Today we are talking about business tools.

As the huge introvert nerd that I am it should really come as no surprise to you that I am a sucker for business tools and resources, really anything tech-related.

Rest assured, I am by no means a tech wizard, I am just very into things that make my life and business easy-breezy-lemon-squeezy and can help automate any processes that I set up (think sales, content workflow, etc).

Now I know that you might be very early on in your journey in business, actually, no matter where you are on your journey, I still think you’re going to love this episode and get a lot of value out of it.

It’s never too late to get yourself organized and get stuff under control so you can operate within your business with more ease and peace of mind.

Oh and more energy!!!! ✨

 

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You don’t need all the things

So without further ado, these are tools that I believe you ACTUALLY need when starting an online business (as an introvert).

And I say the word actually because I feel like there are a lot of marketers and business coaches out there, telling you to invest in this, that, and everything and I don’t believe that to be true.

There are 3 core things you need in my honest opinion and one other thing that’s just a nice bonus when you are first starting out. 🤭

Now once you start to make decent money, are able to quit your 9-5 and are ready to scale your business from the newbie phase to a more advanced place, you can of course invest in all the bells and whistles. 

But I also know that the tools and the tech is something that deters a lot of people from actually taking the first step, to start their dream business.

They get overwhelmed, think they need ALL the things and they turn the other way (aka they don’t start at all).

I don’t want that for you. 

Okay, cue drum roll please as we get into the business tools I truly and personally believe you will need when starting your DREAM business.

 

 

TOOL #1 a website

You need a home on the internet.

While creating content on Instagram or YouTube is great!

You need somewhere to send people, for them to get to know you better, sign up for your free things, your paid things – and all the things. 

A website is still in my opinion a must-have for anyone who is serious about building a business online.

Even for coaches, even for content creators.

What happens if Instagram hits the fan? Or YouTube decides to no longer be a thing? This is probably NOT going to happen, but the thing is… it could potentially happen. Then what? 

Where’s your business? It just went *poof*

A bit of a nightmare scenario, but I like to put things into perspective. 

You need somewhere to house your story (about page), your legal pages, your blog, freebies, and offers.

By building yourself a self-hosted website you will actually OWN that online property. 

So what does this mean in technical terms? Well, I’m so glad you asked. 🥰

 

You need the following:

• A domain
• A website builder (Wix, WordPress, Showit, Squarespace)
• A host (Bluehost)

What is a host you ask? Well, a web host is where you store all your files and how your website becomes accessible on the World Wide Web. Your domain is the address and your host is the house of which your website lives in. Make sense? 🤓

You need all three.

I’m currently using WordPress + Showit (website builder) + Bluehost (web hosting).

 

 

Here’s why I don’t recommend that you go FREE. ⤵️

If you are serious about quitting your 9-5 and entering the freedom lifestyle, you have to treat your dream business like a business and invest (where necessary).

When I first started my secret blog in 2018, this was a no-brainer.

Of course, I am all in.

Of course, I am investing.

Of course, I am buying a domain for three whole years, because I am in it for the long haul.

I am in it because I know this is what’s going to help me get to my dream destination (aka quitting my 9-5 and embracing the cozy vibes lifestyle).

 

 

TOOL #2 An email service provider

You need to have an email list and always be building that list, for the same reasons as you need a website. 

We simply cannot and should not put all of our eggs into one basket (ahem Mark Zuckerburg basket that is). 

Your business cannot be dependent on the oh-so-unreliable algorithm.

What is an email service provider?

A platform that allows you to collect email subscribers.

I use, love, and recommend ConvertKit to anyone starting a business.

 

 

TOOL #3 Main content platform (long-form focus)

The last must-have tool I REALLY recommend that you have is a content platform.

And I know. How obvious right? 

But hear me out.

I’m not talking about Instagram or TikTok here.

I’m talking long-form content (blog, YouTube or podcast)

Somewhere where you can go deeper with your audience on specific topics and just provide a heck of a lot of value.

While I think having a strategy for Instagram or TikTok is great, I also think there’s a very different energy to short-form vs long-form content.

Short-form content is quick, it’s swipeable, it’s tailored for people with short attention spans.

And it’s very limiting in terms of how much value you can provide to your audience.

There are only so many characters in an Instagram caption, and only so many seconds to record a reel. 

Focus on building a relationship with your audience through long-form content, and instead, break that piece of content up into smaller portions and redistribute to short-form content platforms like Instagram, TikTok or even YouTube shorts.

 

 

People will crave more

Even though short-form content is buzzing, and everyone says to do it, we can only consume so much.

There’s still a strong human desire for more, more connection, more depth, and more value – especially for introverts.

I also believe that we’re going to see a turnaround.

People are going to get sick of seeing the same trends, the same sounds, with the same dance and generic advice they see on Instagram reels and TikTok.

People will crave MORE.

Long-form content is the answer.

That’s where you can truly build a beautiful community and a beautiful relationship with your audience because they’ll have time to get to know you and get sucked into your world. 

 

How do you know what to choose in terms of a long-form content platform? YouTube? Blog? Podcast? 

• What feels like fun?
• What feels exciting but also what is going to require you to step a little bit outside your comfort zone?
• What’s doable for you when it comes to the time you have?
• Do you have time to film and edit YouTube videos?
• Or is sitting down and talking into a microphone more doable for you?
• Maybe you prefer writing and writing is how you best express yourself?

The bottom line is…There is no right answer here but it has to excite you. 

There’s HUGE potential in all of them.

Consider your audience. 

Think about where your audience like to hang out online and their consumer behavior.  

Where is your audience? Where do they like to hang out online? Are they more into reading blogs or do they love watching YouTube videos? Try and think about your audience’s user behavior.

The most important factor here is YOU.

Doing what feels fun for YOU.

It doesn’t matter what you choose.

Your audience will find you.

When you’re showing up online in a real and authentic way because you’re enjoying where you’re showing up from, you’ll shine and you’re audience will be attracted to your vibe, and hit follow. ✨

 

 

TOOL #4 BONUS! 

This bonus tool has actually and quite literally saved my life and business, and frankly, I don’t know where I’d be without it. 

And that is a project management system.

Somewhere to get your productive and organized groove on.

Somewhere to host your workflows, your business hub, your offers, your launches – everything. 

Something that will bring a little good old structure into the business.

This is key, especially if you are serious about making this your full-time gig, which I can only assume it is.

Now there are obvs so many different options out there. 

Asana, Monday, Trello, Notion… I mean the list goes on. 

I have fallen head over heels in love with ClickUp.

I’ve actually created a whole entire course all about ClickUp, that’s how obsessed I am.

I didn’t have a project management system when I first started. I used a very messy Google Drive folder for that. Looking back, I wish I had ClickUp.

I’m not saying you need to have this in place from the get-go (that’s why it’s a bonus tool), but it sure can help to make this business thing you’ve just started feel more real, more like this is actually going to work, because look how organized and productive I am. 🤩

 

 

Phew!

These all the tools I recommend you have in place when starting your DREAMY online business.

I am so so excited for you to get started! Starting my online business journey has been the best thing I have ever done, no joke! Scouts honor. 

It allowed me to fully step into who I truly am… which is to be a free, creative introvert living her best and cozy life.

You can have it too. But you gotta get started, my love! Do it now. 🙌

It’s the perfect time.

Thanks for tuning in today. I love ya! See you in the next one. Tata! 🥰