Online business as a coach, consultant, service provider, or course creator is incredible because there are not a lot of upfront costs vs what is associated with other businesses. You don’t have inventory to sell, because what you are selling is transformation… you’re selling a solution to a problem in the form of a digital exchange… whether that’s an online course, an online program, a service, or coaching – all you have to do is just show up and help people get the results that are after. You don’t have a lot of overhead to run an online business so your ability to make a profit fairly quickly is extraordinary. 

However, there are some key tools you will want to invest in to make your business run smoothly as you have to both market to your dream clients so that they see you are the obvious choice to help them get to where they want to be AND not get burnt out in the process. 

The business tools you invest in are invaluable in the longevity of your business to help you reach your dream clients, warm them up, and get them so excited to work with you. When you invest in the right tools, you will be able to create a freedom business that doesn’t take much of your time to run because it’s running on its own for you! 

SO what are those business tools that will help you to bring in leads and sales while you sleep?

I have been in business since 2008… so I have tried and tested ALL OF THE TOOLS and these are the ones that rise to the top as my favorite tools for running my own online businesses and helping my clients run theirs. 

Full disclosure: Many of the below tools are affiliate links which means I’ll be compensated at no additional charge if you click on the link and purchase the tool or program. I only recommend what I 100% believe in and use myself and with my clients. These are tried and tested and have been used for years. 

For Your Website:

• WordPress (the .org version – which needs a hosting platform. I recommend Flywheel above all others!)
• Flywheel hosting (click here to learn more about flywheel and why it’s the best hosting for WordPress)
• Divi Theme from Elegant Themes to give you the framework to build your site on WordPress
• Website in a Week Workshop Online Program – If you want to learn how to build your website step-by-step, this is the program for you!

For Your Email Marketing System:

• Ontraport
• Sales on Autopilot Instant Free Training (learn more about Ontraport here)

If you’re just getting started and need something basic for now:

• MailChimp or ConvertKit

For Housing Your Online Courses:

• You can do this with Ontraport on its own
• Or you can use Kajabi as an alternative 

For Your Design Software 

• Canva (easy for any entrepreneur to learn & use!)

Along with that, I recommend some great stock sites for finding imagery!

• Pexels
• Unsplash
• HauteStock
• Pixistock
• Creative Market

Favorite Recording and Video Tools:

• Blue yeti mic
• Lighting kit
• Teleprompter app
• Camtasia

For Project Management:

• Your digital calendar for time blocking (Get this with Google or the calendar on your Mac)
• Monday Hour One Online Course (everyone needs this system as their starting place) by Brooke Castillo, Lauren Cash and Tyson Bradley
• Trello

I keep this page updated with the latest I am using so you’re always in the know of what I’m finding are the very best tools to use!

When you’re running an online business, there are a wealth of tools that you can use. Everyone has their own opinion of what works best and why it works. It can quickly become really daunting to follow everyone’s opinions… So I suggest starting from your place of power… which means…

What is that goal that you are specifically after in your business right now?

You want to always start from that place. 

Then, what tool is going to be the MOST EFFECTIVE to go with that will allow you to accomplish what you want and help you to grow and scale the most in your business at the same time. That is what you want to go with! Do that, and you will grow.