Business Growth Tools: The Best Solutions to Scale Your Business

Mike Renaldi

Behind every successful business is a well-optimized tech stack — a set of powerful tools that automate processes, enhance decision-making, and improve efficiency. But with countless options available, how do you choose the best ones?

This guide explores the essential tools for financial management, CRM, marketing automation, e-commerce, and more, helping you build a strong foundation for long-term growth. Whether you’re a startup searching for tools to start a business or an established company optimizing operations, selecting the right solutions can be the key to smoother workflows, improved productivity, and sustainable growth.

We'll also discuss Wise Business, a powerful international business account that can help you send and receive payments at low cost.

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Table of contents

Financial Management & Payment Solutions

A business’s financial health determines how effectively it can scale. Without the right tools, managing cash flow, tracking expenses, and handling international transactions can become overwhelming. Financial inefficiencies—like high transaction fees, delayed payments, and poor budget oversight—can slow down business growth and eat into profits.

The answer? Integrating smart financial tools so your business can automate key processes, streamline payments, and gain better control over their finances. From invoicing to international transactions, these solutions help foster smooth operations and cost-effective scaling.

1. QuickBooks

QuickBooks is a comprehensive accounting tool that simplifies bookkeeping, tax preparation, and payroll management. It helps businesses automate invoicing, track expenses, and generate real-time financial reports, reducing manual workload.

Its cloud-based platform ensures businesses can access financial data from anywhere, making it easier to manage cash flow and stay tax-compliant.

ProsCons
Automates invoicing, payroll, and tax calculationsHigher costs for advanced features
Integrates with 750+ business toolsCan be complex for beginners
Provides real-time cash flow insights

2. Wise Business: Save Time and Money On Overseas Payments With Wise Business

Wise Business can help you save big time on international payments.

Wise is not a bank, but a Money Services Business (MSB) provider and a smart alternative to banks. The Wise Business account is designed with international business in mind, and makes it easy to send, hold, and manage business funds in 40+ currencies.

Signing up to Wise Business allows access to BatchTransfer which you can use to pay up to 1000 invoices in one go. This is perfect for small businesses that are managing a global team, saving a ton of time and hassle when making payments.

Some key features of Wise Business include:

  • Mid-market rate: Get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden fees on international transfers
  • Global Account: Send money to 140+ countries and hold balances in multiple currencies, all in one place. You can also get major currency account details for a one-off fee to receive overseas payments like a local
  • Access to BatchTransfer: Pay up to 1000 invoices in one click. Save time, money, and stress when you make 1000 payments in one click with with BatchTransfer payments. Access to BatchTransfer is free with a Wise Business account
  • Auto-conversions: Don't like the current currency exchange rate? Set your desired rate, and Wise sends the transfer the moment the rate is met
  • Free invoicing tool: Generate and send professional invoices
  • No minimum balance requirements and monthly fees: US-based businesses can open an account for free. Learn more about fees here

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Sales & CRM Platforms

A strong sales and customer relationship management (CRM) system is essential for tracking leads, automating workflows, and optimizing sales processes. After implementing a CRM, businesses see an average 29% increase in sales revenue and a 34% boost in sales productivity.1

The right platform provides real-time visibility into sales pipelines, automates repetitive tasks, and helps teams close deals faster.

3. HubSpot CRM

HubSpot offers an intuitive, all-in-one CRM designed for small and growing businesses. Its free plan includes contact management, email tracking, and pipeline monitoring, while paid plans unlock advanced automation and sales analytics.

Seamless integration with marketing tools makes it a great option for businesses looking to align sales and customer engagement efforts.

ProsCons
Free plan with robust featuresAdvanced features require paid plans
Easy integration with marketing automation toolsCustomization is limited compared to enterprise-grade CRMs
User-friendly interface with a small learning curve

4. Salesforce

A leader in enterprise CRM, Salesforce provides customizable workflows, AI-driven insights, and advanced reporting to help businesses scale.

It’s packed with sales forecasting tools, automation features, and integrations with thousands of third-party apps. Though powerful, it requires more setup and training compared to simpler CRM solutions.

ProsCons
Highly customizable for complex sales workflowsSteeper learning curve with a complex setup
AI-powered insights for better decision-makingHigher cost, especially for small businesses
Extensive third-party integrations

5. Pipedrive

Pipedrive simplifies sales pipeline management with a visual, drag-and-drop interface that helps teams stay organized and focused on closing deals.

The platform offers deal tracking, task automation, and built-in performance insights, making it a user-friendly alternative to more complex CRMs.

