Tools I Use to Run My Digital Empire from Anywhere

After over a decade of running a fully digital business, I sometimes forget that not everyone is immersed in this world where Zoom meetings and Slack chats are second nature. If you’re a digital entrepreneur—especially if you’re just starting out—it can feel overwhelming to sort through the noise and figure out what tools you actually need.

Here’s the good news: you don’t need a fancy office to run your empire. All you need is a decent internet connection, a few core tools, and the confidence to jump in.

Many of these tools have free versions or trial periods to get you going. And while some of the links below are affiliate links (meaning I may get a small reward if you sign up), most are just tools I genuinely use and love. Let’s dive into what keeps my team of five (scattered across the U.S.) and me running smoothly!

🧠 Communication & Collaboration

Slack
Our team hub. It’s free, easy, and helps us keep every author project organized using channels. Integrates beautifully with Dropbox, Trello, and Google Drive.
URL: https://slack.com

✅ Project & Task Management

Asana
A task management powerhouse that lets you create checklists, assign tasks, and track deadlines.
URL: https://asana.com

Trello
A more visual project management system, great for storing assets like graphics and checklists.
URL: https://trello.com

📅 Scheduling & Calendar Tools

Acuity Scheduling
How I schedule all of my coaching calls, consultations, and podcast interviews.
URL: https://writepublishsell.com/author-business-tools/#acuity

Calendly
Another great tool for appointment scheduling with an intuitive interface.
URL: https://calendly.com

💬 Email Marketing & CRM

Kit (formerly called ConvertKit)
Perfect for authors and creatives. Build your list, automate sequences, and tag subscribers. It’s easy to use, easy to grow, easy to build landing pages and forms. I love Kit and have been using it for years. I run the WritePublishSell email list with Kit.
URL: https://kit.com

ActiveCampaign
Robust automation features make this a favorite for complex funnels and launches. It is probably too much for someone just getting started, but once your business grows, there are a lot of great features. I use this for the Women in Publishing Summit email.URL: https://activecampaign.com

🧾 Invoicing, Contracts & Business Admin

17Hats
Contracts, invoices, lead forms, and automations all in one.
URL: https://writepublishsell.com/author-business-tools/#17hats

🎤 Webinars, Meetings & Events

Zoom
Used daily for client calls, team meetings, and our virtual events.
URL: https://zoom.us

Other Webinar Platforms:

WebinarNinja – https://webinarninja.com/
GoToWebinar – https://www.gotomeeting.com/webinar
WebinarJam – https://home.webinarjam.com/
Demio – https://demio.com/
Matchbox – https://matchboxdesigngroup.com/

Bonus Tip:
If you’re on a budget, consider going live in a private Facebook group using Google Slides for free training presentations.

🎓 Online Courses & Communities

Thinkific
I host all of my courses here. Clean, easy interface with a ton of features.
Affiliate Link (1 Month Free): https://get.thinkific.com/give-a-month-program/?gam=901277469c

Mighty Networks
Build your own community or course hub in one platform.
URL: https://www.mightynetworks.com/

Other options:

Teachable – https://teachable.com/home-summit
Kajabi – https://kajabi.com/
Kartra – https://kartra.com/

✍️ Writing & Editing Tools

ProWritingAid
A powerful self-editing tool to catch grammar issues, overused words, and more.
Affiliate Link (40% Off): https://writepublishsell.com/author-business-tools/#prowritingaid

AutoCrit
Ideal for fiction writers, with feedback based on bestselling novels.
URL: https://womeninpublishingsummit.com/episode-124-autocrit/

🌐 Websites & Hosting

Pub Site
An author-focused website builder. Comes with a free trial and discounts.
Affiliate Link: https://writepublishsell.com/author-business-tools/#pubsite

WordPress
The classic website builder we use for both of our main sites.
URL: https://wordpress.org

SiteGround
Our go-to hosting provider—fast, reliable, and WordPress-friendly.
URL: https://www.siteground.com/

💰 Accounting & Money

QuickBooks Online
Tracks income, expenses, and makes tax time easier.
URL: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/

🖼️ Graphics & Branding

Canva
All of our summit slides, social graphics, and PDFs are created here.
URL: https://canva.com

🎙️ BONUS: Equipment for a Home Office

You might also want to invest in:

A docking station
External mic (I use a Blue Yeti)
Quality webcam
Second monitor
Ring light or good lighting

🚀 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re moving online for the first time or scaling your digital business, these tools are here to help. Start small. Take advantage of free trials. Get your systems in place and adapt as you grow.

Need help figuring out your next step?
I offer 1-on-1 consulting calls and would love to help you set up your tech stack!