Tools & Resources
Over the years, I have tried and tested more software systems and products than you can imagine, in the hunt for the for the perfect combinations of tools. (News Flash, there isn’t one.)
Most fell by the wayside because they were either too complicated, too expensive, too limiting, or not flexible enough, or technology changed (as it always does.)
Yet, having tools that you can count on is so important. These are the tools I am currently using and love as well as a couple I grew out of but still actively recommend to my clients because they have the best features for the price (In my opion.)
📢 IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE: PLEASE READ BEFORE SCROLLING 📢
I am a proud affiliate of some of these tools. That means if you click a link for one of the tools listed below, and make a purchase, I may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) directly from that company.
My recommendations are based on personal experience with and knowledge of these companies and their products. I am currently using most of them; and I recommend them because they are the best options I have found, for my needs and my budget, not because of the small commissions I may receive.
Please don’t spend any money on these products (or any products) unless you believe they will help you achieve your goals. If you are not sure if they will help you, email me your questions. I would be happy to answer them. 😇
WordPress & All In One Platforms
Astra Theme for WordPress
This is the theme I use on my websites and recommend to my clients.
It is fast loading and very customizable even with the free version. It was built to work beautifully with Gutenburg and Elementor page builders, as well as, a few others. They offer a large selection of website theme templates that make it super easy to get a beautiful website up quickly.
Elementor Page Builder for WordPress
This is the page builder I use on my websites and recommend to my clients.
It is very user friendly and flexible. You can easily design and customize your pages quickly and easily. There is not a huge learning curve with this plugin compared to the other page builders I have tried. Plus, they provide a lot of great training resources on their website to help you.
Systeme.IO - for Funnel Builder, Webpages, a Simple Blog and more!
This system has the best features vs. pricing that I have found and it is easy to use. They even have a free option that is perfect if you are just starting out. I am now recommending this system to all my clients who need a professional suite of tools and are on a tight budget.
Here are some of what is included: Contacts, Email Marketing, Sales Funnels, Webpages, simple Blogs, Automations, Courses, File Storage, Tags, 1-Click Upsells, Order Bumps, A/B Tests, Coupon Codes, Deadlines, Affiliate platform, Stripe & Paypal and more!
Email Resources
Convertkit for Emailing
What I love about this company and its service is that they are totally dedicated to helping entrepreneurs start and grow their business without breaking the bank. The service has the best features for the money and it is SO easy to use. (In my honest opinion.)
The Free plan includes: Unlimited landing pages, Unlimited, customizable CTAs & signup forms, 30+ premium landing page templates, Unlimited traffic, Manage up to 1000 subscribers, Unlimited Email broadcasts, Subscriber tagging (One of the most valuable features, in my opinion) AND the ability to sell your products directly through the ConvertKit Commerce feature! This is HUGE when you are starting out.
Systeme.IO for Emailing (and More!)
This system has the best features vs. pricing that I have found and it is easy to use. They even have a free option that is perfect if you are just starting out. I am now recommending this system to all my clients who need a professional suite of tools and are on a tight budget.
Here is some of what is included: Contacts, Email Marketing, Sales Funnels, Webpages, simple Blogs, Automations, Courses, File Storage, Tags, 1-Click Upsells, Order Bumps, A/B Tests, Coupon Codes, Deadlines, Affiliate platform, Stripe & Paypal and more!
Streak CRM for Gmail
I have just started using Streak and love it so far. It allows me to manage my business inbox easier. I can easily keep track of emails from clients, track the status of projects, track follow-ups, and more. There is a little learning curve but they have wonderful (short) tutorials that get you started quickly. They even have a free option available!
Shopping Carts, Memberships & Affiliate Systems
Systeme.IO - All In One Platform
This system has the best features vs. pricing that I have found and it is easy to use. They even have a free option that is perfect if you are just starting out. I am now recommending this system to all my clients who need a professional suite of tools and are on a tight budget.
Here is some of what is included: Contacts, Email Marketing, Sales Funnels, Webpages, simple Blogs, Automations, Memberships & Courses, File Storage, Tags, 1-Click Upsells, Order Bumps, A/B Tests, Coupon Codes, Deadlines, Affiliate platform, Stripe & Paypal and more!
Thrivecart - Lifetime Special
If you have the ability to get this lifetime special, DO IT! I love this system! It gives you all the ability to offer products, services, subscriptions, order bumps, upsells, downsells, and more! These are the same type of professional tools that their competitors are charging $200 or more a month for. I am currently using the Thrivecart Pro version and could not be happier.
Thrivecart + Learn Lifetime Special
Once you purchase Thrivecart you will have the opportunity to add their integrated online course platform. It works very much like Teachable.com. However, you get to enjoy their lifetime special! If you have the ability to get this lifetime special, DO IT! I am currently moving my courses from Teachable to my Learn Plus account so I can enjoy no more monthly fees!
Video - Production and Editing
Haley Bowers Productions
This is who I have begun using for all my video needs that are beyond a basic Zoom Meeting replay. She is able to create short films, as you can see from “The Dell”. As well as, take care of your various needs related to marketing videos, such as: video edits, intro’s, out-tro’s, audio addition, and more. She is easy to work with and affordable.
Productivity Tools
Trello
One way to describe Trello is… It’s like sticky notes on steroids. (And it’s free!)
I use if for tracking client renewals, Website projects, Page updates, To Do’s even family projects. It’s easy to use and can easily grow with you.
Jotform
This is the form builder I use for my client intake forms, contact forms and more. It has great integration features and excellent email deliverability. Form submissions never end up in my Spam folder!
Spotlightr - Affordable Video Hosting
This is the most affordable and secure video hosting I have found. They also have a lot of additional features like video landing pages and ways to monetize your videos. They offer a free 2-week trial and the starting level is only $7.00 (as of 8/18/2022)
ZOHO - A Complete Assortment of Powerful Business Tools
I have been using various ZOHO products for years. Then finally switched to their Zoho One subscriptions and now have access to ALL of their tools for one low monthly fee. The tools that I currently use daily are Zoho CRM, Zoho Assist, Zoho Projects. Love them!