You may be a solopreneur, entrepreneur, blogger, influencer, freelancer, or perhaps not yet but planning on it. As a self-improvement blogger, I use different online tools and many have a free version. If you’re wondering about some handy ways to work, read my article.
I’ll put together a list of 35 apps, software, and platforms… Most of them are digital products that I use and would like to share with my readers (many of whom are also bloggers, solopreneurs, or entrepreneurs). I believe that we can all make use of some great tools.
Here they are:
Free stock photos
Pexels is a popular free stock photo website. I use it often. I also take photos with my mobile phone for Instagram. As I’m not a professional photographer and still improving on my skills, I use Pexels for my blog for a better effect.
Graphics
I use Canva for my images. In addition to free stock photos, I go further and customize the work with text and icons. I even upload my photos and videos. For videos, I use page and text animation. Music is available, but I like recording my voice-overs and insert the clips into videos. It’s more personalized this way.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate and referral links. It means that if you click on a link and make a purchase or join a platform, then I’ll receive a commission (at no additional cost to you).
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Editing
For photo editing, I like Google Photos and Inshot for my mobile phone photography. To edit audio, I use Audacity. If you use a DSLR or mirrorless camera, then you need other software.
Writing
Grammarly is great for spell checking and grammar correction, suggests synonyms, and auto-corrects. I have it on my laptop and phone. It’s an absolute must-have for bloggers.
Catchy headlines
Headline Studio by CoSchedule helps you to evaluate different headline options and guides you towards the best one for yourself. An attractive headline is a key to getting readers to visit your blog, video, open emails, and more. If no one reads your outstanding work, how will they even know about it? So, tweak your available options and choose the best one.
Blogging
Going for self-hosting gives people full control over their blogs. I’ve chosen and still use wordpress.com, a domain-managed blogging platform for more than three years (at the time of writing this blog post). I love to concentrate on my blogging and get all the technical things seen by experts.
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Monetization
There are many ways to monetize your blog as a solopreneur. You may be interested in selling any type of product, be it physical, digital, or services. Running ads (if you choose to) can contribute to your revenue, depending on several factors. They include the number of views, content quality, and if people are using ad blockers, among others. Affiliate links and sponsored posts are other ways that I work with brands.
Search Engine Optimization
SEO and backlink analysis should be a part of your strategy. Attracting visitors organically is important to reach those people who are looking for your products, and are therefore likely to be the right ones to convert into leads and sales. You should also check and improve your site’s performance, such as the domain authority.
There are some tools that I use and find very helpful. While much can be gained with the free version, those who choose to pay to get additional features.
- Moz
- CheckMoz
- Semrush
- Ubersuggest
Email opt-in
Try to start capturing visitors as early as possible and grow your email list. I took some time before doing so, but now I use a productivity checklist as an opt-in. Other ways are offering a free 5-day course, or a free quiz and then sending the result by email.
Some popular ones that I find interesting are:
- Convertkit
- Mailchimp
- Mailerlite
Download the productivity checklist
Social media scheduling
Social media is free and can help boost your business and blog. I post on 4 of them. Although some don’t drive much traffic unless anyone pays for ads, others do refer readers to my blog.
You can find Tips from Sharvi on:
- Pinterest (more of a search engine, though)
I focus on my blog mainly but must say, social media is helpful. I have tried a few scheduling apps that have helped me.
- Buffer
- Later
- Facebook Business Suite
- Facebook Creator Studio
- Tweetdeck
If you prefer to avoid third-party apps, then Facebook Business Suite, Creator Studio, and Tweetdeck are offered by the platforms themselves.
Google Workspace
Google needs no introduction. Much can be done with a free account. However, I needed an email with my domain name, so I’m paying for Google Workspace. Sending newsletters with a professional email is vital.
- Google Analytics
- Google Search Console
- Calendar
- Docs
- Sheets
- Slides
- Drive
- Meet
- Chat
- Rooms
These software, apps, and platforms aren’t the only ones available. However, I find them beneficial and handy.
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Conclusion
To sum up, I’ve listed some helpful tools for new solopreneurs. Have you started a side-hustle, are you full-time into it, or planning to start something soon? Please comment and share my article if you find value. Thank you!!
Featured photo credit: Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com
Tips from Sharvi 