Your cart is currently empty!
My Trusted Tech Stack
Tools That Keep Studio117 Creative Running Smoothly
I have tested out the tools, so you do not have to!
Listen… I'll let you in on a not so little secret – I love Love LOVE playing with tech tools.
There's something exciting about testing new systems, figuring out how they work, and seeing what they can do for my business.
When something isn't working? I have zero problem moving on and finding something that does.
These are the tools broken down by category, that have survived my rigorous “does this actually make my life easier?” test at Studio117 Creative.
They're what I use every day to design websites, manage clients, and keep everything running behind the scenes.
Some I've used for years, others are newer additions – because if there's one thing I've learned, it's that sometimes you outgrow a tool, and that's perfectly okay.
Why I'm Sharing This
I believe in transparency. Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase (at no extra cost to you).
But here's the thing – I'd never recommend a tool just for a commission. Each recommendation comes from actual experience using these tools in my business.
I'm a problem solver at heart, and nothing makes me happier than helping fellow business owners find tech solutions that don't cause headaches.
The joy I get from experimenting with different tools means you don't have to – I've already done the testing for you!
Think of this page as your tech cheat sheet – the tools I wish someone had told me about when I was starting out, plus the ones I've discovered through countless hours of “let me try this instead” moments.
Ready to dive in? Let's get to the good stuff.
But First… Freebies
Before we dive into the tools I pay for, let me share a couple resources I've created that won't cost you a thing. I'm a big believer in making tech and marketing more accessible, and these freebies are my way of helping you get more done with less stress.
The P.E.A.S. Framework
Create Blog Posts That Bring in BusinessThink of this as your secret recipe for blog posts that actually work. No more staring at a blank page wondering what to write or publishing content that collects digital dust.
The P.E.A.S. Framework breaks down exactly how to structure blog posts that connect with your audience and convert readers into clients.
Email Content Guide
Emails You'll Actually Want to Write (& Your Subscribers Will Want to Read)Let's be real – consistent email marketing is tough when you're staring at a blank screen wondering what to say.
This guide takes the guesswork out of email planning with templates, content ideas, and a structure you can use again and again.
My Essential Business Tools
These are the core systems that drive everything at Studio117 Creative – the fundamental tools relied upon daily to communicate, manage relationships, and connect with my clients and audience. Think of these as the engine that keeps the business running smoothly behind the scenes. Without this foundation in place, none of the other pieces would work effectively.
Google Workspace
Email, Drive & Collaboration
Listen… Gmail might be free, but Google Workspace is worth every penny for a professional business. I've been using it for years because it just works – from business email that looks professional to Drive storage that keeps all my docs organized and accessible from anywhere.
What I love about it:
Moxie
CRM & Business Management
Here's the thing about finding the perfect CRM – it's like dating. You have to try a few before you find “the one.” After using Dubsado, a short stint with HoneyBook, and then 17Hats, I switched to Moxie at the start of 2025 and haven't looked back.
What makes it worth it:
Kit (formerly ConvertKit)
Email Marketing Platform
After using Mailerlite (which I still recommend for most of my clients) and then Omnisend for WooCommerce integrations, I settled on Kit. It strikes that perfect balance between powerful features and actually being intuitive to use.
Why I chose Kit:
Client experience is a BIG part of the Studio117 Creative brand. It's not enough to deliver good work – I want clients to feel supported, heard, and valued throughout our entire relationship. These tools help ensure my clients don't just get service, they get an experience that makes working together both effective and enjoyable. They're the difference between “got the job done” and “wow, that was amazing!”
Loom
Video Messaging & Tutorials
I'm a big believer that some things are just easier to explain with video. Loom lets me quickly record my screen and face to walk clients through feedback, explain concepts, or provide tutorials.
What I use it for:
The ability to see if clients have watched the videos is also super helpful for follow-ups.
Fathom.ai
AI Meeting Assistant
You know that feeling when you're trying to be present in client calls but also frantically taking notes? Fathom solves that problem. This AI notetaker has genuinely changed how I handle client meetings.
What makes it magical:
I can't overstate how much this has improved my client experience while saving me time.
Atarim
Visual Feedback & Collaboration
Getting client feedback used to be a mess of emails, screenshots, and confusion. Atarim changed all that by letting clients click directly on their website to leave comments and feedback.
Why it's essential:
If you work with clients on websites or any visual projects, this tool is a must-have.
As a small business, tools that maximize impact without multiplying workload are essential. These are the tech solutions that help me punch above my weight – delivering professional results without requiring a big team or endless hours (cause work/life balance matters). I've carefully selected each one to eliminate unnecessary complexity while providing the power and flexibility I need to create exceptional work for my clients.
KeySearch
SEO & Keyword Research
SEO tools can get expensive fast, but KeySearch delivers solid functionality at a fraction of the cost of bigger names. It's perfect for small businesses and provides all the keyword data I need for content planning.
Why I recommend it:
If you're DIYing your SEO or creating content plans, this tool is worth every penny.
Namecheap
Domain Registration
I've been using Namecheap for years, and it remains my go-to for domain registration. Their combination of affordable pricing, clean interface, and reliable service keeps me coming back.
What sets them apart:
Kadence
WordPress Theme Framework
Listen… I've worked with many WordPress themes over the years, but Kadence is the framework I keep coming back to and recommend to clients. It strikes the perfect balance between flexibility, performance, and ease of use.
Why I love it:
If you're building a WordPress site, Kadence provides the foundation you need without the bloat.
While clients might never see these tools directly, they're essential to keeping Studio117 Creative going. These are the systems that handle the critical but often invisible parts of running a business – from getting paid to documenting processes and managing finances. They free up my time and mental energy to focus on what matters most: creating amazing work for my clients.
Gusto
Payroll & Accounting
Handling payroll, contractor payments, and tax compliance used to give me anxiety until I found Gusto. It automates the complicated parts of paying people (including yourself!) and keeps everything organized.
What makes it worth it:
It's one of those tools that pays for itself in time saved and stress avoided.
Scribe.ai
Automatic SOP & Tutorial Creator
If you've ever spent hours creating process documents or tutorials, you'll understand why I'm obsessed with Scribe. It watches what you're doing and automatically documents each step with screenshots.
Why it's a game-changer:
This tool has saved me HOURS of documentation time and made it easy to create clear instructions for clients and team members.
Stripe
Payment Processing
When it comes to accepting payments online, Stripe has been my go-to for years. It's reliable, secure, and integrates with practically everything I need for my business.
What makes it essential:
Whether you're selling services, products, or memberships, Stripe makes the payment process smooth for both you and your customers.
There are so many tools out there that do all the things, these are just the ones I choose to use. I regularly write Reviews and have a full List of Tools if these are not your jam. Check those things out to help you find what works best for you!