Let’s face it, the business world can be a bit…well, stale.
Everyone throws around the same old software recommendations, leaving you feeling like you’re stuck in an endless loop of “meh.”
But hey, that’s why we have Not the Same Old Tools, right?
As a 24-year-old blogger/marketer/entrepreneur with a passion for finance and all things online business (gotta secure that yacht by 30, am I right?), I’ve spent countless hours digging up hidden gems that make my life (and work) a whole lot easier.
Here’s the thing – these aren’t your mama’s business tools.
We’re talking about fresh finds that will boost your productivity, unleash your inner marketing whiz, and maybe even free up some time for that afternoon espresso break.
So, buckle up, grab your metaphorical cappuccino, and get ready to discover the secret weapons that I use to stay ahead of the curve. Let’s dive in!
1. Setapp
This one’s a game-changer for Mac users like myself.
Imagine a smorgasbord of fantastic Mac apps, all available for one monthly fee.
Sounds pretty tempting, right? Well, thanks to Setapp this is possible.
What I Like 😍
- App Nirvana: With over 240 apps at your fingertips, Setapp is like a one-stop shop for everything your Mac desires. From productivity powerhouses to creative gems, you’ll find something to tackle any task.
- Install with Abandon: Gone are the days of endless app hunting and downloading. Setapp lets you install and uninstall apps with a single click – perfect for the indecisive app lover (ahem, me).
- Regularly Updated Feast: Setapp’s app selection is constantly growing and evolving, so you’ll always have access to the latest and greatest tools.
What I Don’t Like 👎
- Subscription Model: Setapp is a subscription service, which means you pay a monthly fee for access to all the apps. It’s a great deal if you use a lot of apps, but might not be ideal if you only need a few specific ones.
- Limited to Mac: Calling all Windows and Android users, I feel your pain! Setapp is currently exclusive to the Mac universe.
How Much Does It Cost? 💰
Setapp offers a single subscription plan at $9.99/month.
As an exclusive member of NTSOT, you get exclusive, extended FREE access to Setapp for 30 days (code: NTSOT30)
They also have a generous 7-day free trial, so you can take it for a spin and see if it’s your app buffet dream come true.
Final Consideration
Setapp is a fantastic option for Mac users who are tired of app hunting and want access to a wide variety of high-quality tools.
It’s perfect for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to streamline their workflow and unleash their Mac’s full potential.
Bonus Tip 🎁
Before diving headfirst into Setapp, make a list of the apps you need. This will help you avoid the app-ocalypse and get the most value out of your subscription.
2. TickTick
Okay, friends, let’s be honest. Between slaying keywords, managing that side hustle, and let’s not forget that never-ending quest for the perfect cappuccino recipe, our to-do lists can get a bit…out of control.
Enter TickTick, the to-do list app that’ll turn you into a productivity powerhouse (hopefully without the toga).
What I Like 😍
- Simple & Slick Interface: TickTick is like the minimalist dream for task management. It’s clean, intuitive, and lets you focus on what matters most: getting stuff done.
- Lots of Features: Don’t let the simple interface fool you. TickTick packs a punch with features like subtasks, recurring tasks, priority levels, and even habit tracking.
- Multi-platform: TickTick works seamlessly across all your devices, from your laptop to your phone. No more scrambling to remember what needs to be done – your to-do list is always with you.
What I Don’t Like 👎
- Limited Free Features: The free plan does not allow certain features (which are very important to me). For example, it’s not possible to attach more than one media per day per task.
- Power User Limitations: While TickTick is fantastic for everyday tasks, it might not be robust enough for hardcore project management needs.
How Much Does It Cost? 💰
TickTick has a free forever plan with plenty of features to get you started.
Premium plan with more bells and whistles (like full calendar view, calendar subscription, and the Eisenhower Matrix) starts at around $2.99/month.
Final Consideration
TickTick is a fantastic task management tool for anyone who wants to get organized and boost their productivity.
It’s perfect for freelancers, entrepreneurs, or anyone who feels like they’re constantly battling a never-ending to-do list.
However, if you just need a simple to-do list and don’t mind a little pen-and-paper action, the free version might be all you need.
Bonus Tip 🎁
Play around with the free version and see if TickTick becomes your productivity gladiator in shining armor. You might just surprise yourself at how much you can accomplish!
3. Notion
This one’s kind of a big deal in the productivity world, and for good reason.
Notion is like a Swiss Army knife for your digital life, combining features like note-taking, project management, wikis, and even a calendar – all in one beautiful interface.
What I Like 👎
- The All-in-One Advantage: Notion throws out the silo approach to productivity. You can write notes, manage projects, collaborate with your team, and build wikis – all within the same platform. Say goodbye to app overload!
- The Power of AI: Notion’s AI features are like your own little productivity fairy godmother. From suggesting content ideas to summarizing long articles, AI helps you work smarter, not harder.
