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!)

  • Descript – this audio recording and editing application has really sped up my podcast editing workflow. This is also what I use for automated transcriptions. BY FAR the best transcription system I've used.

  • Screenflow – I used to use Garageband for editing audio, but I prefer Screenflow's editor. (On the PC try Audacity)

  • SSL 2 – this is the audio interface I use to connect my mic to my computer (the Behringer UMC202HD is also good)

  • Shure SM7B – after years of using cheaper mics, I got the SM7B. Great mic (but the Samson Q2U is a great budget choice).

  • Audio-Technica ATH-M50x – these are the headphones I use.

Tools for running SaaS

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

  • Ruby on Rails – programming framework.

  • Postgres – open-source relational database.

  • Tailwind CSS – the CSS framework we use on the marketing site and in the app

  • 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.

  • Shortcut – kanban project management software.

  • Crisp – 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 and on the Transistor marketing site.

Membership site

  • Meeps – an alternative to Memberful for member registration, payment, user profiles, user directory, and so much more. I run MegaMaker on this platform.

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.

  • Netlify – where I 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)

  • Meeps – I'm running my merch store for MegaMaker here.

Email Newsletter / Drip Campaigns

  • ConvertKit – a simple tool for sending email newsletters + created automated sequences.

  • Userlist – we use this on Transistor for onboarding emails, and broadcasts to our users.

  • 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.

  • CamLink – a USB interface for using my DSLR camera as a webcam

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.

Published on September 22nd, 2024
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