This is all the technology, apps, programs, services, I use to run my business. I’ve used all of these services long enough that they’ve made my official “cut.”
Bookkeeping – Wave
FREE bookkeeping software. Lets you run basic reports and keep track of finances. You can link it to your bank accounts, if you want. I also use it for payment processing/invoicing. When customer pay through Waves there is a service charge which is based on a percentage of the transaction.
Daily Calendar Management – Best Self Journal (2019 version)
When I started working from home I realized I needed to time block my days to stay productive. For me that works best if I actually hand write & plan my days & weeks. The Best Self Journal has been my go-to tool, BUT I understand they’ve changed the format. I haven’t tried the newest version, if the changes ruined what I liked about the journal this one may end up coming off the list. But since I had a stock pile of journals I won’t know for a while if I like the newer version or not.
Earth Mail – Postable
Makes collecting physical addresses, really easy & is FREE for that functionality. When it comes book launch time I’ll probably start utilizing some of their paid services, but for now I’m just using it for data collection.
E-mail List – Mailchimp
Building an email list is the number one way I have to stay connected with readers and writers. Mailchimp is FREE up to 2,000 subscribers, (FYI I’ve had my email list for 5 years & am at 215ish subscribers.) and the free version works well for me at this time. My subscribe pop up form on this website, as well as the embedded subscribe form on NEWSLETTER page are both generated in Mailchimp and then I added code to my WordPress pages.
Graphic Design – Canva
This is how I make pretty headers, PowerPoint presentations, and social media posts. There is a FREE version. I pay for the upgraded version so it saves brand colors and a few other functionality points that are helpful to me.
Project Management – Notion
My goal is to hire assistant one day to take a lot of minor tasks off my plate. I needed a tool that was easy to use & that I could grant access to this assistant to one day. I tried a lot of other systems, but found Notion and fell in love with it. Until I hire an assistant the FREE version works for me.
Social Media Management
Hootsuite
- I use Hootsuite to schedule my evergreen social media posts (like Authorpreneurship Tips) and any promotional SM posts for upcoming events, etc.
- There is a FREE version, I pay for the upgraded Professional version for some added functionality.
- Not the most intuitive thing, but once I go the hang of it it was fine. It’s an efficiency gain, and when I hire my assistant I can grant access to my Hootsuite account.
Apps & Plugins
- Synap Apps by Synaptive – I use this for RSS feed management. All my friends who have RSS feeds load into a stream for me. This helps me repost/share/support & read my friends content in an efficient manner.
- FREE for 2 weeks & then a fee. I’m willing to pay for the efficiency gain because it’s important to me to stay current on my friends/clients blogs/websites. (& this is why I want your websites to have RSS feeds in them…)
Website
Siteground for Hosting
- I like Siteground because they have great chat customer service. (I hate talking on the phone.) The also do automatic daily backups, as well as updating your sites. The cost of their hosting includes an SSL certificate which is important for security.
- I also handle my domain name renewals through them.
- I like them enough that I actually endorse them, and here’s a referral link if you want to break up with your current hosting provider: https://www.siteground.com
WordPress for Builder
- I use WordPress because I was familiar with their blogging platform & it was a natural transition for me. 30% of websites are on WP builders, so it’s likely here to stay which I also like. There is a learning curve to it, and it takes patience until you get the hang of it.
- The theme I use is called Generate Press & I customized it extensively.
Plugins
- Plugins are additional customization(s)/features you can add to your WP sites. I try to keep them to minimum. (Less stuff to potentially break on the site.)
- Patreon WordPress – it lets me set exclusive pages for Patrons – like this one.
- WP 2FA – sets up two factor identification in order to log on to my site. Added security measure
- WP Forms – Creates customizable contact forms. Initially I used the free lite version, but I was getting a lot of spam email b/c of an issue I had several years ago. To cut down on spam I went to the lowest tier paid version and activated the reCAPTCHA function.
- Yoast SEO – Lets you add keywords & page descriptions to each page so web searches find your content easier.
3 Comments. Leave new
Jessica, I love this connection but am sure I’m treading where I have no right to (basic insecurity gremlin). I’ve watched you grow and admire your competency and grace!
I have a website, Mailchimp account, five subscribers. I’ve tested a newsletter twice to 30 friends and family (outside Mailchimp) and didn’t get any angry responses. With such non-feedback, how do I dare think anyone would care to read ‘author updates’ and such described as evergreen content.
Right now, my blog posts are essays or reveries that express my voice and relieve a bit of tension.
Do you have suggestions about mindset for a timid author-creator?
Great to hear from you Carol, and I totally understand what you’re feeling right now. It feels weird, and strange, and somehow pushy to get our work out in the world–especially when we’re starting out. Because when we write our work is us, and it feels like we’re saying, “Look at me! Look at me!” Which is super awkward for a bunch of hermit introverts who are most comfortable crafting words into stories talking only to our cats all day long.
But here’s the thing we often forget. Non-writers think being a writer is really cool. Think of how many movies (like Adaptation) and books (here’s 50 must read books about writers and that doesn’t even scratch the surface) are about writers. Hell the Beatles even sang about us. (Paperback Writer anyone?)
The non-writers of the world are curious about what we do. They want to get inside our heads. And even better if you start out sending a newsletter to your friends & family they want you to succeed.
Stop. Read that again.
There are people, including me, who want to see you succeed as a writer. They are in the sidelines cheering you on with each newsletter, post, and share. So my first bit of mindset advice anytime you notice that insecurity gremlin showing his nasty little face remind yourself, PEOPLE WANT ME TO SUCCEED. Say out loud 3 people you know believe in you & your writing. “Jessica wants me to succeed. Bob wants me to succeed. Dawn wants me to succeed.”
There are many times I want to give up on writing all together, but it’s my friends and family and readers who keep me coming back. Because on the days I can’t believe in myself I borrow my readers excitement to give me the courage to do the next “writer” thing.
Now that you’ve sent that insecurity gremlin back to his hovel, here’s my business-y newsletter advice.
1) Commit to sending a newsletter on a regular basis. Set a schedule and stick to it. i.e. my newsletter goes out on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7 a.m. no matter what. External accountability is a great motivator, and your readers will notice if you miss a post.
2) Your newsletter content doesn’t have to be perfect. Do the best you can, but when deadline comes around send it. With each send it feels less awkward. I promise.
3) Make it easy for people to sign up for the newsletter. (Perhaps a popup form on your website. Yes, they’re annoying, but they are statistically speaking very effective.)
4) Start with baby steps for marketing. If asking people to sign up for your newsletter feels too big, try asking people to go look at your website. “Hey, did you know I have a website for my writing?” and then share your url
You can do this. Your work has merit. Some reader needs your story, your insight, your voice. The only way that story will ever find it’s reader is if you’re brave enough to send it out to the world. Be brave. You’ve got this. I believe in you.
Jessica
BTW, I still miss Bob Crisman too. Have you read Dawn Downey’s essay about his funeral? Perfect.