business tools
Best tools for online business
The complete tool stack for running an online business — from payments to support.
Quick recommendation
The complete tool stack for running an online business — from payments to support.
Essential Tools for Running an Online Business
1. Shopify — E-Commerce Platform
Use for: selling physical products online with inventory management, payment processing, and shipping. Shopify handles everything from product listings to abandoned cart recovery. $39/mo Basic plan includes unlimited products and 24/7 support. The fastest path to a working online store.
2. Stripe — Payment Infrastructure
Use for: custom payment flows, subscriptions, invoicing, and marketplace payments. If you're building a custom solution (SaaS, digital products, marketplaces), Stripe's API is the most flexible payment processor. Stripe Tax automatically calculates and collects sales tax.
3. Kit (ConvertKit) — Email Marketing for Creators
Use for: building an email list, sending newsletters, creating automated email sequences, and selling digital products. Kit is built for creators and online businesses — visual automations, landing pages, and commerce tools included. Free for up to 10,000 subscribers.
4. Google Analytics + Search Console — Free Traffic Insights
Use for: understanding where your traffic comes from, which pages convert, and which search queries bring visitors. Both are free. Set them up before you launch — historical data is invaluable for understanding growth trends.
5. Notion — Business Operations Hub
Use for: standard operating procedures, content calendars, customer tracking, financial planning, and team onboarding. Notion replaces scattered Google Docs and spreadsheets with a single, searchable workspace. The free plan is sufficient for solo operators.
Quick Comparison
| Tool | Best For | Starting Price | Free Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | E-commerce | $39/mo | Trial |
| Stripe | Payments | 2.9% + $0.30 | No monthly fee |
| Kit | Email marketing | Free / $25/mo | Up to 10K subs |
| GA + GSC | Analytics | Free | Yes |
| Notion | Operations | Free / $10/mo | Yes |
How to choose for online business owners
Start with payments
Your first and most important tool is the one that accepts money. Whether it's Shopify for products or Stripe for custom solutions, get payment processing working before anything else. Everything else is optimization.
Build your email list from day one
Social media followers are rented; email subscribers are owned. Set up Kit and a signup form on your site immediately. Email marketing consistently delivers the highest ROI of any marketing channel (typically $36 return per $1 spent).
Document your processes
As a solo business owner, if a process isn't documented, it lives only in your head. Use Notion to document every repeatable task. This becomes your operations manual when you eventually hire help or sell the business.