business in a box
I’ve tested more tools than I care to admit... some amazing, some forgettable, and some that made me want to throw my laptop out the window. These are the keepers: the tools I trust enough to use in my own business (and with client work).
Some links are affiliate, which means I may earn a commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. But I only share what I actually use, love, and would recommend even if I weren’t an affiliate.
For the backbone of your online business – email hosting, website frameworks.
A non-negotiable for my business: email, calendar, docs, and drive all in one. I love how seamlessly it integrates across everything I do (and with client accounts). If you’re starting fresh, this is the first tool I’d set up.
Bonus: The button below gives you 10% off your first year.
My go‑to hosting for WordPress sites: affordable, reliable, and beginner‑friendly. Perfect if you want to launch fast without tech headaches.
Bonus: You get 60% off hosting and a free domain when you click the button below.
This is the framework I used to build my own site. It's built for conversions and easy to customize.
And if you hire me to build your site? I’ll include Thrive free. (No need to spend hundreds on extra plug‑ins. You get everything you need for funnels, opt‑ins, and page building is built right in).
The best platform I’ve found for e-commerce. It's scalable, easy to use, and perfect if you’re selling physical products.
An email marketing platform that’s shockingly powerful but beginner‑friendly. This is perfect for small businesses and creators starting to scale. Feature-packed plans start at like $9 a month!
For creating, managing, and optimizing your content – from social scheduling to video editing and automation.
Social scheduling and analytics in one place. It'll keep you organized across multiple platforms so that you can see what's on your calendar (and you can track results to see what's actually working).
I use this daily for graphics, presentations, and social content. No design degree required, and the tools (and AI app integrations) keep getting better.
Just drag, drop, and done.
Not just for grammar nerds... it catches typos and awkward phrasing. Great for everything from emails to blog posts.
Pro Tip: Install the browser extension to unlock auto suggestions.
Free, easy video editing for Reels, TikToks, and short‑form content. Makes editing feel doable (even if you’re not a video pro).
I’ve used Surfer SEO since 2017 to take the guesswork out of ranking, not just on Google, but now in AI‑powered search results too. It analyzes what’s already winning and gives you clear steps to create content that climbs fast.
Want to know exactly what your competitors are ranking for (and how to outrank them)? Semrush is my go-to for keyword research, SEO audits, and traffic insights that give me (and my clients) an edge.
Bonus: Use the link below and get a 7-day free trial.
The easiest way to turn Instagram and Facebook DMs into automated sales funnels. ManyChat helps me set up keyword triggers, auto-replies, and lead captures, so conversations happen even while you sleep.
It's like having a friendly little robot assistant living in your inbox.
Bonus: Use the link below for 30% off for 3 months!
For staying organized, focused, and always leveling up.
Most small businesses hit a point where you can’t (and shouldn’t) do everything yourself. VWS trains and certifies VAs, so when you’re ready to delegate, whether it’s 5 hours a week or full-time, you’re getting someone vetted, reliable, and ready to plug into your systems.
Michelle, who runs it, is the best in the business (and the person I’d trust to find me help).
Book summaries and habit tracking all in one spot. This app is my favorite for learning on the go without getting overwhelmed.
If you've got a goal to read a bunch of books this year but reading puts you to sleep or you don't want the full audible, Headway is the best!
I’m not a gadget person. But there are a few pieces of gear that make running a business a lot less chaotic. Think posture fixes, workspace organizers, and backups... the kind of stuff you don’t realize you need until you have it. Most are available on Amazon, so I rounded up the exact ones I use and trust.
Quick wins you can grab right now. These are the templates and guides I actually use myself.
Step-by-step breakdown of every element that makes a welcome email convert, including subject line, hook, value, and CTA.