- Customization Paradise: Notion lets you unleash your inner creative with endless customization options. From custom templates to drag-and-drop functionality, you can build your workspace exactly the way you want it.
What I Don’t Like 🙁
- The Rabbit Hole of Organization: With so many features and customization options, Notion can be a double-edged sword. It’s easy to get lost in the weeds of organization, spending more time tweaking your system than actually getting things done.
- Learning Curve: While Notion is intuitive, it does have a bit of a learning curve. Don’t expect to become a Notion master overnight.
How Much Does It Cost? 💰
Notion offers a free plan with plenty of features to get you started.
Paid plans with more storage and collaboration features start at $8/month.
Final Consideration
Notion is a fantastic all-in-one productivity tool that can be a game-changer for anyone who wants to streamline their workflow and ditch the app clutter.
However, if you’re prone to getting bogged down in customization or prefer a simpler solution, there might be better options out there.
Bonus Tip 🎁
Don’t try to do everything in Notion at once. Start with a few key features and gradually add more as you get comfortable.
There are also tons of free Notion templates available online to jumpstart your workspace.
Happy Notioning!
4. Canary Mail
Let’s be honest, email can be a total nightmare.
Drowning in endless threads, hunting for that important message, and constantly playing detective to figure out if someone actually read your email – ugh!
Enter Canary Mail, my email superhero.
What I Like 😍
- Unlimited Accounts: One thing that I really appreciated, and which I struggled to find in other similar tools, is the possibility of linking an unlimited number of email addresses. Finally, with Canary Mail this is possible.
- AI Copilot: This might sound cheesy, but Canary Mail’s AI features are like having a tiny email fairy godmother. It automatically summarizes long emails, cleans up messy threads, and even helps me unsubscribe from promotional junk.
- Read Receipts Done Right: Ever hit send and wonder if your email fell into a black hole? Canary Mail lets you know if your recipient has opened your message, but in a way that’s actually useful (and not creepy).
- The Unified Inbox: I juggle a bunch of accounts for my multiple businesses. Canary Mail brings them all together under one roof, making it a breeze to switch between them.
- Smart Prioritization: No more inbox overwhelm! Canary Mail helps me focus on the important stuff first by prioritizing emails based on urgency and relevance. Say goodbye to spending 20 minutes answering that email from your aunt about her prize-winning marmalade (unless you’re really into marmalade, then by all means…).
What I Don’t Like 👎
- Limited Customization: While Canary offers a sleek interface, there aren’t a ton of options for personalizing the look and feel. But hey, maybe that’s a good thing – less time fiddling with settings, more time getting things done!
- New Kid on the Block: Compared to some email giants, Canary Mail is a bit of a newcomer. While it’s constantly improving, there might be a few features missing that you’re used to in other platforms.
How Much Does It Cost? 💰
Canary Mail offers a free plan with basic features, but to unlock the full potential of your AI Copilot and other goodies, you’ll need a paid subscription.
There are different tiers depending on your needs, but they all fall within the “treat yourself to a nice coffee” price range (about $49/year).
Or, you can get Canary Mail for free with Setapp. I’ve already spoken about this app above.
Final Consideration
If you’re an email warrior struggling to stay afloat in a sea of messages, Canary Mail is your life raft.
With its AI-powered features and focus on efficiency, it’s perfect for busy entrepreneurs, bloggers, marketers, and anyone who wants to reclaim their inbox.
Bonus Tip 🎁
Don’t forget to set up some email filters!
Canary Mail integrates seamlessly with them, so you can keep your important emails front and center while automatically sending newsletters and marketing promos straight to a separate folder (because let’s face it, who needs those clogging up your precious inbox space?).
5. Meco
Ever feel like your inbox is a monster that devours your entire day? Yeah, me too.
That’s why I started using Meco, a lifesaver for anyone who gets bombarded with newsletters (especially us digital entrepreneurs folks who are subscribed to, well, everything).
What I Like 😍
- Taming the Inbox Beast: Meco uses smart filters and lets you group newsletters. No more endless scrolling! I can finally find that article on the latest Saas trends I saw a glimpse of earlier. Adios, information overload!
- Knowledge on the Go: We all know that feeling – you read a fantastic article but by the time you want to revisit it, it’s buried under a mountain of emails. Meco lets you save, annotate, and categorize articles, turning your inbox into a personalized knowledge base.
What I Don’t Like 👎
- Nothing at the moment
How Much Does It Cost? 💰
Meco offers a free plan with basic features.
The PRO plan, which unlocks the good stuff like multi-account support and offline mode, is $4.99 a month. There’s also a free 7-day trial, so you can take it for a spin before committing.
Final Consideration
Meco is a godsend for anyone struggling with information overload.
