Tools I Trust

Tools I Use to Build Websites, Launch Podcasts, and Grow a Small Business

I get asked a lot what tools I recommend for building a website, launching a podcast, or turning an idea into something real — without getting overwhelmed or overspending.

I help people clarify the vision, choose tools that fit their goals and budget, and implement a strategy that supports growth without burning out.

Reliable Beginner-friendly Flexible enough to grow

If I wouldn’t suggest it to a client or a friend, it doesn’t belong here.

⭐ Tools I Personally Use — my actual workflow stack

Bluehost

A straightforward way to get a WordPress website live without technical overwhelm.

Visit Bluehost →

Canva

My go-to design tool for thumbnails, one-sheets, presentations, and social graphics.

Visit Canva

Riverside

The platform I use for remote podcast interviews with high-quality audio + video.

Visit Riverside

Beehiiv

The newsletter platform I use to publish consistently and grow my email list.

Visit Beehiiv

Wondershare Filmora

My go-to for fast video editing when I want clean cuts, captions, and polished clips without a steep learning curve.

Visit Filmora

Kit.com

A simple way to share my recommended tools and gear in one place (great for “what do you use?” questions).

Visit Kit.com

Hindenburg Pro

Audio-focused editing built for spoken-word — perfect for podcasts when you want a cleaner workflow than full DAWs.

Visit Hindenburg
Tools I Recommend — reliable, beginner-friendly, and scalable

Bluehost

Best for: personal brands, podcast websites, and small businesses.

Why I recommend it

Hosting is usually the first big decision and often the most confusing. Bluehost keeps it simple, affordable, and easy to manage.

Get Started with Bluehost →

Networking School (Mindy East)

Most business owners know networking matters, but few have a strategy for being remembered.

It helps business owners:
  • Clarify what they want to be known for
  • Build visibility that supports referrals & partnerships
  • Strengthen relationships through intentional follow-up
Get Started with Networking School →
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you choose to use them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I genuinely trust and suggest to clients.
Best Tools for Starting a Podcast — simplest launch path

To start a podcast, you don’t need a huge studio. You need a simple workflow: record → edit → publish → promote.

Riverside

One of the best options for remote podcast interviews and recording video for clips.

Why it helps:
  • Remote guest interviews
  • High-quality audio/video capture
  • Faster clip creation
Visit Riverside

Buzzsprout

A beginner-friendly podcast host for publishing to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more.

Why it works well:
  • Easy publishing workflow
  • Distribution support
  • Clear analytics
Visit Buzzsprout
🎙 My Podcast & Video Setup — what makes the biggest difference

These categories upgrade your audio/video quality the fastest — without getting complicated.

Microphone

A quality mic is the #1 upgrade for credibility and listener experience.

Why it matters:
  • Clearer voice
  • Less background noise
  • More professional sound
Ask me what mic fits you →

Lighting

Good lighting instantly improves video quality for interviews, YouTube, and reels.

Simple setup:
  • Two lights at 45° angles
  • Soft, even light
  • Avoid harsh overhead lighting
Get my lighting recommendations →

Camera

A dedicated camera can make your video clips look far more professional than a laptop webcam.

Benefits:
  • Sharper video
  • Better focus
  • More control
Ask me about camera options →

Recording Platform

Your platform ties everything together for remote guests and easy exporting.

What to look for:
  • Remote guests
  • Easy export
  • Reliable recording
Visit Riverside
Brand & Growth Strategy Tools — build traffic, trust, and consistency

If your goal is visibility and steady growth, these are the tools that reduce chaos and improve consistency.

Newsletter System

Your email list is one of the most stable growth assets you can build.

Use it for:
  • Weekly content
  • Podcast episode promotion
  • Offers and announcements
Explore Beehiiv

Design Consistency

Consistent visuals help people recognize you faster across platforms.

Use it for:
  • Thumbnails
  • One-sheets
  • Social templates
Explore Canva

Networking Strategy

Visibility isn’t about being everywhere — it’s about being remembered.

Best for:
  • Referral growth
  • Partnerships
  • Intentional follow-up
Networking School →

Website Foundation

Your website is your home base — it should support your message and make it easy to take action.

Start simple:
  • One clear offer
  • One clear next step
  • Consistent publishing
Start with Bluehost →

Need help choosing the right tools?

If you’re building a website, launching a podcast, or growing a business idea, I can help you choose the right tools, avoid overspending, and simplify the plan so it actually gets done.

Book a Consultation →

Where Most People Start

If you’re building a website, launching a podcast, or growing a personal brand, these are the three tools I usually recommend starting with.

Website Hosting

Start your website foundation.

Start with Bluehost →

Podcast Recording

Record professional interviews remotely.

Visit Riverside →

Business Networking

Build referral relationships and visibility.

Explore Networking School →