day since!
Here’s why Canva design is a must-have in your small business tech stack:
- User-friendly: Drag and drop your way to stunning visuals in minutes.
- Endless templates: Choose from thousands of pre-made templates that fit any occasion – social media, video, PowerPoint presentations, blog banners, business cards, letterheads and so on….
- Brand kits: Keep your branding consistent by setting up brand kits with your fonts, colours, and logos. I have quite a few of my own companies and lots of clients too, so being able to store all the brand kits instead of looking them up endlessly is such a relief.
💡 Pro Tip: Set aside a couple of hours each month to batch create all your social media graphics using Canva. This will save you time and keep your content looking cohesive.
5. ChatGPT AI Assistant: Your AI assistant for content and just about everything else
Now, I know what you’re thinking – AI, really Paula? But hear me out. ChatGPT has quickly become one of the most versatile tools for small businesses – for me it changed so many things about the way we work; and i’ve said this about the other tools above, but it really is a game changer. If you’re not using it, you should be! Whether you need help drafting content, responding to customer enquiries, or brainstorming new ideas, ChatGPT is like having an extra set of hands that can work 24/7.
Why ChatGPT AI assistant should be in your small business tech stack:
- Research & Content creation: Generate blog posts, emails, and even social media captions in seconds.
- Customer Support: Set up an AI chatbot to handle basic customer enquiries, freeing up your time for more critical tasks.
- Brainstorming: Use it to generate ideas for your next big project or campaign.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t just use ChatGPT as a one-time assistant. Integrate it into your daily workflow, and you’ll see a noticeable uptick in your productivity.
Other small business tools to consider:
- Zapier: Connect all your apps and automate workflows, so you spend less time on repetitive tasks.
- Slack: Keep team communication streamlined and organised, reducing the need for endless meetings.
- Trello: A more visual approach to project management. Great for teams who like to see their progress at a glance.
- Grammarly: Ensure your communications are always polished and professional with real-time grammar and spell-checking.
- Google Workspace: Keep your documents, emails, and calendar all in one integrated ecosystem.
There you have it—a robust small business tech stack that’s designed to make your life easier, not more complicated. The beauty of these productivity tools is that they don’t just add to your workload—they help you manage it more effectively. Whether you’re automating your outreach with Dripify, getting creative with Canva, or centralizing your operations in Notion, the key is to find what works for you and run with it.
Remember, the goal here is to build a system that supports your business, not bogs it down. So, take these tools, experiment, and see how they can free up your time, boost productivity, and ultimately, grow your business.
🚀 Ready to take your business to the next level? Your tech stack is just the beginning. If you’re serious about scaling, optimising your operations, and growing your revenue, let’s talk. I’ve helped countless entrepreneurs turn their small businesses into powerhouses with the right strategies and tools.
📖 Interested in learning more? Reach out for a free consultation, and let’s explore how we can make your business unstoppable. Whether it’s refining your processes or discovering untapped growth opportunities, I’m here to help you make it happen.
