In the realm of professional growth, there comes a pivotal moment for many individuals when the…
The Tools You Need for Online Business
This article contains valuable information and resources for starting your own online business, including tips and tools specific to each category. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of everything you will need, but rather a helpful guide to get you started.
If you’re interested in learning more about starting an online business, please send an email to info@womenentrepreneurs.com and we’ll provide you with your options.
Here is a list of the tools you’ll need for each category to start your online business:
Tools for Online Businesses
Graphic Design
To incorporate graphic design into your online business, you will need a variety of tools, including graphic design software, such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, design templates, and access to stock images or photography.
Additionally, you may want to consider hiring a professional graphic designer or outsourcing design work to ensure that your branding and visual elements are consistent and effective in representing your business. Listed below are some of our favorite websites for creating graphics, logos, and more:
- Canva – https://www.canva.com/
- 99 Designs – https://99designs.ca/
- Penji – https://penji.co/
- PicMonkey – https://www.picmonkey.com/
- Scrivener – https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview
Wacom Intuos Graphics Drawing Tablet
A graphic drawing tablet that has 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity provides precision and control when drawing, painting, and editing photos in almost any software program. Additionally, Chromebook-certified products meet Google’s compatibility standards and are compatible with Chromebooks.
Payment Processing & Financing
When it comes to payment processing and financing for your online business, you will need to set up a payment gateway that integrates with your websites. You should also consider offering various payment methods, such as credit cards, debit cards, and e-wallets, to make the purchasing process as easy and convenient as possible for your customers. For payment processing, budgeting, and invoicing, we recommend the following tools:
- PayPal – https://www.paypal.com/
- Stripe – https://stripe.com/
- Freshbooks – https://www.freshbooks.com/
- Mint – https://www.mint.com/
- Shopify – https://www.shopify.com/
Project Management & File Sharing
To effectively manage projects and share files for your online business, you will need project management software and file-sharing tools.
Project Management
Project management software can help you organize and track tasks, deadlines, and team collaboration. Some popular project management tools include the following:
- Trello – https://trello.com/
- Asana – https://asana.com/
- Basecamp – https://basecamp.com/
- Evernote – https://evernote.com/
- Quire – https://quire.io/
- Omni Focus – https://www.omnigroup.com/omnifocus/
- Togl – https://toggl.com/plan/task-management-tool
File Sharing
For file sharing, you may also want to consider using the following. These tools allow you to store and share files securely and efficiently with your team and clients.
- G Suite (formerly Google Apps) – https://gsuite.google.com/
- Google Drive / Google Docs – https://www.google.com/intl/en/drive/
- Dropbox – https://www.dropbox.com/
Social Media: Marketing & Management your Online Business
To effectively market and manage your online business on social media, you will need a social media strategy and management tools.
Your social media strategy should define your target audience, the platforms you will use, the type of content you will create, and the metrics you will use to measure success.
Social media management tools can help you manage and schedule your social media posts across multiple platforms, track engagement and metrics, and analyze your social media performance.
Here are some social media marketing tools to help you easily execute your strategy:
- Hootsuite – https://hootsuite.com/
- Later – https://later.com/
- Edgar – https://meetedgar.com/
- CoSchedule – http://coschedule.com/
- Buffer – https://buffer.com/
- Missinglettr – https://missinglettr.com/
- Zoho Social – https://www.zoho.com/social/
Landing Pages & Email List Building
To effectively build your email list and create high-converting landing pages for your online business, you will need landing page software and email marketing tools.
Landing page software can help you create visually appealing and conversion-optimized landing pages that capture leads and encourage visitors to take action. While email marketing can help you build and manage your email list, create email campaigns, and track your email marketing performance.
By implementing effective landing pages and email marketing strategies, you can build a loyal subscriber base and drive sales for your online business.
