The Best Online Tools for Solo Startup Service Businesses
Over the past several years it's been a steep learning curve on how to set up and run my own business. Going from humble beginnings as a hobby-blogger, in 2009, to now at the time of writing mother of three, entrepreneur, and service provider.... I'm still humbled by how much more there is to learn every single day.
The journey has included:
- Online communities grown from zero to several thousands, twice now.
- Many tens of thousands of dollars working with mentors and experts.
- Industry-specific courses and qualifications.
- Pivoting, rebranding, restructuring
- Making other J.O.B's the side hustle and my business projects, my main focus.
- Swings and roundabouts, ups and downs, and many hours of both laughing AND crying.
Some of the milestones have been brilliant.
— Reaching my first 10K
— Reaching an audience of 20K (a vanity metric, but still meaningful in impact)
— Testimonials and ratings that are positive and speak to the purpose of the business landing where it is supposed to, with those we serve.
Below are some links to tools that I have found extremely helpful in getting from 'there' to 'here' and beyond.
Kajabi All in One Online Business Platform
When it comes to an all-in-one business in a box, nothing beats kajabi for me. I have been using it now for more than 3 years and it has not disappointed. On the one cloud-based platform I am managing so many key aspects of the business that it negates the need for several other services that once added up would far exceed the cost.
- web page design and editing is easy once you learn how (very visual)
- blog
- podcast
- course and/or membership content
- unlimited offer/checkouts
- 3 'products' included on the basic plan
- online community
- branding
- payments (Stripe and Apple Pay)
- email contacts and direct mailouts
- web analytics, and sales tracking
- creator studio
- apps for people to be able to access your course or membership material
I could go on, but the list seems long enough already. Email me with any questions at [email protected] with the heading 'Kajabi Q' and I'd be more than happy to show you through how I use it.
You can access a 30-day FREE trial here and see for yourself.
Booktopia for Learning, Learning, Learning all the time....
This one kind of speaks for itself, but needless to say I am reading a lot of books to keep up to date both on the best practice for businesses like ours, AND the self-development that this kind of bold process necessitates.
Curious as to my favourites? Head to this post to see what's on my 'bookshelf'.