Favorite Business Tools
Wondering what tools you need to run your business? Here’s a list of what I use and can recommend. Many of these have free versions!
^Indicates tool I do not currently use, but can happily recommend.
*Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means I'll be compensated if you click through and take action. I promise I only recommend tools I like and think you'll like, too. Read my Disclaimer for more info.
Service-Based Business Tools
Dubsado*: (Use code “productiveco”* (all lowercase) for 30% off your first paid month or year) An all-in-one client management tool that can be used worldwide. Here’s a small list of what it can do. I can help you get started with my free Dubsado Roadmap.
Client and document organization
Template storage
Forms, contract signing, and lead captures
Lead management / sales pipeline management
Workflow automation
Time tracking
Scheduling
Branding to your business
Client portals
Invoicing, payments, and automated reminders
And so much more!
HoneyBook*: Another all-in-one client management tool that can be used by business owners in the US or Canada (your clients can be located anywhere). Get 50% off your first year* using my affiliate link.
Client and document organization
Template storage
Forms, contract signing, and lead captures
Lead management / sales pipeline management
Workflow automation
Time tracking
Scheduling
Branding to your business
Client portals
Invoicing, payments, and automated reminders
And so much more!
PaperBell*^: Exclusively for coaches and consultants, PaperBell makes selling packages and scheduling sessions a breeze:
Combine individual and group sessions in a package
Offer pay-in-full discounts
Easily track how many sessions a client has left
Sign contracts, automate forms / surveys
Client portals
Profi*^: Exclusively for coaches, AwareNow is more than HIPAA-compliant a scheduling tool for individual or group coaching. You can host e-courses to complement your coaching sessions, too.
Acuity*: Self-scheduling tool as an alternative to Dubsado’s scheduler
Zoom: Video & phone conferencing with screensharing and chat features
Free VIP Day Roadmap*: Download a free guide for making 4-figures in one day through virtual VIP days.
Services & Pricing Guide Template*: Create an attractive guide to give your clients in Canva or InDesign
The Contract Shop*: Contract templates for various industries
Artful Contracts*: (Use code PRODUCTIVECO for 10% off)* Contract templates for service-providers
Boss Contract Society*: Contract templates for service-providers
Postable: (Use code MRRFCQPQ2U for $5 off)* Send clients cards that look hand-written and can be scheduled in advance
Moo*: Business cards with high-quality card stock
CloudSpot*^: Client photo gallery for photographers that integrates with Dubsado
Product-Based Business Tools
MemberVault*: Online course hosting platform that doubles as a place to hold free downloads. Has savvy analytics, email notifications, hidden bonus options, and gamification features
Thinkific*^: A traditional online course hosting platform
Squarespace Access^: Kerstin Martin’s course shows you how to host online courses within your Squarespace website
ThriveCart*: Shopping cart, affiliate center host, and JV partnership manager with lifetime subscription option
SendOwl*^: Affordable digital product shopping cart and delivery tool with affiliate center hosting
Deadline Funnel*: Dynamic, evergreen countdown timers for emails and websites that automatically bump prices when timers run out
Business Operations
ClickUp*: Manages my projects, tasks, and biggest goals. I recommend the Business plan. Has nifty features like:
Recurring tasks & automations
Docs
Dashboards
Goals & milestones
Custom fields, so you can customize any project with different dropdown fields, etc.
Asana^: Simple project and task management app (alternative to ClickUp)
Zapier: Connect software that don’t have native integrations (without writing code!)
LastPass: Free encrypted password generator, storage, and sharing
G-Suite*: (Save 10% off your first year with code UCKUG9QHFF3GAHF) Google’s best collaboration and productivity tools rolled into one suite
Gmail - Email
Calendar - Calendar
Drive - Cloud storage for documents and images
Docs - “Word” documents that can be shared and commented on
Voice - Free phone number, so you don’t have to give clients your personal one
Kill Newsfeed: Removes Facebook’s newsfeed and limits your distractions
Unroll.Me: Finds all your email subscriptions and lets you quickly unsubscribe from the ones you want
Marinara: Pomodoro timer to break your work into short intervals
Chatra*: Website chat messenger perfect for solopreneurs
MeetingBird^: Schedule team meetings based on everyone’s availability
AirTable*^: Super spreadsheets that can double as a database
Finance
Wave: Free, easy bookkeeping software with payroll and vendor options
Krener Bookkeeping & Tax: My US accountant - he works with creatives and online business owners
Wise*: (Get a $900 international transfer free) Easy transfers between bank accounts and best exchange rates between countries
Marketing
Squarespace*: Build a stunning website without ever touching code
Namecheap*: Buy your website domain (name)
ConvertKit*: Preferred email marketing tool with content upgrade capabilities; free for 500 subscribers (up to 1000 for referring friends)
MailerLite*: Email marketing tool free up to 1000 subscribers.
MotionMail: Create a sense of urgency with countdown timers in your emails
Affiliate Promotional Pack Template*: Create an affiliate partner onboarding guide with this Canva or InDesign template
Tailwind*^: (You’ll save $15 when you sign up) Pinterest scheduler
Planoly*^: Instagram scheduler, hashtag saver, and comment monitor
Design
Canva*: Graphic design software for the non-designer
Video Tools
Loom*: Free and easy screen and video recording software
Logitech c920*: Affordable webcam
Audio Technica Microphone*: Microphone that reduces background noise and captures high-quality sound
Filmora: Simple video editing software (most editing software are for Macs only, but this one’s great for PCs)
Personality Tests
Myers-Briggs: Explore how you perceive the world around you and make decisions
Big 5: The most scientifically sound way to classify personality
Kolbe A*: Analyzes M.O. so you can determine how to set up your business to suit your personality. Also great for figuring out how to collaborate with clients and teammates. Costs about $50, but worth every penny.
Gretchen Rubin’s 4 Tendencies: Analyzes how you manage inner and outer expectations. Use this information to guide how you approach making habits and reaching goals.
Strength Finders: Find out what your top strengths are, so you can capitalize on your skills