A no-fluff list for small businesses, tradespeople, and ministries in South Dakota
There’s no shortage of online tools these days—but not all of them are worth your time. At Solid Ground, we keep things practical. Below is a list of free or budget-friendly tools we often recommend to small business owners, tradespeople, and churches around western South Dakota.
These tools can help you design, communicate, promote, and manage your business without piling up subscriptions or frustration.
Design & Branding
Recommended:
- Canva (Free & Pro)
- Adobe Express
These tools are beginner-friendly, web-based, and include access to safe-to-use stock photography—a much better choice than pulling random images off Google.
Where to Find Safe-to-Use Images (Without Breaking the Law)
When you’re building a website or social media post, it’s tempting to just grab a picture from Google. But most of those images are copyrighted, and using them without permission can get you into legal trouble.
Thankfully, there are plenty of free and legal image sources—you just need to know what to look for.
Use These Trusted Free Image Sites:
- Unsplash – Clean, modern photography
- Pexels – Great for business, events, and lifestyle
- Pixabay – Includes illustrations and icons
- Flickr Creative Commons – Be sure to filter for “Commercial Use Allowed”
- Wikimedia Commons – Historic + educational images
- Library of Congress Photos – Public domain archives
- Smithsonian Flickr – Museum collections, many public domain
What Is Creative Commons?
Creative Commons is a type of license that lets creators give permission for others to use their work—under certain conditions.
There are different types of Creative Commons licenses. Some:
- Allow commercial use (okay for business sites)
- Require attribution (you have to give credit)
- Only allow use if you don’t change the image
What to Look For:
- Commercial Use Allowed – This is usually required if you’re using the image for your business.
- No Attribution Required – Easier to work with, but still okay to credit the creator when possible.
- Public Domain or CC0 – These images are completely free to use, no strings attached.
Sites like Unsplash and Pexels use CC0-style licenses, which means you can use the images freely—even for business.
What Not to Do
- Don’t take images directly from Google search results
- Don’t assume every image online is “free to use”
- Don’t skip reading the fine print—even on “free” sites
Logo Design Advice
Avoid using AI or automated logo tools for your core branding. Even if you’re just getting started, your logo should reflect you. Whether you sketch it in Canva or hire a designer, make sure it feels true to your mission and audience.
Email & Communication Tools
Recommended Free Options:
- Mailchimp Free – Great for small lists and lower-frequency sending
- Zoho Campaigns – A flexible, professional alternative
Most free tools include platform branding in your email footer, which is usually fine if you’re just getting started. Clients with more robust needs might upgrade, but these tools work well out of the box.
Booking & Scheduling
Recommended:
- Calendly – Clean, simple booking with a free tier
- Google Calendar Appointments – A great option for businesses already using Google Workspace
Either of these can reduce the back-and-forth of scheduling, especially if you’re a solo operator.
SEO & Search Tools
Recommended:
We use Rank Math Pro for Solid Ground websites, but the free version is excellent for small business owners who want basic on-page SEO. Their guided setup and documentation are among the best in the industry.
Privacy-Friendly Analytics (No Google Needed)
If you’re not ready to connect your site to Google Analytics, consider:
- Koko Analytics – A simple, privacy-first analytics plugin that runs entirely on your site. No third-party scripts, no cookies, no account needed.
QR Codes & Link Tools
How QR Codes Work:
QR codes aren’t just for websites. You can also create codes that:
- Call a phone number
- Send an email or text
- Share your business contact info
- Link to a PDF or event registration
For most uses, you do not need a paid QR service. You only need a dynamic QR (which requires a paid plan) if you plan to change the destination later.
Free Tools:
- QRCode Monkey – Custom styles, no cost
- QR Code Generator by Bitly – Clean, brand-friendly layout
Even ChatGPT or another AI assistant can generate a working QR code. No apps or subscriptions required—just ask.
Using AI Tools (Like ChatGPT) the Right Way
Tools like ChatGPT can help with:
- Brainstorming content ideas
- Writing social media captions
- Drafting emails or blog outlines
But remember: ChatGPT is a master of language, not your brand.
If you don’t give it clear direction—your audience, tone, message, and values—it might write something that sounds slick but doesn’t connect.
Before using AI for business content, ask yourself:
- Who is this for?
- What do I want them to do?
- What tone fits my brand?
- What should I avoid saying?
Always edit and personalize. Let your voice—and your values—come through.
Want a deeper guide? Read: How to Use ChatGPT Without Losing Your Voice »
Final Thought
You don’t need every tool here. Start with the one that solves a real problem for your business, church, or project. Everything else can come later.
Need help choosing or setting something up?