If you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, or just someone who wants to stay ahead of the curve, this app is a total game-changer.
Bonus Tip 🎁
Don’t forget to leverage Meco’s annotation features! Highlighting key takeaways and adding your own thoughts will supercharge your learning and help you turn those newsletters into actionable insights.
6. Surfer SEO
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty with something near and dear to my SEO heart: Surfer SEO.
This is basically the Michelangelo of content creation tools, helping you sculpt masterpieces that Google will love.
What I Like 😍
- Content Editor: This is the real star of the show. It analyzes your content in real-time, comparing it to top-ranking articles for your target keyword. Think of it like a grammar police on steroids, but for SEO. It suggests what to add, what to remove, and even the optimal content length – basically holding your hand and guiding you towards content glory.
- Keyword Research: Surfer’s got your back on the keyword front too. It helps you discover high-volume, low-competition keywords that can become your secret traffic weapons.
- SEO Audit: Need a quick health check for your website? Surfer’s SEO audit tool crawls your site and identifies technical SEO issues that might be holding you back in search rankings.
What I Don’t Like 👎
- Learning Curve: Surfer isn’t the most intuitive tool out there. It takes a little time to get the hang of all the features, but hey, even mastering Renaissance art takes practice, right?
- Price: Surfer ain’t cheap. Plans start at around $60 a month, which can be a bit steep for some starting.
How Much Does It Cost? 💰
Plans start at about $60/month and go up depending on features and content limits (prices can change).
Final Consideration
Surfer SEO is a fantastic tool for SEOs, content creators, and anyone who wants to take their website to the next level.
However, it’s not for everyone.
If you’re just starting out with a shoestring budget, there might be simpler (and free) options out there.
But if you’re serious about ranking high in search results and creating content that converts, Surfer SEO is definitely worth considering.
Just be prepared to invest a little time in learning the ropes.
Bonus Tip 🎁
They offer a free trial, so you can take Surfer for a spin and see if it’s the Michelangelo for you!
7. Dub.co
Gone are the days of boring, generic links!
Dub.co is an open-source link management platform that is like getting a makeover for your URLs.
This is a game-changer for anyone who wants their links to be as professional (and maybe even a touch snazzier) than their competitors.
What I Like 😍
- Branded Links: Say goodbye to those clunky, unmemorable links. With Dub.co, you can create custom short links that reflect your brand.
- QR Code Magic: QR codes are everywhere these days, and Dub.co lets you generate custom QR codes for your links. This is perfect for print marketing or directing people to your website from social media. Plus, who doesn’t love a little scannable surprise?
- Personalization Power: Dub.co lets you personalize your links based on who’s clicking. This means you can tailor your landing pages or offers to specific audiences.
- Teamwork Makes the Link Dream Work: If you’re not a one-man marketing machine (and let’s be honest, who is these days?), Dub.co facilitates teamwork. You can share link management duties with your team, so everyone’s on the same page (and tracking the same clicks).
What I Don’t Like 👎
- Free Plan Limitations: The free plan is great for getting your feet wet, but it does have limitations on the number of links and clicks you can track. For someone like me, who’s constantly churning out content and campaigns, the paid plans are necessary.
How Much Does It Cost? 💰
The free plan gives you a good taste of Dub’s features, but for serious link management, you’ll need to upgrade.
Paid plans start at $19 per month and offer more features like increased link limits, custom domains, and advanced analytics.
Final Consideration
Dub.co is a great tool for anyone who wants to take their marketing links to the next level.
It’s perfect for bloggers, entrepreneurs, and marketing teams who want to create a more professional and engaging brand experience.
Bonus Tip 🎁
Don’t just use Dub for your website links! Think about using branded links for your social media profiles, email signature, or even offline marketing materials like flyers and posters.
Every touchpoint is an opportunity to build brand recognition.
8. Beeper
Remember the days when you needed a whole flock of carrier pigeons to stay connected across different messaging apps?
Those dark ages are over, friends, thanks to Beeper! This nifty tool brings all your chats – yes, all of them – together under one roof.
What I Like 😍
- Chat App Unification: Beeper is like the ultimate translator for your chat life. It brings all your favorite messaging apps – think WhatsApp, iMessage, Telegram, and more – under one beautiful roof. No more switching between apps or missing messages.
- One Inbox to Rule Them All: Beeper streamlines everything into a single, unified inbox. Imagine – all your chats, from your grandma to your boss, neatly organized in one place. Sweet productivity symphony, right?
- Free as a Bird (or a Bee, Perhaps): Can you believe it? Beeper is completely free to use! That’s right, say goodbye to those pesky subscription fees.
What I Don’t Like 👎
- Not for Everyone (Yet): Beeper is still evolving, so some niche chat networks might not be supported yet. But hey, they’re constantly adding new integrations.
