Tools, tips, tricks, hacks

Construct Scalable Processes and Tools In business start-ups, or when assisting clients with the same, I aim to construct my processes and tools in a scalable manner. I consider, “Will this tool or process be useful if I expand my team? Will it remain functional when I’m so occupied that I delegate tasks to other contractors? Will the monthly cost justify the investment, considering it saves me time and enables me to focus more on tasks that generate income?” Take email marketing, for instance. Many tools are available to facilitate and automate email sending. They might seem costly for a start-up, but if you start as you intend to continue, it will prove profitable in the long run. Instead of opting for free platforms that impose limitations on contacts and sends, invest from the outset in something like Flodesk or Klaviyo. They might be slightly pricier, but they will prove their worth when they save you time and attract better clients through automation and conversion email marketing.

As a small-business owner who relies on many partnerships with other business owners, I recommend setting up long-term relationships by giving more value than you take. As a web designer, I work with SEO experts, copywriters, illustrators, and tech VAs. The only way I’ve built meaningful connections with business owners at the top of their field is by entering into a give-and-take relationship where the former is greater than the latter. For instance, it may take me all of five minutes to help a potential business partner set up an email sequence or a new web page, but it may have taken them two hours. By offering this as a way to help a fellow professional out, I’ve developed a system of trust and reliability. I’m also proving my skills to them so they, in turn, may recommend me to possible leads. In a world where everyone is after a quick win, it pays to provide genuine value to people you see working with long-term. It will pay for itself in the future. Providing value equals gaining trust.

One tip to stay authentic and targeted to your ideal client or customer is to forget your high school friends! That's right—those friends you haven't seen in 10 years, but you know they follow your account. They're lurking but never engage. These are not your people. Knowing your content is popping up on their feeds will not serve you. It will only take you back to feelings of imposter syndrome and will skew the way you create. The advice? Block these people. Or put them on a list and exclude them from your content. That way, you won't worry about what Rachel from 10th grade might think of your next reel. You'll be creating genuine, authentic content that speaks to your target audience and ultimately drives them to you!