When you’re running a micro-business, every second counts and every pound matters. Whether you're a freelancer, consultant or running a growing side hustle, the admin can quickly become overwhelming.
The good news? You don’t need a corporate-sized IT budget to start automating repetitive tasks and streamlining your business.
Here’s 7 Free or Low-Cost Tools to assist you:
What it does: Automates workflows between apps (e.g. can automatically save email attachments to Google Drive or create Trello cards from form submissions).
• Best for: Linking tools you already use, like Gmail, Google Sheets, Trello, Mailchimp.
• Cost: Free plan available with limited tasks per month.
What it does: Drag-and-drop graphic design with templates for social media, proposals and marketing materials. Pro plans let you schedule posts too.
• Best for: Creating professional visuals without a designer.
• Cost: Free plan includes hundreds of templates; Canva Pro is low-cost.
What it does: Lets clients book time in your calendar without back-and-forth emails.
• Best for: Coaches, consultants or service providers.
• Cost: Free basic plan; paid versions offer more customisation.
What it does: Manage mailing lists, create campaigns and set up email automations like welcome sequences or abandoned cart follow-ups.
• Best for: Building customer relationships while you sleep.
• Cost: Free for up to 500 contacts.
What it does: Visual boards and task cards help you plan workflows, track deadlines and collaborate.
• Best for: Solopreneurs juggling multiple projects or clients.
• Cost: Free plan includes all core features.
What it does: Quickly collect client info, feedback or survey responses and store it in a spreadsheet.
• Best for: Intake forms, lead capture or simple order forms.
• Cost: Free with a Google account.
What it does: Combines note-taking, task tracking, CRM and knowledge base features into one minimalist workspace.
• Best for: Organising everything in one place—clients, SOPs, content calendars.
• Cost: Free plan includes unlimited pages.
Knowing what tools to use is one thing. Knowing how to implement them effectively is another.
That’s where Green Catalyst Business Solutions steps in. We work with micro-businesses and solo entrepreneurs to:
• Identify the processes you can automate quickly (and affordably).
• Provide training and support in using platforms like Zapier, Trello and Mailchimp.
• Help you design repeatable, scalable workflows that save time and money.
• Offer bite-sized courses and guidance, tailored to small teams with big ambitions.
Whether you're just getting started or ready to level up your business systems, Green Catalyst helps you build smarter processes without the stress.
You don’t need an army of staff or a six-figure budget to benefit from automation.
With the right tools and a bit of guidance, your micro-business can run more smoothly, serve clients better and give you more time to focus on what you love.
📌 Want help getting started? Let’s connect and talk today.
Green Catalyst is here to support your journey into automation, on a shoestring budget.
#Automation #MicroBusiness #WorkSmarter #GreenCatalyst
