Technology and Business

Staging Inventory Systems:

Go to Week 2>>Vacant Staging section for a full overview of the best way to track inventory!

Email Systems that Allow You to Have Sign-up Forms on Your Site, Auto-Responders and Lists:

Convertkit - By far my latest favorite email marketing program that is FREE for first 1000 (which is plenty) and has TONS of bells and whistles!

SendinBlue - Another free option that is not as easy to use or popular as Convertkit.

MailChimp.com - I like Mailchimp because it's free for your first 2000 subscribers (which means it will probably always be free for you) AND it integrates into every other system easily.

GetResponse.com - If you want something that's easier to use and has LOTS of functionality then GetResponse is it.  I've used every mail program out there and this is the program HSR uses BUT it does cost something.  You can do a free trial since simplicity is key to me.

Project Management, Invoicing, Payment Collecting, Advanced Client Management (for more techy folks but will save tons of time in long run!):

These systems will help you stay organized and cut down on time for you in the long run!  Remember to dial in your forms and use them (copy and paste) inside these systems.

Waveapps - Free way to manage accounting, invoicing, payments, receipts, etc... 

Freshbooks - This company has always been the leader in client management from proposals to invoicing to bookkeeping, it does it all at a subscription cost that's not too expensive.

17Hats - Unfortunately, this one has dropped down in favor with me since their prices have gone up considerably.  I wish I could set up an automated system with all our forms, etc.. in this program that EVERYONE can use but alas.  The features are amazing and once you set up your work flow, emails, forms, etc.. then it all becomes very automated for you.  This program is designed for Designers so it's a great match for us. 

Insightly - I have mentioned Insightly before because I LOVE how you can enter in a client and it auto-populates their social profiles and other info...very cool!  It also is supposed to do what 17hats does but I found it VERY hard to figure out.  If you're not super techy, use this only for that auto-populate feature and go with 17hats or Freshbooks.

More Accounting Based Systems but AWESOME 

Quickbooks - This company has been around FOREVER and it's because they are very good.  They have an easy app you can download to your phone to track expenses with a photo.  They grow with your business but can be a bit technical to learn...if you have a bookkeeper eventually for your business, this is the program they will want you to use.

Hot Tip - Linda from Spire Business will help you set up your bookkeeping, etc for a reasonable price and is very attuned to the home staging industry!  Tell her Audra sent you.