This page contains affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
This page highlights some of my all-time favorite resources. I have personal experience with every single one of these tools, courses, and books. I will never recommend something I don’t personally stand behind. No sleazy tactics or spammy junk from me!
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•••TOOLS•••
I’ve been using ConvertKit for myself and my clients for the past two years, and let me tell you — it freaking rocks. It’s incredibly easy to use, and if I’m saying that (as someone who leans toward the technologically impaired side), you can rest assured it really is that easy ? You can every try it free for 14 days to see if it’s a good fit for you and your business.
Trello has completely changed how I run my business. Seriously. It’s the best project management software I’ve used and I recommend it to everyone. Trello is incredibly versatile and can be used for basically anything you need to organize and keep track of: work projects, editorial calendars, and even personal things like gifts to buy, recipes, kids’ chores…the possibilities are endless. Get thee to Trello, stat.
Podia is an all-in-one digital storefront for creators. You can sell your online course, membership site, or digital downloads all from one place. And the big sellers for me? Their support is super fast and helpful and you can load your content into the site very easily. (What did I tell you about customer service and ease of use at the beginning ?)
Siteground is the only web hosting service I’ve come across that’s both affordable AND has exceptional customer service. Other services I’ve used have only one (or neither). You can get started for as little as $3.95/month, and if you run into any issues, their chat support is stellar.
LastPass is my go-to password manager. They can create, store, and autofill ALL your passwords on your computer, tablet, and phone. You’ll never have to remember a password again, PLUS you’ll have extra security from scrupulous online hackers. LastPass offers free and paid versions, so I suggest starting with the free version and upgrade as needed.
If you aren’t exactly a pro graphic designer (like me), Canva will be your new BFF. It is by far the easiest tool I’ve used to create website and social media graphics. They have hundreds of templates for anything from Instagram Stories to wedding invitations. I even use Canva to create and print my business cards!
Grammarly
While I will always recommend hiring an editor or proofreader when you can, Grammarly is a great option if you’re low on cash. You can install Grammarly on your computer browser and it will give you grammar suggestions on Gmail, Google Docs, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WordPress, and more.
You Need a Budget (YNAB)
If you’re looking for a new way to budget (both for your business and personal), I cannot recommend You Need a Budget enough. YNAB (pronounced why-nab) is a cloud-based budgeting system that has both desktop and mobile capabilities, and it's seriously changed my finances for the better.
Biz Template Babe
While I love me some Canva (see above), I struggled with creating a professional-looking resource guide. Enter Biz Template Babe! Her E-book and Lead Magnet Canva Kit was a lifesaver. The kit has over 400 templates to choose from to mix and match and create your own e-book.
Pin Practical Ads
When it was time for me to learn how to create Pinterest ads, I was totally clueless. A business colleague recommended Monica Froese’s free Pin Practical Ads training, and I signed up immediately. I was so impressed by her free training that I went on to purchase three of her courses that all helped me tremendously with all things Pinterest.
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•••PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT BOOKS•••
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
Free to Focus by Michael Hyatt
The Freelancer’s Bible by Sara Horowitz
Get Your Sh*t Together by Sarah Knight
Outer Order, Inner Calm by Gretchen Rubin
Superfans by Pat Flynn
The Chicago Guide to Grammar, Usage, and Punctuation by Bryan A. Garner
The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition by The University of Chicago Press Editorial Staff (You can buy the hardcover, but I personally use the online version.)
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
The Million-Dollar, One-Person Business by Elaine Pofeldt
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero
You Need a Budget by Jesse Mecham
•••FUN BOOKS•••
Brazen and the Beast by Sarah MacLean
Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean
The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams
The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen