UPDATED MARCH · MMXXVI § AUTHOR'S PROVEN STACK § TOT. VI TOOLS

Tools I Actually Use

A transparent look at the exact software I use day-to-day. Your needs may differ. These just work well for my setup.

CONTEXT

Quick context before the list.

I run a small content business, so my stack prioritizes affordability and simplicity over enterprise features. If you're an agency or larger team, some of these may not scale for you. Total monthly outlay: $50–$150 depending on usage.

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The Ledger of Tools

Six entries
I

beehiiv

Newsletter & Content Platform

$43/mo

Free tier available

Use
Newsletter publishing, audience growth, and content monetization. The built-in ad network, boost program, and referral system make it easy to grow and earn without juggling multiple tools.
Drawbacks
Automations locked behind Scale plan. No SMS or push notifications. Template library is still growing.

Newsletter · Email · Monetization · Growth

Get Started → Read full review →
II

GetResponse

Email Marketing + Webinars

$15/mo

1,000 contacts

Use
Email campaigns when I need better deliverability or run webinars. Their built-in webinar tool is solid and saves paying for a separate platform.
Drawbacks
Gets expensive as your list grows. Some features feel dated. Automation builder has a learning curve.

Webinars · Automation · Landing Pages · Good Deliverability

Get Started → Read full review →
III

Kartra

Complete Business Platform

$99/mo

Starter plan

Use
Higher-end course delivery. Kartra's video hosting has behavioral triggers (e.g., send an email if a student watches 75% of a lesson). Useful for premium products where you want more control.
Drawbacks
Expensive starting point. Interface feels busy. Overkill if you're just starting out or have simple needs.

Video Hosting · Behavioral Triggers · Helpdesk · Memberships

Get Started → Read full review →
IV

Make (Integromat)

No-Code Automation

$9/mo

10,000 operations

Use
Connecting apps that don't have native integrations. The visual workflow builder helps me understand complex automations better than Zapier's linear approach.
Drawbacks
Steeper learning curve than Zapier. Some niche apps aren't supported. Can be confusing for simple one-step automations.

1000+ Apps · Visual Builder · Affordable · Free Tier

Get Started → Read full review →
V

Notion

Notes, Docs, Projects

Free

or $8/mo

Use
Content calendar, SOPs, and research notes. It's where I plan before executing in other tools.
Drawbacks
Can become slow with large databases. Offline mode is limited. Not great for real-time collaboration compared to Google Docs.

Notes · Databases · Templates · Free Tier

Get Started → Read full review →
VI

GetHookd

Ad Research + AI Creatives

$19/mo

40 credits

Use
Ad research and creative inspiration. Instead of scrolling through Meta Ad Library for hours, I use their 23M+ ad database to find what's actually working. The AI script generator saves time when I need fresh hooks.
Drawbacks
Credit system can feel limiting on the starter plan. Heavily focused on eCommerce, so B2B or SaaS ads are harder to find. AI scripts need editing before use.

Ad Spy · AI Scripts · Competitor Research · Clone Ads

Get Started → Read full review →

Disclosure. Some links on this page are affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I actually use. Your needs may differ, so do your own research.

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Common Questions

Four queries
What about GoHighLevel?

GoHighLevel ($97–297/mo) is excellent for agencies who want to white-label and resell to clients. If that's your model, it might be a better fit than anything listed here. For solo creators, the white-label features add cost without much benefit.

What about HubSpot?

HubSpot's free CRM is genuinely excellent for sales teams. If you do a lot of outbound sales or need pipeline tracking, it could be better than what I use. Their marketing tools get pricey, though ($800+/mo for full features).

Do you use all six tools?

Rarely all at once. I mainly use beehiiv + Notion day-to-day. GetResponse for webinars, Kartra for specific premium products, Make when I need to connect things. Most people only need two or three tools to start.

Where should a beginner start?

Pick one tool that covers your core need and stick with it until you outgrow it. For newsletters, beehiiv's free tier is hard to beat. For better email deliverability, GetResponse or ConvertKit. For sales-focused businesses, HubSpot's free CRM. Don't overthink it. You can always switch later.

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DECISION AID
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