- Leadpages – https://www.leadpages.net/
- Thrive Themes – https://thrivethemes.com/
- Unbounce – https://unbounce.com/
- Instapage – https://unbounce.com/
- Sumo – https://sumo.com/
Email Marketing & CRM
To succeed in online business, managing your email list is crucial since it is your most valuable asset. Building relationships with potential and existing customers is important for growth, and the following email service providers and customer relationship management (CRM) platforms are recommended:
- ConvertKit – https://convertkit.com/
- Weave – https://www.getweave.com/en-ca/small-business/
- MailChimp – https://mailchimp.com/
- MailMunch – https://www.mailmunch.com/
- Aweber – https://www.aweber.com/
- ActiveCampaign – https://www.activecampaign.com/
- Infusionsoft – https://www.infusionsoft.com/
- MailGenius – https://www.mailgenius.com/
Outsourcing
Outsourcing is the practice of delegating tasks or services to an external provider, typically in a different geographic location, in order to reduce costs, improve efficiency, or access specialized skills or resources.
There are several benefits to outsourcing, including cost savings, increased flexibility, access to specialized expertise, and improved focus on core business activities. However, it’s important to carefully consider the potential risks and challenges, such as language barriers, cultural differences, and quality control issues, before outsourcing.
Some websites can connect you with highly qualified freelancers and virtual assistants who can assist you with your work.
- Fiverr – https://www.fiverr.com/
- Upwork – https://www.upwork.com/
- Virtual Staff Finder – http://www.virtualstafffinder.com/
- Rev – https://www.rev.com/
HP OfficeJet 3830 All-in-One Wireless Printer
The HP color inkjet photo printer offers a range of features including copy, scan, fax, wireless printing, AirPrint, touchscreen, Instant Ink readiness, and more. With the HP Smart app, you can perform tasks like setting up your printer, scanning from your smartphone, ordering toner, and printing from the cloud, including iCloud, Dropbox, and Google Drive.
Communication & Scheduling
Communication is a crucial aspect of any successful business, whether it involves customers, teams, vendors, or others in the industry. Thus, a reliable tool is necessary to manage such communications effectively. Here are some of the top recommendations for managing communications and scheduling calls:
- Skype – https://www.skype.com/en/
- Google Hangouts – https://hangouts.google.com/
- Slack – https://slack.com/
- Voxer – https://voxer.com/
- Help Scout – https://www.helpscout.net/
- Calendly – https://calendly.com/
- ScheduleOnce – http://www.scheduleonce.com/
Market Research & Analytics
To succeed in online business, it’s important to conduct market research and understand the needs of your customers as well as the latest trends in your industry. There are several tools available on your website to help you with this, including resources for identifying industry trends, surveying your audience and customers, and gaining a better understanding of your market.
- Google Analytics – https://www.google.com/analytics
- BuzzSumo – http://buzzsumo.com/
- Google Trends – https://trends.google.com/trends/
- Typeform – http://typeform.com/
Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
The Rose Gold QC 35 headphones II are a limited edition and come equipped with three levels of noise cancellation, ensuring an exceptional audio experience in any environment. Additionally, these headphones are Alexa-enabled, allowing for hands-free access to music, information, and more.
Webinar platforms
Hosting a webinar is a popular tool for starting an online business. It can be used to promote a product or service or educate your audience about industry topics. Here are some recommended platforms for hosting webinars, as suggested by the online business community:
- Zoom – https://zoom.us/
- Demio – https://demio.com/
- WebinarJam – https://www.webinarjam.com/
- GoToWebinar – https://www.gotomeeting.com/webinar
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Papalook 1080P Full HD PC Webcam
With the papalook PA452 Webcam, you can enjoy high-quality 1920*1080P HD widescreen video chat, take pictures, and record videos. The webcam also comes with a built-in noise-cancelling microphone, ensuring that your voice is heard clearly without background noise. Your chat partner will appreciate the crisp and clear audio quality, even without using a separate headset.
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