Books, Tools, and Other Things
Here is a list of some of the tools that I've used to create this website, my podcast and other business & creative projects.
I hope these help you as much as they've helped me. – Steven
** I have partnered with some of the services that I use. This has allowed me to offer you some promotions with the special links below (extended trials and discounts).
Quick Navigation
Tools & Resources for Podcasters from Novice to Pro
“Stock” Music and Sound FX
Artlist is amazing for sourcing music (that you are allowed to use on your show, see their terms). This is where I found the intro and outro music for the podcast. It will level up your production value immediately.
Volume Leveling & Noise Reduction Tools
Auphonic is a great tool for both rescuing bad recordings and making sure your final mix is up to Radio Standards. I use this to “clean up” the final mix from Adobe Audition to make sure the vocal tracks and music tracks all have the same loudness so my listener gets what they're expecting when the put the volume to a certain level. This is a must use.
Multi-Track Audio Editing Software (DAW)
Adobe Audition comes with the Adobe Creative Suite. It is used by podcasters and movie makers. It can be intimidating at the start but once you get used to it, it has a lot of powerful tools such as removing noise, adding effects, and the overall management of your multitrack sessions.
Audiogram and Video Transcription Tool
Headliner almost does it all when it comes to creating marketing material for your show. I use this to create audiograms (Square, Wide, and Story format) and it also transcribes your media (at no additional charge). Definitely worth taking a look at.
(use this link and signup to receive 2 free weeks of the PRO plan)
Podcast Hosting
Not all hosts are created equal. If you want your show to be on as many podcast players as possible, Libsyn is the only choice. They helped my show get on Amazon Music for their recent launch, and will let you know anytime there is a new player you can submit your show to. Distribution is key.
Learn How to Make Your (podcast) Content Discoverable
Online Marketing Courses & Certifications
If you're looking to learn about Paid Traffic, Content Marketing, Copywriting etc.. Digital Marketer is a great place to take courses and get up to speed. These courses have really helped me with this website and developing content and the right copy (how I speak in email and these pages). You get badge when you've completed each course. Highly worth it.
Online (free) SEO & Technical Marketing Courses
SEMrush is a great tool for discovering many many things about top websites. I use this tool to help me find topics for episodes. You can search for questions being asked on the internet based on topics or keywords. Imagine being able to produce content that people are actually looking for.
Web Tools & Apps to Crush your Business Productivity
Data Management & Migration Tools
This is a data migration / data syncing tool. It was critical when I migrated all of my business data from Drop to G-Drive. I also used it back when I relied on Saleforce. Great for backing up cloud data. Must have.
Website & App Blocking Tool
If you can't stay off your phone or from checking facebook every 10 minutes, Freedom App is great for blocking specific apps and websites for either set amounts of time or during a schedule that you determine. Perfect for keeping you honest throughout your working hours. Does offer a chance to see the app if “really” needed.
Grammar, Spellcheck & Plagiarism Checking Tool
Stop relying on the red squiggly line that never seems to work. Grammarly integrates with Google Docs Suite, Chrome OS (which helps you on any webpage you're writing on (even this wordpress editor)), as well as your phone. It's the fastest way to get content out there that is well polished and still sounds like you.
G-mail Automation and Management Must-Have Tool
I can't do email without Mixmax. It allows you to snooze emails at certain times and based on conditions, schedule emails at specific times and based on conditions (did they reply, did they not open the email), and has the best email template system I've seen using keyboard shortcuts to fill out an entire email (subject and body with formatting included). Integrates with Salesforce, Pipedrive and other CRM's.
Collection of Mac apps available by subscription
It's like getting a bunch of apps for the price of 1. Ulysses, a very popular writing app is included which by itself costs $5.99 per month, but for 9.99 per month on Setapp, you get Ulysses and MANY other very useful and productive apps ranging from utilities, photo editing, project management and writing tools. Worth checking out.
Powerful Service to Automate Your Business Tools, Together
One app to rule them all. Zapier is a service that allows you to connect many other web app/services that you use. Think of it as automation without any coding. Bring information from one system into another, as actions happen. This app will make or break your business as the economy continues to scale.
Know Your Market, Manage Leads, Track Sales
Email Marketing & Automation
If you've gotten an email from me it probably came from ActiveCampaign. This is the top when it comes to email marketing and automation. Their system allows you to automate so many actions based on different events or triggers (when an action takes place). A must for serious emailers running a podcast or website. Comes with a built-in CRM.
Like Photoshop in your Pocket (desktop & mobile)
Creating any kind of social media post for your business or podcast has never been easier with Canva. It's most useful for speed AND for anyone who wishes they could make cool marketing posts but are terrified of using Adobe Photoshop. It works seamless on mobile. You'll be glad you tried it.
Online Marketing Courses & Certifications
If you're looking to learn about Paid Traffic, Content Marketing, Copywriting etc.. Digital Marketer is a great place to take courses and get up to speed. These courses have really helped me with this website and developing content and the right copy (how I speak in email and these pages). You get badge when you've completed each course. Highly worth it.
Super Clean & Automate-able CRM
Pipedrive changed the game for me. I used Salesforce for a long time and it was expensive and did not “work for me”. Pipedrive is clean, efficient and loaded with automations and easy to customize. The phone app works great and is a seamless experience from the browser application. I use this for sales business and for tracking guests for the podcast.
Data Research & SEO Web Tool
SEMrush is a great tool for discovering many many things about top websites. I use this tool to help me find topics for episodes. You can search for questions being asked on the internet based on topics or keywords. Imagine being able to produce content that people are actually looking for.
Easy & Powerful “Link In Bio” Tool
If you've heard of Linktree or used it, this is WAY better. Taplink helps you make a landing page and link to include in your Instagram (or anywhere you want) bio. This way you don't lose out by having to choose another social link in your bio, this allows you to include them all.
You can add sliders, videos, different pages, countdown timers and collect leads (using built-in lead forms). And its cheaper! Check it out
(create an account and get 7-day trial for their Business Plan)
Tools I've Used to Help Get in Mental/Physical Shape
Lifesaving Habits & Lifestyle Tracking App
On some of the days I felt most lost, what kept me going was my list of daily (morning, afternoon, evening, and shutdown) habits. You can make custom list of habits at custom times of day on specific days. Complete with guided meditations, this app is a life saver.
Robust & Flexible Pull-Up Bar
I've gone through quite a few pull-up bars in my day. Megabar will be the last one you ever have to buy. It's robust and detaches to become a stand-alone workout bar that you can add standard plates to. And it comes with a set of rings! Get fit.
(not sold on amazon) – (learn more)
