As the founder of 787 Social, a boutique marketing agency, I’ve had the pleasure of working with numerous tools that make our workflow smoother and more efficient. Each tool has its unique strengths, and I’d be lost without them. Here are my top favorites:
My prize possession, I would be so lost without it, AirTable. AirTable is a fully customizable (that's what makes it so great) CRM tool that streamlines my process from taking client approvals to organizing all my content and their content pillars, to managing expenses, influencer lists, data sheets—you name it. AirTable’s real power lies in its flexibility: you can create custom databases that function as powerful spreadsheets, kanban boards, calendars, or galleries. The only downfall is that it doesn't automatically post for you and can't pull data such as analytics, but it does have an automation feature which is a total game changer when it comes to systemizing your workflows. I can directly see my team's inputs and comments and always have a track record of how things come to be. No matter the industry you're in, AirTable is a GODSENT! Take a peak at our AirTable Templates if you want to dive in!
I use Dubsado for ALL my lead generation, proposals, inquiries, contracts, and onboarding forms. It’s a robust business management suite designed specifically for small businesses and freelancers. Dubsado allows you to automate workflows, manage client communications, and keep track of project progress all in one place. I bought a template from Search and Grow, and now all my templates look so beautiful I get complimented on them all the time. They are constantly coming out with new features, such as enhanced automation tools and more customization options, which make the business side of things not feel so business-y, if you know what I mean.
This little tool here quite possibly saves me from sounding like a degenerate with horrible grammar. Grammarly uses advanced AI to check for spelling, grammar, punctuation, clarity, engagement, and delivery mistakes in real-time. It seamlessly connects with everything including emails, Canva, Dubsado—you name it—and makes for amazing grammatical sense. The browser extension works on almost any web-based platform, ensuring that every message, post, or email is polished and professional. Yes, I suppose I just like to type, but this is a great way to make me feel more put together, and that's never a bad thing.
Boy, do I love this tool. Loom cuts my meeting times in half. Loom allows you to record quick videos of your screen and cam for easy sharing. This makes it super easy to pop on, record a video while it's recording your screen so that you can clearly show and tell certain processes or explanations. You can instantly share the video via a link, making it a great tool for providing feedback or instructions without the need for lengthy meetings. The ability to leave comments directly on the video makes it an interactive experience.
Yes, I learned Adobe Suites back in the day, but trying to relearn it gave me one big headache, especially since I knew graphic design wasn’t my strength. Canva is an easy, user-friendly tool that turns any idea into a magical design. Whether it's social media graphics, presentations, or marketing materials, Canva simplifies the design process with thousands of templates, images, and fonts to choose from. Canva also offers collaborative features, allowing team members to work on designs together in real-time. Its drag-and-drop interface is intuitive, and the premium version offers advanced features like brand kits and premium templates.
Editing apps are crucial when content creating. CapCut, developed by ByteDance (the creators of TikTok), offers a comprehensive set of video editing tools that are easy to use yet powerful. It includes features like auto-captions, filters, transitions, and music synchronization. Templify, on the other hand, specializes in templates that make content creation faster and more visually appealing. Not only do both these apps have exemplary user-friendly templates you can easily use, but they also make it just as easy to edit from scratch. It takes a minute to learn, just like everything else does, but with pro features like identifying filler words or even branded videos and fonts, CapCut is a sure tool. With Templify adding new and trending templates weekly, these are two you don't want to miss out on to ensure you're working smarter, not harder.
Might I say that this is one of our favorite ways to easily make stop-motion videos or turn your 2024 video into a nostalgic 1962 masterpiece. Tezza offers a variety of presets, editing tools, and templates that help you create visually stunning content. With its fun video and photo features and filters, Tezza allows you a unique way to edit your visuals. The app is particularly popular for its vintage filters and aesthetic effects, making it a favorite among influencers and content creators.
8. Sprout Social
This is a new one for us, so we're still testing it out. But after many trials of different systems to help automate and handle our social media analytics, we found we liked Sprout Social's Advanced Reporting service better than the rest. Sprout Social offers powerful social media management tools, including scheduling, monitoring, and advanced analytics. It also allows you to track your messages and sort by groups, making it easier for us to create an influencer list and manage engagement. The platform's ability to integrate with multiple social media channels and provide detailed insights into performance metrics makes it a valuable asset for any marketing team.
Flodesk is my email marketing platform of choice. While I use Mailchimp for several clients, we personally use Flodesk for our internal email marketing. Flodesk is known for its beautiful, easy-to-customize email templates and a user-friendly interface. It's very user-friendly and allows us to easily create our weekly and monthly emails. The drag-and-drop email builder, along with the ability to create stunning visuals, makes email marketing a breeze. Plus, Flodesk offers automation features that allow us to set up workflows and nurture sequences effortlessly.
10. Gusto and Quickbooks Online
Keeping track of finances and managing payroll is crucial when content creating. Gusto offers a comprehensive payroll service that also handles benefits, HR, and compliance. It makes payroll easy by automating the entire process, from calculating and filing taxes to direct deposit for employees. Gusto also offers tools for onboarding new employees, managing benefits like health insurance and retirement plans, and tracking time off. QuickBooks Online, on the other hand, is an accounting software designed for small businesses, offering features like expense tracking, invoicing, payroll, and financial reporting. It’s cloud-based, which means you can access your financial data from anywhere, at any time. With its integration capabilities, it syncs seamlessly with your bank accounts, PayPal, Square, and other services, keeping everything updated in real-time. The reporting tools provide valuable insights into your business’s financial health, helping you make informed decisions and ensuring you're always on top of your finances.
Each of these tools plays a crucial role in ensuring 787 Social runs smoothly and efficiently. They help us deliver top-notch services to our clients, streamline our processes, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of digital marketing. If you’re in the industry, give these tools a try—you might just find they become your favorites too!
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