Website & publishing
Use a free tier on your funnel platform’s blog feature, or a free site builder if you only need a brochure page.
A $0 mandatory software subscription stack to start online
This guide maps free tiers across common startup functions. It does not claim a “$0 business”—domains, payment processing fees, taxes, and optional paid upgrades still exist. The goal is zero required monthly software subscriptions while you validate an offer.
What “$0” means here
$0 mandatory software subscription stack—not $0 total business cost. Real-world expenses like domain registration (~$10–15/year), payment processor fees, taxes, and optional paid upgrades are excluded from the “free stack” claim.
Free-tier options by function
Email & leads
Pick one free email tool and one capture surface—avoid syncing three overlapping lists.
Funnels & checkout
If you need checkout and courses in one place, an all-in-one free tier beats stitching three tools.
Basic analytics
Start with privacy-respecting, free analytics—or defer analytics until you have traffic worth measuring.
Productivity & planning
Keep specs, content calendars, and checklists in one free workspace.
Basic design
Use free tiers for simple graphics; avoid paid stock unless revenue justifies it.
Example stacks
Minimal validation stack
One Systeme.io free account: blog + 3 funnels + email to 2,000 contacts + 1 course. Add Search Console for search data. Total mandatory software subscriptions: $0.
Email-first stack
MailerLite free for email + one landing page; Notion for content planning; HubSpot free CRM if you need pipeline tracking. Stitch carefully to avoid duplicate contacts.