10 Tools Your Business Needs.
Running a one-woman show with a dog who demands attention can be pretty tricky. Luckily for me, there are some fantastic tools that not only help me remember things but also save me time. The number one tool has to be:
- SHOWIT
The secret weapon for building and customizing websites for my clients. If anyone has used WordPress you probably remember the frustration when you upload a picture and it refuses to stay in place or even the right size. The picture basically had a mind of its own. Lucky for us Showit requires no coding knowledge and is one of the easiest platforms to learn. You can learn the basics in 30 minutes! – shout out that their support team is top-notch if any issues or questions come up.
- Trello
I can’t remember what I had for breakfast or even what I was just going to do. Easily distracted, I need a way to house all my ideas and daily to-do’s. Trello also easily sorts all my blog posts, social media templates, and podcast notes. It’s also free which is always a plus. It also has aesthetically pleasing backgrounds for the designer in me. I love a good background.
- Dubsado
Dubsado is where I manage all client projects and content. It allows me to create a streamlined process for clients and provides beautiful contracts and proposals. It also offers a free trial so if you are just starting it’s a great option.
- Kartra
When I switched to Kartra I was able to consolidate my digital products, online courses, email marketing, lead-generating quizzes, and opt-in forms all in one place. I basically use one main service instead of paying for all of the individual platforms. It is a money saver but also very convenient. I can keep track of everything without the stress of remembering 5 passwords. * Sidenote- don’t use the same password for everything* There is a separate blog post for that coming…
- Canva
If you are wondering “oh nooo shelbe you’re a designer and you use Canva, what’s wrong with you ?” shhh!… Canva might not be as fancy as Photoshop but it’s constantly getting new features. The best part about Canva is its user-friendly and clients can use the free version. Not everyone can justify paying for all adobe products. Also sometimes a client just wants something they are familiar with. I remember first learning to use photoshop and can honestly say it wasn’t fun.
6. Adobe XD and Photoshop
Haha though yes, I also pay for all the adobe products but only really use 2. Even though Adobe products are a bit pricy they do allow me to create the most realistic mock-ups to show client sites and also start the brainstorming behind any website. Adobe XD is always open on my computer.
7. Google Products
You cannot go one day without emails. I use my Gmail with Kartra, Dubsado, and basically with everything. My google calendar keeps me on track ish.. I gotta remember to check in or turn my phone off silent. Does anyone else remember paying for ringtones and now don’t even have their phone on vibrate? I am guilty and that old. I also use google domains and recommend them to everyone. I also love google voice so I don’t have to get a separate phone plan but am still able to have separate work numbers.
8. Nord VPN
Nord keeps you protected online. Also, some people mentioned you can use it to watch Netflix from other countries but I cannot verify this is true or “legal”. I am also not recommending it but Nord can protect up to 6 devices at a time.
9. Go Full Page chrome extension
This one I use daily. It’s the best way to capture your website and create mockups for social media. Pretty simple but very effective.
10. What Font
The nosy side in me is always interested to see what font it is. Especially when it’s new and curvy. My font collection is a bit ridiculous but why use basic fonts when you can use extra special ones that fit your unique personality? My fav spot to get fonts is Creative Market. Pay attention to the licenses though you don’t want to get in trouble for using a font without a license. Seems crazy but it’s true. Also just a heads up a font can make or break a design. But more on that another day.
If you have any questions feel free to shoot me an email.
Cheers!
10 Tools Your Business Needs.
Running a one-woman show with a dog who demands attention can be pretty tricky. Luckily for me, there are some fantastic tools that not only help me remember things but also save me time. The number one tool has to be:
- SHOWIT
The secret weapon for building and customizing websites for my clients. If anyone has used WordPress you probably remember the frustration when you upload a picture and it refuses to stay in place or even the right size. The picture basically had a mind of its own. Lucky for us Showit requires no coding knowledge and is one of the easiest platforms to learn. You can learn the basics in 30 minutes! – shout out that their support team is top-notch if any issues or questions come up.
- Trello
I can’t remember what I had for breakfast or even what I was just going to do. Easily distracted, I need a way to house all my ideas and daily to-do’s. Trello also easily sorts all my blog posts, social media templates, and podcast notes. It’s also free which is always a plus. It also has aesthetically pleasing backgrounds for the designer in me. I love a good background.
- Dubsado
Dubsado is where I manage all client projects and content. It allows me to create a streamlined process for clients and provides beautiful contracts and proposals. It also offers a free trial so if you are just starting it’s a great option.
- Kartra
When I switched to Kartra I was able to consolidate my digital products, online courses, email marketing, lead-generating quizzes, and opt-in forms all in one place. I basically use one main service instead of paying for all of the individual platforms. It is a money saver but also very convenient. I can keep track of everything without the stress of remembering 5 passwords. * Sidenote- don’t use the same password for everything* There is a separate blog post for that coming…
- Canva
If you are wondering “oh nooo shelbe you’re a designer and you use Canva, what’s wrong with you ?” shhh!… Canva might not be as fancy as Photoshop but it’s constantly getting new features. The best part about Canva is its user-friendly and clients can use the free version. Not everyone can justify paying for all adobe products. Also sometimes a client just wants something they are familiar with. I remember first learning to use photoshop and can honestly say it wasn’t fun.
6. Adobe XD and Photoshop
Haha though yes, I also pay for all the adobe products but only really use 2. Even though Adobe products are a bit pricy they do allow me to create the most realistic mock-ups to show client sites and also start the brainstorming behind any website. Adobe XD is always open on my computer.
7. Google Products
You cannot go one day without emails. I use my Gmail with Kartra, Dubsado, and basically with everything. My google calendar keeps me on track ish.. I gotta remember to check in or turn my phone off silent. Does anyone else remember paying for ringtones and now don’t even have their phone on vibrate? I am guilty and that old. I also use google domains and recommend them to everyone. I also love google voice so I don’t have to get a separate phone plan but am still able to have separate work numbers.
8. Nord VPN
Nord keeps you protected online. Also, some people mentioned you can use it to watch Netflix from other countries but I cannot verify this is true or “legal”. I am also not recommending it but Nord can protect up to 6 devices at a time.
9. Go Full Page chrome extension
This one I use daily. It’s the best way to capture your website and create mockups for social media. Pretty simple but very effective.
10. What Font
The nosy side in me is always interested to see what font it is. Especially when it’s new and curvy. My font collection is a bit ridiculous but why use basic fonts when you can use extra special ones that fit your unique personality? My fav spot to get fonts is Creative Market. Pay attention to the licenses though you don’t want to get in trouble for using a font without a license. Seems crazy but it’s true. Also just a heads up a font can make or break a design. But more on that another day.
If you have any questions feel free to shoot me an email.
Cheers!
