When I was first getting started, there were so many decisions I had to make regarding gear, advertising, online materials, etc,. There are so many decisions out there and I spent a lot of time researching, trying free-thirty-day trials-all while I should’ve been working on my photography skills. I wish that some of the bigger photographers I knew were endorsing products that worked for them so that being said, I’ve done the hard work for you! I am providing my ten favorite apps for creative business owners. Good news is, I will only endorse products that work for me and that I truly love! I am affiliates with many of these companies which means I do get a kickback from a few. However, it costs you LESS to sign up using my code!

Honeybook: A Management System for Creatives

Honeybook is my saving grace and all my sanity in one. A all-in-one platform allowing you to design templates, send invoices, contracts, view reports/stats, set up automated emails, keep track with a calendar, and track your time spent working. They even have a mobile app!

I use Honeybook to keep track of inquiries, which send automated replies with my pricing packet, wedding guide, and brochure to potential clients. During the consultation, they receive a proposal of services containing their contact and payment schedule (if they’re late on payments, Honeybook will remind them!) throughout the wedding experience I sent questionnaires and day of documents just by a click of a button (or automated if you like that!) The ‘task’ feature is one of my favorites. I use the calendar task reminders to remind me to not only complete tasks but to do them in order of importance. Get 50% off Honeybook your first year! http://share.honeybook.com/xo9TZ

Quickbooks Self Employed: Tracking Expenses, Income, & Mileage

I use Quickbooks to track my mileage when I am working and I link it to my business checking accounts to track my spending and save on my taxes. They have a mobile app for easy access. You can categorize your spending into different categories (I use Meals, Gas/Mileage, and Contracted Labor the most) Get 50% off Quickbooks Self Employed http://fbuy.me/lt1AM

PASSPLUS: A Gallery Delivery System for Photographers

Pass+ is incredibly easy to use with its Lightroom Plug-in (direct download your galleries to Pass + straight from Lightroom) Mobile app for easy sharing, Instant Print store, Fast Uploading, Portfolio, and client Management system. Receive one month free http://picti.net/2sd8G

Planoly: A Content Planning App for Instagram

I use Planoly to plan my Instagram posts and auto post on all my accounts. I usually plan my posts one month out on all my accounts. This ensures that I stay accountable and post daily! Want a discount? https://www.planoly.com/referral/kayleecreightonphotography

Showit: A Website Builder for Creatives

I recently switched to Showit for my website and I am loving their mobile and SEO capabilities. My SEO views have been INSANE since I switched. See my new site! http://www.kayleecreightonphotography.com

SOL

SOL IS A TIMELINE PLANNING LIFE SAVER! I use SOL to check the sun. I can see the exact times of golden hour during the year. This helps me plan sessions and day-of wedding timelines around the light outside! Also is super helpful for late fall/winter/spring when the sunsets super early!

Track.tax: Automatic Tax Withholding

You can connect Track to your business checking account and it with automatically withdrawal your income tax with holdings for you and remind you when to pay your monthly taxes. This is so helpful to me because I would totally forget. Lifesaver!

Yoast: SEO Plug-In Wizard

Yoast is a plug-in for your website/blog that tells you when you are writing a blog that will do well with your SEO. SEO is practically the number one reason we choose to blog so I find Yoast vital for my process.

Canva: Marketing Material Design

For flyers, ads, branding materials, email headers, ect,. I like to use Canva (both app and on web!) I find Canva easier and faster than using Photoshop to create all my marketing materials.