Cool Tools of the Trade

Going off script today

I’m constantly asked about what tools I use to keep my business humming along.

I’ve written before about some core tools that keep me productive. You can check that article out here.

So today, I wanted to share some core tools that will work for you when it comes to websites, email systems, shopping carts, project management, and so much more!

Let’s rewind back to around 2006. This was the year I was laid off again from the corporate world. It was also when I decided that would be the last time it was gonna happen.

I put a stake in the ground. Registered my business with the Federal Government. I got my EIN, registered my business with the state and I was off and running.

During that time, there weren’t even 1/10th of the online services that there are now, such as LegalZoom, ZenBusiness, Squareup, and more.

For me, it was all about creating and printing a business card, putting up a free WordPress blog, and using an antiquated system like 1 Shopping Cart.

Now, there are almost too many systems out there to choose from. In fact, the landscape is really getting VERY crowded. When it comes to website creation, membership sites, and email/CRM systems.

So, with all those options out there, how in the world do you choose what will work for you?

When I work with my clients, I always assess a couple of things:

1. Comfortability with technology
2. Skill level with technology
3. Are they doing it themselves or outsourcing?
4. Budget?
5. What are they going to be selling? Online products, courses, memberships, etc., or physical ones?
6. Will they be sold evergreen or one-off a couple of times per year?

Then, once we get those defined, we can go down the road of what tech tools will work the best.

I actually have a rather LARGE list of tech that I keep adding to each time I find something.  

Check out these core systems you need to run an Online Business. (I’m not putting all the links in here. My apologies; I think you’d be cursing me. I decided to give you links to some cool sites that you might not be familiar with. So scroll down for more.)

1. Email or CRM system –
   1. Email – Aweber, GetResponse, Moosend, Omnisend, Sendx.io
   2. CRM –  Active Campaign, Infusionsoft, Convertkit, Mailerlite, Ontraport, Kartra, KLavyio, Marapost, SendInBlue, SalesForce, and more! Most of these are more sophisticated and offer to create landing pages and websites as well.
      
2. Website –
   1. Done for you – Wix, Weekly, Squarespace, and Webflo. 
   2. Selling physical products – use Shopify, Etsy, Drip, WooCommerce, or Magento. If you want a membership site, you can use Kajabi, Kartra, or Drop Funnels.
   3. Membership Sites – These have landing pages, and some have email systems and shopping carts like Kajabi, Kartra, or DropFunnels
   4. WordPress – With Divi, Elementor, OptimizePress, or Thrive Themes. You can also get a Membarium plug-in for a membership addon.
      
3. One-Off Web Pages Made Easy – LeadPages, Instapage, and OptinMonster
   
4. Social Media Management – PostPlanner, Buffer, SproutSocial, HooteSuite, AgoraPulse, Sendible, eClincher, SocialPilot, MavSocial, Crowdfire, SocialBeeHoneyBook, PromoRepublic, and Socialoomph.
   
5. Project Management Tools – Monday, Smartsheet, Asana, Trello, Wrike, Basecamp, MeisterTask, Capterra, Clickup, and Slack.

Yeah, that’s A LOT of tech, right?!

I know most of these. So, if you have specific questions, please reach out; I’m happy to help.

And before I sign off, I wanted to give you a couple of one-off tools I found while perusing the interwebs as I do. 😉

If You’re Looking To:

Manage Your Time Better with: Timeular.com

Get Physical Swag For Your Next Event: Swagup

Snail Mail Shipping Company for Small Businesses: goshippo.com

Test Your Ideas Before Your Launch: IdeaTests.com

Recording Your Screen & Yourself – housed online: Soapbox.com

All-In-One Audio, Video Editing, Screen Recording, & Transcription: Descript.com 

Tracking Your Facebook Group’s Top Key Words: Groouply.com

Checking Out Your Competition’s Facebook Ads: FacebookAdsLibrary  

Customer Support: WowSupport.com

Handwritten Notes: Handwrytten.com

Need an Assistant: Timeetc.com

Creepy Site to Bring Old Photos to Life: (Seriously, you just have to click this – and you were warned!) myheritage.com/deep-nostalgia

I know that’s A LOT OF URLS!  Just imagine if I added ALL of them. I might do that when I put this on my blog.

Hope this is helpful for you. I’ve gathered these for years, and I have even more. I didn’t even touch on graphic designs, photo sites, and calendars, oh my.

Until next week…

NOTE: If you’re looking for a tool that will help inspire, motivate, and give you some momentum, you have to check out this video. I interviewed the Founder & CEO of Positive Prime, Kim Serafini.