The BEST Resources for Online Entrepreneurs
With a one-woman online business, it’s crucial that you find tools to streamline all the work you do. Managing so many clients means that I’ve become very passionate about working SMARTER not HARDER!
Here are NINE tools that changed the life of my business!!
Btw, there are a few affiliate links in here - this doesn’t affect the price for you, it just gives me a small amount back! I’d never recommend something I wasn’t obsessed with, okay?!? Thanks for your support, bestie!
1. Google Drive
Lol, duh. This is a MUST HAVE for anyone with a digital business, especially if you’re a writer!
I use folders to organize clients & different sections in my business (ie; blogs, social posts, lead tracking, etc.)
My clients use the “editing” feature to make comments and suggestions on the work I send to them.
This is how I organize my notes during my Website Audit Strategy Sessions!
I use the sharing feature to quickly & seamlessly deliver content to my clients.
2. The Fearless Chase Membership
Because online business life can be LONELY, I’m sooooo glad I joined The Fearless Chase Membership. Madison has created a community where everyone feels welcomed & supported. I love the monthly video chats, resources from professionals, & meeting other girls who are also building an intentional life!!
I also love the Fearless Chase Podcast - for real, give it a listen. They cover everything lifestyle - from funny stories, and self-care tips, to encouragement about chasing your dreams, it doesn’t get better than this!
3. Flodesk
Email Marketing is one of the best ways to connect with your community in a personalized, streamlined way! If you’re wondering what email service provider (ESP) to go with, I will forever & always shout Flodesk from the rooftops. I’ve tried dozens of other ESP but nothing beats the usability & aesthetic that Flodesk offers!!
4. The Groove App
This is a brand new, FREE app that has HONESTLY changed not just my business, but my whole life.
Here’s how Groove works!
You get into a “Groove” with three other people to virtually cowork together for an hour. For five minutes, you discuss your goals for your time. Then you have 50 minutes of uninterrupted, off-camera time. Inside of the Groove, you make a goal and a task list, so as you work, everyone can see what you’re accomplishing! When the 50 minutes are up, you have five minutes of debriefing to talk with the other groovers and see how their time was.
Before Groove, I never truly understood how much you can accomplish in just 50 minutes.
An added bonus: Everyone in the community is SO nice. I’ve met people all over the world on Groove! Plus it’s nice to talk to someone other than my dog or cat, lol.
Eventually, I’ll write a whole blog post about Groove, how it’s changed my life, and why I think you should join.
5. The Preview App
If you’ve ever had a brand strategy session with me, you’ve heard me rave about the Preview App.
This app helps me make my posts look on-brand AND helps me plan my feed.
I use them to plan out my feed, organize my posts, optimize hashtags for my ideal client, & so much more.
They have an amazing free version that includes presets so you can build a cohesive page if you’re into that!
Their Insta page is full of amazing tips for growing your social media, so give them a follow here!
6. Honeybook
Honeybook has been the BEST investment I’ve made in my online business!
From inquiries to invoices, their different tools make my job as an entrepreneur SO much easier!
I also use them for contracts, project management, scheduling potential clients, time tracking, email templates, & organizing my financial planning!
Their personalized templates are amazing for those of us who don’t have time to research what a contract should include or don’t have time to write it all out.
It’s also helped me get paid much faster since I can invoice my client the day they sign a contract. It’s more secure & easier than Paypal, Venmo, or waiting for a check in the mail.
You can use this link here to get 20% off of Honeybook!
7. Passion Planner
Before I went completely digital with my planner, the Passion Planner was a game-changer not just for organizing my business goals but my ENTIRE LIFE!
I love how each day is broken down by different times. I love building my roadmaps, reading weekly inspirational quotes, & reflecting on each month.
I also love writing down the good things that happen each week! It’s a great way to help me stay positive. And it helps me look back on happy memories!
P.S.- I love supporting Passion Planner because they have a “get one, give one” program that donates planners & other funds to nonprofits around the world!
8. Lightroom
As an online business, you need beautiful images to attract clients on your social media & website. I always recommend my clients set up a shoot with a brand photographer who knows how to capture images for marketing collateral!
This editing program is probably the most popular among photographers and for good reason! I love using it to create presets or use presets I buy from my favorite content creators.
My favorite presets are from Liana Danielle and can be found here! Here are some photos I’ve edited using her presets on Lightroom.
These images are from our engagement photoshoot in Badlands National Park, and Liana’s presets helped me create the dreamy-yet-exciting vibe I was hoping for!
A tip when editing with Lightroom presets: this editing tool is GREAT but not always 100% perfect for each photo. For some of the pictures I edit, I still have to adjust the exposure, the vibrancy, or something else to get the image to look how I want it. But the presets help me get SO much closer to the perfect edit.
P.S.- I fixed Justin’s hair using Procreate on my iPad. My romper is from Avery & Abby.
9. Youversion Bible App
The Bible is my source of wisdom, confidence, & peace!
Building a God-centered business has always been important to me and this Bible app has helped me stay focused on Him! The Youversion Bible App has dozens of plans specifically for business owners.
I also love how you can read plans with your friends or share prayers. And the app has a feature that will remind you to read!
If you build a business on your own, you’ll have to sustain it on your own. If you build your business on the Lord, HE will sustain it! There is so much peace in knowing that Jesus is in control and His plans are greater than mine.
These business tools are GREAT and I can’t recommend them enough. But you could spend all the money in the world on the best programs and tools for creating beautiful content and organizing your business and you could STILL fail. I don’t mean that to discourage you - I mean that to push you to lean into Him in all areas of your life, especially your business.
We are human, we mess up, and that’s part of what makes life so beautiful. But true beauty is relying on God’s grace and strength to sustain us instead of relying on ourselves. Especially in our businesses. :)
If you’re a fan of working smarter not harder, I cannot recommend these business tools & resources enough!
Click on this link to get 20% off of Honeybook to get organized & start making money even faster. 🤑
Click this link to get 50% off Flodesk FOR LIFE - seriously the most beautiful emails everrrr.
XOXO,
