12 Essential Tools for the Creative Business
After running a creative business for the past 20+ years, there are certain tools I can't operate without. The specific apps may shift, but the categories stay consistent. Here are the essentials.
Accounting
QuickBooks Online or Wave (free for basic bookkeeping). You need to know your numbers. Pick one and use it consistently.
Office Suite
Google Workspace is the modern standard for small businesses — docs, sheets, slides, and storage all in one. Microsoft 365 is the alternative if you need more advanced Office features.
Gmail (via Google Workspace for professional use). Easy setup, handles multiple accounts, excellent spam filtering.
Browser
Chrome remains dominant for its developer tools and extensions. Firefox is a strong privacy-conscious alternative.
Organize Ideas
Notion has largely replaced Evernote for most creative professionals — more flexible, more powerful, and free for individuals. Obsidian is another strong option if you prefer local storage.
Video Communication
Zoom or Google Meet for client calls and meetings. Both offer free tiers that work well for most small business needs.
Website
WordPress remains the most flexible option for a content-driven website. For simpler needs, Squarespace and Showit are also solid choices for creatives.
Design/Graphics
Adobe Creative Cloud for professional work. Canva for quick marketing graphics and social content. Affinity as a one-time-purchase alternative to Adobe.
File Transfer
Google Drive or Dropbox for sharing large files with clients. Both integrate well with most workflows.
Email Marketing
MailerLite or Kit (formerly ConvertKit) for small list management. Both have generous free tiers and are well-suited to solopreneurs.
Online Meetings/Webinars
Zoom Webinars or Riverside for online training and presentations. Both allow recording, which is essential for repurposing content.
Cloud Access
Google Drive handles both storage and collaboration. For team-based work, Notion or Dropbox Business adds more structure.
You don't need all of these at once — especially starting out. Start with the ones that solve your most immediate pain points and build from there.