#1. Blue host for blog + web site hosting
If you plan to have an online business then it’s important to have a website. This website is your spokesperson when you’re not around. Yes it’s great that you have different social media platforms to promote your products or services, but you don’t own those. It’s important to have a website because you are in complete control at all times. If Instagram decides to shut down tomorrow and you don’t have an online website you would basically be starting from scratch. Your main goal on your social media platforms is to send your audience to your website. Fun fact for those of you who don’t know I have a design business where I help businesses with their online graphics. For my design website (where I offer social media and pdf designs) I use Bluehost as my host provider which is currently $2.95 a month. For a full detailed post on how to create your blog/ website click here.
#2. Convertkit for building your email list
Now that you have a website host for your business next thing you’ll need is to start building your email list. I was super late in the game when it came to collecting emails so please don’t make the same mistake as I did. Once you get your website set up you will need a way to keep in contact with the people who visit your website. Having a list of people who actually signed up to hear about your different products, and services is so important. I started off using Mailchimp, but I now use Convertkit. I love Convertkit because it keeps my emails simple, and also allows me to easily set up email series as well as schedule out my emails in advance. If you have 0-1,000 email subscribers it will cost you $29.00 a month, if you have 1,000-3,000 email subscribers it will cost you $49.00 a month. If you’re interested in signing up for Convertkit sign up here!
#3 Studio WordPress Theme
If you’re planning to create your own blog or website you will need a nice theme to go with it along with hosting. My go to place for themes is Studio WordPress. This site is perfect for clean and professional website themes trust me even if you’re just getting started you won’t look like a beginner if you decide to buy a theme with them. Choose from flexible image-rich layouts, including full-width sections and archive options that will make your content shine and it comes with step by step documentation on how to customize your theme just the way you like it. Need a new theme for your website check out what Studio Press has to offer.#4. Quickbooks to track your deductions and taxes
In order to be called a business you must be making money. I use Quickbooks Self Employed to help me keep track of how much money I’m bringing in each month, how much I’m spending on my business expenses, also track my taxes, and send out invoices. I love Quickbooks because it keeps me organized and I love having all my financials in one place. Each week I make sure to set a time where I can sit down and go over what is coming in and what is going out. If you’ve been looking for a tool to keep your business organized Quickbooks is the way to go plus it’s just $10.00 a month. if you’re interested you can sign up here.#5 Big Marker for hosting online webinars
Whenever I hold my live online masterclasses I use Big Marker. I love it because it’s easy to use, simple to set up and they also take care of ticket sales and have pretty nice landing pages. The quality of the video works great and I can also teach an online class with other guests without out a problem. I’ve used other webinar systems in the past and I’ve experienced video and sound issues, but so far I love Big Marker’s easy to use platform. If you’re interested in checking out Big Marker you can do so here. There are different price levels that you can adjust any time. Keep in mind if you sign up for the free demo you won’t be able to charge for your webinar or class.
#6 Thinkific For my Courses
When it comes to my online courses, videos, and Young Yet Wise Society membership I host them inside of the Thinkific Platform. I find that it’s easy to use, I have no issues uploading large videos and the landing pages are also simple clean and effective. For people who purchase my courses or membership they get a specific login and can have access to the materials at any time. I can also offer quiz’s and send custom messages along the way. I also love how you can create one time prices, or even monthly subscriptions. If you’re looking for a platform to host your courses on check out Thinkific today.
I love these tools that I mentioned above because they make my life easier in some shape or form and also help me grow my business. Are there any must have tools that you use to run your business or tools I mentioned that you’re thinking of signing up for?
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