ProsCons
Intuitive drag-and-drop interfaceFewer integrations compared to HubSpot and SalesForce
Strong automation for deal tracking and follow-upsLimited reporting and forecasting capabilities
Affordable pricing compared to larger CRMs

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Marketing & Growth Automation Tools

A strong marketing strategy isn’t just about creating content—it’s about scaling outreach, optimizing campaigns, and driving measurable growth. Businesses that use automation tools can optimize lead generation, boost engagement, and improve ROI without adding to their workload.

Whether it’s email marketing, SEO, or social media management, the right tools help businesses reach the right audience at the right time.

6. Mailchimp

Mailchimp is one of the most versatile email marketing platforms, offering automated email sequences, audience segmentation, and AI-driven content recommendations.

Businesses can create personalized email campaigns, track performance metrics, and integrate with e-commerce platforms to optimize customer engagement. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible to businesses of all sizes.

ProsCons
User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop email builderAdvanced automation features require higher-tier plans
AI-powered recommendations to improve campaign performanceLimited customization for templates compared to some competitors
Free plan available for small businesses

7. SEMrush

SEMrush is a comprehensive SEO and digital marketing platform designed to help business improve their online visibility. It provides keyword tracking, competitor analysis, backlink audits, and content optimization tools, making it a go-to solution for businesses investing in organic growth.
The platform’s PPC and social media analytics also make it useful for paid advertising strategies.

ProsCons
All-in-one SEO, PPC, and content marketing toolHigher pricing compared to some other SEO tools
Competitor analysis and keyword research for better rankingsSteep learning curve for beginners
Strong backlink tracking and site audit features

8. Hootsuite

Hootsuite simplifies social media management by allowing businesses to schedule posts, monitor engagement, and analyze performance across multiple platforms. The tool provides a centralized dashboard for tracking trends, managing interactions, and automating content distribution, making it easier to maintain a consistent social presence.

ProsCons
Supports multiple social media platforms in one dashboardHigher-tier plans are needed for advanced reporting and analytics
Post-scheduling and automation save timeLimited social listening features compared to competitors
Analytics tools provide insight into audience engagement

multi-currency-cash-flow

Productivity & Project Management Tools

Running a business efficiently demands organization, collaboration, and smart task management. Implementing project management software can significantly enhance organizational efficiency, with studies showing it can boost productivity by up to 50% and reduce project costs by up to 20%.2

From task automation to workflow tracking, these tools help businesses stay on top of deadlines and keep teams aligned on key objectives.

9. Trello

Trello’s visual task management system makes project tracking simple and intuitive. Using a Kanban-style board, teams can organize tasks, assign deadlines, and monitor progress in real time. Its drag-and-drop functionality and integrations with tools like Slack and Google Drive make it a flexible solution for businesses of all sizes.

ProsCons
Simple, visual interface that makes task management easyLacks advanced reporting and analytics
Drag-and-drop functionality for effortless workflow trackingLimited automation features compared to competitors
Free plan available for small teams

10. Asana

Asana provides a structured workflow management system that helps teams prioritize tasks, automate recurring processes, and track project milestones.

With built-in templates, calendar views, and reporting dashboards, businesses can streamline operations and improve accountability across departments.

ProsCons
Customizable workflows and automation featuresCan feel overwhelming for new users due to its advanced features
Strong collaboration tools with task dependenciesSome automation tools are only available on higher-tier plans
Integrates with Slack, Google Workspace, and other platforms

11. Monday.com

Monday.com offers a highly customizable work management platform designed to support business process automation, team collaboration, and data tracking.

With custom dashboards, workflow templates, and real-time analytics, businesses can adapt the platform to fit their unique operational needs.

ProsCons
Highly customizable interface with flexible workflow automationCan be expensive compared to other project management tools
Real-time data tracking and team collaboration toolsSetup requires time to configure custom workflows
Scales well for growing businesses

E-Commerce & Online Business Growth Tools

E-commerce is on an upward trajectory, with global online sales projected to exceed $8 trillion by 2027.3 As more businesses move online, having the right tools in place is essential for building, managing, and scaling an online store.

From intuitive website builders to secure payment processing, these platforms help businesses streamline operations and maximize revenue.

12. Shopify

Shopify is a leading e-commerce platform that provides businesses with everything they need to create and manage an online store.
With built-in tools for product management, payment processing, and marketing, Shopify makes it easy to launch and scale an online business without technical expertise.

ProsCons
All-in-one platform with integrated marketing, payment, and inventory toolsMonthly subscription fees can add up for small businesses
User-friendly interface, ideal for beginners and small businessesLimited design flexibility compared to open-source platforms
Extensive app marketplace for additional features and customizations

13. WooCommerce

WooCommerce is a flexible, open-source e-commerce plugin for WordPress users. It lets businesses turn their existing WordPress sites into fully functional online stores. With extensive customization options and integrations, WooCommerce is ideal for businesses that want full control over their online store’s design and functionality.

