Picking out tools and resources that actually make your life better can be pretty tricky. In the process of trying to find what truly will move the needle in YOUR unique business, it's way too easy to throw a lot of money down the drain.
When I find something that is life-changing in my business or becomes part of my daily routine, I love to share it with the world. I'm not about hoarding secrets over here.
Consider this list a text thread with your bestie - I'm sharing ALL of the best stuff in hopes that you find some new favorites, too!
My business was successful on paper, but I was completely miserable.
The easiest and most beautiful newsletter platform out there. This platform allows for segmenting, multiple lists, freebie delivery, sequences and so much more. And did I mention that it is super duper easy? Click below to get 50% off your subscription!
email marketing
I use these things every single day and couldn't run my business without them!
The best CRM (Client Relationship Manager) out there. I use Dubsado every single day in my business and literally could not function without it. If you are looking to switch to a new CRM or set one up for the first time, Dubsado is the platform for you. Use code: ‘sgplovesdubsado’ to save 20% off your first month OR year if you choose an annual plan!
CRM
I LOVE this scheduling platform so much. It is CRAZY easy to setup, allows you to use your beautiful images and gets clients booked faster! #winning
Scheduling
I cannot speak highly enough about The Image Salon. I have been outsourcing my editing with them for YEARS and they literally save me at LEAST 40 hours per month. No, that is not an exaggeration. Imagine what you could do with that much time. Shoot more? Pick up a hobby? Play with your kids? Brunch with friends? Do absolutely nothing? My favorite part is their onboarding process and how they ensure the editing is done the way you want.
Um, this system culls for you! I know, #mindblown. It is a super affordable platform that you pay for once a year and sit back and let the system cull for you! The ai software culls based on blurry images, blinks, technical errors, etc. Now, I DO still cull in Photomechanic (below). But, I use AfterShoot as my first pass. The beauty is that while it is culling, I am doing something else! AfterShoot gets my images cut in half and then I take the remainders into Photomechanic for a quick final cull before editing. Click below to save 10%!
If you are going to cull images yourself, this is the FASTEST platform out there. It is INCREDIBLY faster than culling in Lightroom or ACR. The beautiful thing is that it is a one-time fee, and the program is downloaded onto your computer. Trust me, this is an investment you need because you will save so many dang hours waiting on images to load when culling.
If you’re looking for a tool that helps you get your mindset right, get clear on your vision, define your priorities, and create habits & routines for a peacefully productive life then this is the one for you! There are digital and paper options (although I am team paper planner!)
My girl Kat Schmoyer has the most beautiful printable calendar bundle. They come in a variety of sizes and colorways. They are perfect for planning out your business, and life. I have these in my own office and love them so much.
Whether you love goal-setting or you struggle to meet your goals, Cultivate Planner PowerSheets are a complete game changer. Plus they are beautifully crafted and pretty to look at all year. This tool has made me hit more goals, faster, than anything else. Trust me, you need this!
Save 10% with code: SABRINAGEBHARDTPHOTOGRAPHY
I love all things planning and goal setting, and these tools help me reach my business and personal goals.
If you are a creative entrepreneur and struggle with the money stuff...you know, budgeting, spending, profit and MOST IMPORTANTLY, paying yourself, then Creative Income Cure is an absolute MUST for you. Trust me, this small investment will payoff and change your business financial future.
This course by Annemie Tonken will change the way you price your offers. Annemie has created a system to make your more money and sell more beautiful products on autopilot. Yep, game-changer.
Everything you need to know about installing and setting up Dubsado to work for you. Colie James teaches this course and if you are using Dubsado, this is a MUST. The code “SABRINAGEBHARDT” saves you 10% at checkout!
If you are looking for help in these areas, I have personally taken these courses and stand behind each one.
If you struggle with all the emails you need to write in business, THIS is your answer. Liz Wilcox is the email queen. And for less than $10 a month you get access to every email you could ever want. It is a STEAL.
This content planner by Amanda Warfield is so good. It walks you through the entire process, start-to-finish, on how to create intentional and thought out content for your business. For a YEAR. I know. And the best part? It's under $50.
One-Click Dubsado forms for photographers. These are a GAME CHANGER. They are pretty, effective and one. click. You need these.
If you are looking for templates, I have personally used these and and stand behind each one.
Marketing doesn't have to feel like you're constantly throwing spaghetti at the wall. Learn 5 organic (aka free) marketing strategies that will actually bring you results in your business. That means more inquiries from ideal clients and more money in your pocket.
and make more money!
say hello to marketing that works!
by Rachel Rodgers
by michael hyatt
by mike michalowicz
by James clear
I love to read and have a long list of book recommendations, but these are my current favorites.
If you are ready to create an online course OR you want a substantial platform to host email funnels, leads, courses, memberships and all-the-things, Kartra is the platform for you. It is a BEAST of a platform, but it does so dang much. I use it for the educational side of my business, and I freaking love it.
This is my go to place to rent gear from. If you have never rented photography gear, you are really missing out. Anytime I am considering buying a new piece of equipment, I rent first and consider it a test drive before making a major purchase. Another time that I love to rent gear is before I travel. Taking personal trips with my family is the perfect time to try out fun equipment that I might not otherwise experience. Click below to save $25 off your first rental.
You cannot store all your images on your computer or even an external hard drive. You NEED something off-site to be safe. Backblaze is my go-to because it runs in the background automatically, and I don’t have to do a thing. Easy peasy.
Every legal document that your photography business could ever need is here. This is your one stop shop to get your business legal. Trust me, this is so much easier and more efficient than hiring an attorney to do it for you, and it is WAY safer than skipping contracts all together!
Other things that have made a difference in my photography business and that I recommend to everyone.
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. That means I get a small commission if you purchase through this link! I make it a point to only share tools and resources I truly love and use.