TECH TOOLS
My clients constantly ask for advice on apps, plugins and platforms they should use in their businesses.
This page contain some affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase something through a link. However, please be assured that if I haven’t used it and loved it you won’t find it listed here.
Email & Productivity Suite
I primarily recommend Google Workspace for clients that need email hosting for their business and already know and love gmail, however you get so much more than this.
Plus I use it myself!
Google Workspace includes apps for mail, calendar, basic word processing & spreadsheets, cloud storage, note keeping and task management all at a really affordable price.
Graphic Design Tool
Canva is a free graphic design tool which allows you to create engaging content and custom projects with no graphic design experience.
You can create anything from brochures, business cards, calendars, certificates, infographics, invitations, invoices, labels and letterheads to proposals, social graphics and web banners – and more!
Cloud File Storage
Dropbox is a secure, cloud based file storage and sharing platform. It keeps your files synced across all your devices—so you can access them anytime, anywhere. Safe from device theft and natural disasters!
Email Marketing Platform
I often refer to MailerLite as ActiveCampaign Lite. It is a great starter email marketing platform for both product and service based businesses.
It is simple, affordable and easy to use and offers a drag & drop editor, landing pages, embedded & pop-up sign up forms, email automations with advanced segmentation, ecommerce integrations and even embedded surveys.
P.S. If you signup using this button your free trial period will be increased from the usual 14 days to a full to 30-days.
Email Marketing Platform
While I haven’t used Convertkit in my own business, I have used it for a number of clients and think it’s great.
If you are ready for a more intermediate powerful paid email marketing platform, then Convertkit is your answer. Designed for creatives (coaches, bloggers, course creators – the list is endless) it is easy to use and has a great visual automation editor along with the usual landing pages, sign-up forms and ecommerce integrations. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of some platforms, it does the job and does it well.
Email & Marketing Platform
MailerLite is great for beginners. Convertkit is a fantastic next step up.
But Kartra is ideal for coaches and those who are serious about their email marketing and online course delivery. I’m totally, tech-geekily in love with this platform!
Kartra is the ultimate – a powerful marketing platform which allows you to create, market and launch online, all from the one platform. It is not for the feint hearted, but in the right hands (such as my own) it can take your online business, programs and courses to the next level.
Password Manager
Passwords need to be strong and unique. Weak passwords containing personal information, predictable words and sequential numbers are easy for hackers to crack.
With LastPass you only need to remember your Master password and the app takes care of the rest. Accessible via browser and mobile app you can even store you pin numbers, licence & membership numbers and more!
Client Relationship Management Software
I LOVE Dubsado! I use it for lead capture and management, client on-boarding, off-boarding, invoicing and financial goal tracking.
With canned emails and automated workflows you can provide your clients with a smooth and efficient journey with lots of love and care along the way without taking up hours and hours of your time.
Dubsado has so many applications in so many industries – you’re really only limited by your imagination!
Project & Task Manager
Trello is a great tool which allows you to visually break down projects and tasks into bite size chunks and then further break those down into next step actions.
You can create various boards for various projects, clients, courses, business processes – you name it – you can use Trello to track and manage it.
Social Media Scheduling Tool
Later is a free social media scheduling tool.
With Later you can plan and schedule your photo and video posts in advance to one or more social networks. When scheduling the same content to different profiles, it allows you to tailor each caption and customise the crop for each network.
An absolute timesaver that is a pleasure to use!
Note Taking Tool
Their website refers to it as “your second braid” and I have to agree!
Evernote is a place to store, well everything! Moving thoughts and ideas out of your head frees up more space to think and be creative.
You can capture and organise ideas, notes, web-links, images, documents, audio recordings – absolutely everything related to your business – except passwords of course.
WordPress Page Builder
Elementor is a free drag-and-drop page builder plugin for WordPress.
It allows you to create beautiful, professional looking WordPress websites in the easiest and quickest way possible. It’s great for people who want to build a website without having to worry so much about the backend tech stuff.
Voice-to-Text Notes & Transcription
Otter is a fantastic voice-to text transcription service.
I use Otter on my phone to capture thoughts and ideas on the go, and the desktop version to help generate podcast and video transcripts.
The free version allows you to capture voice notes while with the paid version you can upload whole podcast episodes and video recordings for transcription.
This little app is an amazing time (and sanity) saver!
Podcast Hosting Platform
Starting your own podcast can be super exciting – don’t let the tech hold you back!
bCast is the most simple to use and affordable podcasting platform I have come across, and I have tried a few.
I use it for our Work Wife Wine Time and Freedom to Coach podcasts and have even bought a licence for my very own when I finally get around to it!
Time Zone Converter
Converting time across multiple time zones to get everyone on the same page and at the same meeting at the same time can be an absolute nightmare!
The Savvy Time Google Chrome extension is the answer!
Easy to install and simple to use. Getting everyone in the same place at the same time has never been easier!
Online Appointment Scheduler
Sick of playing email tag with your clients trying to organise a time to meet?
Enter Calendly, a fantastic online appointment scheduling platform.
Not only does Calendly allow your clients to schedule appointments with you (when it suits you) but it also sends reminders to ensure they don’t forget and even allows you to collect payment for sessions.
Straight forward, good looking and easy to use – you’re welcome!