One super intimidating thing for me when just starting out was understanding all the tech I needed.
So. Many. Things… right, Dani?
Because while there is a really low barrier of entry to start an online business, once you get traction, you *need* to begin making investments to better operate your business.
Let’s face it, the free version of mail chimp can only take you so far (been there!).
I often get questions about what my software stack looks like in my business, so I wanted to put together a list with reviews for you.
At the end of the day, the best software for YOUR business is the one that works for you… so feel free to trial and test different ones out until you’ve found the one that helps move your business forward.
Note that there are some referral links in here, which means if you use any of these links, I may earn a small commission… know that I never recommend anything that I haven’t successfully used – either on myself or other clients.
1. Email Service Provider, Membership Software, Funnel Builder: FG Funnels
Oof has this software been a trip! If you followed my journey with them, you may know that I had a really rocky migration and was quite unhappy at the beginning… It goes to prove to ride something through, and give yourself time to iron out the kinks… Because my review on them now is ABSOLUTELY glowing.
I couldn’t be happier with the capabilities and possibilities with this software. I’ve been able to cancel my Active Campaign, Podia, and Clickfunnels accounts, and downsize my zapier. It also has robust affiliate software which I can switch over from Thrivecart in the future. I even gained a CRM and text messaging software with them to boot. They have super quick advancement with what’s getting developed, amazing customer service (which was my main reason for leaving Clickfunnels), and having an all-in-one software has been night and day for my business. I can’t recommend them enough.
2. Checkout Software, Affiliate Software, and Course Platform (new!): ThriveCart
I use ThriveCart for some of my product checkout pages (I didn’t migrate every single funnel to FG, as a couple that were on ThriveCart were still converting really well and I didn’t want to fiddle with it). I felt okay keeping them on ThriveCart because they have pay-once and never again software, so it doesn’t cost me any extra. Yep, no monthly software payments!
As a huge added perk, ThriveCart has recently added a course hosting platform, which means you could get rid of software like Teachable and Thinkific. I highly recommend this software for your Checkout + Course hosting platform, especially if you’re new and don’t want to commit to monthly payments. Otherwise, look above at FG Funnels!
3. Proposals, Scheduling Software: Dubsado
While I could switch this stuff over to FG, I absolutely love what Dubsado provides me: super clean proposals for great customer experiences and workflows. The reason I keep staying? Top-notch customer service. I’ve always been the person that is happy to pay for something when I receive great service, and this couldn’t be more true with Dubsado. While I personally don’t use it to its fullest potential, Dubsado does have the ability for a CRM, bookkeeping software, questionnaires, time tracking, and more.
4. Website: Showit
This is another one that I could switch over to FG, but I’m happy with the look of my website [danipaige.com] and would rather just keep it as is, because hiring a designer would ultimately be much more than my monthly subscription with them. I had a bit of a learning curve with Showit, but because my designer did such a lovely job, I really don’t need to go into this software too often.
5. Business Training: The Passive Project
There are so many amazing membership options out there, but I always felt like when I was in a few of them, I wasn’t able to put enough time in to get enough out. So I’ve scaled back my business-building memberships all down to one place – The Passive Project. This is my go-to place for learning to scale up my business (which I can thank for the recent setup of my evergreen funnel and long-term nurture sequence). If you are a scaling course creator, I can’t recommend this community with Gemma Bonham-Carter enough.
6. Project Management Tool: Jury’s still out…
I’ve made the mistake in the past of promoting a product, but later realizing that it didn’t work for me. That’s why I want to be certain 100% that I’m in love with products I recommend, and why I’m not making any current referrals under this category. In full transparency, finding a PM software that works for me has been daunting! As much as I tried the Trellos and the Asana’s, everything still ended up in my Google calendar… I’ve heard amazing things about ClickUp, but my team and I are currently giving Notion a shot. So TBD here!
These are my core software and programs that I depend on every month in my business.
I hope they’ve been helpful for you to see, and feel free to ask me questions about any of them.
Here’s to getting lean with our tech stack, finding software that works for you, and scaling your business in a fun, stress-free way.