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 buy all of my domains from Namecheap, both for business and personal use. Their system is incredibly easy to use, especially when it comes to the “techy” stuff. Their customer service is also top-notch.
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.
Leadpages is what I use for my landing pages, and their designs are beautiful. It’s also incredibly easy to use with little design knowledge. You can start a free 14-day trial to see if it’s right for you.
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!
Bookshop
From Bookshop’s website:
Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. We believe that bookstores are essential to a healthy culture. They’re where authors can connect with readers, where we discover new writers, where children get hooked on the thrill of reading that can last a lifetime. They’re also anchors for our downtowns and communities.
As more and more people buy their books online, we wanted to create an easy, convenient way for you to get your books and support bookstores at the same time.
If you want to find a specific local bookstore to support, find them on our map and they’ll receive the full profit off your order. Otherwise, your order will contribute to an earnings pool that will be evenly distributed among independent bookstores (even those that don’t use Bookshop).
Check out my Bookshop shop here!Best Today Guide™
The Best Today Guide™ is the best planner I've used (and I’ve used a lot). It’s been a game changer for my mindset and how I approach my to-do list every day.
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•••
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
Five-Minute Journal: If you’re new to practicing gratitude, I highly suggest this journal. It’s what I started with and what got me in the habit of being intentional and grounded every morning and evening.
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 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•••
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