Five Tools to Drive Everyday Efficiency:
- Slack:
- If you’ve been online recently, I’m sure you’ve heard of Slack. In our opinion, the hype is real. Slack is an easy-to-use platform that you can use to communicate with clients, have asynchronous discussions, or even host video meetings. Having an all-inclusive messaging platform to use across your whole team or organization is a game-changer!
- Frame.io:
- The marketing landscape is always adapting and evolving. Currently, video and long-form multimedia content are very common mediums of marketing, making it that much more important to include in your marketing mix. However, reviewing and critiquing videos can often be difficult, with large files being too cumbersome to send back-and-forth. Frame.io is a video reviewing platform used across industries to provide feedback on video clips, organize footage, or improve production workflows. We use it for all of our internal reviews!
- Canva:
- The days of needing an expensive Photoshop subscription to make a graphic or two are over. Canva is a (relatively) cheap design platform for users at all skill levels. With millions (yeah, millions) of templates to choose from, it’s easy to source creative inspiration. We also recommend setting up Canva Brand Tools, to make sure all content creation is on-brand and client-ready. Additionally, multiple people can work on designs together, making collaboration easier.
- HootSuite / Buffer / SocialSprout:
- Imagine sitting down for 30 minutes and finishing your social media marketing for the entire month. Social media tools such as HootSuite, Buffer, and SocialSprout are great tools to use to schedule social media posts in advance, easily respond to customer engagement, and source marketing analytics – all in one place. These tools can make social media truly ‘set-it-and-forget-it.’
- Zapier:
- To keep it very simple, Zapier is a tool that makes automating tasks, well, simple. Using the tool, you can create ‘Zaps,’ which can connect everyday tools you use in your existing workflows. For example, use Zapier to connect your CRM to your Slack, so you receive an automated notification when someone responds to an email. Connect AI tools with your email for a little extra writing assistance. Never send a Zoom meeting again with automated calendar invites. Zapier has thousands and thousands of use-cases, across all business sizes and industries.
Find Software, Tools, & Services That Work For You
The most important factor in choosing and using a tool is that you actually use it. We recommend seeking out small (see suggestions above!) and working your way into more complicated processes and efficiencies. But shaving off 15-minutes here and there pays off in the long run. With every improvement you make to your existing productivity tech stack, the more you can spend your time and energy on client-facing work that pays the bills.
Hire Freelancers Focused on Efficiency on Gyde
Looking to hire freelancers or contractors to help with your business or brand? Gyde members include freelancers that specialize in building out productive workflows and utilizing best-in-class tools. Work smarter, not harder.
