Instagram has become much more than a photo-sharing app — it’s now a powerful business platform where entrepreneurs, creators and small shops can build brands, reach customers and sell products directly.
To grow on Instagram, you’ll need to create content, design visuals, schedule posts, analyze performance and engage with followers. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to do it.
Here are 10 free tools that every Instagram business owner should know about.
1. Meta Business Suite (Free)
What it is: Instagram and Facebook’s official management platform.
Best for: Scheduling posts, stories and reels across Instagram and Facebook.
Pros: 100% free, analytics built in, works across both platforms.
Cons: Limited advanced analytics compared to paid tools.
🔗 business.facebook.com
2. Canva (Free Plan)
What it is: A drag-and-drop design tool with Instagram templates.
Best for: Creating posts, stories, ads and highlight covers.
Pros: Easy to use, free templates sized perfectly for Instagram.
Cons: Some premium features require a paid upgrade.
🔗 canva.com
3. Buffer (Free Plan)
What it is: A social media scheduling tool.
Best for: Planning and scheduling posts in advance.
Pros: Saves time, ensures consistent posting.
Cons: Free version is limited to a small number of scheduled posts.
🔗 buffer.com
4. Hootsuite (Free Plan)
What it is: A social media management tool for multiple platforms.
Best for: Businesses running Instagram alongside Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.
Pros: Dashboard view, content calendar, basic analytics.
Cons: Free plan limits scheduled posts.
🔗 hootsuite.com
5. Later (Free Plan)
What it is: A scheduling tool made specifically for Instagram.
Best for: Visual planning of Instagram feeds.
Pros: Drag-and-drop planner, link-in-bio feature.
Cons: Free plan has posting limits.
🔗 later.com
6. Hashtagify (Free Version)
What it is: A hashtag research tool.
Best for: Finding trending and relevant hashtags for posts.
Pros: Helps increase reach and engagement.
Cons: Free version gives limited hashtag suggestions.
🔗 hashtagify.me
7. Linktree (Free Plan)
What it is: A tool that lets you share multiple links from one bio.
Best for: Businesses that want to link to stores, websites, or promotions.
Pros: Simple, customizable, free plan works well for most.
Cons: Branding customization requires Pro.
🔗 linktr.ee
8. Google Analytics (Free)
What it is: A website analytics tool.
Best for: Tracking how much traffic and sales come from Instagram.
Pros: Free, powerful insights.
Cons: Requires setup on your website.
🔗 analytics.google.com
9. Pexels & Unsplash (Free Stock Photos & Videos)
What it is: Free libraries of professional images and short videos.
Best for: Filling in content gaps with lifestyle visuals or background imagery.
Pros: 100% free, commercial use allowed.
Cons: Popular images may be overused.
🔗 pexels.com | unsplash.com
10. Trello (Free Plan)
What it is: A project management tool.
Best for: Building an Instagram content calendar and campaign planner.
Pros: Visual boards, good for teams and individuals.
Cons: Can get messy without structure.
🔗 trello.com
Final Thoughts
Instagram is one of the best platforms for business growth in South Africa — and with the right free tools, you can design, plan, schedule and analyze your content without spending a cent.
- Design: Canva, Pexels, Unsplash
- Plan & Schedule: Meta Business Suite, Buffer, Later
- Engage & Grow: Hashtagify, Linktree
- Track: Google Analytics, Hootsuite
- Organize: Trello
By using these 10 free tools, you can run your Instagram business professionally, attract customers and grow your brand — even on a budget.