Starting and running your own business is exciting. You\u2019ve got the ideas, ambition, and drive to be successful. But like most entrepreneurs, you\u2019re overwhelmed by the speed at which you need to learn everything. Problem it solves:<\/strong> Branding, Design, and Visual Content Creation Problem it solves:<\/strong> Educating yourself on Branding Basics and Brand Development Problem it solves:<\/strong> Learn Marketing and Sales Problem it solves:<\/strong> Not Having Experience Problem it solves:<\/strong> Bookkeeping without Breaking the Bank Problem it solves:<\/strong> Fast and Beautiful Design Templates for People Who Aren\u2019t Designers 1. Start with the right tools Without the right tools you could: Start today by picking one of the tools above. Explore it, and then try the next one.
There are a lot of people in the same boat. Many startups flounder because they don\u2019t have the right resources early enough. Everything from branding to bookkeeping is on your plate and those tasks pile up and your momentum slows. You need structure and strategy. Without it, you\u2019re on the path to burnout and your vision turning into a mirage.
There\u2019s good news. You don\u2019t need to figure it all out alone.<\/strong>
I\u2019ve been there. I\u2019ve found some powerful tools along the way that help organize the chaos. These are some of the resources that helped me, along with other founders, to get organized, look more professional, and create a path to success.
I am going to guide you through five tools every startup should at least try. Plus there is one bonus resource that I love.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTool #1: Adobe Creative Cloud Pro \u2013 $60\/month<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
High quality imagery matters. But, hiring a designer can be expensive. Adobe Creative Cloud Pro gives you access to a lot powerful applications to create your own high quality visuals. On top of that, they include extremely useful business tools such as Adobe Sign and Adobe Acrobat.
Whether you’re using their templates to create logos, social media graphics, or pitch decks, Adobe acts like a creative Swiss Army knife.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTool #2: Adobe Express Learn \u2013 Included with Creative Cloud Pro<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Looking for a starting point, try Adobe Express Learn. This educational hub offers free courses like:
The Fundamentals of Starting a Brand<\/em>
Evoking Emotion Through Color<\/em>
Expanding Your Brand<\/em>
Logo Guides<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nTool #3: HubSpot Academy \u2013 Free<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
HubSpot Academy has free courses and certifications in marketing and sales.
Some Classes:
How to create a content strategy<\/em>
How to build marketing funnels<\/em>
How to close sales more effectively<\/em>
How to understand your customers<\/em>
These classes are legit and they\u2019re created by people who\u2019ve done the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTool #4: SBA.gov \u2013 Free<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Small Business Administration (SBA) website is a treasure trove. Whether you\u2019re still in planning mode or looking to grow, SBA.gov offers:
Access to Retired Executives for Advice<\/em>
Step-by-step guides<\/em>
Funding options<\/em>
Legal checklists<\/em>
Business plan templates<\/em>
It\u2019s like having several mentors for your business and they do it for free. You don\u2019t even have to sign up for a webinar to take advantage of all the knowledge and resources they provide.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTool #5: Wave Accounting \u2013 Free or $170\/year<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Most Cost Effective Way to Keep up with Your Books :
Send professional invoices<\/em>
Track income and expenses<\/em>
Manage receipts<\/em>
Run basic reports<\/em>
QuickBooks is the industry standard for most small businesses, but they cost a lot when you\u2019re a startup. Wave is a really compelling choice when you\u2019re on a tight budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBONUS RESOURCE: Adobe Express \u2013 Included with Creative Cloud Pro<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This is the one I tell everyone<\/em> about. It\u2019s similar to Canva, but integrated with Adobe\u2019s ecosystem. With Adobe Express, you can:
Design everything from social media posts to pricing guides<\/em>
Use templates to stay on-brand<\/em>
Schedule your posts<\/em>
I love this tool. You can create your own branding and apply it to the templates you choose, which allows you to take advantage of the templates, while staying on brand. Also, the scheduling feature is very helpful. There are a lot of third-party scheduling software, but if you\u2019re already paying for Adobe, why pay for another app?<\/p>\n\n\n\nSo, What\u2019s the Plan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
2. Apply what you learn
3. Be Consistent<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Happens If You Don\u2019t Get This Right?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Look unprofessional<\/em>
Get overwhelmed<\/em>
Lose time and money<\/em>
Burn out early<\/em>
Don\u2019t let your hard work go to waste.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMoving Forward<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You don\u2019t need to know everything right away, but the sooner you begin, the sooner you will build confidence and competence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n