- Early Bird Blues: Beeper is still a young app, so there might be a few bugs and kinks to iron out.
How Much Does It Cost? 💰
Beeper is completely free to use!
They do have a paid tier in the works with additional features, but for now, you can enjoy all the core functionality at no cost.
Final Consideration
Beeper is a fantastic option for anyone tired of juggling multiple chat apps. It’s free, convenient, and helps you stay organized.
While it’s still growing, Beeper has the potential to be a game-changer in the messaging world.
Bonus Tip 🎁
Since Beeper is still growing, consider giving them feedback on features you’d love to see. Who knows, you might just help shape the future of this free chat oasis!
9. Tally
Let’s face it, creating forms can be a real drag. Endless options, clunky interfaces – it’s enough to make you want to curl up with a cappuccino and forget the whole thing.
But fear not, fellow form-filling foes, because Tally.so is here to be your knight in shining armor (or should I say, a knight in comfy pajamas?).
What I Like 😍
- Simple Simon Says Forms: Tally.so throws out the traditional form builder rulebook. Forget complex layouts and endless options. Here, you simply type and your form magically appears. It’s like writing a document, but way more interactive (and hopefully less boring!).
- Free Forever Fun: Looking for a free, no-strings-attached form builder? Look no further! Tally.so offers a generous free plan that lets you create unlimited forms and collect unlimited responses.
- Customization Chameleon: Tally lets you personalize your forms to match your brand or project. Add images, and videos, and change the layout to create forms that are as engaging as they are functional.
What I Don’t Like 👎
- Not for Complex Beasts: If you need super complex forms with tons of conditional logic or integrations, Tally.so might not be the best fit.
How Much Does It Cost? 💰
Tally.so offers a free plan with unlimited forms and submissions.
Paid plans start at $24/month and offer additional features like custom branding and 0% commission for payments.
Final Consideration
Tally.so is a fantastic option for anyone who wants to create beautiful, user-friendly forms without the hassle.
It’s perfect for entrepreneurs, bloggers, or anyone who needs to collect feedback or information quickly and easily.
The free plan is generous, making it a great choice for those on a budget.
Bonus Tip 🎁
Use emojis in your forms to add a touch of personality and make them more engaging for your audience. Just don’t go overboard with the smiley faces!
10. Tona
Okay folks, let’s talk about staying ahead of the curve.
As a young gun in the SEO, digital products and Saas worlds, I gotta be on my toes to see what my competitors are up to.
That’s where Tona comes in, this neat little tool lets you spy (ethically, of course) on what your competitors are doing online.
What I Like 😍
- See what your competitors are REALLY up to: Tona dives deep into competitor websites, social media, and even tracks things like price changes and SEO rankings. It’s like having a spy in their digital HQ (minus the ethical dilemmas, of course).
- Alerts that actually matter: Forget information overload. Tona filters the noise and sends you notifications only on the most important updates. No more checking competitor websites ten times a day (guilty as charged!).
- Perfect for solopreneurs and small teams: Tona’s starter plan is affordable and lets me monitor enough competitors to keep my finger on the pulse.
- Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: The Plus and Pro plans allow you to collaborate with your team on competitor intel. No more emailing screenshots back and forth – everyone can be on the same page (and stay ahead of the curve!).
What I Don’t Like 👎
- Limited Free Trial: The 14-day free trial is a good starting point, but for a tool like Tona, a bit more time to explore all the features would be nice.
- No Crystal Ball: While Tona gives you valuable insights, it can’t predict the future. You still need to analyze the data and use your own marketing savvy to develop a winning strategy.
How Much Does It Cost? 💰
Tona offers a tiered pricing system, with plans ranging from $29/month for a starter plan to $69/month for larger teams. There’s also a yearly option that gives you a discount.
Final Consideration
Tona is a fantastic tool for any business owner or marketer who wants to stay ahead of the curve.
It’s especially useful if you’re in a competitive niche or launching a new product or service.
While the free trial is a bit short, the features and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment.
Bonus Tip 🎁
Don’t just use Tona to passively monitor your competitors. Use the insights you gather to inform your own marketing strategy.
Think of it as gathering intel before a big battle – knowledge is power, my friends!
Conclusion
There you have it! My top tools that keep this 24-year-old guru sane (and hopefully successful!).
These are just a few of the amazing things out there that can help you boost your business, improve your workflow, and maybe even free up some time to finally perfect your Grandma’s secret pasta recipe (because seriously, that needs to happen).
Remember, the right tools can make all the difference.
Keep an eye on future issues of NTSOT, where I’ll be diving deeper into some of these tools and exploring even more hidden gems to help you take your business to the next level.
Until then, buona fortuna (good luck) and happy hacking!
LucaG
An entrepreneur at the intersection of technology and creativity. Passionate about sharing knowledge that empowers and drives change, I curate tools that transform both work and life.