Tools I actually use.
Not a "top 50" list padded with stuff I've never touched. These are the tools I rely on every day to run my business, create content, and help my clients get their marketing sorted.
Astro
FreeThe framework this website is built on. Lightning fast, ships zero JavaScript by default, and brilliant for content-driven sites. If you want speed, this is it.
Productivity
Brain.fm
PaidMusic designed to help you focus. Not a playlist - actual science-backed audio that gets you into deep work mode. I stick it on when I need to get my head down and get stuff done.
Content Creation
Canva
FreemiumQuick graphics without needing a designer. Social posts, presentations, thumbnails - it handles the lot. The templates alone are worth it.
AI
ChatGPT
FreemiumThe one that started it all. I use it for brainstorming, research, and quick tasks. Between this and Claude, most of my AI bases are covered.
AI
Claude Code
FreemiumMy go-to AI tool for coding, writing, and thinking things through. It built most of this website. Genuinely impressive and getting better all the time.
Development & Hosting
Cloudflare
FreemiumWhere this site is hosted. Fast, reliable, and the free tier is ridiculously generous. Handles DNS, SSL, and CDN without breaking a sweat.
Content Creation
Ecamm
PaidThe best live streaming and video production tool for Mac. I use it for webinars, live content, and recording video. Simple to use but properly powerful.
Community & Social
Still a solid platform for reaching local and service-based businesses. I use it for ads, groups, and staying visible where my audience hangs out.
Analytics
Fathom Analytics
PaidSimple, privacy-first analytics. No cookie banners needed, no complex dashboards to wade through. Just the numbers that actually matter, presented clearly.
AI
Genspark
FreeAI-powered search that actually gives you useful answers. I use it when I want properly researched responses rather than a list of links to wade through.
Development & Hosting
GitHub
FreeWhere all the code lives. Version control, collaboration, and a safety net for when things go wrong. If you're building anything, you need this.
Productivity
Google Workspace
PaidGmail, Docs, Drive, Calendar - the basics done well. It runs the day-to-day. Nothing flashy, but everything works and plays nicely together.
Development & Hosting
GTmetrix
FreemiumTests how fast your website loads and tells you exactly what to fix. I use it to make sure every site I work on is properly quick. Speed matters more than most people think.
Finance
Hubdoc
PaidPulls in bills and receipts automatically and sends them straight to Xero. No more chasing paperwork or losing invoices. Connects to Xero seamlessly.
Productivity
LastPass
FreemiumPassword manager that remembers everything so I don't have to. One master password, and every login is sorted. If you're still reusing passwords, get this today.
Community & Social
My main social platform for connecting with business owners. If you want to find me posting about marketing, this is where it happens.
Content Creation
Loom
FreemiumPerfect for quick videos. Client walkthroughs, feedback, internal updates - hit record, talk, send. No editing needed. Saves so much back and forth over email.
Productivity
Notion
FreemiumMy second brain for business. SOPs, project plans, client work, content calendars - it all lives in Notion. Flexible enough to work however you think.
Productivity
Obsidian
FreeWhere I do my thinking. Notes, ideas, connections between topics - it's like a personal wiki that actually makes you smarter over time. Markdown-based and works offline.
Community & Social
Skool
PaidWhere The Marketing Portal community lives. Simple, clean, and focused on what matters - courses, discussions, and actually helping people. No distractions.
Content Creation
Tella
FreemiumMy go-to for bigger video projects. Polished editing tools, nice transitions, and the finished product looks professional without needing a production team.
Productivity
TextExpander
PaidType a few letters, get a whole paragraph. Saves me hours on repetitive typing - email replies, common explanations, links I share all the time. One of those tools you wonder how you lived without.
CRM & Email
The Portal OS
PaidOur own CRM and email marketing platform. Built on GoHighLevel, it handles contacts, automations, email sequences, forms, and booking - all in one place.
Productivity
Todoist
FreemiumSimple task management that just works. I've tried them all and keep coming back to this one. Quick to add tasks, easy to organise, and it stays out of your way.
Finance
Xero
PaidCloud accounting that makes invoicing, expenses, and bank reconciliation painless. My accountant loves it too, which makes both our lives easier.
No tools in this category yet. Check back soon.
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you sign up through them. It doesn't cost you anything extra. I only recommend tools I genuinely use and believe in - if something's on this page, it's because it's good, not because it pays me.
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