I sent this out as an email to my list then decided that it would make a great blog post where I could share my insight into all the systems and apps that I get to test out even further. I think I will make this a regular thing as I could honestly talk all day about this kind of stuff.
So, let’s dive into what I have been enjoying using recently…
★ FloDesk – I feel like this is a hidden treasure for anyone who is just getting started with email marketing and also anyone who doesn’t want to worry about how costly their email app will become the more they grow their list. (My hand is in the air) It’s $38 a month for UNLIMITED subscribers. Yep! Ace… But we need more pro’s than price right… so, the email visuals are crisp, modern and easy to align to your branding, plus I love that you can view the email layout on mobile and desktop whilst editing the email.
It’s also easy to set up and you can put your workflows (automations) into folders so it’s easy to find the one you need. (If you have a ton of opt in and automations – Ahhmazing) I am very tempted to switch to this in the future but right now, I’ll be sticking with trusty ConvertKit as it would take me too long to shift all of my opts in over. More testing is needed for me too so I may try it with my next Opt in and see how we go! If you want to check it out, here is my affiliate link – It will give you 50% off your FloDesk Subscription.
★ Optinly – I bagged the AppSumo deal for this. I have been using it to create pop ups on my blog posts that have an opt in embedded and so far, it’s succeeding but it’s kind of ugly on mobile. The customer service is good too – the team created a new template for me as they had one that was perfect design wise but missing a field that I needed so kudos for that.
They also need to hook it into email lists further than just one whole list as a segment. Many business owners have more than one opt in so this brings the whole thing down for me. I have spoken to them about this and they told me that ‘campaign based tagging is already in our development’ so once they nail that down, I’m swayed – It has huge potential anyway. Perhaps a ConvertBox alternative? We’ll see.
If you want to check it out and have never used AppSumo before, here’s $10 off (referral link)
★ 17hats – I’m giving them props this week as I started using it again. I’ve gone from 17hats to Dubsado and I’m here again after being off on Mat Leave and using Dubsado for years before and I’m feeling into more than I did in the first time around. But to be completely honest, Honeybook tempts me every time I get and advert. Do you use it? I would love to hear your thoughts on it.
★ WP 301 Redirects Pro – This has been amazing for me. For someone who has rebranded and changed domains a few times over the years as my bsuiness has evolved and has way too many old URLs that need properly redirecting, this has been The bees.
If you just have a few urls that need redirects putting in place, I wouldn’t bother with this plugin as you can create solid redirects inside the Cpanel for your website. It might be time consuming but once it’s done you’ll never have to look at it again.
If you are like me and need to create a better redirection system, this is the thing to use.
★ StudioCart – This week I also bagged StudioCart for WordPress which so far is amazing. I have been planning my next big business investments since before I went off on Mat Leave nearly a year ago and the one I was most excited about, was ThriveCart.
But… then AppSumo threw StudioCart in my path which was a no brainer and an absolute steal at $79. Of course, there is still some testing to do and I am sure I will write about it somewhere when I have more insight but if you are on the fence about dropping $600+ on ThriveCart, pop over to AppSumo and bag this alternative. I have got StudioCart fully set up on my website now so have a nosy around or if you want to know more, I’d be happy to help.
Update after a few months of using StudioCart – It’s still amazing. I highly recommend it if you want to keep your transactions inside WordPress rather than having to log into another cart app to see what’s going on.
