November 1, 2021
7 min read
Run your creative business efficiently and effectively with the help of these ten tools.
Some of us creative entrepreneurs are one or two people doing the work of whole teams! Go us! With that in mind, we need business tools that not only work with us but FOR us. Here are my top 10 tools that I use on a daily basis to run my creative business.
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Planning + Scheduling
1. GoodNotes
First one is my gal, GoodNotes. From meeting notes to planning my daily tasks, the GoodNotes App first thing I open when starting my work day. Free download on iPad.
2. Calendly
For all my calendar-scheduling needs! This automated my client booking process like a dream. Send booking links to your clients and inquiries so they can pick a time that works best for them, all within your predetermined time blocks. This takes out the back and forth of emailing.
3. Later
My social followers know that I keep my grid pristine. I’m able to keep it cohesive and fun thanks to Later’s grid planning preview, cross-platform social scheduling, and industry-tailored analytics. Try it for free!
Behind the Scenes
4. Honeybook
Next on the list, is Honeybook who, if I’m being honest, is the star of the show. Honeybook is a Content Resource Management Software but it’s not just invoices and time tracking with her, no. It’s also contracts, proposals, task managing, document templates, project status, and so much more. This web program was made for creatives and freelancers like me and you.
5. QuickBooks
I’m a creative not an accountant, but the IRS needs me to be both. So until the day I hire a CPA, I’m using Quickbooks Self-Employed to manage my quarterly tax estimates, business spending, income, and revenue. If you file your taxes with TurboTax, the two integrate seamlessly making your tax season a breeze!
6. WPForms
One of my favorite WordPress website plugins, WPForms has helped me almost completely automate my client process. From the original inquiry to the post-project survey, my forms do most of the work for me while sending the results straight to my inbox. Yass girl!
Creative + Clutch
7. Figma
It’s FREE, you guys and NOT just for mocking up websites. I originally only used Figma for website mockups and collaborations. Soon after I shifted to using it for brand identity visual notes, social content moodboards, photoshoot shot list ideas, and so many other creative projects. The best part (besides it being free) is that it’s accessible via web and collaborative. I still love the adobe suite but a website is sometimes easier to pull up than launching an adobe art file.
8. Envato Elements
When I’m in a time crunch, Envato Elements has my back. Not to mention their asset library is huge and they’re always adding to it! I’m a woman of many hats and Envato is always a step ahead in regards to the type of assets I need. Graphic flyer templates, sound effects, and even background music for YouTube videos. Also, very comparable pricing for everything you get in your subscription. Check it out!
Tech Health
9. Clean My Mac
My only employee, my Macbook, needs regular health and maintenance checks. The Clean My Mac Application does just that! Running all those programs is likely filling up your computer’s cache and causing it to go slower and slowerrrrr… so clean it up. The computer app sifts through your files, folders, and memory and suggests what to wipe. This clears your RAM and keeps your Macbook functioning properly.
10. External + Digital Memory
Last one, best one – use multiple and different types of external memory to keep your files, work, projects, contracts, etc. I cannot stress enough how disappointed you’ll be if your computer just doesn’t turn on one day. My portfolio and important documents all live on an external hard drive for safekeeping. Photos and Videos are kept on a separate hard drive. Not to mention my multiple cloud storage subscriptions such as Google Drive, iCloud, and Dropbox (yes, I have all of these). I’m a back-it-up-twice kinda-gal so you probably won’t need all of these but having a couple options at your disposal is a good bet.
In Summary,
The freelancers and Creative Entrepreneurs out there can always use a helping hand. Hopefully these 10 Creative Business Tools will boost your productivity, incite your growth, and maybe make your life a little easier.
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