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💙 Fave Tools & Tech

Jen McFarland
I LOVE apps. 

Updated: September 7, 2023

I love apps. I tested and helped develop apps at the corporate level. I guess I've never stopped testing (and buying!) cool stuff. Now you get to explore my fave tools and tech.

FYI: this page includes affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I've used and love. I've noted affiliate links with an asterisk (*). Read our disclaimers.

✨ Fave Apps

My Tech Stack

📬 Email Marketing

MailerLite* is what would happen if ConvertKit and MailChimp had a baby (only cheaper and easier to use). After significant testing, it's the bread-and-butter for the membership, courses, newsletter, and more.

I moved off ActiveCampaign* because of its recent price increase paired with a decline in customer service. It's a great product, but I wasn't maximizing the features enough to justify going from $50/mo. to $400/mo.

I closed the CRM gap with Practice.do*, which has streamlined my process and helped me communicate better with consulting clients.

🏫 Courses & Community

Most robust learning management system (LMS) outside of WordPress: Learnworlds*: massive integrations, courses, live events, coaching/appointments, ebooks, SCORM, and corporate/group seat management.

If you're a solopreneur, Podia* is an excellent platform for creating and selling courses.

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🎧 Podcasting

Hosting

I 💯 recommend Captivate* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Customer service

Editing

Mics

Ultimate Podcast Planning Checklist
Want to start podcasting? The Ultimate Podcast Planning Checklist Course is YOUR step-by-step solution for bootstrapping podcast newbies.
Women Conquer BusinessWomen Conquer Business

Want to start podcasting? This course to guides you through the process from beginning to end, including deals you can snag on AppSumo.

🎥 Videos

💎 Social Media Scheduling

Lately.ai uses artificial intelligence to help you not only write and post content, it's a dream for content creators (podcasters, YouTubers, etc.) who want to share clips of their work. Lately.ai will edit and generate video or audio clips to accompany your posts. 🤯🤯 CoFounder Kate Bradley Chernis shared startup and writing secrets on the Women Conquer Business podcast.

Kate Bradley Chernis: Defying the Odds & Raising Millions
From DJ to Wal-Mart to raising millions to fund her startup, Lately.ai, you don’t want to miss this interview with Kate.
Women Conquer BusinessJen McFarland

Kate Bradley Chernis, CoFounder of Lately.ai, on the Women Conquer Business podcast.

MissingLettr*: I LOVE the Curate feature, which allows other creators to share my content with their audience. I interviewed the founder, Benjamin Dell, on my podcast.

Launch Great Business Ideas In 6 Weeks or Less
Fabulous insights from Benjamin Dell, Founder, MissingLettr. How to launch ideas quickly, and promote your blog posts.
Women Conquer BusinessJen McFarland

Benjamin Dell, Founder of MissingLettr, on the Women Conquer Business podcast.

🌐 Web Tools

Platforms

  • Ghost* is GREAT for creators, bloggers, newsletters. ... but it's techy to spin up. If you're not a creator....
  • Squarespace is great for coaches, consultants, and non-technical entrepreneurs. SEO out of the box. Use promo code GIMME10 to get a discount on your first year.
  • Shopify for eCommerce 💯. Don't mess around with WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento/Adobe Commerce, etc.
  • What about WordPress? WordPress is great. Best SEO. And it requires hosting, plugins, updating, security.... During the pandemic, platforms like Squarespace, Shopify, and (ugh!) Square made it so much easier for everyday business owners.

Plugins, Hosting & Security

Shopping Carts:

  • Studiocart* Studiocart creates sales funnels in WordPress. It's also founded and operated by Nicole Evans, a woman of color, which is awesome! 👏
  • Thrivecart* Thrivecart creates sales funnels for Women Conquer Business

Search Engine Optimization:
RankMath, its free version, is full-featured and easy for the layperson to understand

Hosting:
Siteground* I've used Siteground for years. Wordpress.org recommends Siteground

Security:
If you're on WordPress, you need some form of security. Sucuri is a great platform and service I've used in the past (and with clients). Most small businesses only need firewall protection. If you've been hacked, or want heightened protection get the website security plan

🗄️ Ultimate Space-Saving Desk Setup

ultimate space-saving desk setup
The "before picture" was too terrifying to share (for reals!) Here's my current desk setup. 

If you're curious about the space-saving desk setup I'm currently using, I've included it below.

Why? Because I suspect many of you don't have my patience — nay, stubbornness, curiosity, and budget — to try numerous configurations for three years. I know, I know...

Here's what I'm working with:

  • Room size: 8' x 10'
  • Desk size: 48" x 24"
  • Computer: 16" MacBook Pro, laptop stand, Trackpad, Keyboard with Numeric Keypad
  • Misc: Podcast mic, webcam, lighting for video calls and streaming

I wanted space to work at my desk WITHOUT giving up access to my whiteboard, closet, or office windows.

Here's how I did it:

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