Tools for bootstrappers

These are all the tools I use for podcasting, email newsletters, blogging, making videos, and selling things online. 

If they're here, it's because I recommend them!

Podcasting

  • Transistor.fm – podcast hosting & analytics & podcast websites. (this is my new startup!)
  • Screenflow – I used to use Garageband for editing audio, but I prefer Screenflow's editor. (On the PC try Audacity)
  • Behringer UMC202HD – after years without a preamp, I finally got this one, and I'm glad I did.
  • Audio-Technica AT875R – my friend Chase Reeves recommended this years ago, and it's working well for me.
  • Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB – this is my old mic, it's become a backup / secondary. Still a great choice.
  • Sennheiser HD 202 II – these are the headphones I use. They've gotten expensive. I think there are better options now.
  • Descript – this is what I use for automated transcriptions. BY FAR the best transcription system I've used.
  • Headliner – a tool for creating social media teaser videos for your podcast.

Tools for running SaaS

Here's our tech/software stack for running Transistor.fm.

  • Ruby on Rails – programming framework.
  • Postgres – open source relational database.
  • Semantic UI – the design framework we use on the app-side.
  • AWS – we host the app on Amazon Web Services.
  • Digital Ocean – some assets are hosted here.
  • Caddy Server – HTTP/2 web server with automatic HTTPS.
  • Clubhouse – kanban project management software.
  • Kayako – live chat widget, customer support, and knowledge base.
  • Rewardful – affiliate & referral management software.
  • Google Apps – email, documents, calendar.

Analytics

  • Fathom Analytics – website stats that don't track or store personal data from visitors. I use this on my personal site.
  • Mixpanel – we use this on Transistor to track who’s actively using various parts of the app, send triggered messages, visualize funnels.

Images / Graphics

  • Sketch – I finally gave up my beloved Macromedia Fireworks and I'm using Sketch full-time.
  • Unsplash – awesome, royalty-free images.
  • Pexels – a great collection of stock photos.
  • PlaceIt – easily create Macbook, iPad, iMac & iPhone mockups and demo videos.
  • LogoJoy – simple logo generator.

Website / Landing Pages

  • Statamic – after 10 years on WordPress, I switched to Statamic CMS and I love it.
  • TailwindCSS – we use this on the new Transistor marketing site.
  • Laravel Forge – I use this to provision and deploy servers.
  • Digital Ocean – hosting for my Statamic site, MegaMaker forums, and other coding projects.
  • WPengine – my WordPress sites are hosted on WPengine.
  • GitHub Pages – a free way to host static sites.
  • Carrd.co – the best landing page builder I've found.

Accounting

  • Wave – we use this for bookkeeping, invoicing and payroll.

Online store

  • Podia – Podia is an all-in-one platform for selling digital goods. It's where I sell downloads, courses, membership, and books. (Example)

Email Newsletter / Drip Campaigns

  • ConvertKit – a simple tool for sending email newsletters + created automated sequences.
  • MailChimp – another great option for email newsletters and automations. Free for up to 2,000 subscribers.
  • Podia – this all-in-one platform also has a good basic newsletter + drip sequence functionality.

Screencasts / Video / Livestreaming

  • Ecamm Live – this helps produce your stream, show your desktop and camera, switch screens, and will even allow you to take live Skype calls. (Example)
  • Restream.io – this will take your live video stream and re-broadcast it to multiple platforms at one: YouTube, Twitch, Periscope, Facebook Live, etc…
  • ScreenFlow – screencasting and video editing for the Mac.
  • GoAnimate – create cartoons and animations.
  • Render Forest – create awesome intro / outros and animations.
  • Music For Makers – royalty free music for your videos.
  • DeckSet – simple presentations and powerpoints from markdown text.
  • Logitech Pro Webcam 930e – a high quality, low cost, video camera for screencasts.

Creating eBooks / PDFs

  • Reedsy – I use Reedsy for writing, layout, and publishing of ebooks.
  • Grammarly – check your writing for typos and grammar mistakes.

Stickers / Printing

  • Sticker Mule – highest quality stickers I've found, fast shipping.
  • Printful – on-demand printing for t-shirts, mugs, socks, and more.

Those are the big ones. I'll continue to add/modify this list as I think of other things. Note: some of these links are affiliate links. This means I'll get a small percentage commission on the sale.

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