Squarespace is my top choice for a website tool that looks great, is reasonably easy to use, and well priced. I design most of my client projects on this platform. Save 10% with code PAULINE10

Carrd is an excellent alternative if you’re on a really tight budget. It advertises as a one-page website, but it’s possible to add a small number of pages by using sections.

Squarespace: if you want to keep things simple, and your website is on Squarespace, using the same provider for your email list makes sense. You’ll save lots of time and it’s easy to use.

MailerLite: I’m impressed with the free plan and features. It may not be for you if you need lots of integrations with other tools.

ConvertKit is what I use now. I love the simplicity and clean design, although I feel value for money and reporting could be better.

Mailchimp: lots of my clients use Mailchimp, and I started here too. It’s not bad for free, but the interface can be confusing and appears to change often.

Canva is incredibly popular and I agree with the masses. A wonderful tool and strongly recommended. I use it for everything from client mood boards, to social media graphics, to presentation slides. Good options on the free plan, but an upgrade will soon make sense.

For stock photos that feature diverse models, take a look at CreateHerStock, Tonl, Nappy, and MochaStock.

Smart Mockups: I adore this tool for making flat images come to life. Plenty of free options as well as paid images.

Free Book Mockups: and here’s one that specializes in book covers. Wonderful tool!

Tin Eye: offers a reverse image search, which is perfect if you’re not sure whether an image you’ve found is legal to use. Free.

How to Style Your Brand by Fiona Humberstone is beautiful, informative, and a must-read.

Palettte: A lovely free tool that lets you explore hue, value, and saturation. I use this in every single client project.

Dubsado: I use Dubsado for appointments, contracts, invoicing, forms, and more. It’s incredibly powerful, but does have a learning curve to get going. But I wouldn’t be without it now. Get 20% off your first year.

Agendio: Love stationery? Want to splurge on a planner printed just for you? I treated myself to a custom-made Agendio planner and loved the quality and thoughtful options.

MemberVault is the clear winner as my favorite tool if you want to offer resources, a membership or online courses. The community is lovely, and the support from the MV team is the best I’ve seen anywhere. I’m absolutely delighted with MemberVault and the value I get. See what mine looks like and help yourself to my freebies while you’re there!

Loom: I resisted paying for Loom for a while, but it’s such a useful tool for me. I use it to make short how-to clips to help my clients, and for longer training videos & course materials. If you find yourself typing long emails, you might like to send video instead.

BAIPA: I’m a board member of the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association. For now, monthly meetings are on Zoom, so wherever you are in the world, do consider joining us.

Alliance of Independent Authors: This vibrant indie community celebrated 10 years in 2022. I’m a partner member, meaning I’m an approved provider of website design services.

Playing Big by Tara Mohr: really valuable reading for female business owners. This book taught me more than anything else in its genre.

SEO training: Love At First Search has an excellent collection of resources and training, including a free SEO Starter Kit and comprehensive Group Coaching Program. If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you found this page because of what I learned from this course!

Moo offers high quality business cards and more, including their famous option where you can have a different image (for example your book covers or quotes) on each card. Not cheap, but lovely!

Overnight Prints are reliable and have excellent prices for stationery items like bookmarks and postcards. I order frequently here.