Stacy’s Favorite Tools & Resources for Online Businesses
With the many business and marketing tools out there that promise to help online businesses like yours grow, it’s hard to know which tools are worth investing in (and which to avoid!) so that you can easily grow your business.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of my favorite (free and paid) apps, tools, and other business resources that I personally use and/or recommend in my business. I’ve played with MANY tools and these are for sure my favorites.
If you are an online business owner looking to grow your business without going nuts, check out this list! I update this list as I find new tools to share so be sure to Bookmark This Page so you can return to it.
Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I get a commission (at no additional cost to you) if you make a purchase using one of my links.
Essential Online Business Tools
Honeybook – Proposals & Client Onboarding
I love HoneyBook for streamlining everything from creating client proposals to onboarding new clients. I have actually gotten compliments on how smooth my client onboarding process is and it’s thanks to this tool! You can create proposals, send invoices and contracts, and collect essential client information.
From creating professional proposals to tracking project progress, HoneyBook simplifies the entire client lifecycle, ensuring a seamless and efficient workflow.
Google Drive – File Storage & Collaboration
I use Google Drive for creating sharable documents, file storage, and overall collaboration with clients and teams. I also use Gmail for business emails and Google Calendar to keep me and my team organized.
Asana – Project Management Software
I use Asana to keep track of all of our internal and external projects. I switched from another platform to Asana because our project load grew and got more complex so simply making to-do lists wasn’t cutting it anymore.
This incredible project management tool has transformed the way I collaborate with my team and boosted our overall productivity. With its intuitive interface and extensive features, Asana makes it easy to assign tasks, set deadlines, track progress, and keep everyone on the same page.
Calendly – Online Scheduler (Black Owned)
No more going back and forth via email to find the best time to meet! I literally use this tool damn near every day. With Calendly, I can easily share my availability and let others schedule appointments with me based on my calendar. Yes, it integrates directly with my Google Calendar and automatically updates based on my availability.
Literally, I use this to book client meetings, podcast interviews, collaborations, coffee chats, and more!
5 Minute Bookkeeper®️ – Financial Tracking (Black Woman Owned)
I no longer use complicated Quickbooks to track my business finances thanks to the 5 Minute Bookkeeper! When I saw the demo of this product, I literally signed up right away. If you want a simple, quick way to see exactly what you’re spending your money on and you love a spreadsheet, you’ll love this!
5 Minute Bookkeeper®️ is an easy-to-implement business finance tracking + planning system that allows you to manage your money in FIVE MINUTES a day with:
- Simple “how to” videos to help you update a whole year of finances as soon as today.
- Easy plug-and-play spreadsheet systems for 2022, 2023 & 2024.
- All IRS categories to keep your finances categorized properly and maximize tax savings.
- Bookkeeping and record-keeping best practices and advice from expert tax professionals.
- Superb customer service for additional questions and support.
I even got a compliment from my tax professional about how well I laid out my expenses this year! LOL, thanks 5 Minute Bookkeeper®️!
Novo – Business Banking for Online Brands
If you’re looking for a business bank without crazy fees, you want to check out Novo.
Novo is a modern, online-only bank designed with small businesses and freelancers in mind. Opening an account with Novo was a breeze—I completed the entire process online within minutes, with no paperwork or branch visits required. Plus, there are no monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, or hidden charges. Novo understands the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs and freelancers and aims to provide a banking solution that supports their financial goals.
One of the features I love most is that it allows you to follow the Profit First system of managing your finances because it’s built into the platform. If you haven’t read (or listened to) Profit First, I highly recommend it!
Siteground – Website Hosting & Domain Names
When launching your website (or any new website) hosting matters! Having a reliable website host is vital to making sure your site is up and running so you make money.
If you’re looking for a reliable and high-performance hosting platform, SiteGround is the one to go with. I’ve been using SiteGround for my websites, and I couldn’t be happier with the exceptional service and features they provide.
With SiteGround, you can expect lightning-fast website loading speeds, ensuring a seamless user experience for your visitors. They also have great customer support! I have contacted them to fix things I messed up and it was quick and easy.
Marketing Tools
ConvertKit – Email Service Provider
Literally the best email marketing service out there – and I’ve tried many! ConvertKit stands out from the crowd with its user-friendly interface, powerful automation features, and a comprehensive suite of tools that empower you to engage with your subscribers in a meaningful way.
You can create landing pages, segment your audience, build automation based on subscriber behavior, and so much more! Did I mention that they have a FREE account??
Video Ask – Collecting Testimonials
I love how Video Ask makes collecting testimonials super easy and interactive!
VideoAsk allows you to create interactive video conversations effortlessly. Simply record a video or audio question and send it to your audience. They can then respond with video, audio, or text, creating a dynamic and interactive dialogue between you and your followers.
Streamyard – Live Streaming
Want to go live on all your social media channels at once? Then you definitely need Streamyard! Live streaming is a fantastic way to connect with your audiences and sell your offers.
StreamYard offers a seamless and user-friendly experience, empowering you to engage your audience like never before. Check out this short video about how I use Streamyard for repurposing content.
Loom – Screen Recording
Loom makes delegating tasks super easy! I use Loom to record tutorials for my course, cut down on meetings by sending a screenrecording of my thoughts, and much more!
Say goodbye to long-winded emails and boring text-based communication. Enter Loom, the game-changing video messaging tool that enables you to convey your thoughts, ideas, and messages with clarity and impact.
ConvertBox – Pop Ups/Quizzes/Lead Gen
Google Analytics – Measuring Your Site Traffic
If you aren’t tracking your online marketing, you are missing out on valuable data that will add more money to your business. I use Google Analytics to track movements in my funnel, measure how well my content performs, and even measure my Facebook Ads performance.
