Let me be honest — choosing the best tools for your online business can be hard. There are tools being thrown at you left, right, and centre. Although some are great, others are complete time-wasters.
Over the years, I’ve tried most of them — some that cost more than they were worth, and others that genuinely made my life easier. So in this post, I want to share the tools that I actually use on a regular basis.
These are the essential tools that keep The Digital Dividend running smoothly — from building my site and managing emails to staying productive and on top of my finances.
Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you buy through them — at no extra cost to you. But, I only recommend stuff I’ve used and love.
Let’s get into it.
If you’re just starting out and want the easiest way to launch a blog or website without worrying about hosting, tech setup, or plugins, WordPress.com is a brilliant option.
I started with WordPress before moving to a self-hosted site, and honestly, it’s a great way to dip your toe in the water. You can choose a template, tweak the design, and start posting within minutes.
What I like about it is that you can start for free, then upgrade later as your site grows. Whether you’re starting a blog, portfolio, business site, or online shop, WordPress.com gives you everything you need to get going quickly.
Bluehost
If you’re looking for an alternative to what WordPress.com offers, then Bluehost + WordPress.org is the route that I would recommend.
This setup gives you full ownership of your website — no restrictions, no ads you can’t remove, and the freedom to install any theme or plugin you like. That’s what I do now for The Digital Dividend, and it gives me complete control over how my site looks, runs, and grows.
The great thing about Bluehost is that they make it really beginner-friendly. You can install WordPress with one click, get a free domain for the first year, and be up and running in minutes — even if you’re not techy.
I buy all my domain names from Namecheap. It’s quick, straightforward, and usually cheaper than other places. No sneaky upsells or confusing checkout flows — just buy your domain and go.
Microsoft Office 365
This one might seem a bit old-school, but I use Office 365 constantly — mostly for Outlook (email), Word, Excel, and OneDrive. Everything syncs across devices and just works.
If you’re managing projects, writing content, or dealing with spreadsheets — it’s still one of the best tools out there in my opinion.
If you want another option, you can check out Google’s free alternatives.
Systeme is an all-in-one marketing platform I use for my email list, funnels, and automation. It’s kind of like a free version of ClickFunnels — and honestly, it’s a hidden gem.
If you’re looking to grow an audience, build a list, or sell digital products, Systeme can do it all — and the free plan is incredibly generous.
ChatGPT
This is simply a Game-changer. I use ChatGPT nearly every day — from improving emails, brainstorming ideas, summarising research, even creating product outlines. It’s like having a super-intelligent assistant that never sleeps.
If you’re running your business solo, this tool will save you hours every week.
Need a logo? A website? Tech support? I’ve hired people on Fiverr for all of that and more. It’s a great place to find affordable freelance help — especially when you just want something done quickly and well. Just check the reviews, communicate clearly, and you’ll find some real gems.
Audible
Okay, so this one isn’t directly related to work, but it definitely helps me to maintain my focus! I don’t always have time to sit and read, but I still love getting into good books — both fiction and non-fiction. Audible lets me do that while I’m travelling, walking, or just relaxing.
It’s a great way to keep learning or unwind with a story, without having to carve out dedicated reading time. If you’re always on the move, Audible is an essential app.
Canva
Canva is where I design everything — book covers, Instagram posts, blog graphics, even logos. I’m not a designer, but Canva makes it easy to create stuff that looks professional without hours of faffing about. It’s drag-and-drop, simple to use, and free to get started.
YNAB (You Need A Budget)
This tool completely changed how I manage my money. Whether you’ve got multiple income streams or just need a good app to control your monthly finances, this one is essential.
YNAB helps me track every pound, plan ahead, and avoid nasty surprises. It’s especially good if you want to treat your side hustle like a real business.
Final Thoughts
These tools have made a huge difference in how I run my online business. I didn’t put anything on this list that I haven’t used and would happily recommend to a mate.
If you’re starting out, don’t feel like you need to grab everything all at once. Just pick one or two that solve a current problem for you — and go from there.
Got questions? Drop me a message — always happy to help.
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📄 Disclaimer
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and tools I personally use and trust.
© 2025 The Digital Dividend. All rights reserved. No part of this blog post may be copied or republished without permission.
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