The Tools I Use to Run My Business (and Why I Love Them)

I love getting a behind-the-scenes look at how other business owners run things—there’s just something fun about peeking inside someone else’s digital toolbox. So, in the spirit of sharing, I’ve put together a list of the tools and resources that keep Nash Franks Creative running smoothly.

Some of these tools have been with me for years, while others are newer finds that I’m obsessed with. If you’re looking for solid recommendations—whether for website design, email marketing, or business organization—this is the place to be.

Oh, and in the interest of full transparency, some of the links here are affiliate links*. That means if you sign up using my link, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). But let me be clear: I only recommend tools I actually use and love. No fluff, no filler, just the good stuff.

Let’s dive in!

Website & Design Tools

Squarespace

I’ve built my business (and my clients’ businesses) on Squarespace, and I’m not stopping anytime soon. It’s powerful, flexible, and—most importantly—easy for my clients to maintain without needing a developer on speed dial.

Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator & InDesign)

Adobe Illustrator is my go-to for brand design, and InDesign is perfect for creating multi-page documents like guides and PDFs. I may dabble in other tools, but these two will always have my designer heart.

Canva

Yes, I’m a designer who uses Canva—and I’m not ashamed to say it! Canva is great for quick graphics, social media templates, and making design more accessible for my clients. I use it to create templates that they can easily customize while keeping everything on-brand.

Business & Productivity Tools

Flodesk*

Email marketing should be simple, and that’s why I love Flodesk. It’s beautifully designed, easy to use, and doesn’t charge you more as your email list grows (which is a big deal).

Tally forms*

Forms, surveys, and questionnaires? Tally makes them easy to create and even easier to use. I love the flexibility and customization options.

Notion

I use Notion for organizing everything—from content planning to business workflows. It’s basically my second brain.

Wave

For invoicing and getting paid, Wave is my tool of choice. It’s simple, free, and gets the job done without unnecessary complications.

Community & Learning

Wandering Aimfully (WAIM Unlimited)*

WAIM has been a game-changer for my business. It’s a mix of business coaching, mindset support, and practical tools to help me grow in a way that feels sustainable.

MixerMind

A fantastic business community where I can connect, learn, and get inspired by other entrepreneurs.

Will Myers’ Code Curious Membership

I love learning how to customize Squarespace even more, and Code Curious is where I go to level up my coding skills.

Client Communication & Collaboration

Slack

I use Slack to communicate with clients and stay connected in various business communities. It keeps everything organized and (bonus) helps me avoid endless email chains.

Voxer

For quick voice messages and real-time conversations, Voxer is a lifesaver. It’s like having a walkie-talkie for business chats.

Loom

When I need to explain something visually, I use Loom to record quick screen-share videos. It’s perfect for walking clients through feedback or tutorials. (I’m currently on the lookout for an alternative, but for now, Loom does the trick.)

AI & Tech That Makes My Life Easier

ChatGPT & Claude

Yes, I use AI! Tools like ChatGPT and Claude help me brainstorm ideas, draft content, and refine messaging when I need a little extra creativity.

Final Thoughts

These tools help me keep my business running smoothly, stay connected with clients, and continue learning and growing. But I’m always on the lookout for new favorites!

Got a tool you love that I should check out? Let me know—I’m all ears.

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