5 tips when choosing your tech stack

Before you start grabbing up all those lifetime deals or super cheap alternatives to your tech stack for your business, please read this!

I was infamous for jumping on lifetime deals and cheaper competitors and let me tell ya, it was so not worth it.  In the end I ended up going back to the tools that worked, had a good reputation.  I also have post it notes on my computer saying “do not go for shiny objects, stick with what you have, they work amazing.”

Before I dive into the 3 tips that I have for you about choosing your tech stack I want to remind you of something.

Time is money, and your time is so valuable! It’s actually priceless.

Tip #1 – Make sure it integrates natively with most of your systems, software and tools

Pricing together a bunch of systems and tools can become a pain in the butt.  Now sometimes you may need to use something like zapier to make things connect, but you can eliminate using a bunch of zaps if you do your research on what tech platform you are considering integrating with.

I like to use the example of Flodesk, which is a newer email marketing platform.  Now do not get me wrong, they have beautiful templates but they do not natively Integrate with many things.  You will be using zaps to make things connect.

Now if you take a look at ActiveCampaign they have a huge list of things they integrate with directly. ActiveCampaign is one of the tools that I will never switch using.  The reason is because it legit integrates with so many things.  The possibilities are endless.

Tip #2 – Use established tech tools and software

Saving money is my jam, but when it comes to cheaping out on software I do not penny pinch.  I truly believe you get what you pay for.

Usually newcomers to a certain software, tech or tool have some crazy low prices or when lifetime deals.  Now I am not saying they are not good, but usually they are so new that they are still working on things, there may be tech issues and they may be hard to use.

A good example of this is a newer all in one platform I recently tried that a client was using.  Now I won’t name the name of the software but the user interface was a complete mess.  You had to do things in multiple places to make it all work together.  It was not quick, efficient and if you were someone who is confused by tech this would have made you pull your hair out.  Sure it had a pretty decent lifetime price but for the amount of time it takes to just set up a simple sales funnel it would not be worth it.  Remember…. time is money!

Tip #3 – Start with a basic plan then upgrade as you need it!

All those bells and whistles look pretty tempting but you need to ask yourself… “Do I need these right now?”  I get it, I’m a sucker for bells and whistles but most of the time when you are just starting out with tech, systems and software in your business you won’t need the top tier plan.  I’m all about starting small and scaling as you and your business grow.

Tip #4 – Look at reviews and see what others are saying

Google can be your BFF when it comes to choosing your tech stack.  Take a look at reviews and what others are saying about it.  If there are a bunch of amazing reviews then you know it may be a good option for you to consider.

Another thing to do is to reach out to the tech you are considering support and ask them your questions.  Having amazing customer service is something that I really rely on when choosing.  

Tip #5 – Do the free trial if they have one and make sure to test it out

Use before you buy???? Heck yesss!  Take advantage of a free trial if they offer it.  Make sure to use all the features and reach out to support if you have questions.

When on the free trial take advantage of watching the software’s tutorial videos.  Learning any new tool, software or system can take time.  Just give it your best go and again reach out to their support if you have questions.

Let’s wrap this up with this recap.

Your time is valuable and choosing your tech stack can truly save you a bunch of time and money.  

1. Make sure what you choose integrates with your other tools.
2. Use an established software.
3. Start small and upgrade as you need it.
4. Check out what others are saying about the tool/software.
5. Take advantage of the free trial if there is one.

There are so many options out there to choose from.  Take your time when choosing and reach out to others and ask them what they are using in your niche.  Take a look at my tech stack below.  Now I am an Online Business Manager and full blown tech nerd when it comes to software and tech and have tried so many.

My current tech stack

I’d love to hear about what your tech stack is.  Drop me a comment below and share.  Never know, it may help others decide on what they want to use.