14 Biz Apps Cheat Sheet, Hustle Smarter
These are 14 staple Apps I’ve used throughout my biz. (On handheld device/ iPad and a few plugins) I still rock with some today.
They all have been my signature pair of comfy gray sweat pants, I won’t throw away. To help manage my time, made me look uber professional, or simply kept me on top of a constantly changing game in online business. Things never stay the same but that doesn’t mean your swag has to suffer.
The following apps have been my ride or die go-to's.
From social media to email. These pretty much cover the basics when it comes to staying on your hustle in your business. Free to paid. *You can upgrade to unlock more features.
Social Media
BufferApp
I’m ALL about automation and I love me some Buffer. It’s simple. It’s clean. It’s easy. All the yeses!
I was with Buffer from its inception.
Not a fan of similar social media automation tools like HootSuite (because it’s clunky and hard to navigate sometimes, I used it for a company in the past) Buffer has a clean interface, super easy to use and get this…you can repost a popular post right from the app. So need to create a new one.
Making it too easy, it’s almost cheating.
TakeOff
Scheduling App for Instagram Free
There really is no automatic scheduling app for Instagram, which is a bummer...BUT there is an app that reminds you to post.
Close enough.
Got another Instagram tool for ya...
People just connect better with pictures and especially if your business is product-based then Instagram is the best tool for you.
Square InstaPic
You know when you want to share an oversize photo but it doesn’t meet the Instagram requirements??
Before going into full editing mode with photoshop, prepare to be amazed. It fits any size picture to show up on Insta. Boo-yah!
Digitally Workspaces
Evernote
What’s so great about it!! I can login from any device (iPad, Phone, Laptop) and STILL pick up from where I left off.
I would jot down notes in this one place. It was a lifesaver for me because I could easily shut it down --if someone walked in my office space and it would save automatically.
I pre-write my notes for social media platforms (Instagram hashtags, Facebook post, inspired thought) and copy and paste into my timeline. Very easy to be profound with your next random thought for social media...when it's pre-written.
Note taking just got effortless. The list goes on for what you can do with Evernote.
Another clean look.
Gotta love, clean looks.
If you’re anything like me. You read a lot. Maybe...sometimes...too much.
There is not enough hours in the day to read all the articles that pop up on Facebook, LinkedIn or random internet surfing. Once you get sucked in, it’s really hard to pull yourself out of Alice in wonderland's rabbit hole.
That’s why I love this app! I can read it later and get back to work. The greatest thing about this, after you read, you can share from within the app. It plays well with others, like this next tool I’m about to mention.
IFTTT
Brilliant app! It is automation at it’s finest. It triggers “this” when “that” action is taken. Hence the name.
Clever. Very clever.
It creates recipes for all your social media automation desires. Recipe Idea: Connect your Instagram to your Twitter account, and have your Insta pictures show up native on Twitter (aka view it as full size picture instead of a link on Twitter)
*Ok, this one isn’t a phone app but it’s an honorable mention.
I think anybody who starts out in business uses this first than upgrades. Did I mention it’s free!!
Use this to build your tribe. Bring them to you and speak directly to them through weekly, monthly or bi-weekly emails. The point is to start capturing your potential customers in one place. Easier to market to an audience who already trust, likes and knows you.
The best part is the app version on my phone. I can check on my email campaigns if things are running as scheduled and get notifications when I get a new tribe member (subscriber). Ping!
Boomerang
Ok, this is for anybody who works odd hours on their business *cough cough 4am* and doesn’t want to seem like a weirdo, sending out an email when the rest of the world is sleeping. Or for those who are not early risers but still need to send professional emails at a decent hour.
You schedule them!
I hung on to this like a lifeline. The joys of entrepreneurship.
Momentum
Every now again we need some motivation. This app (plugin for chrome) makes me feel like a Queen. When you open a new tab (in Chrome Browser) you’re greeted with a gorgeous National Geographic’s photo landscape, an inspirational quote and deciding what your M.I.T.(Most Important Task) is for the day.
Always on the money!
Sidekick
While we are on the subject of plugins. Have you ever wanted to know if someone got your email? Opened it or even clicked the link inside? This will notify you and ease your anxiety, whether your well thought out email was received.
Another great feature.
When you type in a person’s email, on the right-hand panel, pops up their info from social media sites they’re on. (grant it, if they are using that email for their accounts) You get instant intel and can craft your emails to what they may be talking about at that moment on twitter.
Which makes for a more personalized email. Rapport building in 2015.
You’re welcome.
Fiverr
Money is tight in your 1st year. Very tight. But you still gotta get things done! I’ve created my first logo from this site. Good times.
Designing Tools
Optimize Press 2.0
Website Builder Plugin For Wordpress Paid
We’ve had a love-hate relationship. Opt and I but the fact still remains. Drag and drop templates, is everything.
This was a God-send, when I stumbled on this gem. I mean they made it too easy to look professional. Design social media posts, eBook covers, brilliant looking PDF's, cover pages...the list goes on. *I actually prefer the website version but they’re working out the kinks. Steal These 50 Branding Kits For Your Startup
WordSwag
(Only on Apple) Create Shareable Text Paid
You have to pay for this app but it’s worth it, in time only.
It takes seconds to create a shareable post and slap your logo on it. Like seriously. *Unless you’re finicky about spacing, font and the right picture background then it will take you little longer. :)
That’s it!
Let me know if this list has been helpful to you. I’ve been through the trenches with these so they’re tried and verified!
Can you add to the list?
If you’re using some of these tools already or they are new to you hit me up in the comments below.