If you’re juggling a 9-5 job while trying to grow your dream business on the side, you know how overwhelming social media marketing can be. The endless to-do lists, unpredictable algorithms, and time-consuming content creation—it can feel like a second full-time job. But the good news?
You don’t need a huge budget or a massive team to show up online. With the right free tools, you can build a strong, consistent social media presence that helps your business grow while you focus on your main hustle.
The Best Free Tools for Social Media Marketing Small Business Owners
Here’s a curated list of the best free tools for social media marketing in 2025, especially for small business owners and solopreneurs like you.
1. Content Creation Tools
Canva
Canva is your design BFF. Whether you’re making Instagram posts, TikTok thumbnails, or event flyers, Canva’s free version has hundreds of templates, photos, and drag-and-drop elements. Bonus: it even lets you schedule your posts directly to your socials.
CapCut or InShot
Video content is everything right now, and these two apps make editing short-form videos easy—even if you’re a total beginner. Add captions, transitions, music, and export watermark-free, all from your phone.
2. Social Media Management & Scheduling
Metricool
This is one of the most powerful free social media schedulers out there. It lets you manage multiple platforms, track analytics, and even spy on competitors. Perfect for planning your posts ahead of time.
Buffer (Free Plan)
Buffer’s free version lets you schedule up to 10 posts per platform. It’s simple, clean, and ideal for maintaining consistency when time is tight.
Later (Free Plan)
If you’re Instagram-first, Later is great for visual planning. Drag and drop your posts into a calendar and preview your feed before publishing.
3. Email Marketing Tools
MailerLite
MailerLite’s free plan allows up to 1,000 subscribers and includes automation, landing pages, and pop-ups. It’s a no-brainer for building your email list from social.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp gives you 500 contacts and basic automation on the free plan. Their templates and smart suggestions are great for time-strapped business owners.
4. AI Content Creation & Brainstorming
ChatGPT / DeepSeek
Writer’s block? Let AI help. These tools can generate content ideas, captions, hashtags, emails, blog outlines—you name it. They save HOURS of thinking time.
Copy.ai / Rytr / Simplified AI
These are your go-to tools for quick, persuasive copy—social posts, product descriptions, CTAs—crafted in seconds.
5. Analytics & Performance Tracking
Google Analytics 4 (GA4)
Connect your website to GA4 to see where your traffic comes from and which social channels actually drive sales or signups.
Meta Business Suite
Manage your Instagram and Facebook in one place—schedule content, respond to DMs, and get performance insights.
6. Design & Branding Tools
Coolors / Adobe Color Wheel
Choose a color palette that matches your vibe and brand. Consistency = professionalism.
Remove.bg
Need to clean up product images or create social posts with a transparent background? One-click magic.
7. Productivity & Content Planning
Trello / Notion
Organize your ideas, plan your content calendar, and track your social strategy—all in one place.
Google Docs, Sheets & Drive
Collaborate easily, keep your content organized, and track growth goals without paying a dime.
8. Hashtag & Trend Discovery Tools
RiteTag (by RiteKit)
Get real-time hashtag suggestions to expand your reach instantly.
Google Trends
Spot what’s trending in your niche and create timely, relevant content that gets noticed.
How to Choose the Right Tools for You
You don’t need to use every tool on this list. Start with 2-3 that match your biggest pain points. Maybe that’s scheduling posts in advance, creating better visuals, or finally getting your email list off the ground. Pick your tools based on where you need the most support.
Remember, consistency beats perfection. Use tools that lighten your load—not add more to it.
Final Thoughts
Running a business on the side while managing a 9-5 is no joke. Every second counts. These free tools are here to help you work smarter, not harder.
At Sanna Digital, we exist to support busy 9-5ers who are growing their dream businesses on the side so that they can focus on their 9-5 while we focus on growing their business.
Want help creating a done-for-you social media and lead generation system? Let’s talk.
