9 of the Best Automation Tools for Your Biz
*updated to reflect 9 of our favorite tools as of 2023
“Systems” and “automations” may be buzzwords these days, but it’s for good reason. Automating elements of your business is one of the best ways to get you out of the trenches so you can take back your time. But they can also be overwhelming as heck when you're trying to decide which system to implement and which tool to use.
So we’re breaking it down for you. These are 9 of the best automation tools for your business, and trust us, we’ve tried so many before we landed on these can’t-live-without-them token nine. Let us know in the comments if you use one of them or plan on implementing one of them!
1. Flodesk for email MARKETING
Perfect your Freedom Funnel and email nurture sequences with this tool — it’s one of my favorites! Flodesk generates beautifully designed email campaigns that people actually want open and that match your brand. Use my referral link for 50% off your first year.
Why is having an email nurture sequence necessary when someone joins your list? It is the best way to nurture your incoming leads while you sleep, and deeper connections lead to more sales.
2. Planoly for INSTAGRAM
If your goal is cohesiveness, this is the tool for you. Planoly is a visual planner and social media scheduler designed to perfect your feed. Maintain your stunning aesthetic with this easy to use program and plan your social calendar ahead of time. Try it for free, or use our link and save 50% off your first month!
3. Stripe for online payments
Payments and bills: never fun, but always important. We get asked all the time if biz owners need more than just PayPal, and we always say, “yes!” More ways to pay you = more paying clients.
Stripe uses its technology to make sending and receiving bills an afterthought. The program ranges from online to in-person retailers to subscription services, checking all the boxes.
4. honeybook for booking meetings or consults
I used to use Calendly, but now HoneyBook makes it easy for me to use the Calendar or Lead Forms. Stoked to have to connect one less app. And just like in those other calendar apps, you can connect it to your calendar, so it auto-populates. Use my link for 50% off your first year! (Updated Sept. 2023)
5. Honeybook for CRM + Invoicing
HoneyBook can really act as a one-stop-shop for small businesses. It is designed to keep you on track and provides other important resources like workflows for communicating with clients and contact forms.
If you need support when it comes to invoicing clients and managing leads, check out HoneyBook. If it feels like the right fit for your biz, use my referral link for 50% off your first year! (Because who doesn’t love a good deal.)
6. FB auto messenger for managing customer questions
This is a lifesaver! I never want a client or potential client to feel ignored, but with a busy schedule, I can’t be ready with a response to messages at all times of the day. This sends immediate thank yous or quick responses to FAQs. Especially if you get a lot of messages or questions a day, utilize auto messenger to get quick replies out (and improve your response score). You can set up auto responders on your Instagram account now, too!
7. Tailwind for Pinterest growth
Tailwind changed the way I will use Pinterest forever! It allows you to plan and schedule pins you want to post and also things you want to pin yourself.
Another great feature Tailwind offers is the “tribes.” These are networks based on categories you are interested in. You can find us in several of the lady boss tribes! It is a great way to connect with other business owners and improve engagement on your own page.
8. Sunsama for planning your days
If you’re using more than one tool to plan your days, like Asana, Trello, Slack, and a digital calendar, you want to know about Sunsama. It brings everything together in one place so you can plan a more mindful — and more productive day. Or as the founders describe it, “We are a system of doing good work consistently without burning out.” Sign us up!
“I’ve been using it religiously and it is giving me a much clearer view on how I’m using my time, and I love that you can declare and keep an eye on your weekly goals as you plan your days. I also love the Daily Planning Ritual and the Shut Down Ritual it prompts each day. Finally, an app that gets those of us who don’t want to hustle all day but do want to create meaningful work".” ~ our founder, Tiffany
9. Kajabi for online course creation
If you're a coach or course creator, I love using Kajabi for online courses. Try Kajabi for yourself with a 28-day extended free trial! Kajabi is a great one-stop shop option, since you can build a website, landing pages for offerings, and email sequences all within the app.
Don’t need all that? Teachable is a slightly more affordable option if you don’t need all the bells and whistles, or if you only plan on having one course and you want to dip your toes in the water to see how it goes. You can always upgrade to Kajabi down the road once your course is a smashing success and you want to start offering more!
BONUS TOOL: collective for bookkeeping
If bookkeeping keeps you in the weeds, check out Collective. It’s an all-in-one bookkeeping and tax preparation service for solopreneurs, and they’ll even help you set up your LLC or SCorp paperwork! At only $299/mo (or less if you pay annually), it’s sort of a no-brainer.
As business owners, our hands are typically full, to say the least. These 9 tools are the perfect resources for creating continuity in your business and removing some of that entrepreneurial stress. Check them out and don’t be afraid to let us know in the comments below how much more ease you feel in your days thanks to these apps and programs!
Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this blog post, which means we may receive commissions for purchases made through these links. We wouldn’t recommend them if we didn’t personally believe in them and use them for our business. Thank you in advance for your support and we hope you find our suggestions valuable as you grow your business!
Pin It For Later:
GUIDES: