Essential Apps for Your Online Creative Business
Today I am going to talk about some useful apps that can help you run and grow your online creative businesses.
E-commerce Platform to sell- For any online business, whether it's in the creative field or not, having a platform to showcase and sell your work is essential. E-commerce platforms such as Shopify, SquareSpace, Wix, and GoDaddy offer a convenient solution for setting up an online store and reaching potential customers. These platforms provide a range of tools and features to help you create professional-looking websites, manage inventory, process payments, and track sales. However, it's important to note that setting up an online store, even with these user-friendly platforms, requires a certain amount of time and effort.
If the idea of setting up and managing your own online store seems daunting or overwhelming, there is an alternative option: online marketplaces like Etsy. These platforms provide a simpler and more straightforward way to start selling your products online. However, it's worth noting that while online marketplaces offer ease of setup and a built-in customer base, they may come with limitations in terms of customization and features compared to standalone e-commerce platforms.
A way to ship your work- A shipping app which can be integrated with your e-commerce platform so you can ship to every part of the world. Isn't that the whole point of an online store? To reach people outside your local community. Therefore, it's important to have a reliable method for delivering your products to your customers and patrons across the globe.
A social media platform for marketing- Use a social media platform like Instagram to showcase your work and reaching a wider audience. Once you have an online shop set-up, people are not going to discover it on its own. You need a social media channel to talk about and share your work- to market your work. This applies not only to your own website but also to your Etsy store. By using Instagram and other social media platforms, you can increase your brand's visibility, attract the right customers, and create meaningful connections with your audience.
A video editing app- Its the world of short form video and Reels are great way to grow and reach more people. And to make the process easy, I use a video editing app call Inshot on my phone. Its easy to use and has a free version with all the features you will need to create and edit your reels.
A graphic design tool- like Canva which offers a wide range of tools and templates specifically designed to boost social media marketing- be it creating social media posts, stories, or lead magnets for your newsletters. Even their free version has all the features you'll need to start and grow.
An email service provider- like flodesk or convertkit, so you can create and send beautiful emails with valuable content, offers, and updates to your subscribers. Having an engaged email list is one of the most valuable assets in any business. With these platforms, you can easily design eye-catching emails that reflect your brand's personality, schedule automated campaigns to nurture your audience, and track metrics to understand what resonates with your subscribers. In short, they make email marketing a breeze.
A planning/ productivity tool or app- They're absolute game-changers for keeping your business organized and running smoothly! Personally, I'm a huge fan of Notion. It's like my very own business operating system, holding all my ideas, email drafts, campaign plans, and even notes for online classes. Whether I'm brainstorming new ideas, drafting content, or managing ongoing projects, Notion keeps everything neatly organized and easily accessible. If you're looking to streamline your workflow and boost productivity, I highly recommend Notion.
These are just a few of the high-impact apps and platforms that keep my business running smoothly. As a solo-preneur, I rely on these tools to track and manage many of my projects effectively. They're not only essential for productivity but also help me maintain my sanity!
I'm curious, what are your favorite apps, tools, or platforms that you use in your business? Do let me know!
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