ProsCons
Highly customizable with access to thousands of WordPress themes and pluginsRequires technical knowledge for setup and maintenance
Free to use, with costs based only on hosting and additional featuresAdditional costs for premium plugins and advanced features
Scalable for businesses of all sizes

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Communication & Collaboration Tools

Teams that communicate make faster decisions, execute projects seamlessly, and maintain alignment across departments. In fact, companies where senior managers openly communicate about transformation progress are 8.0 times more likely to achieve successful transformations.4

With remote and hybrid work becoming the norm, businesses need collaboration tools that facilitate messaging. The right platforms help teams stay connected, reduce misunderstandings, and improve workflow efficiency.

14. Slack

Slack is an instant messaging platform designed for business communication. It replaces long email threads with organized channels, making it easy for teams to collaborate in real time.

Slack integrates with hundreds of business apps, ensuring seamless workflow automation and document sharing.

ProsCons
Organized channels keep communication structuredCan be overwhelming with excessive notifications
Integrations with major productivity tools enhance efficiencyLimited built-in video conferencing compared to Zoom
Searchable message history for easy reference

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15. Zoom

For virtual meetings and webinars, Zoom remains a top choice.

It offers high-quality video conferencing, screen sharing, and webinar hosting, enabling businesses to connect with teams, clients, and partners worldwide.

ProsCons
High-definition video and audio conferencingFree plan has a 40-minute limit for group meetings
Easy screen sharing and recording for remote teamsCan be bandwidth-intensive, impacting performance in low-connectivity areas
Scalable for small meetings or large virtual events

16. Google Workspace

Google Workspace provides a cloud-based suite of tools for email, document collaboration, and file storage.

With real-time editing in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, teams can work together efficiently from anywhere so projects can move forward without delays.

ProsCons
Real-time collaboration with auto-saving documentsSome advanced features require a paid subscription
Cloud storage for secure file management and sharingMay feel limited for businesses that prefer non-Google software
Integrated email and calendar for streamlined communication

Business Growth Analytics & Reporting

Scaling a business requires data-driven decision-making. Without accurate insights, companies risk missing growth opportunities, overspending on ineffective strategies, or failing to meet customer expectations.

The right analytics tools provide businesses with a clear picture of their performance, helping them optimize operations and drive sustainable success.

17. Google Analytics

Google Analytics is a useful tool for businesses looking to understand their online presence. It tracks website traffic, user behavior, and conversion rates, offering insights into which channels drive the most engagement. With real-time data, businesses can refine their marketing strategies and improve customer acquisition.

ProsCons
Tracks website traffic, user behavior, and demographicsRequires time to set up and interpret complex data
Identifies top-performing marketing channelsLacks advanced customization compared to other analytical tools
Free for most businesses with paid options for advanced tracking

18. Tableau

For companies handling large datasets, Tableau transforms raw information into interactive visual reports. Its powerful dashboards help businesses identify trends, measure performance, and make informed strategic decisions. Whether analyzing sales figures, customer demographics, or operational efficiency, Tableau simplifies complex data.

ProsCons
Integrates with multiple data sources for comprehensive reportingSteep learning curve for beginners
Advanced data visualization with customizable dashboardsHigher pricing compared to other analytics tools
AI-driven analytics for predictive insights

19. Kissmetrics

Customer behavior analytics are key to boosting conversions. Kissmetrics helps businesses track user interactions across different touchpoints, providing actionable insights into customer journeys. By analyzing drop-off points and engagement patterns, companies can optimize sales funnels and improve retention.

ProsCons
Tracks customer journeys and behavior in real-timeFocuses mainly on behavioral analytics, lacking broader BI features
Provides detailed funnel and cohort analysisPricing can be high for smaller businesses
Helps businesses optimize conversion rates

Final Thoughts

The right business growth tools are much needed for improving efficiency, scaling operations, and driving long-term success. From financial management and CRM platforms to e-commerce solutions and analytics tools, businesses that take advantage of automation and data-driven insights can improve their operations and stay competitive.

What tools you need depends on your company’s growth stage and specific needs. Startups might lean toward cost-effective solutions, while scaling businesses may require more advanced automation and analytics. Regardless of size, how efficient your workflow is will make all the difference.

Scaling a business often means going global. With Wise Business, companies can send, receive, and manage international payments effortlessly, reducing fees and streamlining multi-currency transactions.

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Sources

  1. 45 CRM Statistics You Need to Know in 2025 | CRM.org
  2. Important Project Management Statistics for 2025 and beyond | Quixy
  3. Retail e-commerce sales worldwide | Statista
  4. Why even successful transformations fall short | McKinsey

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.

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