Starter stacks
Complete, costed tool combinations for common types of small business. Each stack explains why every tool was chosen, what to set up first and the mistakes to avoid.
Choosing tools one category at a time leads to overlap and gaps. A starter stack starts from the business instead: what work needs doing, which tools cover it with the least overlap, and how they connect.
Every tool in a stack is one we review, picked from the top of its category for that specific type of business — not always the highest overall score. Costs are computed from each tool’s indicative price tiers for the stated team size, and every stack lists an alternative for each layer. Prefer a personalised answer? Try the Stack Finder.
The Creative Agency Stack
Client work, approvals, time and invoicing for a 5–25 person design, content or marketing agency.
+28 tools · 10 people≈ $709/moE-commerce brandsThe Online Store Stack
Everything a small online store needs: storefront, payments, books, email, security and backups.
6 tools · 5 people≈ $304/moConsultants, freelancers & professional servicesThe Consultancy & Freelancer Stack
A lean, low-cost stack for solo consultants and small advisory firms: pipeline, proposals, invoicing and secure client data.
+17 tools · 3 people≈ $222/moTrades, salons, clinics & local service businessesThe Local Services Stack
For local businesses with staff on the move: website, bookings, payroll, books and simple security.
5 tools · 8 people≈ $466/moRemote-first startups & tech teamsThe Remote Startup Stack
For distributed teams of 10–30: async communication, documentation, automation and zero-trust security.
+28 tools · 15 people≈ $703/moIndicative monthly cost on the cheapest paid plan of each tool, excluding taxes and add-ons. Many stacks can start for less on free plans.
How we build a starter stack
We start from the work a type of business actually does — selling, invoicing, paying people, collaborating, securing devices — and pick one tool per job from our reviewed products. We favour tools that integrate well and avoid overlap, then price the whole stack for a realistic team size.
Each layer names an alternative, so you can swap a tool you already own without breaking the rest of the stack. Setup order and common pitfalls are included because the order you roll tools out in matters as much as which tools you pick.
Frequently asked questions
Are starter stacks one-size-fits-all?
No. They are sensible defaults for a type of business. Use the Stack Finder for a personalised recommendation, or swap in the listed alternatives.
How is the monthly cost calculated?
From each tool's indicative price tiers at the stated team size, using the cheapest paid plan that fits. Taxes, add-ons and discounts are excluded.