Comparison
Best email marketing for small business UK
MailerLite, Brevo, HubSpot and Mailchimp: free plans and what they limit.
Comparison
Best free CRM for small business UK
HubSpot, Zoho CRM and Pipedrive for keeping track of enquiries and deals.
Comparison
Best accounting software for sole traders
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax explained, with Xero, FreeAgent and free bank tools.
Comparison
Best SEO tools for UK small businesses
The free tools to start with, and when a paid tool such as Semrush is worth it.
Where to start
If you are just getting going, start with the free tiers: a free CRM to track enquiries, a free email marketing plan to stay in touch with customers, Google Search Console to see how people find you and the Making Tax Digital tools that come free with several business bank accounts. Upgrade only when a limit actually gets in your way.
Software works best alongside a solid website and secure logins. See our guides to websites and hosting and online security.
A sensible software stack for a new business
| Job | Start with | Upgrade when |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping track of enquiries | A free CRM such as HubSpot or Zoho CRM | You need automation, pipelines for a team or more users |
| Staying in touch with customers | A free email marketing plan | Your list or sending volume passes the free limit |
| Bookkeeping and tax | MTD tools from your business bank, or accounting software | You need invoicing, payroll or an accountant's access |
| Being found on Google | Google Search Console and Google Business Profile | You want competitor and keyword research |
How to avoid paying for software you do not use
- Start on free plans and only upgrade when a limit gets in your way.
- Check whether prices on the site include VAT and whether they are introductory.
- Prefer monthly billing until you are sure a tool fits, then switch to annual if it saves money.
- Review your subscriptions every quarter and cancel anything nobody has logged into.
Making Tax Digital is changing what sole traders need
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax starts in April 2026 for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000, then £30,000 from April 2027 and £20,000 from April 2028. If it applies to you, you will need compatible software to keep digital records and send quarterly updates to HMRC. Our accounting software guide compares the options, including free tools that come with some business bank accounts.
How we compare software
We look at the free plan and its limits, how paid plans are priced (per user, per contact or per email sent), whether prices include VAT, UK-specific features such as MTD compatibility, and how easy it is to leave and take your data with you. Prices and features come from each provider's official site, with the date we checked. See how we review.