Creative Business Resources

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It’s been a while since I updated some of my favorite business resources. And as all things, they have changed over time. I know not all of you are a furniture painter like me, but if you are a creative entrepreneur of any kind – these will come in handy! I’ll explain what I use each tool for and what I like about them as we go.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you use them. All opinions are my own, and I’ve purchased/used each of these resources. To see my full disclosure policy, click here.


Tools

 

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ConvertKit

ConvertKit is the program I use for sending out emails.  I switched over to them from MailChimp and was surprised at how easy and seamless the switch was.  It is extremely easy to write emails to my readers to keep them up to date with what’s going on and new blog posts.  ConvertKit has made it super easy to create landing pages, sign up forms, etc. and to keep all my reader’s info safe and organized.  Cannot say enough about this platform – if you are looking for a new email provider, look no further! Click here to find out more. 

Tailwind

I use Tailwind to schedule and publish content to Pinterest.  It’s very helpful because it automates the publishing for you so you don’t have to go in and upload a pin at a time.  It also tells you the best times to publish and allows you to publish that way.  Tailwind also has Tribes, a feature that allows you to curated and pin content from other creatives.  This has certainly helped grow my Pinterest traffic (and now it’s available for Instagram too).  Click here to find out more. 

 

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KW Finder

If you dive into blogging, you’ll need to know about this tool.  It helps you identify key words that people are searching for.  This is important because it helps you serve your audience better by giving them the content they are looking for.  I also think finding keywords is really helpful for relevant hashtags and writing good pin and product descriptions.  Click here to find out more. 

SendOwl

SendOwl is a tool that is great for any kind of downloadable product.  I use it for all my online tutorials, and my ebook.  As soon as someone purchases something from my site, SendOwl automatically sends them an email with the info.  It’s a great inexpensive tool that is easy to use and so helpful for automation! Click here for more info! 

 

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Shopify

Shopify is my online store platform.  Easy to use and set up to give an online storefront.  I use this to track my sales as well as take in person payments if I’m at an event.  Easy to use card reader and tools to help your shop look and be it’s best for your customers.  Click here to find out more. 

Fresh Books

No one likes to talk about accounting for small business.  My husband handles the numbers in our household, but for my business, I use Fresh Books.  It’s extremely easy to use on a day to day basis to keep track of sales and expenses.  It connects to all your cards and accounts so the info is coming in automatically.  Create quotes and invoices that look professional and are super easy for your customer to pay. Running reports is easy with this system, I couldn’t be more pleased with how easy it is to use and how well it keeps me organized! Click here to find out more. 

 

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Now for the business courses. I’m a continual learner when it comes to business.  I love to think of new ways to serve my audience and make more money.  Taking online business courses has helped me really learn new ways of online business.   Finding a community within each of these courses has been THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF ANY OF THESE.  Knowing you are doing business along side other creative people can be the most encouragement you need to keep going. 

There is much I could say about each of these courses/memberships, but I’ll keep it short.  If you ever have a question on any of these, feel free to drop me a note!  

Training

Jennifer Allwood’s Inner Circle

I was in Jennifer Allwood’s group for a couple of years.  It’s best suited to those just starting on their creative business journey.  She has tons of training, and inspiration to get you going and to help you think of your business in new ways.  I’ve met several business buddies in this group that I’ve grown along side as we work on our own passions in business.  This is a comprehensive training group covering all the popular social medias, ways to make money online, affiliate training and more.  Click here to find out more! 

 

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Gina Luker’s Badass Blogging Bootcamp

If you want to focus on blogging, this is the course for you.  Take a deep dive into blogging, by finding keywords, optimizing SEO, email marketing and so much more.  Gina covers it all in her course, it’s a weekend bootcamp, all online and Gina is there with you LIVE to help you with your business questions.  She is one of the kindest teachers and will never leave a student behind.  Get ready to take notes and dive deep into blogging in this course, it will change the way you look at your blogging potential and prove to you that blogging IS NOT DEAD! Click here to find out more!

Nicole Walters 1K1Day

This course will blow your mind.  Nicole Walters is a corporate trained consultant, so she goes about business a bit differently than most.  She explains the true nature of business, helping your find your God given gifts and teaching you how to make them profitable.  She knows her business stuff!  It’s presented in a super organized manner so you know exactly how to get through the information in the way that will help you the best.  Can’t say enough about this course, if you don’t do anything else this year – DO THIS ONE! Click here to learn more! 

 

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Affiliate Marketing for Bloggers

This class was my first dive into affiliate marketing, covering all the basis of getting you set up to promote the links of the products you use and love.  Tasha is very comprehensive in her teaching and teaches you the proper way to do things (she was a lawyer in her past profession).  Lot’s of great information here, and if you’ve never done anything with affiliate sales, start here!