Maybe you’ve got some downtime this week and you’re streamlining your business systems or trying out new digital toys.  Cheers if that includes a steamy mug of chai latte or a brownie hot fudge sundae.  

 

 

If you’re looking for some boosts to your business workflow, pull your chair on over (I’ll bring the pecans for the hot fudge sundae!).  Some of these are affiliate links, but they’re all products I use in my business just about every day!

 

1. Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets

I was reluctant to start using the service for years, but once I started, I loved how easy it was to access and jot down notes on any of my devices, at any time.  My custom-built pitch tracker is fantastically easy to access and update as I keep track of press placements, and I can store as many posts, projects, and files as I need (or can dream up).

 

2. Trello

I use Trello for workflows, idea storming, goal-setting, a little bit of everything.  My own business’s 12-month publicity plan is housed and updated on Trello, and my client workflows, content calendars, editorial calendars, research/reference center, reading lists – even meal plans – have a home here.  Check out Trello for Business (a steal at $29) to get the most out of this favorite tool.

 

3. Showit

I’ve built on (and taught) WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, and others, and my hands-down, jump-in-the-air, I-seriously-want-to-hug-the-creator favorite site builder is Showit.  It’s the perfect marriage of customizable beauty with drag-and-drop ease.  When I realized I could change the entire color scheme of the site with a copy/paste keystroke, I got all the heart eyes.  And the customer service is phenomenal (no seriously, I once told their service team they should all be issued hero capes).

 

4. Flodesk

Setting up email marketing was the biggest pain point in my business when I got started.  And pricing tiers that felt like punishment for growth made me cringe. The team at Flodesk sat down to fix all the things about email marketing we don’t like, and the result is genius.  I’m sold. 

 

5. Canva

Canva is graphic design for the rest of us.  It’s easy to create social media graphics, PDFs for opt-ins and course materials, even logos and other brand assets.  It’s free (with a paid option), and simple. What you might not know is that Canva now offers printed materials. I tried a batch of business cards, and was pleasantly surprised!

 

6. Visibook

I’ve tried a handful of scheduling platforms, and my favorite, by far, has been Visibook.  It was a fairly simple integration with G-Cal, and the free version allows me multiple kinds of appointment bookings.  I’ve not heard anyone talking about it, and that surprises me.  If you aren’t totally impressed with your scheduling system, give Visibook a look (I’m a poet, and you didn’t know it!).

 

7. Styled Stock Society

Elle’s stock photo service, available in monthly, yearly, and lifetime access options, is a constantly growing collection of photos, Canva templates, and tutorials, and the investment has paid for itself many times over.  She regularly polls her community and offers collections to meet their needs. The photos are lovely, varied, and perfect when you need an abundance of professional – but feminine – imagery for your business.

 

8. Spotify

Because who doesn’t love a little music in the background while they work?  My favorite playlist right now: Pop Goes Classical (y’all, Chloe Flower’s classical piano styled cover of Old Town Road stopped me in my tracks).

 

Want another great tool?  Check out my FREE training to get your site and business prepped for more visibility.  

Know you’ll want this list later? Pin it to win it.