Five tools that keep my creative biz running (without overwhelm)

Raise your hand if you’ve ever downloaded a tech tool because some shiny webinar told you to - and then never opened it again. Yep. We’ve all been there.

Your business doesn’t need twenty tools. It needs the right ones - the ones that feel like slipping into your comfiest leggings, not squeezing into a corset from 1894.

These are the five tools that keep my creative biz running, without the tech stress or trendy nonsense. Additionally, I'm transitioning from Wix to Squarespace by November.

1. Wix - for website and blog (but not for long)

I’m not here for complicated code or websites that require a degree in sorcery to update. Wix is drag, drop, done. I’ve used it for everything: my home base, sales pages, blog, shop, and links page.

Why I’ve loved it:

• Easy to design without hating your life.

• Everything lives in one place (blog + sales pages + links page = harmony).

• It looks good, even when I’m in a rush.

Jo’s tip: Don’t aim for fancy - aim for functional. Your DREAM client wants clarity, not confetti.

So why am I leaving?  Because it’s time. As my business has grown, I’ve outgrown Wix. The design limitations are starting to itch, and it doesn’t play nicely with all the other tech I love (like Etsy, email integrations, and mobile functionality). Squarespace offers smoother ecommerce, better template flexibility, and a cleaner backend. Bonus: it doesn’t randomly move stuff when I blink.

I’m all about ease - and I’ve realised that ease for 2019 Jo isn’t the same as ease for 2025 Jo. Growth means change. Sometimes the tech that got you started isn’t the tech that’ll get you to the next level.

2. MailerLite – for emails

Your inbox isn’t dead, it’s hungry for emails that sound like humans wrote them. MailerLite is what I use to send my weekly stories, launch emails, and automated welcome sequences.

Why I love it:

• Simple drag-and-drop builder

• Automations that don’t melt your brain

• Easy segmentation without needing a PhD

Jo’s tip: Write your email like you're texting your business bestie (but with line breaks, please, and maybe fewer emojis, haha). People buy from real humans.

3. Sociamonials – for scheduling

If I had a dollar for every time I forgot to post on Instagram… I’d have enough to outsource my socials for a year. Sociamonials helps me plan, schedule, and now even pin to Pinterest - without the faff.

Why I love it:

• Schedule posts in batches so I can go live my life

• Track engagement across platforms

• Doesn’t require a second mortgage to use (I got it as a 'one-off' from AppSumo)

Jo’s tip: Don’t wait for motivation. Schedule when the mojo is flowing - and breathe when it’s not.

4. Canva – for design

Oh, Canva. My colourful, drag-and-drop design sanctuary. I use it for everything from social graphics to digital planner mockups and branded goodies.

Why I love it:

• Templates galore (that don’t look like everyone else’s if you tweak them)

• New features drop like confetti

• Works on desktop and mobile when inspiration strikes at Woolies

Jo’s tip: Brand kit = best friend. Set your fonts, colours, and logo once, then create with ease and consistency.

5. Google Workspace – for all the other bits

This is the behind-the-scenes Magic. Docs for writing, Sheets for planning, Drive for storing. Boring? Maybe. Essential? Absolutely.

Why I love it:

• Easy sharing with clients and collaborators

• Real-time editing (no more v17_final_final_final.docx)

• Folders keep me (semi) sane

Jo’s tip: Make a “Marketing Hub” folder with your blog drafts, captions, and content ideas. You’ll thank me later.

Let’s talk about the tools overwhelm

You don’t need to be a tech unicorn. You don’t need to learn seventeen new platforms. You don’t need to follow whatever the latest bro marketer is raving about.

Your business = your rules. Choose tools that:

• Save you time

• Match your energy

• Support how you work

Start small. Get comfy. Add more only if necessary.

The Squarespace move: a little behind-the-scenes

I get asked this a lot: "Why switch now?"

The honest answer: Wix helped me build my first digital home. But now, it’s like that first rental you loved… until the plumbing broke and the kitchen tiles started peeling.

Squarespace offers:

• Smoother mobile design (so many of my people are on their phones)

• Better e-commerce support for my Scribble Sets and planners

• More seamless integrations

• Templates that feel less DIY and more polished, without the panic

I’m also ready for a fresh start. One that doesn’t feel like I’m patching holes with duct tape.

So yes, I’ll be rebuilding the castle. But I’ve got the blueprints now - and the experience to make it faster, cleaner, and more ME.

Ready to keep it simple?

Want to see how I use these tools in real life?

Join the Magic List for weekly stories, business tips, and behind-the-scenes rambles. It’s like email, but Jo-ified.

Grab a Scribble Set on Etsy - hand-drawn, biz-brain-friendly, and cute enough to make you want to plan. Check them out here.

Got a custom idea? Explore my Custom Scribble Sets - designed especially for you. Ready to bring your vision to life? Order yours here.

Because your tech stack should work for you, not the other way around.