The 6 Business Tools I Can’t Live Without

When you’re building a business, it’s easy to get stuck in a maze of tools, apps, and subscriptions you might need.
But here’s the truth: success doesn’t come from using more tools — it comes from using the right ones consistently.

Whether you're just starting out or you're refining your systems, these are the six tools I use every single week in my business. They’ve helped me stay organised, design with ease, manage clients, and actually enjoy running my business.

Here’s my personal tech stack — and why I’ll never go without them.


1. Canva – For Design That Doesn’t Feel Like a Struggle

If you’re not a designer but still want beautiful visuals, Canva is a lifesaver.

From social media graphics and website banners to lead magnets and templates — this is where all my brand visuals are created. You don’t need expensive software or a degree in design. Just drag, drop, and stay on brand.

👉 Tip: I’ve created reusable templates inside Canva that save hours every week. If design takes you forever, start here.



2. FreeAgent – My Finance & Accounting Go-To

Let’s be honest — most of us didn’t start a business to play accountant.

That’s where FreeAgent comes in. It helps me manage invoices, expenses, payments, and even tax returns without spreadsheets or confusion.

It’s simple, HMRC-compliant, and makes tracking income (and preparing for tax season) way less stressful.




3. Notion – The Creative Brain Dump Zone

I use Notion for what I call my “brain space.”
Ideas, content drafts, future offers, blog post outlines — they all live here.

It’s not polished or public-facing — it’s where I think.
Having a dedicated space to capture ideas (without cluttering your task list) is game-changing for creativity and long-term planning.





4. Asana – The Backbone of My Business

If it’s not in Asana, it’s not happening.

I manage my entire business through it — from client workflows and deadlines to personal tasks and launches. I use it to assign tasks, track progress, and keep everything out of my inbox and in one place.

👉 Module 9 of The Business Blueprint walks you through how I structure this system for productivity and balance.






5. Squarespace – My Website, Sales Page & Digital Home

I built my site on Squarespace, and it’s been perfect for creating clean, modern pages without needing to code or hire help.

Whether you're building a one-page sales funnel or a full site with a blog, it’s intuitive and easy to update. And yes — it integrates beautifully with your brand visuals from Canva.







6. Loomly – Social Media Planning Without the Panic

I plan and schedule all my social content inside Loomly.
It lets me map out content calendars, upload drafts, and keep everything consistent — even when I’m juggling a million other things.

It’s the reason I’m able to show up online without scrambling every day.



Want My Full Toolkit?

Inside The Business Blueprint, I break down how I use each of these tools — with templates, workflows, and real-life walkthroughs to help you save time, stay organised, and grow without overwhelm.

👉 Join The Business Blueprint to access the full system, swipe my tools, and finally run your business like a pro.

Danielle Madden

This article was written by Danielle Madden, an award winning Squarespace website designer, marketer and graphic designer.

Ready to discuss your website project or marketing goals? Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step towards building your online presence!

Website: www.websbymads.com
Marketing: www.mads-online.com

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