Tools We Use Every Day
Running a sports blog turned media company is no easy task. Here are the tools we use every day to run GuysGirl Media.
Editorial Planning
Without fresh content, your website is just a billboard in the middle of a forest. Which is why we believe in content marketing and the power of story telling to increase brand awareness add revenue to your bottom line.
To do this, we needed an all-in-one solution for our content marketing and that’s where CoSchedule comes into play. We’ve talked about how we use the platform before, but if you’re looking for simple and affordable software for your editorial planning and social media promotion, CoSchedule is where it’s at.
Social Media Marketing
Social Media marketing is the quickest and most affordable way to get your name out there. Using networks like Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook and more, you can use these networks as a modern day press release to drive traffic back to your website–where visitors either learn more about you or buy something from you.
Which is why you should use tools like Hootsuite social media software to manage all of your accounts. There’s a basic version of Hootsuite anyone can try but the true value in Hootsuite is their auto-schedule feature only availble on the Pro version which will set you back about $10 per month.
Legal Zoom
We’ve told you the reasons why any business activity you do online should be registered as an LLC. But if you don’t know where to start, Legal Zoom is a good place to start. For about $300, they’ll do all the filing and paperwork for you.
Of course you could fill out the forms yourself with the IRS for about half the cost, but if you’re the type that just wants to pay an expert to take care of the legal stuff, definitely take the Legal Zoom route.
Hosting and Domains
If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution for domain, hosting and email, we recommend Media Temple. It’s where GuysGirl Media and all of her properties are hosted. What’s great about Media Temple is not only do they have stellar customer service but they also have options to grow with you as your needs evolve.
You can purchase a hosting package from Media Temple which includes nearly everything you’ll need to get started, including one-click installs for software like WordPress (which we highly recommend using as your CMS).
Website Template and Graphics
If you already have your hosting package and domain name, you’ll want to install WordPress. WordPress is software loaded onto your domain name that acts like a fancy Microsoft Word.
After WordPress is installed, you’ll want to explore the different themes available out there. Places like Envato’s Themeforest and Elegant Themes have numerous solutions to fit any website need. Plugins, video, images and graphics already made and awaiting your creative mind.
Once you’ve picked a theme, use a site like Canva to create custom images for your site, no Photoshop skills required.
Accounting Software
GuysGirl Media uses 17 Hats, an accounting and invoicing software solution for entrepreneurs. With this tool you can link your bank accounts, track company expenses, invoice clients and receive payments online.
It’s affectionately named 17 Hats because as an entrepreneur, you’re going to be wearing a lot of hats to manage your digital brand.
