Best Small Business Management Software - [Top 12 Compared]

It is never easy to run a small business! You want to achieve exponential growth in record time but you have limited budgets and resources to start with.

The initial goal of SMBs is to optimize their operations rather than hire a lot of new employees. This is where small business management software comes in handy. They become an extension of your team and help you multitask while minimizing human errors.

In this blog, we will uncover such tools essential for growth of your small business.

TL;DR - 12 Best Small Business Management Software 

For those who prefer to get right to the point, here are  the best small business management software options. Throughout the blog, we'll discuss each of these in detail, so you can pick the best tool for your small business.

1. Cone
2. Bitrix24
3. Freshbooks
4. HubSpot CRM
5. Zoho CRM
6. Salesforce
7. Asana
8. Trello
9. Notion
10. PandaDoc
11. Jotform Sign
12. DocuSign CLM 

Looking for the best tool to help manage your small business? Cone is your answer. It helps you handle everything from managing in-house tasks to working with clients, all in one place.

Don’t miss out on making your workday simpler. Get in touch with us to try out our private beta. With Cone, you can say goodbye to juggling multiple tools, and hello to more time focusing on what you love about your business. Reach out now and start your journey to easier workdays with Cone.

What is Business Management Software?

Management software is a lifeline for small businesses as it helps streamline company's operations by combining tasks relating to finance, operations, project management, proposals, client management, and more. Businesses can leverage it as a multi-tool, allowing business owners, leaders and founders to concentrate on growth and efficiency instead of juggling multiple programs.

By providing a unified view of the business' operations, the tool makes it easier to spot trends, identify potential areas for improvement, and make informed decisions. This makes it crucial for scaling a business to have a single platform that allows different parts of the company to communicate and work together seamlessly.

Benefits of Using Business Management Software

Using business management software, SMBs can manage a wide range of business applications all from one place, simplifying management tasks. By consolidating, businesses handle fewer controls, interfaces, passwords, and vendors, making management easier. 

All connected applications are synced instantly when software is updated or data changes, ensuring consistency.

Centralizes Control

This software streamlines the management of various business applications through a single system. Businesses don’t need to juggle multiple controls, interfaces, passwords, and vendors, which leads to a simpler, more coordinated management approach.

Unifies View

When companies opt for business management tools, it enhances communication and coordination across departments by providing direct access to a single platform and a unified source of knowledge. This synchronization promotes improved collaboration on projects, strategies, and outcomes.

Increases Data Accuracy

Business management software reduces errors through effective automation across all applications, ensuring data accuracy. This reliability helps avoid costly mistakes and offers trustworthy datasets for performance reviews, project evaluations, and strategic planning.

Reduces Cost

Modern businesses avoid the cumulative costs associated with using multiple specialized software products by opting for integrated solutions.  These solutions provide a comprehensive suite of tools for project management, client engagement, billing, and proposal creation.

Additionally, this approach reduces the total cost of ownership for business management tools by streamlining workflows and improving operational efficiency.

Improves Efficiency

Provides companies with the ability to accomplish more with fewer resources by automating processes. By maximizing investments through efficient automation technologies, business management software saves time, money, and manpower.

Top Features to Look for in a Business Management Software

While business management software brings significant value by unifying applications and tools under a single control system, organizations must recognize that it may not be the perfect solution for everyone. 

Before committing, small businesses must thoroughly understand their requirements and evaluate their options carefully.

Cloud vs. On-Site Systems

Deciding between cloud and on-site systems plays a pivotal role. Cloud options promise ease and efficiency, handling the heavy lifting of updates and security. Meanwhile, on-site solutions offer a hands-on approach, granting you full reign over customization and control, yet tasking you with its upkeep.

Seamless Integration

The digital ecosystem of your business is complex, requiring software that plays well with others. Aim for a solution that effortlessly meshes with existing tools, enhancing your operational flow rather than hindering it.

Crafted for Your Industry

A one-size-fits-all approach rarely fits well. Look for solutions designed with your industry's landscape in mind, ensuring they address the nuanced needs and challenges specific to your sector.

