South Africans ,we don’t play when it comes to saving money.
Whether you’re running your empire from a your mkhuku, a penthouse, or your mother’s backroom — one thing’s for sure: “free” is everyone’s favourite word. And in this economy? 💀You need to stretch your budget tighter than a pair of fake Levi’s from Small Street.
So, today on Thrifty Thursdays, we’re dropping the must-use FREE tools every South African small business owner or …yes you bozas who want to save ,should know about — whether you’re in Soweto, Sandton, Stellenbosch , or trying to load Instagram during loadshedding.
1. Canva – Design Like You Used Photoshop (But Didn’t)
First…You don’t need Photoshop. You need Canva.
Whether you’re designing a logo, Instagram post, or a “Specials Today” flyer for your kotas – Canva has your back.
Why we love it:
- Drag-and-drop easy
- Sexy templates for days
- Free version is fully functional (until you get fancy)
Perfect for: Branding your biz like a Sandton agency, on a Tembisa budget..i hope im not going to be chewed for this LoL…..those in Tembisa have zaka too like anyone in sandton, we know that right?.
2. Google My Business – Because “Just WhatsApp Me” Is Not a Strategy
If someone Googles your business and nothing comes up? Shame.
You’re losing customers faster than Eskom loses coal.
Google My Business (now Google Business Profile) puts your business on the map – literally.
Why we love it:
- Boosts your local visibility
- Shows your hours, contact info, photos, even reviews
- FREE!
Perfect for: Plumbers in Pheli, hair salons in Nyanga, and anyone trying to get found online.Naazo
🔗 https://www.google.com/business
3. Trello – Organise Your Chaos (Because Sticky Notes Aren’t a CRM)
Running a business can feel like you’re herding goats in traffic.
Trello helps you plan, track, and keep your projects moving without needing a personal assistant named Brenda…or Phalisa.
Why we love it:
- Easy to use kanban boards (ooh, fancy)
- Task lists, due dates, checklists
- Syncs with your phone (even with SA’s dodgy service providers…yoh data is expensive here)
Perfect for: Keeping your side hustle from turning into a side disaster.
4. Zoho Mail – A Professional Email Without Selling a Kidney
Stop sending quotes from “thabomcboi89@gmail.com“.
Get yourself a business email like info@yourbrand.co.za — for free.
Zoho Mail gives you exactly that.
Why we love it:
- FREE custom domain email
- No ads
- Looks super pro (clients take you more seriously)
Perfect for: Levelling up your brand game without emptying your wallet.
5. ChatGPT (Yes, boza of ai …what …what) – Your New Free Virtual Copywriter
Need help writing social media captions, emails, product descriptions, or even your “About Us” page that doesn’t sound like you copied it from a motivational poster?
Enter: ChatGPT.
Why we love it:
- Helps with writing, planning, customer replies, etc.
- Works 24/7 (even during loadshedding)
- You’re literally using it right now. Meta.
Perfect for: Small biz owners with big ideas and not enough time to type.
6. Remove.bg – Clean Backgrounds, No Photoshop Degree Required
Want to remove the background of your product pics or selfie with your stock behind you?
One click. Boom. Magic.
Why we love it:
- Upload image → download with transparent background
- No fuss, no mess
- Free version does the job
Perfect for: DIY product photography and online stores.
BONUS: Clean Your Tabs, Boss
Running 37 tabs and 5 Google Docs is not a strategy, it’s a cry for help.
All these tools help you run your biz smarter, faster, and smoother — without paying Sandton agency prices.
Final Word from the Budget Bunker
Whether you’re operating out of a fancy co-working space in Cape Town or using your neighbour’s WiFi in Pimville, you deserve tools that help you grow — without growing your debt.
The tools are free.
The hustle is yours.
The next level? Also free — if you play smart.
Need a website that matches this energy?
R160 gets you online, mobile-friendly, SEO-ready and Google searchable.
Check out www.r160webdesign.co.za and get started today.
