Updated October 2026
Our original version of this page listed 123 "most useful websites on the internet." Many of those sites have changed, closed or been replaced. This updated version focuses on the websites and online tools that matter most to small business owners in 2026, organized by what you need to get done. Where we name tools, they’re common examples rather than endorsements; compare options for your own needs.
Free official resources every owner should bookmark
Table of Contents
| Website | What it’s for |
|---|---|
| SBA.gov | Business planning, funding programs, SBA loans, local assistance and free learning |
| IRS.gov | Free EIN applications, tax forms, deadlines and small business guidance |
| Your state’s business portal | Forming an LLC or corporation, annual reports and licenses. See our state LLC guides |
| USPTO.gov | Searching and registering trademarks |
| Census.gov | Demographic and business data for market research. See our richest counties guide |
| BLS.gov | Wage, employment and industry data |
| DOL.gov | Employer rules on wages, overtime and safety |
| FTC.gov | Advertising, privacy and consumer protection rules |
| SCORE.org | Free mentoring from experienced business owners |
Getting found online
- Google Business Profile: the most important free listing for local businesses.
- Bing Places and Apple Business Connect: listings on other maps and devices.
- Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools: free insight into how people find your website.
- Review platforms relevant to your industry.
See our guide to promoting your website for free.
Website building and hosting
- WordPress for flexible, self-hosted websites. See our WordPress hosting guide.
- Website builders for simple drag-and-drop sites.
- E-commerce platforms for online stores.
- Domain registrars for registering your business name online. See choosing a business name.
Accounting, payments and banking
| Need | Tools to look for |
|---|---|
| Bookkeeping | Cloud accounting software that connects to your bank |
| Invoicing | Online invoices with payment links. See our invoicing software guide |
| Payments | Card readers, tap-to-pay apps and online checkout |
| Payroll | Payroll services that handle tax filings. See payroll software |
| Banking | Business checking with online tools. See best banks for small business |
| Receipts and expenses | Apps that scan receipts and categorize spending |
Marketing and communication
- Email marketing tools, many with free plans for small lists. See our email marketing software guide.
- Social media scheduling tools to plan posts in advance.
- Online design tools for social graphics, flyers and presentations.
- Video editing apps for short-form video on social media and your website.
- Customer relationship management (CRM) software to track leads and follow-ups.
See our digital marketing guide.
Productivity and collaboration
- Office suites for documents, spreadsheets and email, such as Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
- Cloud storage for files and backups.
- Video conferencing for client and team meetings.
- Project management tools to organize tasks and deadlines.
- Scheduling tools that let customers book appointments online.
- Team messaging apps for quick internal communication.
See our guide to remote working tools.
Security tools
- A password manager for unique passwords on every account.
- Two-step login on email, banking and payment accounts.
- Automatic backups for computers and phones.
- Antivirus and device security built into modern operating systems.
See encryption and data security and keeping devices updated.
AI tools
AI assistants can help draft emails, summarize documents, brainstorm marketing ideas, write first drafts of content and answer research questions. Use them to save time, but review everything, check facts, protect customer data, and add your own expertise.
Research and learning
- Online course platforms for skills training. See our online learning platforms guide.
- Industry associations for benchmarks, training and industry news.
- Public library resources, which often include free business databases, market research reports and online courses with a library card.
- Business podcasts and newsletters for ongoing learning.
Everyday utilities
| Task | Useful tool type |
|---|---|
| Editing PDFs | PDF editors and online converters. See editing PDF files online |
| Electronic signatures | E-signature services for contracts |
| Checking website speed | Free speed test tools. See website speed tests |
| Checking domain ownership | WHOIS lookup tools. See who owns a domain name |
| Shipping | Carrier websites and shipping software. See our shipping hubs guide |
| Currency and time zones | Converters for international clients |
Tools by business stage
| Stage | Essentials |
|---|---|
| Idea and planning | SBA planning resources, Census data, a spreadsheet for budgets |
| Launch | State business portal, IRS EIN, business bank account, simple website, Google Business Profile |
| First customers | Invoicing, payments, booking, email list, review requests |
| Growing | Accounting software, CRM, social media scheduling, password manager |
| Hiring | Payroll service, scheduling, onboarding checklists, team messaging |
| Scaling | Project management, reporting dashboards, industry-specific software |
Tools for hiring and managing staff
- Job posting sites and local job boards to find candidates.
- Applicant tracking, built into many payroll and HR services.
- E-Verify, the government’s free online system for confirming employment eligibility, required for some employers in certain states.
- Payroll and time tracking tools that handle tax withholding and filings.
- Employee scheduling apps for shift-based businesses.
See our guide to hiring your first employee.
Industry-specific software
Many industries have software built for their workflows, which can replace several general tools:
- Restaurants: point-of-sale systems with online ordering, inventory and staff scheduling.
- Home services: field service software for quotes, dispatching, invoicing and payments.
- Salons and spas: booking, client records, memberships and payments in one system.
- Fitness studios: class booking, memberships and billing.
- Retail: inventory management connected to in-store and online sales.
Ask peers in your industry what they use, and request demos before buying.
Beware of scams posing as official services
Small businesses often receive official-looking letters and emails offering trademark registration, annual report filing, labor law posters or "required" certificates at inflated prices. Many come from private companies, not government agencies. Before paying:
- Check the sender against official .gov websites.
- File directly with your state, the IRS or the USPTO where possible.
- Never pay for a free service, such as an EIN from the IRS.
How to choose tools without overwhelm
- Start with your biggest problem: missed calls, messy books or slow invoicing.
- Choose tools that integrate with each other, such as accounting software that connects to your bank and payment processor.
- Use free trials before committing.
- Keep the stack small: a few well-used tools beat many half-used subscriptions.
- Review subscriptions every six months and cancel what you don’t use.
- Own your accounts: register tools in the business’s name with a shared business email.
Keeping your tools organized
As your business grows, it’s easy to lose track of accounts and subscriptions. A simple tool inventory helps:
| Record | Why |
|---|---|
| Tool name and purpose | Know what each one does |
| Monthly or annual cost | Spot waste and plan budgets |
| Renewal date | Avoid surprise charges |
| Account owner and admins | Keep control when people leave |
| Login stored in password manager | Secure, shared access |
| Data export options | Make switching easier later |
Review it twice a year, cancel unused subscriptions, and make sure every critical tool has at least two people with admin access.
Example: a simple tool stack for a new business
A new house cleaning business starts with a free Google Business Profile, a simple website, an online booking tool, cloud accounting connected to a business bank account, a payment app for cards, a password manager and an email list tool on a free plan. The owner adds a scheduling app for staff when she hires her first employee, keeping costs low and systems simple.
This example is illustrative.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the most important website for a small business? Your own website and Google Business Profile, along with official resources like IRS.gov and your state’s business portal.
Are free business tools good enough? Many free plans work well when you’re starting; upgrade when you outgrow their limits.
Should I pay monthly or annually for software? Annual plans are often cheaper, but pay monthly while you’re testing a tool, then switch once you’re sure it fits.
How many tools does a small business need? Fewer than you think. Start with essentials and add tools only when they solve a real problem.
Next steps
Read our best small business software guide, remote working tools and the Start a Business A–Z guide.
Tools are named as common examples, not endorsements. Features and pricing change; compare options before buying.
Sources
- US Small Business Administration
- IRS, Small business and self-employed
- US Census Bureau, Business data
Last reviewed October 20, 2026. Startup costs are estimates; check local prices, licensing and tax rules before you commit money.
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