Scaling Capabilities

The size and growth potential of your enterprise shouldn't be an afterthought. A small venture's simplicity contrasts with the intricate demands of a sprawling organization. Select software that not only fits like a glove today but will also stretch comfortably as you grow.

Best Small Business Management Software

These tools are designed to streamline operations, reduce the manual workload, and improve overall efficiency and productivity. Let's dive into a few top contenders across categories:

All-In-One Business Management Software

Cone

Cone offers a unified platform that consolidates project management, client engagement, billing, and proposal functionalities, priced at $13 per user/month. This integration provides substantial cost savings compared to the combined expense of using multiple separate products like Asana or ClickUp, Harvest, and PandaDoc, which can surpass $100+ per user/month. 

By delivering professional services software solutions, including proposal, billing, and work management, Cone significantly enhances efficiency and streamlines workflows. It supports business growth by automating and simplifying operations from proposal to payment, positioning itself as a cost-effective solution for boosting client satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Top Features

• Proposals & Contracts: Use customizable templates for creating branded proposals or contracts.
• Project Management: Seamlessly track and get a bird’s eye view of your tasks.
• Client requests: Send your clients forms, collect e-signatures and request files needed to move forward on projects.
• Time Tracking: Identify productivity bottlenecks for efficient team management.
• Automation: Automate task status updates and management.
• Reports: Access insights on project performance and profitability.
• Automated Invoicing: Generate invoices directly from proposals or projects.
• Payments: Supports multiple payment methods like direct debit, credit or debit cards. Charge payment on file automatically and eliminate hassles with collections for one-off or recurring projects.
• Integrations: Integrates with your favorite software like accounting software(QBO, Xero), payment gateways like Stripe, gocardless and more.

Pros

• Cost-effective.
• No need for separate proposals, time tracking, billing, generic project management or client portal software - everything you need to run the business in a single place.
• Integration capabilities for a unified workflow. 

Best For

• Small to medium-sized businesses in professional services seeking to streamline their operational processes, want to do their best client work and run their entire business from a single place. 

Pricing

• The paid version starts at 5$ and goes up to 20$ per user/month.

Bitrix24

Bitrix24 provides business management tools such as CRM, collaboration, task and project management, website creation, human resources, and automation.

Small Businesses will find this platform useful since it integrates with a number of popular services. Over 15 million organizations use it, and it is available in 18 languages.

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Top Features

• Unified platform for communication, CRM, and collaboration
• Offers multiple task views including calendar, planner, and Kanban
• Features an internal social network, marketing automation tools, and HD video calls
• Supports multiple languages and unlimited users

Pros

• Comprehensive suite of tools for managing tasks, projects, and team communication
• Free for use with an unlimited number of users, making it scalable
• Supports a variety of languages, enhancing accessibility

Cons

• The wide array of features may overwhelm new users
• Customization and navigation can be complex due to the platform's extensive capabilities

Best for

• Teams looking for a complete task management and project monitoring tool that combines communication and CRM

Pricing

• Basic- 19 USD/Yr

• Standard- 48 USD/Yr

• Professional- 96 USD/Yr

• Enterprise- 191 USD/Yr

Freshbooks

FreshBooks integrates invoicing, accounting, payments, expenses, time tracking, projects, and reporting, with the goal of simplifying and automating financial management processes.

A wide range of apps can be integrated with it, which enhances its functionality and flexibility for users. It provides tailored solutions for freelancers, self-employed professionals, business with contractors, and businesses with employees.

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Top Features

• Customizable dashboards and team permissions
• Features team chat, invoicing, time tracking, cost estimations, and accounting reports
• Accepts credit card payments and supports invoicing in multiple currencies
• Mobile app available for on-the-go accounting and invoicing

Pros

• User-friendly interface ideal for beginners
• Streamlines financial management for self-employed professionals and small businesses
• Automatic tracking of late fees and personalized invoices for each client

Cons

• May not be as suitable for larger businesses with more complex accounting needs
• The focus on simplicity might limit advanced accounting functionalities

Best for

• Self-employed individuals, freelancers, and small businesses in industries like marketing, creative services, construction, IT, consulting, and legal fields

Pricing

Monthly Plan:

• Lite - 5.7 USD/mo

• Plus- 9.9 USD/mo

• Premium- 18 USD/mo

Yearly Plan:

• Lite- 152 USD/yr

• Plus- 264 USD/yr

• Premium- 480 USD/yr

Client Management Software For Small Business 

HubSpot CRM

HubSpot CRM is designed to simplify contact management and sales processes for sales leaders, salespeople, marketers, customer service teams, operations managers, and business owners. It works on a freemium to track sales activity, manage contacts, and utilize sales tools, catering to the entire team's needs.

