Small business website design tools

Author website design:

My favorite tools

 
 

Are you confused or overwhelmed by the resources and tools available for author website design?

I used to have a longer list of suggested tools, but I’ve reduced it now.

The ones I feature here are those I use repeatedly and really, really love.

Many of these resources are free, and some are paid.

Some (but by no means all) of my recommendations contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you purchase them. It doesn’t cost you any extra, and is a friendly way of supporting my work. 

Website Platforms

  • Squarespace is my top choice for a website tool that looks great, is reasonably easy to use, and well priced. I design most of my client projects on this platform. Save 10% with code PAULINE10

  • Carrd is an excellent alternative if you’re on a really tight budget. It advertises as a one-page website, but it’s possible to add a small number of pages by using sections.

Email list

  • Squarespace: if you want to keep things simple, and your website is on Squarespace, using the same provider for your email list makes sense. You’ll save lots of time and it’s easy to use.

  • MailerLite: I’m impressed with the free plan and features, and I now use a paid tier for my own email list.

  • ConvertKit: a strong contender. I used to use ConvertKit and I loved the simplicity and clean design, although I felt value for money and reporting could be better.

Website Extras

  • Search Engine Optimization: joint workshop with Andrea Guevara

  • Search Engine Optimization training: Love At First Search has an excellent collection of resources and training, including a free SEO Starter Kit and comprehensive Group Coaching Program. If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you found this page because of what I learned from this course!

  • Search Engine Optimization: Keywords Everywhere research tool

  • Termageddon: website policies, like privacy and terms, made easy, and updated for you when laws change. Save 10% with code PAULINE

  • UserWay: accessibility widget

Graphics & Images

  • Canva is incredibly popular and I agree with the masses. A wonderful tool and strongly recommended. I use it for everything from client mood boards, to social media graphics, to presentation slides. Good options on the free plan, but I eventually upgraded and am happy that I did.

  • For stock photos that feature diverse models, take a look at CreateHerStock, Tonl, Nappy, and MochaStock.

  • Smart Mockups: I adore this tool for making flat images come to life. Plenty of free options as well as paid images. Sadly, retiring in 2024.

  • Free Book Mockups: and here’s one that specializes in book covers. Wonderful tool!

  • Tin Eye: offers a reverse image search, which is perfect if you’re not sure whether an image you’ve found is legal to use. Free.

Branding & Colors

  • How to Style Your Brand by Fiona Humberstone is beautiful, informative, and a must-read.

  • Palettte: A lovely free tool that lets you explore hue, value, and saturation. I use this in every client project.

Business Management

  • Dubsado: I use Dubsado for appointments, contracts, invoicing, forms, and more. It’s incredibly powerful, but does have a learning curve to get going. But I wouldn’t be without it now. Get 20% off your first year.

  • Agendio: Love stationery? Want to splurge on a planner printed just for you? I treated myself to a custom-made Agendio planner and loved the quality and thoughtful options.

Membership & Courses

  • MemberVault is the clear winner as my favorite tool if you want to offer resources, a membership or online courses. The community is lovely, and the support from the MV team is the best I’ve seen anywhere. I’m absolutely delighted with MemberVault and the value I get. See what mine looks like and help yourself to my freebies while you’re there!

Video

  • Loom: I resisted paying for Loom for a while, but it’s such a useful tool for me. I use it to make short how-to clips to help my clients, and for longer training videos & course materials. If you find yourself typing long emails, you might like to send video instead.

Skills, Learning, Community

  • BAIPA: I’m a former board member of the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association. Monthly meetings are on Zoom, so wherever you are in the world, do consider joining us.

  • Alliance of Independent Authors: This vibrant indie community celebrated 10 years in 2022. I’m no longer a partner member, but ALLi does excellent work.

  • Playing Big by Tara Mohr: really valuable reading for female business owners. This book taught me more than anything else in its genre.

Printed Items

  • Moo offers high quality business cards and more, including their famous option where you can have a different image (for example your book covers or quotes) on each card. Not cheap, but lovely!

  • Overnight Prints are reliable and have excellent prices for stationery items like bookmarks and postcards. I order frequently here.

OK, so what’s next?

Great, now you know what tools to use! For help moving forward, you might like to: