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Everything started about four years ago. To be honest 🙋, not everything. Just the idea of me, working on something I would be thrilled to do every single day, from a place I would be inspired. Finally, that day came a year ago. And why I haven't started my blog since then? I didn't feel comfortable writing and advising. And then I realized that I would never be ready. So, let's start! Enjoy 😉.
10 tools to help you start your online (remote 👩💻) business
Starting a business is never easy. I have learned that the hard way. I have used many (I mean sooo many) tools, either while working for someone else or on my own. I really ❤️ tools and apps, and I find myself super excited every time I see a new one. However, I am going to present to you only those that I am actively working right now -not all the tools I have used in my working life. And those that I use to operate my business and not those I use on behalf of my clients.
Let's get down to business!
Purpose: For almost everything!
On Wix, I built this website in 3 days! It's a fantastic tool, and you don't need to know coding. But that's not the impressing about Wix. It has an amazing integrated CRM and automation system that I can manage my bookings, my subscribers, my email marketing campaigns, my quotes, and invoices in one place 😯. It has advanced marketing tools with an SEO guide at your disposal based on your needs. You can also share directly to your social media channels. And regarding customer management, you can assign tasks to yourself or team members about a lead, set reminders, and workflows (I love them!).
Purpose: For communication and cloud storage.
G Suite is like my virtual assistant 👩💻. I use Gmail, Google Calendar and Meet to communicate with clients and partners, save any appointments, and set up effectively a video meeting! When it comes to creation, I leave everything to Docs, Sheets, Forms and Slides, while on the go. And If I come across an idea, I write it down to Keep so that I can access it from anywhere! And Drive is like my precious secret closet. I used to send files via WeTransfer but Drive can do that for me too. I share the link while keeping everything organized in my folders! Yeap. I am of those people who love Google. #Guilty
Purpose: For project management.
Trello has always been my favourite tool. It was love at first sight 👀. I have used other great tools too (like Jira), but this one comes 1st on my list. What I try to do is to have different Boards for each client, and I share it with them as I want to work together! It takes two to tango 💃. I love transparency, and I want my clients to know what I am doing. Of course, it's not that successful all the time. Some of those don't want to onboard on another tool - and I get that. That's why I have all these tools! However, I assign everything on Trello and organize my weekly tasks every Sunday evening so that I will be able to know what to expect each week. Changes on the schedule are accepted. However, I have to admit that recently I am exploring Asana (it feels like cheating, to be honest 🤫), and I am super excited. The reason is that my brain can process better the tasks I have in Asana's environment. Plus, I have linked it to my Everhour account, so I do time tracking for every task & client!
Purpose: For external team cooperation.
When I have to work with external partners or another marketing team, Slack is a life saver. It's fast, easy, and funny. I can organize my conversations, share files and docs, talk with partners face-to-face, and many more. What I love the most are the integrations. It integrates with Drive, Trello, and other tools you may use! WOW!
Purpose: For recording videos.
Ok. I know what you are thinking right now: "Action is a game recorder." Well, not only! It approved to be very helpful when I had to record my digital marketing seminar (Camptasia had some issues which I never managed to solve in time). And it was value for money 💸. It's sooo easy to use and extremely fast. Now it is considered to be one of my favorite screen recorders!
Thirsty for more tools? Nothing is stopping your way 👇
Purpose: For writing.
Another tool that I am super excited to use. I have added it in my Chrome Browser, download the mobile app, and I am using it right now, writing this blog. If you remember, I wrote at the beginning of this blog post that I don't feel comfortable writing. English is not my birth language, so Grammarly helps me avoid mistakes when I am in a rush and be more confident about my piece of copy. I can now drink my cocktail 🍸 without worrying and re-reading If I had made spelling or grammar errors. Cheers!
Purpose: For visual content creation.
"Use" is not the appropriate word for me when I refer to Canva. "Overuse" maybe the correct one 😂. I do everything on Canva! Social posts, ebooks, infographics, presentations, catalogs, flyers, posters, blog banners, reports, resumes, logos, banner ads, and I recently drew my new business cards! You can even export your designs in .png, .jpeg, .pdf, .gif, .mp4. Canva is everything you need. #Canvalove
Purpose: For videos.
I also use Crello, but I think Spark is the one I should mention. Because I can easily add photos, video clips, icons, or even my voice. I can use professional videos from its library or/and add my own. This tool is saving me time when I have to update Growthtale's social media and soon for web creations! It also has a cool app for mobile 😉.
Purpose: For social media management.
With Hootsuite, I can manage all my social media channels (except Instagram - I use another tool for that) in one place. Both personal and Growthtale's. I like it because I can find, schedule, manage and report on social media content super easy.
Purpose: For Instagram.
Later is the best tool for Instagram. It's easy like Hootsuite, and it gives you a visual glimpse of your Instagram feed via its visual content calendar. You can even change it with drag & drop. And everything is automatically scheduled, even the Instagram Stories. It offers all the features Instagram does, but with a little extra 😉.
Should I use any more tools?
If you have any questions or you have an app or tool to recommend me, please write below at the comments section 👇