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Top Features

• Meeting Scheduler: Automates booking, syncing with Google and Office 365 calendars
• Email Template Builder: Allows saving and reusing of high-performing emails
• Live Chat Software: Enables real-time conversation with website visitors
• AI Email Writer: Assists in writing one-to-one emails to prospects

Pros

• Comes with a free plan
• Extensive customization options
• User-friendly interface
• High reputation in the CRM space​​.

Cons

• Scaling the platform with more advanced features can become expensive
• There could be a steep learning curve
• Occasional glitches reported​​

Best For

• Small to medium-sized businesses looking for a versatile CRM solution that offers a wide range of functionalities for sales, marketing, and customer service in one platform.

Pricing Plans

• Professional- $800/mo
• Enterprise- $3,600/mo

Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM is a comprehensive platform designed to enhance customer relationships and drive business growth, catering to 250,000+ global businesses. It offers omni channel communication, workflow automation, deep analytics, and customizable solutions, enabling personalized customer experiences and operational efficiency, all from a software developed in India.

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Top Features

• Omnichannel Engagement: Serves as a central hub for all customer-facing channels, unifying customer signals across teams.
• Process Management: Streamlines processes like lead generation and nurturing, allowing for the creation of custom follow-up workflows.
• Zia AI Tool: An AI assistant that monitors lead activity, forecasts deals, and even answers support calls, enhancing efficiency across operations.

Pros

• Offers a 15-day free trial and robust sales forecasting
• Provides round-the-clock data security.

Cons

• Lack of social integration in the free version
• Limited customer support hours and some users find the UI challenging.

Best For

• Zoho CRM is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses looking for a CRM solution that offers great value for money, with a good balance of features and customization options.

Pricing

• Standard- 10 USD/Yr
• Professional- 17 USD/Yr
• Enterprise- 29 USD/ Yr
• Ultimate- 31 USD/Yr

Salesforce

Salesforce offers a unified CRM platform that integrates marketing, sales, service, and IT, aiming to connect companies with their customers more effectively.

Recognized as a leader in customer data platforms, it provides tools for small businesses, sales acceleration, customer service improvement, and data-driven marketing, promoting growth and customer satisfaction across various industries.

Top Features

• Customer Service AI: Use AI to boost productivity, personalize customer interactions, and scale service across channels.

• Self-Service: Deflect cases, cut costs, and boost efficiency by empowering your customers to find answers first.

• Contact Center: Drive efficiencies and case resolutions faster with AI, automation, and Omni-Channel support.

• Field Service: Streamline operations, boost profits, and increase happiness for your field team and customers.

• Digital Engagement: Deliver seamless, personalized conversational experiences across channels — at scale.

Pros

• Comprehensive feature set suitable for complex sales cycles
• Extensive customization and integration capabilities
• Robust analytics and forecasting tools

Cons

• Can be expensive for small businesses
• Complexity may require additional training
• Limited support in lower-tier plans

Best For

• Salesforce is ideal for enterprises requiring a customizable and scalable CRM solution with extensive integrations and analytics capabilities.

Pricing

• Starter Suite- 24 USD/ Month
• Professionals- 80 USD/ Month
• Enterprise- 165 USD/ Month

Project Management Software For Small Business 

Asana

Asana enhances collaboration, transparency, and productivity across an organization. It helps teams align their tasks with strategic goals, so everyone is working towards the same goal. 

The platform is well-known for its focus on goal clarity and accountability, enabling teams to track progress in real time and update stakeholders efficiently.

Top Features

• Task and project management with subtasks for detailed organization.
• Board, list, and timeline views for project planning and tracking.
• Workflow automation and custom fields for tailored project management experiences ​​.

