If there’s one thing I’ve realised as a mum running a business from home — usually with a cat sitting on my keyboard and someone shouting “MUUUUM!” from another room — it’s that the right tools aren’t a luxury.
They’re survival.
They keep your sanity intact, your business running smoothly, and your time free for the things that actually matter (like drinking your tea before it reaches Arctic temperatures).
Over the years, I’ve tried a lot of tools. Some were brilliant. Some were confusing. Some were clearly invented by someone who’s never had to work from home with a toddler, a to-do list the length of a Tesco receipt, and zero uninterrupted hours.
These are the tools I genuinely love — the ones that make life easier, lighter, and more organised. Whether you’re a full-time business owner, side-hustler, or nap-time CEO, these will help you move forward without the overwhelm.
Just so you know, there are a couple of affiliate links in here — they don’t cost you anything, but they help keep my business running (and the tea fund topped up!).
Favourite Tools for Female Entrepreneurs
1. Canva – My Ultimate Business Lifeline
Let’s just start strong: Canva is my ride-or-die tool.
If Canva disappeared, so would 80% of my productivity.
I use it for literally everything:
- eBook layouts
- Workbooks and planners
- Instagram posts
- Pinterest pins
- Lead magnets
- Sales page graphics
- Logos
- Brand kits
- Content batching
And the best part?
You don’t have to be “design-y” to make pretty things. Canva gives you the aesthetic. You just drag, drop, tweak, and feel like a graphic design queen. It’s a must-have for every female entrepreneur.
2. Trello or Notion – Your Brain’s External Hard Drive
Mum brain is a fascinating thing.
I can remember the theme tune to a preschool show from 2012, but not where I put my car keys.
Trello and Notion have saved me from so many mental spirals.
Trello is great if you love simplicity and visual boards.
Notion is perfect if you want all your business systems in one place.
I use them for:
- Content planning
- Launch timelines
- To-do lists
- Brain dumps
- Idea storage
- Goal setting
And best of all — they sync across devices.
Nothing beats updating your to-do list from the loo in peace (well, relative peace).
3. Google Workspace – Boring but Essential
Google isn’t glamorous, but goodness, it is reliable.
Docs for writing.
Sheets for tracking.
Drive for storing.
Calendar for organising your chaotic schedule.
Everything lives together and is easy to share, especially if you’re working with clients or collaborators.
4. Payhip – A Stress-Free Way to Sell Digital Products
I’m a huge fan of Payhip.
It’s clean, simple, and doesn’t require coding skills or a tech degree. You can upload your product, set a price, create a cover image, and you’re done.
What I love most:
- Instant product delivery
- Simple sales pages
- Built-in analytics
- EU VAT handled for you
- Perfect for beginners
- Perfect for scaling
If you’re starting your passive income journey, Payhip is ideal.
5. Later – My Favourite Content Scheduler
Posting consistently is easy… said no mum ever.
Later helps you:
- Schedule posts in advance
- Create hashtag groups
- Preview your Instagram grid
- Save captions
- Batch your content on calmer days
Batching = freedom.
Freedom = less stress.
Less stress = more headspace for running your business (or enjoying five minutes of quiet).
6. ConvertKit – Email Marketing That Feels Simple
Growing an email list is like building a cosy home for your audience.
It’s where your real relationship happens.
ConvertKit makes email marketing feel doable:
- Create forms and landing pages
- Tag subscribers
- Automate nurture sequences
- Send beautiful weekly emails
You don’t need complicated funnels — just connection.
7. ChatGPT – My Creative Assistant (AKA sanity saver)
Yes, I use ChatGPT.
No, it’s not cheating. It’s efficient.
It helps me:
- Turn thoughts into captions
- Rewrite things I’m too tired to polish
- Generate ideas
- Plan launches
- Create outlines
It’s like having a little business partner — minus the meetings.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need every tool.
You don’t need complex systems or the perfect aesthetic.
You just need a few supportive, transformative tools that make the mum-entrepreneur juggle more manageable.
And trust me — these ones do.