In the world of online business and digital marketing, understanding your audience and tracking the performance of your website is essential for success. Google Analytics is the industry-leading web analytics tool that provides comprehensive insights into your website’s performance, user behavior, and marketing campaigns.
Deadline Funnel
Content Creation Tools
Canva – Graphic Design Made Easy
I remember having to learn how to use Photoshop just to resize an image! Canva makes all things graphic design super simple and we use it damn near every day. We use Canva to create beautiful presentations, social media graphics, lead magnets and so much more!
Canva is a user-friendly and versatile design tool that offers a wide range of features to help you design like a pro. They have a FREE version and let me tell you, the paid version is so worth it.
Descript – Transcribe & Editing Software
This is easily one of my new favorite tools for repurposing content! Descript makes editing long videos into short-form videos and reels as easy as editing a Google doc!
Say goodbye to hours of tedious editing and welcome a revolutionary way to craft captivating audio and video content. Descript is a game-changing platform that combines a powerful audio/video editor with cutting-edge transcription and collaboration tools.
Descript offers a seamless and intuitive editing experience, empowering content creators, podcasters, and video producers to take their craft to new heights. Watch this short video on how I use Descript to repurpose my live videos into reels!
Creative Market – Marketplace for Beautiful Templates
Looking to buy beautiful templates, website pages, and other creative assets from actual designers? Creative Market is my go-to for buying presentation slides, website templates, and social media graphics from professional designers.
I purchased slides and a workbook for my Facebook Ads Course that I imported directly into Canva and I have gotten soo many compliments on them!
Airtable – Content Planning
Love a good spreadsheet? Well, AirTable is like a spreadsheet on steroids!
As much as I love Google Spreadsheets, it doesn’t compare to AirTable! Airtable takes spreadsheets to the next level by adding dynamic elements like the ability to upload files directly into a cell.
Airtable combines the power of a spreadsheet with the flexibility of a database, all in one user-friendly interface.
Courses & Landing Pages
ThriveCart – Shopping Cart & Hosting Courses
Need an online shopping cart for your products and offers? ThriveCart is the ultimate shopping cart platform that empowers entrepreneurs, businesses, and creators to optimize their sales funnels and maximize conversions.
With ThriveCart you get a seamless checkout experience for each of your products, flexible payment options, upsells and downsells to increase your sales, and powerful analytics to help you grow your business.
We switched from SamCart to ThriveCart Pro and I am already loving it. With ThriveCart Pro, you get all of the above plus the ability to add affiliates to your products, with automated payouts! They even have a built-in course portal to host your online courses.
Did I mention that with this special offer, you get LIFETIME access for ONE PRICE?
Maximize With Ads – My Facebook Ads Course
If you’re looking to scale your evergreen offers with Facebook & Instagram ads, there’s no better option than my course Maximize With Ads!
In this course, I give you the exact roadmap step-by-step to selling your online course, digital products, or other evergreen offers on autopilot with ads.
Want to become an affiliate for my Facebook Ads course Maximize With Ads? Sign up to be an affiliate partner here. (Coming VERY soon!)
A.I. Tools (Artificial Intelligence)
Podsqueeze – A.I. for Podcasts
Are you a podcaster that’s looking for ways to incorporate A.I. into your workflow? Podsqueeze is an amazing tool we use to help us with writing show notes, transcriptions, time stamps, newsletters, social media content, and more!
PodSqueeze revolutionizes the way you create and publish your podcast episodes, making it a must-have tool for podcasters, content creators, and audio enthusiasts.
Chat GPT – A.I. for Content Creation
Chat GPT is the top cutting-edge virtual assistant powered by artificial intelligence. Whether you’re seeking answers, engaging in conversation, or exploring new ideas, Chat GPT is here to assist you with its vast knowledge and conversational abilities.
Chat GPT is like having a brainstorming buddy! Listen to this episode of my podcast to learn how to use A.I. tools like Chat GPT and Podsqueeze to save time on creating content for your marketing.
Affiliate Program Toolkit
The Affiliate Program Toolkit is the ULTIMATE resource for online business owners who want to say ‘goodbye’ to winging it and ‘hello’ to a step-by-step path & done-for-you templates to help them set up, manage, and grow an evergreen affiliate program to sell more of their digital products.
Community & Coaching
We Should All Be Millionaires – Business Coaching & Community
We Should All Be Millionaires: The Club has been a game-changer in my business! It has helped me set the foundation for a 7-figure business while also connecting me with an amazingly diverse community of entrepreneurs also looking to level up.
It’s a membership program created JUST for women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people living with disabilities. And inside, we’re starting businesses faster than ever before.
I was able to quit my corporate job at Zappos after enrolling in this membership so if you’re looking for the education, mentorship, and community you need to grow, time to join the club!
You should also read We Should All Be Millionaires: The Book! I’ve read (& listened to) at least 3 times and I get something new out of it every time!
Sign Up for We Should All Be Millionaires
Personal
Calm – Meditation & Sleep
Sleep is vital to growing your business and as someone with chronic insomnia, I use all the tools I can to get a good night’s sleep. The Calm App has sleep stories, meditation series, daily thoughtfulness, and more to help me stay in the right state of mind to be a CEO.
Get a Free 30-Day Guest Pass for Calm
Babbel – Learning a New Language
I love a hobby! I’m using Babbel to learn French as a way to give my business brain a break.
Looking to learn a new language? Babbel makes it SUPER easy to learn a new language in your free time.
Get 50% off a 6-Month Subscription to Babbel
Delta SkyMiles American Express – Travel Credit Card
My ultimate goal is to travel the world in style so having a travel credit card tied to my favorite airline definitely gets me closer to that goal!