Best Tools! Running a business today often means relying on software to streamline operations, boost productivity, and improve brand presence. But the right tools can come with a hefty price tag—unless you know where to find discounts and deals tailored for entrepreneurs. From design tools to customer management platforms, there are excellent solutions out there that not only support your business goals but also respect your budget. Below are seven software options and strategies for getting the best bang for your buck.
Look for Business-Tailored Pricing on Asana
Project management platforms like Asana are well-known, but many business owners don’t realize they offer tiered pricing for business users that can scale with growth. Rather than defaulting to a free version or overpaying for premium, take the time to review the “Business” or “Pricing” sections of these tools’ websites. For example, you can compare scalable features and savings at Asana’s pricing page, which shows how their plans adapt to team size and needs.
Opting for business plans often unlocks automation tools, analytics dashboards, and better team collaboration features. And many providers offer introductory discounts or bundle deals, especially for annual billing. Before committing, reach out to their sales teams—many are willing to provide custom discounts for small businesses, nonprofits, or early-stage companies. Always ask!
Bundle CRM and Lead Gen with HubSpot
Customer relationship management (CRM) software is essential for tracking leads, managing contacts, and maintaining sales pipelines—but it can get expensive. Instead of springing for a full-scale enterprise CRM, seek platforms that bundle customer management with lead generation tools, such as HubSpot. These companies often offer “freemium” models, where basic features are free and premium ones come at a discounted rate when billed annually.
What’s unique about this strategy is you’re combining two business functions—CRM and marketing—in one. It saves not only money but also the time and energy spent jumping between systems. Plus, many CRM providers offer discounts for startups, especially if you’re part of an incubator or small business association. Search for “startup programs” or ask support about exclusive offers.
Subscribe to FreshBooks During Seasonal Sales
Bookkeeping and accounting software like FreshBooks can be essential but pricey. However, both platforms are known for steep discounts during key times of the year—especially tax season, end-of-year budgeting cycles, or Black Friday events. If you’re considering a subscription, wait for these windows or set a calendar alert to check for deals.
Additionally, check if your business bank or credit card provider has affiliate partnerships; many offer coupon codes for business software as a perk. Another bonus tip: some financial software companies extend deeper discounts for annual plans, so if you know it’s a tool you’ll use long-term, commit upfront to save more.
Use Mailchimp for Email Marketing
Email marketing remains one of the highest ROI strategies available, and tools like Mailchimp can make it easy. What many business owners don’t know is that the site frequently offers steep discounts for nonprofits, early-stage startups, or solopreneurs. Even if your business doesn’t fall into those categories, seasonal sales and referral discounts are often available.
Take advantage of customizable templates, automation flows, and detailed analytics—features that used to be reserved for enterprise tools. One savvy move? Check their integrations. If the email platform integrates with your eCommerce or CRM software, you’ll save both time and operational headaches. It’s all about ecosystem efficiency.
Search for Lifetime Deals via AppSumo
Want access to new tools without recurring costs? SaaS marketplaces like AppSumo specialize in lifetime software deals. These platforms often partner with up-and-coming software startups to offer exclusive pricing before they launch on larger scales. For a flat, one-time payment, you can get access to powerful tools—everything from video editors to customer support software.
The key here is to invest in tools that serve a long-term business function. Look for reviews, roadmaps, and user communities before buying. While lifetime deals can seem too good to be true, when chosen carefully, they can offer incredible ROI for years to come. Just be sure to act fast—these deals often run for a limited time and quantities.
Bundle Your Tech Stack with Google Workspace
Rather than subscribing to separate tools for email, file storage, and office documents, consider a cloud suite like Google Workspace. It offers integrated tools under one subscription—think business email, video conferencing, spreadsheets, and cloud file storage. While pricing may seem steep at first glance, bundled plans often offer huge savings over individual tools.
Google Workspace, for example, allows seamless collaboration with clients or team members, while also keeping admin control in your hands. Look for bundles that allow user-level pricing, which means you only pay for what you need. Some plans also include compliance and security features that can help small businesses avoid costly legal headaches.
Tap Into Adobe Express for Visual Storytelling
Visual content is no longer optional—it’s expected. If you want your business to stand out online, from social media to internal communications, Adobe Express is a budget-friendly powerhouse. It offers templates, drag-and-drop tools, and professional-quality design features that don’t require a background in graphic design. One standout feature for business owners is the free online infographic maker. Infographics are excellent tools for internal training, investor presentations, or boosting customer engagement.
Unlike full-scale design software that demands a learning curve and high costs, Adobe Express helps small teams move fast. You can maintain visual brand consistency without outsourcing to a designer for every asset. Even better, Adobe often offers deep discounts or free trials to new users, so you can try it before committing. This is a particularly great option for startups or solopreneurs building their visual brand from the ground up.
Running a business on a budget doesn’t mean skimping on the tools that matter. By knowing where to look—and when—you can access powerful software without draining your resources. Prioritize platforms that grow with you, and don’t be afraid to ask about small business deals, startup programs, or seasonal offers. Your software stack should be a launchpad, not a liability.