Pros

• Flexible organization of project components.
• Integration with popular tools like Outlook.
• Comprehensive calendar feature for tracking goals and progress​​.

Cons

• Limited document interaction capabilities within the app.
• Visibility issues for tasks where the user is not the assignee​​.

Best For

• Teams and organizations looking for a versatile project management tool that offers detailed organization and customization options.

Pricing

• Personal- 0 USD/Yr
• Starter- 11 USD/Yr
• Advanced- 25 USD/ Yr

Trello

Trello says that it brings all your tasks, teammates, and tools together. In a nutshell, it organizes your projects into boards, lists, and cards. It also allows users to track progress, collaborate on projects, and manage tasks efficiently.

From simple to-do lists to complex project management, Trello's intuitive interface and flexible system make it suitable for a wide range of tasks.

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Top Features

• Simple and Flexible Task Management
• Unlimited Cards and Power-Ups
• Create automated rules and commands
• Teams can customize Trello with hundreds of Power-Ups.

Pros

• User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality.
• Kanban boards offer flexibility in managing tasks and projects.
• Wide range of power-ups and integrations for extended features.

Cons

• Can become cluttered with a large number of cards or boards.
• Limited reporting capabilities without third-party integrations.

Best For

• Individuals and teams looking for a straightforward Kanban tool that's easy to use and customize.

Pricing

• FREE- 0USD/Yr
• STANDARD- 5USD/ Yr
• PREMIUM- 10USD/ Yr
• ENTERPRISE- 18USD/Yr

Notion

Notion is a versatile workspace that combines AI, documents, wikis, projects, and calendars to facilitate better, faster work. Here, users can write, plan, and share, enhanced by AI to answer any question. With Notion, you can create next-gen notes and documents, centralize knowledge to avoid hunting for answers, manage complex projects with ease, and handle time and project management collaboratively. 

It's trusted by teams worldwide, from startups to large enterprises, enabling them to consolidate tools, cut costs, and customize their workspaces to match specific needs across various teams including engineering, design, product, marketing, operations, and HR. 

Top Features

• Flexible workspace that combines notes, tasks, databases, and wikis. 
• Users can create custom layouts and templates to suit various project needs. 
• Integration with tools like Slack, Google Calendar, and Trello enhances its functionality for small businesses looking for an all-in-one project management solution. 

Pros

• Versatile workspace that integrates notes, tasks, databases, and wikis.
• Highly customizable for various project needs. 
• Supports robust collaboration tools.

Cons

• Wide array of features can overwhelm new users.
• It may lack specific project management functionalities found in dedicated software. 

Best For 

• Teams looking for more of a more text-based project management tool rather than those needing advanced project tracking features.

Pricing

• Free- 0 USD/ month
• Plus- 8 USD/month

Contract Management Software For Small Business

PandaDoc

PandaDoc is an all-in-one document automation software that streamlines the process of creating, approving, and eSigning proposals, contracts, and other documents. It offers a user-friendly platform with drag-and-drop editing and over 750 customizable templates for quick document sharing. 

Real-time access to approvals, comments, and version tracking enhances review processes, while native CRM integrations ensure data consistency across business applications. 

PandaDoc also prioritizes compliance and control, featuring built-in legally binding e-Signatures and pre-approved templates to secure documents.

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Top Features 

• Comprehensive document management 
• E-signature capabilities
• Extensive security measures
• Collaboration tools 
• Document workflow solutions with robust analytics and template libraries. 

Pros

• User-friendly interface
• Extensive template library
• Strong analytics for document engagement 
• Useful automation capabilities

Cons

• Phone support is restricted to paid plans
• The free version limits access to advanced features like document analytics and custom branding.  

Best For 

• It's valuable for teams that require robust collaboration tools, extensive template libraries for various document types, and advanced analytics on document interactions. 

Pricing

• Essentials- 19 USD/Yr
• Business- 49 USD/Yr

Jotform Sign

The Jotform Sign solution streamlines document signing processes through automation. The software converts existing PDFs into e-signable documents, collects legally binding signatures, and automates document workflows to eliminate manual processes tasks. 

The platform enables creating and customizing documents once, with the ability to send them multiple times. It also supports automating document sharing via email, links, or website embedding, and integrates with cloud storage services for seamless document management. 

