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In my pursuit to streamline my business and optimize my spending, I found that selecting the right software was crucial. Join me as I delve into the various platforms and tools I utilize to efficiently run my online business. From website builders to email marketing software and video editing tools, I'll provide you with an in-depth overview of the software I use and the reasons behind my choices.
Choosing the Right Website Builder: Squarespace and Podia
I began my journey with a WordPress.com website and eventually transitioned to Squarespace in 2019. Squarespace, with its user-friendly interface, allowed me to design my entire website independently, empowering me to exercise full creative control. While there's a newer version, Squarespace 7.1, I'm currently using the 7.0 version due to the absence of a seamless content migration process.
In addition to my website, I utilize Podia to host my digital products. Whether it's courses, coaching, or digital services, Podia provides a seamless platform for new businesses to set up and start selling without the complexity of creating a dedicated website.
Email Marketing: The Switch from ConvertKit to MailerLite
Transitioning from ConvertKit to MailerLite proved to be a significant cost-saving move for me. With over 1,000 subscribers, the pricing structure of MailerLite justified the switch, resulting in substantial monthly savings for my business. The freedom to explore alternatives and optimize costs without compromising quality has been pivotal in adjusting to the evolving needs of my business.
Streamlining Video Creation: Loom and Wondershare Filmora
Loom, a versatile screen recording tool, has become an indispensable part of my content creation process. Its functionality extends beyond recording YouTube videos to facilitating course material creation and explanatory screen recordings, enhancing my communication with the audience.
For video editing, I rely on Wondershare Filmora, a platform that has served me well with its features, including silence detection, which significantly enhances my video editing process. As an alternative, Final Cut Pro remains an aspiration, but for now, I continue to maximize the capabilities of Filmora within the current budget constraints.
ThriveCart for Checkout Pages & Courses
From the onset, ThriveCart's one-time fee model appealed to me, offering a lifetime subscription with no recurrent charges. This strategic investment to migrate my courses from Podia accommodates the long-term vision for my business while providing cost-effective solutions.
Designing YouTube Thumbnails & Social Media Posts: Canva
Canva has been instrumental in designing compelling thumbnails and content for various purposes, amplifying the visual appeal of my brand.
Scheduling Appointments with Acuity Scheduling
If you are a tutor, coach, or service provider, then Acuity Scheduling is going to be great for you. I have it included with my Squarespace plan, but unfortunately that is no longer available. So if you are interested in using it, you will have to pay an ongoing subscription fee. There is no free plan.
Balancing Personal and Business Communication: Google Workspace and ChatGPT
Google Workspace handles one-on-one communication and contact email management, maintaining a distinction from the email marketing activities managed using MailerLite. Additionally, I utilize ChatGPT, integrating its paid plan to address both personal and business-related needs effectively.
Conclusion:
Streamlining my business while optimizing costs has been an ongoing journey, and the software tools I employ have been pivotal in achieving this objective. By carefully evaluating the utility, pricing structure, and long-term benefits of each software, I've successfully crafted a tech stack that aligns with the evolving needs of my online business. As I continue to refine and adapt, I remain open to exploring new tools and platforms that contribute to the growth and efficiency of my business operations.
If you're intrigued by any of the software discussed and wish to gain deeper insights into their utilization, drop a comment detailing your interest. Stay tuned for the next video as I delve further into the software that drives my online business.