#015: My Must-Have Tools for Starting and Scaling an Online Business

When I was first getting my online business off the ground, I remember sitting at my kitchen table with a notebook full of ideas and absolutely no clue what tech I needed to bring them to life.

Google was no help—just a rabbit hole of opinions and endless software options that left me feeling more stuck than supported.

So if you’re in that messy middle of figuring out what tools are actually worth it (and which ones you can skip for now), this episode is for you.

I’m pulling back the curtain and walking you through the exact tools I use to run my online business—from email marketing to payment processing—and how each one plays a role in keeping things smooth, strategic, and (mostly) stress-free.

Let’s Keep It Simple: Why You Don’t Need All the Tools

Before we dive into the list, a little truth bomb: You don’t need a million tools to run a successful business.

You just need the right ones—the ones that match your goals, your business model, and your current stage of growth.

In this episode, I’m not only sharing my must-haves, but giving you permission to ignore the hype and focus on what will actually move the needle.

Email Marketing: Start Here, Always

I will shout this from the rooftops: Your email list is your most valuable business asset. Social platforms change. Algorithms get grumpy. But your list? That’s yours.

Here are the platforms I recommend (and have used):

• ConvertKit – Perfect for beginners and pros alike. Clean interface, great for automated email funnels, and super intuitive.

• Flodesk – Gorgeous templates and a flat pricing model. Ideal if aesthetics matter to your brand and you’re just getting started.

If you're serious about growing your business, start building your list yesterday.

Hosting Your Offers: Courses, Memberships & Digital Products

Once you have something to sell (a course, membership, digital product), you need a place to host it. Here's what I trust:

• Kajabi – It’s the all-in-one platform I use to run most of my offers. Sales pages, email, products, and even checkouts—Kajabi does it all.

• Podia – A more affordable alternative with solid functionality. It’s great when you’re just starting out and want simplicity without the price tag.

Choose one and stick with it—don’t overthink this.

Video + Livestream Tools I Actually Use

Whether it’s hosting a live workshop or recording content for my programs, I keep things pretty simple here:

• Zoom – The OG. I use it for everything from private calls to group coaching.

• Streamyard – My go-to for live streaming across platforms. It’s easy to use and makes me look more pro than I feel.

• Veed.io – An online video editor that’s surprisingly powerful and beginner-friendly.

• InShot – My favorite mobile app for editing short videos and Reels on the fly.

Getting Paid (Without the Tech Tantrums)

We’re in business to make an impact and make money—so let’s talk payments.

• Stripe – My primary processor. It integrates with most platforms and just works.

• PayPal – Not my fave for every scenario, but great to offer as an option if you have international clients or digital goods.

Set it up once, connect it to your platform, and you’re good to go.

Staying Organized Behind the Scenes

Running a business means managing a whole lot of moving parts—from content calendars to communication.

Here’s what I lean on:

• Airtable – My digital brain. I use it to plan launches, content, and track projects.

• Loom – For sending quick how-to videos to my team or students. Total time-saver.

• Slack – Team communication central. If you have a VA or team, this is a must.

• Voxer – I use this for voice messaging with private clients—it makes support feel more personal.

Hosting the Podcast

And if you’re thinking of starting your own podcast (or just curious how I host mine), I use:

• Buzzsprout – It’s clean, easy, and gets the job done. Plus, the analytics are actually helpful.

My Advice? Keep It Lean, Keep It Smart

Don’t let the tech slow you down. This list isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters, more efficiently.

You don’t need to be “everywhere.” You don’t need to master every tool. Just pick the ones that support where you are right now and build as you go.