With over 700 templates for various uses and a centralized inbox to track document statuses, Jotform Sign simplifies managing and analyzing document data, facilitating informed business decisions through its tables and report builder features.

Top Features

• Customizable e-signature forms
• Integration with Jotform's form builder
• Payment collection during the signing process.

Pros

• User-friendly interface
• Seamless integration with other Jotform tools
• Versatility in form creation and data collection

Cons

• May not offer as comprehensive document management features as dedicated e-signature platforms.

Best For 

• Small businesses and individuals looking for an easy-to-use solution to gather electronic signatures, especially those already using Jotform for form-building needs.

Pricing

• Starter- FREE
• Bronze- 34 USD/month
• Silver- 39 USD/month
• Gold- 99 USD/ month

DocuSign CLM 

​​DocuSign CLM accelerates the contract management process. This solution automates tasks, manages complex workflows, and enables better decision-making. It caters to legal compliance requirements as well as business intelligence needs with features such as template-based document generation and AI-assisted negotiations. 

Integrations with platforms like Salesforce, SAP Ariba, and Coupa enhance its utility, making it a trusted solution by brands worldwide for optimizing contract velocity and compliance.

Top Features

• eSignature: Secure and legally binding electronic signature collection.
• Contract Lifecycle Management: Comprehensive management from contract creation to renewal.
• Document Generation: Automated creation of documents based on templates.
• Contract Analytics: Insights into contract performance and compliance.

Pros

• Comprehensive contract lifecycle management features 
• Robust automation and workflow capabilities
• Extensive integration options with other business tools. 

Cons

• Steep learning curve for new users and higher cost.

Best For

• It's highly effective for medium to large organizations seeking to streamline and enhance their contract management processes. 

Pricing

• Personal- 10 USD /month
• Standard- 25 USD/month per user
• Business Pro- 40 USD  /month per user

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Can Small Business Management Software Support Customer CRM?

Effective small business management software can be a game-changer when it comes to managing Customer Relationship Management (CRM). By bringing all customer-related information, from interactions to transaction history, into one easily accessible spot, businesses are empowered to fine-tune their communication efforts. 

This organized approach not only makes tracking customer engagement a breeze but also sharpens sales predictions.

What are essential software for small businesses?

These tools play a pivotal role in ensuring small business success, from managing finances to improving customer relations:

• Accounting Software
• Project Management Tools
• CRM Software
• Email Marketing Platforms
• Social Media Management Tools
• Website Analytics Software
• Communication Tools
• Inventory Management Systems
• Human Resources Software
• Cybersecurity Solutions

What Is the Best Way to Implement a Tool in My Business?

If you are considering adding a new tool to your business toolkit, it is important to take a systematic approach. Get clear on what your business needs and what you aim to achieve before you pick the right tool.

Be sure to involve your team early on in the process. Their insight and support are invaluable. It's important to train everyone on the tool, so you're all moving forward together. It's also wise to run it first in a pilot program. Before you go all out, you can iron out any kinks in a low-stakes environment.

In order to make sure the tool meets your expectations, be sure to check in regularly on usage and gather feedback.

What Types of Businesses Benefit Most from Management Software?

Almost every business out there can see some level of improvement with the right management software. However, the companies with the greatest potential are the ones with automatable operations. 

How Can Small Business Management Software Facilitate Remote Work?

Small business management software comes as a lifesaver for teams spread far and wide, letting everyone stay in touch and on track no matter where they are. You can have a virtual office in your pocket or laptop that is open 24/7.

This isn't just about sending emails back and forth or sharing files (though it does make those things a breeze). At any given moment, it's important to know who is doing what, how far along things are, and what needs to be done.

Cone - Best Small Business Management Software

Small businesses face unique challenges, from tight budgets to efficient operations. Cone not only boosts operational efficiency but also enhances client satisfaction with its flexible proposal maker, robust billing and invoicing system, and comprehensive client management. 

You will be able to maximize productivity from day one with our easy-to-use interface that minimizes learning curve and maximizes productivity.

Cone can help you tap into the unexplored potential of your small business. Take advantage of Cone and you'll see your business flourish.