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5 Tools Every Small Business Should Have in Their Toolbox

This isn't my normal blog post - it has nothing to do with weddings, events, or even travel. This one is for my fellow small business owners. Let me start with a story. I was recently at a local chamber of commerce meeting and a statistic was shared with the group that was very startling to me. The local director who was recently hired to drive economic development in the town stated that when he first starting researching the small town (that he was eventually hired to promote), he was surprised to find that there was very little online presence. Like, hardly any at all. 🫤What?!


Now, this surprised me, because it doesn't have to be costly and it's not too hard to get an online presence started. In fact, in today's market, you can't afford NOT to have an online presence. Now, I know first-hand that running a small business often means wearing ten different hats at once — marketer, photographer, designer, customer service manager, bookkeeper, etc. Sometimes it's all we can do to keep the wheels on, right? But, having an online presence is not something you want to avoid. Some of the best marketing tools available today are completely free and surprisingly easy to use. So, I'm here to share some of them with you. Every small business owner out there needs to ensure they have these, at a bare minimum. And, every single one is absolutely free to use!


Formerly called “Google My Business,” this free tool is one of the most important things a local business can set up. When customers search for your business — or even just “coffee shop near me” or “boutique in town” — your Google Business Profile helps you appear in local search results and on Google Maps.


With a profile, you can:

  • Add your hours and phone number

  • Upload photos

  • Respond to customer reviews

  • Post updates and promotions

  • Help customers find directions instantly


For many small businesses, this becomes the first impression customers see online. Keeping it updated can make a major difference in visibility and trust. And, it's an easy way to get reviews for your business. TIP: if you are a brick and mortar business, you absolutely need to have a Google Business Profile.



2. Social Media Page

Social media remains one of the most powerful free marketing tools available to small businesses. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram, allow business owners to connect directly with customers, build brand awareness, and showcase products or services visually. It's also a great way to reach your customers and communicate information like daily specials or new products in stock.


Social Media is especially useful for:

  • Community engagement

  • Local business promotion

  • Event announcements

  • Customer communication

  • Sharing updates and promotions


The best part about social media marketing is that consistency matters more than having a large advertising budget. Posting quality photos regularly can help keep your business visible and memorable.


Not a graphic designer? No problem. Canva has become a favorite tool for small businesses because it allows anyone to create polished graphics in minutes. Using Canva’s free version, you can design:

  • Social media posts

  • Flyers

  • Menus

  • Business cards

  • Logos

  • Event graphics

The platform includes thousands of templates that can be customized with your own colors, photos, and branding. It’s especially helpful for businesses that want a professional look without hiring a designer.



Photos matter — especially online. Whether you sell baked goods, food, antiques, flowers, or services, strong photography can dramatically improve customer engagement. And, with Adobe Lightroom, you can take the most mundane photo and make it shine with special filters and light adjustments.

The free version of Lightroom Mobile allows business owners to:

  • Brighten dark photos

  • Improve colors

  • Sharpen images

  • Create a consistent visual style

  • Make smartphone photos look more professional

A few quick edits can turn an average photo into something eye-catching enough for social media or advertising.


Quick tip: The mobile version is free to use. If you use in on your laptop through your browser, you will be required to buy a plan. I take most of my photos with my phone anyway, so using the mobile version works fine for me. It has limited features, but it gives me what I need to dress up my photos.


Sometimes you need high-quality images but don’t have time to take them yourself - or, maybe you are new to the business and haven't had the opportunity to capture photos yet. For example, when I first created my webpage for Burlap and Lace, I had to use stock photos because I didn't have many 'real life' events under my belt yet - I was just getting started. This is where a program like Pexels can help. Pexels offers free stock photography and videos that businesses can use for websites, blogs, social media, and marketing materials.

You can find professional images for:

  • Seasonal promotions

  • Background graphics

  • Website banners

  • Lifestyle content

  • Blog posts


Using quality visuals helps businesses appear more polished and credible online. FYI...all but one of the photos in this blog post came from Pexels.


Final Thoughts

It's not hard to get an online presence started and it doesn't have to be expensive either. My advice is to start small - start with a Google Business and Facebook Page. Then, expand from there - but, don't wait too long! You may find as you expand onto other platforms that you find more of your ideal clients are there rather than on Facebook. If so, you want to find that out sooner rather than later.


The key is simply getting started. A few updated photos, consistent posts, and professional-looking graphics can go a long way toward helping customers discover — and remember — your business. Need help? Search YouTube videos - I find that there is a video for just about anything. Still feeling overwhelmed? Reach out to your local chamber of commerce or small business administration to see if you can get help. Or, just ask your kids? 🤣 If you are local to me and need help - reach out! I'd love to share what I know.


About us: Burlap and Lace Event Decor Rentals is a small family-owned business located in the heart of Central Illinois. We offer rentals of decor, linens, furniture, backdrops, tables, and chairs for your next event. We will deliver and set up at your location or you can choose to pick up and drop off your own rental items and set them up yourself. We pride ourselves on our extensive, high-quality inventory, excellent customer service and reasonable prices. Find out how we can help assist you with your next event.  Reach out to us to book a free consultation.

 

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