7 Killer Tools to Help You Build Your List and Ignite Your Business

As a coach, I believe you should be empowered by technology. Most of us didn’t grow up with all these tools and it can be quite exhausting to keep up with it. I’m not suggesting your familiarity is going to substitute for graphic design, webmaster or video professionals who are masters in their craft. But I don’t want you to victimize yourself by NOT learning how to use simple tools that will make you look professional and knowledgeable.

These are six of my favorite killer tools to help you build your list and ignite your business!

• CANVA(.COM)

Beautiful graphic design definitely makes you look like a professional. You don’t have to go to graphic design school or hire a team of professionals to create promotional materials or online tools. The Canva story begins in Australia, through a teacher leading students to use traditional graphic design tools. Eventually Canva was created to make strong graphic design accessible and usable. Use this long enough and you will pick up some of those coveted graphic design skills. Note: I created the graphic with on Canva.com!

PLUSES:

1. There are dimension options for every kind of social media and marketing. Takes the guesswork out of sizing.
2. Canva provides a significant number of images, available for $1.00 each. And, it’s embedded in the tool so you don’t have to go back and forth between applications or windows.
3. There is a wide variety of templates to choose and tailor for your purpose.
4. Canva has a ton of fonts and great ideas for color combinations.

MINUSES:

1. It can be “finicky” until you understand how it is worked, since the elements are layered.
2. If you want to download a design you paid for, or an image you paid for, you may have to pay again if you have to download it again outside of the 24 hour period.
3. Your images sit on their server, making you dependent on them AND the internet.

• ONLINE SURVEY TOOLS

My personal favorite is Zoho survey. Surveys are an important part of being a savvy business person, as you learn intimate and essential information about your client or customer. You also establish yourself as an expert with insightful questions. I built a 30-question survey around a behavioral driver presentation. After over 1000 people have taken the survey, I have not only an entertaining and informative presentation but the data to write a book.

PLUSES:

1. Most survey tools are easy to tailor to your business marketing.
2. Zoho survey provides analysis tools and a link to send out. Easy to disseminate and understand.
3. You will have access to many types of questions from free answer to multiple choice or single-answer, multiple choice.
4. You can embed your survey on your website or social media feeds.

MINUSES:

1. You might have to pay additional costs to get analysis tools.
2. It exists on a server you don’t own, so it’s in your best interest to download the information and keep it on an excel spreadsheet for reference.
3. Your survey will be as good as your ability to create survey questions.

• MAILCHIMP

I know many colleagues who don’t agree with my assessment of mail chimp but I still believe it’s one of the easiest tools to use out there. Remember, your list is gold! Send out value-packed e-mails periodically and stay in front of potential customers or clients without being pushy.

PLUSES:

1. The free version has a good level of functionality and it’s easy to use.
2. Most people know what mail chimp is so there is little distrust.
3. There are excellent examples of templates available to you.
4. You can easily embed Youtube and Vimeo videos.

MINUSES:

1. It’s not as agile when you want to segment your users. But let’s get users first, right?
2. Depending on the individual’s e-mail client, you may struggle with spam. I believe that is true for all CRM and e-mail systems.

• CREATE SPACE

Create space is a publishing tool provided by a sub division of Amazon and Kindle (a very rudimentary description). While I still believe in the power of traditional publishing, I’m very grateful for the self publishing options and chose to use it to publish my most recent Amazon best Seller, The 180 Life; 365 Pep Talks for your Transformation. Note: I created the cover and pages in Canva!

PLUSES:

1. The uploading and proof process is simple.
2. There are clear results for specifications.
3. You will be immediately be connected to Amazon and Kindle (powerful!)
4. You can order copies to sell at a discounted rate, and people can order from Amazon. Shipping is quick and reasonable.

MINUSES:

1. You have to do your own editing and page creation.
2. You will be doing your own marketing.

• VIDEO EDITING TOOLS

We are definitely in the age of video. Whether you are comfortable with the process or not, literally millions of videos are uploaded every day. Why not get into the game? Video allows you to invite your customer into your world and lets them sample your personality and expertise without taking up your time! If you have a smart phone, laptop or computer with a camera, you are ready to go. What will make you stand out, is your ability to edit. All you need to know how to do is trim your video, adjust the volume, overlay text and music and create a story! Note: you can download royalty free music on bensound.com. There are also music beds available in the Youtube library.

PLUSES:

1. Most basic video editing software is free to low cost and very functional.
2. It’s easy to access. Most of the time it will come with your package or something you can readily download.
3. Once you get the hang of it, the basic editing skills I outlined is not difficult.

MINUSES:

1. The process of learning to edit can be very stressful.
2. The videos you edit can take up space. You’ll need a back up storage system.

• SQUARESPACE:

I want to issue a caveat: I believe WordPress creates the most SEO-friendly websites. It’s just been around longer. But, if you are a person who wants to put together a quick blog or business website, Squarespace offers current design that is graphically beautiful and customer friendly. When you are ready, you can upgrade to a website built by a professional!

PLUSES:

1. It’s so easy to use.
2. The website options are the latest trends.
3. You can create a website in 24 hours if you are clear about your marketing strategy and branding (fonts, colors, etc).

MINUSES:

1. It’s easy to use but doesn’t have all the functionality of WordPress sites.
2. It’s not as easy to make it SEO friendly.

• BONUS: Uberconference and Zoom.

These are two of the best tools for meeting and recording conversations. Uberconference will issue you a number and website that users can log into from their computer or phone. You will be able to see everyone who is on the call, control their input and there is a chat provided. Each call can be recorded. Zoom has both audio and video options. The free version allows you 40 minutes up to 20 people. You can also see all participants, record the calls and there are a variety of options for interaction. I highly suggest you try it!

If you want more information about these tools, sign up for Liz’s VIDEO BOOTCAMP and watch out for her BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATION SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM at the end of May.