The Best Tech Tools for Small Businesses
Running a small business today means wearing many hats: sales, marketing, customer service, operations, and more. Fortunately, technology has levelled the playing field, giving small businesses access to powerful tools that were once reserved for large enterprises.
The right tech stack can help you streamline operations, improve customer experience, and grow your business faster and smarter.
At Plum Communications, we work with small businesses every day to help them get the most out of their technology. Here’s our guide to the best tech tools every small business should consider—and why they matter.
- Cloud-Based Phone Systems (VoIP)
Communication is the lifeblood of any business. If you’re still using traditional phone lines, it may be time to upgrade to a cloud-based phone system.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) lets you make and receive calls over the internet, offering:
- Lower costs
- Remote access from any device
- Features like voicemail-to-email, call routing, and CRM integration
With hybrid work becoming the norm, VoIP ensures your team stays connected wherever they are. Plum Communications provides VoIP solutions tailored to the needs of small businesses.
- Project Management Platforms
Cloud based project management tools help you organise workflows, assign tasks, and monitor progress. These platforms improve accountability, streamline teamwork, and keep deadlines visible—all especially valuable for distributed teams.
- Cloud Storage & Collaboration
Gone are the days of emailing files back and forth. Microsoft 365 lets your team collaborate in real time, share documents securely, and access files anywhere.
Shared calendars, video conferencing, and integrated chat make them essential for modern business operations.
- Accounting & Finance Software
Cloud-based accounting tools simplify bookkeeping, invoicing, payroll, and tax prep.
They provide real-time insights into cash flow and financial health, helping business owners make smarter, faster decisions while staying compliant.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
A good CRM helps you manage leads, track interactions, and nurture long-term relationships.
Platforms like Microsoft Dynamics Business Central centralise customer data, automate follow-ups, and boost conversion rates.
- Cybersecurity Solutions
Small businesses are increasingly targeted by cyber threats. Protecting your systems is no longer optional.
Recommended essentials include:
- Antivirus software
- Password managers
- Firewalls and VPNs for secure remote access
Plum Communications can help you assess your security setup and find the right protection for your business.
- Marketing Automation Tools
Save time and reach customers consistently with tools like Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, or Constant Contact.
Pair them with social media schedulers like Buffer or Hootsuite to maintain a steady online presence without the daily grind.
- E-Commerce & Online Booking Platforms
Selling online? Platforms like Shopify, Squarespace, or WooCommerce make managing a digital storefront simple.
Service-based businesses can benefit from Calendly or Booksy, which automate booking and reduce no-shows.
- Business Broadband & Networking Equipment
All of these tools depend on one thing: a fast, reliable internet connection.
Consumer-grade broadband often struggles under the load of multiple users and devices. Plum Communications provides business-grade broadband, Wi-Fi solutions, and network resilience options—so your tech works as hard as you do.
- Analytics & Reporting Tools
Data-driven decisions fuel growth. Platforms like Google Analytics and Power BI give you insights into customer behaviour, website performance, and business operations.
These insights highlight opportunities, reveal gaps, and help refine your strategy.
Final Thoughts
Technology is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for small businesses that want to compete, grow, and thrive. The right tools can save time, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
At Plum Communications, we help businesses build the right tech ecosystem—from connectivity and VoIP to cybersecurity and cloud solutions.
✅ Ready to upgrade your toolkit?
Contact us today for a free consultation: www.plumcom.co.uk