What I Use
Tools categorized by their actual role in my workflow, not by popularity
The philosophy is simple: Does it actually help me? If yes, it stays. If no, it’s gone. No exceptions.
The Revenue Engine
These are the platforms where transactions happen. Each serves a specific purpose in the revenue stream.
Gumroad
The simplicity is worth the fee, no complex dashboards, just clean sales pages and instant delivery.
Stripe
Payment processing for online businesses. Handles subscriptions, one-time payments, and global currencies.
Shopify
The app ecosystem is massive, and the checkout experience converts better than any other platform.
Content Foundation
Your website is your home on the internet. These tools ensure it’s secure, fast, and visible.
WordPress
The CMS that powers everything. I own my content, and the plugin ecosystem handles everything from membership sites to e-commerce.
Hostinger
Cheap hosting that doesn’t feel cheap. One-click WordPress install, decent support, and performance good enough for 95% of websites.
RankMath
SEO plugin that replaced Yoast for me. Cleaner interface, more features in the free version, and actually helpful suggestions.
Audience & Visibility
Marketing tools that focus on data and efficiency, not just vanity metrics.
Ubersuggest
Keyword research without the $10k/month price tag of Ahrefs. Good enough for finding low-competition keywords and tracking rankings.
Google Trends
Free trend data that reveals seasonal patterns and emerging topics. I check it weekly to see what’s gaining traction in my niches.
WordStream
PPC research and competitor analysis tools in their free account. The 20-minute work week framework is gold for managing small ad budgets.
Visual Communication
Design and clear communication that drives action.
Canva
Replaced Photoshop for 95% of my design work. Templates, drag-and-drop, and brand kits save hours weekly. Pro features are worth the upgrade.
Adobe Creative Suite
Still needed for professional design work. Photoshop for complex edits, Illustrator for vector work, Premiere for video.
Noun Project
Icon subscription that pays for itself. Consistent, clean icons for presentations, websites, and graphics.
Unsplash
Free high-quality photos that don’t look stock-y. The quality has improved dramatically in recent years.
thisisnthappiness.com
Visual inspiration and mood boards. Curated collection of photography and art that sparks creativity.
Searchable visual inspiration and trend spotting. The algorithm surfaces design trends months before they hit mainstream.
AI & Content Creation
AI tools as collaborators, not replacements. They augment thinking and accelerate creation.
DeepSeek
Free alternative that offers different perspectives. Sometimes ChatGPT gets stuck in patterns, DeepSeek breaks those patterns.
Google Docs
Where writing actually happens. Comments, suggestions, and version history make collaboration seamless.
Google Sheets
Data tracking, planning, and analysis. From revenue dashboards to content calendars. The query function alone makes it powerful.
Physical Tools
Hardware that enables focus, creativity, and mobility. Chosen for reliability.
MacBook
Primary work machine. 18-hour battery life means true all-day mobility. Silent, cool, and powerful enough for everything I do.
iPad
Reading, notes, and media consumption. The perfect second screen for research while writing. Light enough to always have nearby.
Samsung Galaxy Note
Android phone with stylus for quick notes and sketches. The split-screen functionality is superior for multitasking.
Physical Notebook
Analog thinking space. Paper doesn’t have notifications or tabs. I use it for morning pages, meeting notes, and idea mapping.
Pentax K1000
Fully mechanical film camera from 1976. Forces intentionality, 36 shots per roll, manual everything. Teaches patience and composition.
Yeezy Gap Balenciaga Bag
Carry essentials between home, cafe, and work. Durable, waterproof, and fits laptop + notebook + camera. Functional design first.