Recommended Resources & Tools
Running a small business means making about a thousand tiny decisions, and technology is one of the easiest places to get overwhelmed.
There are endless platforms, subscriptions, templates, CRMs, schedulers, website builders, and email tools out there, all promising to save you time, make you money, or magically fix your marketing.
These are the tools I actually use, recommend, or send clients to over and over again.
Some are simple. Some are a little nerdy. Some save time. Some make your business look more polished. And some just solve those annoying little problems that seem to pop up over and over again.
I only recommend tools I genuinely trust and would suggest to a client, friend, or fellow business owner.
A few of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. But I would never recommend something just because of that. If it’s on this list, it’s because I think it’s actually worth using.
Free Resources
Find the Hidden Marketing Gaps Costing You Customers!
Your marketing should be getting customers through the door. If it’s not, something’s missing. Take this quick quiz to find out exactly what’s holding you back. Plus get a custom plan to fix it fast!
Get your custom plan.
The InstaCommunity Blueprint
20 Ways for brick and mortar businesses to attract more clients by maximizing your social media account(s).
Get the InstaCommunity Blueprint.
Fall & Holiday Posting Plan
Unlock the potential of your social media account with our Q4 Posting Plan—a monthly, fillable template tailored for brick & mortar business owners like you.
Get the posting plan.
Website & Tech Tools
Kit: the email platform for creators who mean business
Email marketing for creators and small businesses.
Why I Like It: Kit is simple, clean, and built for people who want to stay connected with their audience without needing a complicated system. I especially like it for service providers, coaches, and local business owners.
Best For: Email marketing, lead magnets, and newsletters
ICDSoft: Reliable, straightforward web hosting.
Why I Like It: It’s fast, affordable, and just works. I’ve used it for years and consistently recommend it to WordPress clients.
Best For: WordPress hosting
Bonus: Use my link for a 20% discount
Squarespace : all-in-one website platform.
Why I Like It: It’s one of the easiest ways to get a clean, professional website up and running without needing to manage a bunch of backend tools.
Best For: Service-based businesses who want simplicity
Canva – Design tool for graphics, social media, and more.
Why I Like It: It’s incredibly versatile and beginner-friendly. You can create almost anything without needing design experience.
Best For: Social media graphics, PDFs, and marketing materials
Messaging & Content
Val Casola Copy templates
The templates below are all from Val Casola. Each link goes to a specific resource so you can choose exactly what you need. Each one packages up her favorite thought-provoking questions, plug-and-play copy prompts, and client examples to help you create a moving message driven by purpose, intention, and impact
Homepage Template
A structured guide for writing your homepage.
Why I Like It: It walks you through exactly what your homepage needs to convert visitors into clients. If you’re only going to grab one, start with this homepage template.
Best For: DIY website owners
Services Page Template
A framework for clearly presenting your offers.
Why I Like It: It helps you move beyond listing services and actually show the value of what you do.
Best For: Service-based businesses
About Page Template
A guide to writing a compelling About page, the second-most visited page for websites!
Why I Like It: It balances personality and professionalism in a way that builds trust.
Best For: Business owners who don’t know what to say about themselves
Full Website Copy Template Bundle
A complete set of website copy templates.
Why I Like It: It gives you everything you need to write your site without starting from scratch.
Best For: DIY website builds or preparing for a professional website
Termageddon: Privacy policies, disclaimers, and terms that update automatically.
Why I Like It: If you collect information through forms, schedulers, or email signups, you need privacy policies on your website. Termageddon makes this much easier and less intimidating.
Best For: Website legal pages and compliance
Bonus: Use my link (or code JHAMEL) for 10% off your first payment.
Trusted Partners & Support
Virtual Tech Consulting: LaKenya Kopf
Incredible Website and tech support.
Why I Like It: She’s my go-to when something technical is over my head. Clear, reliable, and easy to work with. If you’re having trouble with your domain, need to decide on a new CRM, or want ongoing dedicated tech support, she can help you!
Best For: Technical troubleshooting and support
Boston Business Women: Networking and community.
Why I Like It: A supportive, active community of women building businesses locally.
Best For: Connection, referrals, and community
Some of these are affiliate links, which means I may get a benefit at no additional cost to you.
