Software Recommendations for Anticapitalist Businesses
Keeping your business small and nimble, especially if you’re a solo small business owner, is one of the smartest decisions you can make. This is especially true with your software and subscription services. Your overhead can stay low and your systems simple, meaning more money in your pocket and fewer complications in your business.
The tech sphere has wildly changed since I first became an online business owner in 2015. The software I use is largely the same as what I’ve always used. I don’t have a CRM, and I don’t have an all-in-one system. For me, this has worked fairly well. Your business needs may be very different from mine.
As my business expanded in 2020 and 2021, I needed more support, which included hiring a part time admin support person, and signing up for a course hosting platform. Other than that, things have mostly stayed the same. Here’s what I’m currently using!
Online Course Hosting
I use Thrivecart as a checkout platform and course hosting platform. Not all tiny businesses need a service like this, but if you’re selling programs with lots of participants, or selling online courses that you need to host somewhere, Thrivecart may be a good solution for you. It’s currently available for a flat fee for forever access (though that may change in the future.)
Here’s my affiliate link for Thrivecart:
https://bearhebert--checkout.thrivecart.com/thrivecart-standard-account/
And for Thrivecart Pro:
https://bearhebert--checkout.thrivecart.com/thrivecart-pro-account/
Email Marketing
I use Flodesk for email marketing. It’s founded and owned by 2 women, and it’s a design-forward platform with tons of beautiful email templates. Use this link and get 50 percent off your first year, and I get a $19 credit towards my own subscription. https://flodesk.com/c/1AXRI4
Scheduling App
I use Acuity Scheduling for appointment scheduling. It’s now owned by Squarespace. There are cheaper options, like TidyCal, which has a $29 lifetime plan option when you buy from AppSumo.
Systems Integrations
I use Zapier to make some of my systems play nicely with each other, and pay a little for that service in the part of the year when I’m running classes with lots of people.
Payment Processing
I use Stripe for payment processing. There might be a better option out there now but this was a good choice when I joined 9 years ago. I haven’t prioritized looking for another service. Stripe does not offer affiliate discounts or payouts.
I don’t necessarily endorse these platforms, nor do I think they’re required for business, and I don’t even think these particular platforms are better than others that do similar things. I wrote this post because students and clients often ask me what I’m using to run my business!