Best tools for new online sellers
When you are starting your first online shop, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of tools and apps available. The truth is that in the early stages, you need very few tools — and most of the best ones are either free or very affordable. This guide covers the essential categories and our honest recommendations for each.
Design tools
Canva is the go-to for most new sellers. The free plan is genuinely generous and covers everything from product mockups to social media graphics, shop banners, and packaging labels. Canva Pro (around £13/month) adds more templates, a background remover, and a brand kit. For photo editing, Adobe Express (free tier available) is a good alternative. If you are creating designs for print-on-demand, Canva exports in the required high-resolution formats.
SEO and keyword research
For Etsy sellers, eRank and Marmalead are the two main keyword research tools. eRank has a free plan that covers most beginner needs — it shows you search volume, competition data, and tag suggestions for your listings. For Google SEO, Ubersuggest (limited free plan) and Google Search Console (free) are a good starting point. Understanding what keywords your potential customers use is one of the highest-value activities for a new seller.
Email marketing
Building an email list from the start is one of the best decisions you can make. Mailchimp is free up to 500 subscribers and includes automation features that let you send a welcome sequence to new subscribers automatically. Alternatively, Kit (formerly ConvertKit) has a free plan and is designed specifically for creators and small shops. Email is far more effective than social media for converting interested followers into buyers.
Accounting and finance
From day one, track your income and expenses. Even a simple Google Sheets spreadsheet is better than nothing. Wave is a free accounting app that works well for solo sellers and small shops. For UK sellers, Xero is the most popular paid option (from £16/month) and connects directly to most ecommerce platforms. Understanding your numbers early prevents nasty surprises at tax time.
Social media scheduling
Consistent social media presence helps build an audience without spending all day on your phone. Buffer has a free plan that lets you schedule posts across multiple platforms. Later is another popular option with a visual Instagram feed planner. The key is consistency over volume — one good post per day scheduled in advance is far more sustainable than sporadic bursts of activity.
Free tools on millwards.shop
We also offer a set of free calculators here on millwards.shop — including a product pricing calculator, profit margin calculator, startup cost estimator, and break-even calculator. These are designed specifically for new online sellers and require no signup to use. Visit our Free Tools page to try them out.
Related Kit
Online Shop Starter Pack
Launch your online shop with confidence using this all-in-one starter pack. Everything a complete beginner needs to go from idea to open in a structured, stress-free way.
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