In my experience, running a business is basically a never-ending scavenger hunt for resources that save time, money, and sanity. Over the years, I’ve found a handful of absolute gems - tools that help me juggle everything from websites to emails, all while looking good and relatively unfrazzled.
Before you read on, I want to let you know that I ONLY share products and services I use and love, and some of them may include my affiliate links, so if you click and sign up, I’ll earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Thanks for helping me keep the coffee flowing. ☕ 😜
Now, let's dive in!
1. Systeme.io – The Swiss Army Knife of Online Biz Tools
Systeme.io is my one-stop shop for almost everything: email marketing, sales funnels, membership sites, product listings, you name it.
It’s so user-friendly that even if tech isn’t your love language, you’ll probably get the hang of it fast. This tool is perfect for anyone looking to streamline their workflow and skip the headache of juggling 10 different platforms, and it just keeps getting better and better (their customer support is already AMAZING). Try the FREE plan here, or get the ‘secret’ 40% discount using this affiliate link.
P.S. One of my favorite things about Systeme is their one-click installation of websites, funnels, and more. So if you buy a template (from me, for instance! 😉), it’s SUPER fast to get set up.
2. GetResponse – Email Marketing With All the Bells and Whistles
For those of you flying solo outside Systeme, GetResponse is my favorite pick for email marketing and automation.
In full disclosure, its features are more robust than Systeme’s, but it also gets pricier—especially when you consider the Creator plan. If budget isn’t a factor (and we’re still talking under $100 bucks per month), by all means, give the free trial a spin to see which platform you prefer.
3. Divi by Elegant Themes – Your WordPress Wingman
Have your heart set on a WordPress site? Divi was always my go-to theme because it has TONS of stunningly designed templates, and its drag-and-drop builder makes it easy to create a customized site (whether starting from scratch or using one of their aforementioned templates). Even if your coding skills are... nonexistent. If you’re serious about creating a WordPress website without breaking a sweat, Divi gets my vote!
4. NameCheap – Because Thrifty is My Middle Name
No matter what you use—WordPress, Systeme, GetResponse, or something else—you’re going to need a custom domain. When I first heard about NameCheap, I thought, “Yes, I, too, am cheap—or let’s call it ‘thrifty,’ thank you very much!” And so, this is where I’ve registered my MANY domains.
They typically have discounts, their checkout process is simple, and their customer support is amazing - and by that I mean, they're helpful and never make me feel like a nitwit. 😜
5. Galaxy.ai – The Ultimate AI Playground
Galaxy.ai has corralled all the best AI generators under one roof, from image creation to text magic to transcription. But where it really shines is in providing the premium versions of AI models (think ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Gronk, etc.) all for less than the monthly cost of just ONE premium service.
And don’t even get me started on the “chat arena”, a place where you can simultaneously chat with up to SIX AI models on ONE screen - no bouncing from tab to tab! It’s such an efficient way to find the best one for your project or combine responses. Learn more here.
6. AppSumo – A Treasure Chest for Entrepreneurs
Browsing AppSumo is a bit of an addiction for me (but with a 60-day money-back guarantee, there’s not too much risk!). Basically, it’s a marketplace full of amazing deals on software and tools - think Groupon, but for business owners.
The lifetime deals can save you thousands (assuming you actually use what you buy!). If you’re an entrepreneur on a budget, AppSumo will make you feel like a kid in a candy store—or is that just me?!
7. Canva – Because Not All of Us Are Graphic Designers
Canva has become my go-to for creating anything visual. Need social media posts? Done. A presentation that doesn’t look like it came from 1998? Easy. The free version is powerful, but if you upgrade to Canva Pro, you’ll unlock even more amazing features, like premium templates, images and branding tools.
8. Pexels, Pixabay & Unsplash – The Freebie Photo Heroes
When you need high-quality photos but your budget is tighter than your favorite jeans post-holiday season, Pexels, Pixabay, and Unsplash have you covered. Their libraries are packed with royalty-free images and videos that can help your business look beautiful - not 'budget'.
9. My Templates & Bundles – DIY Stunning Branding, The Easy Way
If you’re ready to make your business look like a million bucks (without spending it!), I invite you to check out my templates and bundles. From logos to lead magnets, landing pages to eBooks, I have easy-to-use, gorgeous designs that will help you brand like a boss, quickly, easily and happily.
Other Honorable Mentions:
Google Drive – to store (more like hoard) my digital goodies!
Screenflow – to screen-record and edit videos.
Descript (or Galaxy.ai) – to transcribe my audio/video files.
Jotform – to create applications, signable contracts, and more.
CookieYes - If you're looking for a cookie consent banner (so your website is legally compliant), I use CookieYes which is free for 15k visitors per month, AND super easy to set up.
Final Thoughts:
These tools save me time, keep my budget in check, and make me look more polished than I feel some days.
And yes, a quick reminder that some of the links above are affiliate links, so if you use them, you’re basically buying me a coffee, in which case, I’ll toast to your success while sipping it! ☕ 🥰
Do you have a favorite tool that isn’t on this list? Please drop it in the comments! I'd love to hear from you. 😊
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