11 Subscriptions & software I actually use in my creative business

 
 

This post contains affiliate links for products I personally use & recommend

 

Running a creative business means juggling a lot—website, marketing, admin, and finances, all while staying on top of your client work. 

I’m all about keeping things as streamlined and stress-free as possible, so I only pay for tools that actually make my life easier.

If you’re curious about what’s in my tech stack as a web designer for wedding pros, here’s every subscription and software I actually use. 

Some are free, some are paid, but all of them are tried-and-true favorites that I’d recommend in a heartbeat.

And yep, a few of these are affiliate links, which means if you decide to try them, I might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). So thanks for your support!

 

website essentials

 

The domain provider with real customer support

Hover

If you need a domain name for your website, Hover is my go-to. I’ve been using them for years, and their customer support is actually helpful—unlike some of the bigger domain providers where you’re just one customer in a massive pool.

👉 Grab your domain + get $2 off

 

The website platform I use for my own site

Squarespace

I design most of my client websites on Squarespace, and it’s what I use for my own site, too. I like that it offers professional design and an easy-to-use backend, so my clients don’t have to rely on a developer every time they need to update something.

Not sure if Squarespace is the right platform for you? I made a quick Squarespace vs. Showit quiz to help you decide.

👉 Use code BEJ10 for 10% off

 

Where I get fonts & design assets

Creative Market

Most of the fonts and design elements I use—both for my brand and my client projects—come from Creative Market. It’s packed with high-quality, ready-to-use assets like:

  • Custom fonts

  • Logo templates

  • Stock photos

  • Website mockups

They also offer 3 free design assets every week! All you need is a free account to grab them before they rotate out.

👉 Check out this week’s free designs

 

How I keep my website legally protected

Termageddon

If your website collects any kind of user data (like contact form submissions or emails), you need a privacy policy. Termageddon makes that process way easier.

They cover all the latest data privacy laws—GDPR, CCPA, and beyond—and they’ll notify you whenever an update is needed. That way, you’re not scrambling to keep up with legal changes on your own. Their customer support is also great, which is a huge plus.

👉 Use code EMILYJANE for 10% off

 

marketing & content creation

 

The easiest email marketing platform

Flodesk

If you want an email platform that’s beautiful, beginner-friendly, and powerful enough for small businesses, Flodesk is the one. I’ve worked with all the major platforms, and this one is by far the most intuitive.

I also love that it integrates seamlessly with both Squarespace and Showit, making it super easy to connect your email list to your website.

👉 Get 50% off your first year

 

The quiz builder I use to grow my email list

Interact Quizzes

I use Interact to power my Squarespace vs. Showit quiz, which helps potential clients figure out which website platform is best for them.

Quizzes are an easy way to turn website visitors into email subscribers while giving them something genuinely helpful. Plus, I can see exactly what my audience is interested in based on their quiz results, so I can send them content that actually matters to them.

👉 Get 2 weeks free

 

The tool I use for planning my Instagram feed

Plann

I use Plann to visually map out my Instagram grid before posting. It makes it easy to drag and drop images so everything looks cohesive.

I personally use the free version to plan my feed and then schedule posts in Meta Business Suite, but if you want an all-in-one solution, Plann offers auto-posting, too.

👉 Try it for free

 

How I replace unnecessary meetings with video messages

Loom

I try to keep meetings to a minimum in my business, so Loom is a lifesaver. It lets me record my screen and face at the same time, which makes it perfect for:

  • Walking clients through a proposal

  • Delivering a website design

  • Recording website reviews

  • Sending personalized responses to client inquiries

  • Recording workshops

As someone who’s neurodivergent with chronic health conditions, this tool is a game-changer for me. I don’t always have predictable energy levels, so being able to communicate on my own schedule—without hopping on a live call—is huge. My clients also love these videos because they can watch them whenever it’s convenient for them.

👉 Get started for free

 

sales & business management

 

The best contract templates for creatives

Creative Law Shop

If you don’t have solid client contracts, fix that ASAP, dude! Creative Law Shop offers attorney-drafted templates specifically designed for creatives and wedding professionals.

One thing I love is the lifetime updates. Laws change, and when they do, you get updated contract templates at no extra cost. Plus, the attorney who writes these contracts actually defends her clients in court using them—so you know they’re legit.

👉 Use code BEJ10 for 10% off

 

The CRM I use to manage projects & clients

Moxie

I’ve tried a lot of CRMs, and Moxie is the first one that actually stuck. It combines contracts, invoices, project management, and scheduling into one clean interface.

Some of my favorite features:

  • Kanban-style task boards (if you like Trello, you’ll love this)

  • A super active Facebook community where the team actually listens to user feedback

  • Ongoing updates that constantly make the platform better

Their support team is also amazing—if you ever need help, they’re quick to respond.

👉 Get 30 days free

 

How I budget for my business & personal life

You Need a Budget (YNAB)

I’ve been using YNAB for years, and I swear by their budgeting method. Unlike traditional budgeting apps that just track what you spend, YNAB helps you assign every dollar to a specific purpose or goal.

I spend a few minutes in the app every few days, and it gives me so much peace of mind knowing that my money is actually doing something—whether that’s covering upcoming bills, funding savings goals, or setting aside money for business expenses.

Their YouTube channel, podcast, and blog are packed with helpful resources, so if you’re new to their method, they’ve got plenty of ways to learn. There’s a bit of a learning curve, but I think once you get it, you’ll never go back.

👉 Get 34 days free

 

I’m always trying out new products and subscriptions because I think it’s fun, but these are the ones I’ve stuck with through the years. Whether you’re looking for a better way to manage client projects, send emails, or keep your website legally protected, I hope this list gives you some inspo!

Got a favorite business tool you swear by? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s working for you!

 
 

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Hey; Don’t leave without checking out these:

 
Emily Jane

I’m a photographer-turned-web-designer, running a business since 2016. In my eyes, life is a short gift. You should be able to relax & enjoy it, but you gotta make money to do that. Enter your money making machine: Your website.

Your website should be making your life easier, not harder! I help take the headache out of websites so busy creatives like you move on to your next big goal :)

https://byemilyjane.com
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Squarespace vs. Showit: Pros & cons for wedding business websites