Design tools are an important part of any startup marketer’s arsenal. They can help you create stunning visuals for your website, social media posts, and more. In this guide, we will discuss the best design tools available and their features. We will also give you a few tips on how to choose the right tool for your business.
Best Design Tools for Startups
What Types of Design Tools Do Startups Need?
The best design tool for your startup will depend on what type of designs you need to create for the marketing plans you have in place. Most design tools specialize in different areas like vector illustrations, web design, or user interface (UI) design.
Here are the best design tools to boost your marketing as a startup.
1. Envato (Creative Assets)
Envato is one of the best design tools startup entrepreneurs can get their hands on. It’s more than a place to create designs — it provides most of the design for you. Once you pay the subscription fee, you’re given access to tons of digital assets that can shortcut getting your marketing started. This is an excellent way to get high-quality visuals without having to hire a designer.
Notable Features
- Access to over 2 million digital assets
- Unlimited digital downloads
- Includes website templates, audio, video, and images
Pros
- Commercial license for all downloads
- Access to a large library of digital assets
Cons
- Finding a premium graphic can be challenging
Best For:
- Startups looking for an all-in-one design tool
2. GoDaddy (Website)
GoDaddy has been around since 1997 and is one of the most popular website hosting providers in the world. They offer a wide range of services for businesses, including domain names and website builders. While their website builder isn’t as sophisticated as some of the others on this list, it’s still a great option for startups that want to create a professional website quickly and easily.
Notable Features
- Can host website domain and build your website
- A large number of options for web hosting
Pros
- Plenty of support (being the largest domain name registrar)
- Website templates provided
Cons
- Live chat not available 24/7
Best For:
- Startups needing a quick website build
3. Tailor Brands (Logo)
One of the biggest mistakes startup companies make is spending too much time on their logo. A logo is important, but it’s not worth delaying your launch to get it perfect. That’s where Tailor Brands comes in. This AI-powered design tool can create a logo for your startup in minutes based on your information, and you’ll have several options to choose from.
Notable Features
- You get access to logos, email signatures, business cards, and more
- AI-machine learning tool creates designs for you
Pros
- Very easy to use interface
- Some logos can be designed for free
Cons
- Limited customization options
Best For:
- Startups who need a branding foundation like logos or business cards
Did you know Tailor Brands also offers business formation services? Check out our LLC review!
4. Canva (Graphic Design)
Canva has become one of the biggest startup design tools in recent years. It’s beloved by entrepreneurs and small businesses for its simple yet powerful design interface. With a library of built-in templates and easy drag-and-drop tools, anyone can create stunning visuals without any design experience for a variety of digital assets.
Notable Features
- Comprehensive design customization options
- Access to thousands of digital design templates
Pros
- Anyone can use the platform and learn it within minutes
- Includes other products like a content planner and brand kit
Cons
- Stock images can be generic and unimpressive
Best For:
- Startups who want more design customizations with an easy-to-use interface
5. Pexels (Stock Images)
When your startup is starting to utilize different marketing channels, it can be time-consuming to create all the digital assets yourself. Pexels offers a wide range of high-quality stock photos that can be used for your website, social media, and marketing materials. With over 30,000 free stock photos available, you’re sure to find the perfect image for your needs.
Notable Features
- Filtering options available to fine-tune your search
- Free API available
Pros
- Very straightforward and easy to use
- Access to thousands of photos for free with no attribution required
Cons
- Selection of unique photos is limited
Best For:
- Startups who need free access to thousands of photos
6. Creative Market (Unique Designs)
Most of the design tools available for startups include generic templates and images that anyone who uses the tool has access to. With Creative Market, you can find unique and creative designs from actual designers that will help your startup stand out from the crowd. You choose from the selection which design piques your interest and pay for the license to use in your business.
Notable Features
- Designs are created from scratch by actual designers
- Six digital assets are put up for free every week
Pros
- Access to hundreds of unique designs for low prices
- Can serve as a source of inspiration even if you don’t buy anything
Cons
- Prices for different digital assets vary greatly
Best For:
- Startups looking for unique designs no other company will have
7. Visme (Presentations)
Whether pitching to investors or presenting a product to customers, all startups know how important a powerful presentation can be. Visme is a presentation design tool that gives you access to customizable templates, charts, and graphs to make your presentations pop. It’s a perfect way to turn data into a powerful storytelling tool that creates more opportunities for your business.
Notable Features
- Easy-to-use drag and drop editor
- Pre-made templates available for easy design
Pros
- Very friendly user-interface
- Visme is versatile, so you can create several types of designs
Cons
- The price is higher than other presentation platforms
Best For:
- Startups who need strong slide-deck presentations