This is a curated list of my most recommended apps & tools for your online business. Not only have I tested every resource listed below, but I use each one to keep Kate Galna Design running efficiently.
In all transparency, I do receive compensation for mentioning some of these resources. Any commission I earn comes at no additional cost to you. I never recommend tools that I don’t use, love, and believe to be extremely beneficial for starting and scaling an online business.
Adobe Creative Suite
For creating custom business graphics
If you’ve been in business longer than 5 minutes, you know design needs have a tendency to pop up everywhere. You need a logo, a website, promo materials, business cards, blog graphics, pricing guides, packaging materials... and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
But how do you create them?
Adobe Illustrator is my go-to tool for creating every single graphic for both my design clients and for Kate Galna Design. It’s easy to use and allows you to create a wide range of custom, one-of-a-kind graphics for both print and web.
The best part of using Adobe Illustrator? You’ll no longer be in a bind when a design need inevitably pops up.
HoneyBook
For Business Management
The All-in-one project scheduling, invoicing and payments management tool. HoneyBook's robust features help small businesses manage everything.
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StickerYou.com
For printing custom business stationery
StickerYou always provides high-quality stickers and labels. As I’m starting to design more stickers for my shop, they have become a super valuable resource!
With different finishing options like clear, holographic, and glitter, along with both their Die-cut or Kiss-cut options, it’s incredibly easy to get the products your business needs to keep going
Create custom stickers, labels, decals and more. Save 11% site-wide at StickerYou by using Code: AWESOME11
Every kind of sticker type you could imagine. There’s so many options, it gives me inspiration just seeing the different finishes and applications.
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VistaPrint.ca
For printing custom business stationery
While it’s a chore in and of itself to create branded business cards, packaging materials, and stationery for your business, it’s even more difficult to find an easy, affordable printing company.
Some companies are too pricey. Some are difficult to work with. And some might be affordable, but their print quality isn’t quite up to par.
VistaPrint, on the other hand, is a high-quality, one-stop-shop for all of your business printing needs. Their wide selection of products, useful templates, and easy-to-use website make uploading and bringing your designs to life a breeze!
Order with the link below & you'll get $25 off an order of $50 or more!
Skillshare
For learning and growing your skillset
Unlock a passion, side hustle, or new professional skill with thousands of classes. Explore your creativity with illustration, photography, design, film, music, and more.
Create projects you’re proud to share. Classes include prompts and resources to guide you along the way. With a growing community of over 8 million creators, see why Skillshare is everyone’s favourite way to learn.
Click the link below to get 12 Months of Skillshare Premium for 40% Off!
Squarespace
For building a beautiful website
Your website’s functionality has a lot to do with the platform you use to set it up.
There are several platforms out there to choose from - Wordpress, Blogger, Wix - but the platform I use for Kate Galna Design and recommend to all of my clients and customers is hands-down, without-a-doubt, Squarespace.
There are many reasons I always use Squarespace when building my clients websites. Ease of use, ability to drag and drop elements, and seeing how your website looks before you publish it are all great reasons I recommend Squarespace to everyone!
Canva
For creating custom business graphics
A free graphic design platform that's great for making invitations, business cards, Instagram posts, and more. A drag and drop interface makes customizing thousands of templates simple and easy.
Canva's wide array of features allow you to edit photos without extensive photo editing knowledge or experience.
I’ve found Canva a great resource especially when you are on the go and need to make social media content right away. The Pro option allows you to keep your brand colours on hand and all your branded material like logos and images. It’s definitely an excellent time-saver and perfect introduction for those who aren’t ready to dive into Adobe Creative Suite.
The Contract Shop
For setting up legal templates and contracts
One of the scariest parts of starting and scaling a creative business is setting it up legally.
Not only are contracts, privacy policies, and terms and agreements totally outside of your wheelhouses, but the consequences of not setting them up correctly can be detrimental to your business.
Thankfully, the Contract Shop has you covered, and their legal templates and courses are specifically designed for creative entrepreneurs, online course creators, consultants, coaches and more.
Cricut
For DIY small-businesses to make just about any custom product
Anything you see in my shop, I created using the Cricut Explore Air 2. I love the endless possibilities for crafting, customizing, and running my small business.
FloDesk
An email marketing service for managing mailing lists & creating email marketing campaigns to send to customers.
