Are you looking for a short-list of tools and apps to help you run your home-based business efficiently?
Being efficient is all about using technology to help you save time, money and be more streamlined in your work. The tools and apps on this page are leaders in their sector. They usually have both browser and mobile versions which sync so that you can use them at your desk or on the go. Many have free versions which is great for homepreneurs.
Download my personal favourites here on a one-page PDF with links to each tools or app:
Efficiency
Trello
Planning browser and mobile app for keeping track of teams, projects and lists.
Asana
Project management app for teams to keep on track.
Workflowy
For list lovers who like bulleting. Great for management tasks in minute detail.
Wunderlist
Another list management tool to keep your plans organised.
Time recording
Toggl
Toggl is a browser and mobile app which allows you to record project time live or to enter times spent after the event. The paid version creates client reporting.
RescueTime
RescueTime runs in the background on your computer and mobile devises. It tracks time spent on apps and websites to give an accurate picture of your day.
Email service providers
GetResponse
GetResponse is the only email service provider which has webinar software which is fully integrated into its standard package. It comes highly recommended and is easy to set up. Webinar registrants are automatically added to your subscriber list.
ConvertKit
Built with bloggers in mind, this easy to use email service provider allows you to easily segment your subscribers to send them communications tailored to their interests. Includes landing pages and forms
Social media management
Hootsuite
Link up your Facebook profiles, pages & groups, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and Instagram to Hootsuite and schedule posts. Monitor engagement and respond to social media interactions.
Buffer
Buffer allows you to enter your social media updates and to set a schedule for repeated posting.
It works with Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and Instagram
Meet Edgar
Meet Edgar is a social media scheduling tool which allows you to categorise your posts into topics. The auto-scheduler then reuses your updates depending on the criteria you set.
Video and Audio
YouTube
Largest video search engine which can be used to create and host videos.
Camtasia
Video and audio editing software for Windows with zoom and pann, call-outs, music, captions, etc.
Lumen5
Turn a blog post into an eye-catching video for use on social media.
Vimeo
Use Vimeo to host and share your videos without any adverts.
Ripl
Easy to use, video animation software to create eye-catching content for social media
Vocaroo
Simple online voice recording and sharing software
Graphics
Canva
An absolute must for all Homepreneurs. Vast library of templates and layouts for brochures, business cards, ebooks.
Pixabay
Collection of free royalty-free photos and graphics for using on and offline.
Jing
Simple screen-capture image and video software from Techsmith.
Integrations
Zapier
Zapier moves information between web apps. A free account allows you to make 5 automations or Zaps as they are called which can run up to 100 times a month.
IFTTT
IFTTT (If This, Then That) is an automation tool which links two apps together to save time.
LeadPages
Create landing pages from a library of templates to allow website visitors to sign up for your downloads, webinar invitations and newsletters.
Saving information
Evernote
Evernote allows you to save and organise research and notes. It has a browser extension for speedy saving of websites and can be synced across multiple devices.
Pocket allows you to save web pages, images, and videos from a browser or from other apps such as Twitter, Pulse or Flipboard. Access even when you are offline
Dropbox
Store and share files in the cloud with Dropbox on a browser and app. Dropbox has multiple different levels of account for individuals and teams for various amounts of data
One Drive
One Drive from Microsoft is another cloud storage app and is part of the Office 365 suite.
Google Drive
Google Drive not only allows you to store Google Docs, Sheets and Slides but also other files.
Time savers
Todoist
Never forget another task with this list tracking app.
Anti-social
Target and block any website so you can remaiin focused on your work without distractions.
News aggregation
Google Alerts
Set up Google Alerts on a topic to receive the latest news from around the web.
Feedly
Source the latest news from your favourite sites and receive keyword alerts
Online Meetings and Webinars
Zoom
Starting with a free version, Zoom is the low-cost alternative to GoToMeeting/Webinar. It is easy to set up and simple for registrants to join in a meeting or webinar.
GetResponse
GetResponse is the only email service provider which has webinar software which is fully integrated into its standard package. It comes highly recommended and is easy to set up. Webinar registrants are automatically added to your subscriber list.
Events
Meetup
Post your events to this widely used international searchable platform. Great for both social and business networking.
Eventbrite
Post your events, sell tickets and use the promotion tools. Payments are collected for a fee. Search for events to attend