Software recommendations
Below you will find a list of software that I’ve tried and researched. Some of it I use myself, some of it my clients use in their business. It’s important to know that I have experience with all the software on the list, and I wouldn’t recommend something I don’t use and am happy with! Some of the links are affiliate links (*), offered at no extra cost to you.
File storage
Google Drive (for team members, create accounts for them in GSuite)
Password sharing
Lastpass (you need this for secure password sharing, never email passwords to prevent security issues)
Email Service Providers
ConvertKit* (very intuitive user interface, automations and sequences are highly customizable, the best choice for online businesses aiming for scalability and ease). I offer support with fast and complete migrations from other platforms to ConvertKit, email me for more information.
Aweber* (list based, not subscriber based, which can lead to difficulties with metrics later on, drag and drop editor, automations are pretty basic)
MailerLite* (low cost, good looking landing pages and plenty of automations options for the starting online entrepreneur)
Course platforms
Teachable* (nice user interface, well-known platform, very easy to use and to set up your courses)
Funnel Gorgeous Funnels* (all in one platform) The interface is very user friendly, the content easy to upload and organise, the tech setup is a bit more advanced but they have great customer service and once the initial setup is ready, it gives you everything. Still on beta pricing!)
Websites
Wordpress (fully customizable, not drag and drop, lots of plugins available, requires more tech knowledge and basic understanding of Java and other coding systems)
SquareSpace (fully drag and drop, front end design, easy to set up and use, perfect for quick and beautiful websites)
All-in-one solution
Funnel Gorgeous Funnels* Amazing, female founded funnel builder, which offers you a website, email marketing, strong CRM features, texting, a course/membership platform, gorgeous landing pages, integrated cart, metrics, workflows… everything you are looking for to build your online business with. Great support Facebook group available. Tech tutorials are available, if you don’t want to build it out yourself, it’s an option to hire a tech VA or OBM who can do this for you.
Kajabi (full system for online courses + website + membership site + email service provider). I’m not a fan of the landing page builders and email functionality but the membership/course platform is very good.
Project Management Software
ClickUp* (is what I use in my business and with my clients for the user-friendly interface and least expensive option, more and more people are raving about the options it offers to set up your personalized CRM, dashboards, and so much more!)
Teamwork PM* (very comprehensive tool with endless possibilities)
Asana (used often by small businesses and known by most VAs)
Social media scheduling
Publer* is a new social media scheduling tool that can do everything that I haven’t found in another tool plus the User Interface is extremely intuitive. It also offers a Link In Bio function with clickable posts.
SmarterQueue can do post rotation to all social media channels too.
Later, Planoly and Plann are great for Instagram scheduling and to create a nicely curated grid.
Time tracking
GetGekko (free, Dutch, can also be used for tracking business related travel and business expenses, reporting is possible on paid plan)
Toggl (free tool, reporting is possible only on paid plans, integrates with PM software)
Harvest (free for 1 person, 2 projects)
In case you are planning to use Dubsado*, time tracking is integrated (see below for full description of Dubsado functionality).
Video conferencing
Zoom (you can do unlimited 1:1 calls on the free plan, for groups you need the basic plan, and there is a webinar extension to host webinars, live streaming to FB possible on the paid plans)
Screen recording
Loom (ideal for recording SOPs or training team members)
Workflows and mindmaps
LucidChart (great tool for workflow design, funnels, and everything that needs a visual representation, you can create 3 workflows on a free plan)
SimpleMind Lite (free tool for simple mindmaps)
Client Management System
Dubsado* (This is an amazing tool for service providers. You can automate your complete workflows in this tool, including scheduling calls, sending emails, invoicing, sending and receiving forms and contracts to have the client fill out electronically. Everything is stored in a central portal for the client and yourself to access. All customizable and adjusted to your brand. Through my link you get 20% off your first month or year.)