The best tools for web designers

Looking for the best tools for web designers that are actually easy to use, budget-friendly, and work without a headache? You’re in the right place. 🙌🏼

I’ve been running my business remotely for over 13 years (from 31 countries so far), and I’ve tested a lot of tools along the way. Some were overly complicated. Others just didn’t live up to the hype.

But the tools I’m sharing below? I actually use them every day. I trust them. And I genuinely think they’re some of the best tools for web designers who want to keep things simple, streamlined, and stress-free.

If you choose to purchase through some of the below links, I may receive a small thank-you—at no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way to support the years I’ve spent learning (and testing!) what actually works.

Whether you’re just starting out or refining your current setup, this list will help. Let’s dive in! 🤘🏼

Website & Tech Tools

🖥️ First up — the key tools of my web design business that I’ve used for YEARS, and love!

1. WordPress

I’m a WordPress lover through and through! It’s powerful, flexible, and designed for business growth. If you want to learn it properly, I highly recommend Emma Kate’s WordPress courses. She’s been in the game for years like me, and teaches it so well.

I’ve known this legend since High School days, and I can’t praise Emma and her web skills highly enough! 💖

2. SiteGround Hosting

I’ve used SiteGround for years for client hosting and domain name registration. It’s fast, secure, and their free plugins make it even better. Pricing is super practical too! Their customer support team have always been awesome. If you want the best tools for web designers who care about performance and uptime, SiteGround is a no-brainer.

3. Google Analytics + Workspace

I track website stats with Google Analytics, managed through my Google Workspace subscription (email, documents, calendar, spreadsheets – everything business ‘admin’ in one subscription!). It’s reliable and integrates easily with WordPress.

4. Yoast SEO + Ahrefs

For SEO, I use the Yoast SEO plugin (great for beginners) and Ahrefs for deeper tracking and research. When it comes to finding the best tools for web designers who want to be seen on Google while keeping things stress-free and streamlined, these two are top of the list. 📊

Email & Communication

5. Google Workspace + Superhuman

I manage all my email through Google Workspace — simple, reliable, and works from anywhere in the world in my web browser or mobile. I use my referral code to get my clients setup with their awesome email too so they can have a professional email as well i.e. BossLady@MyBusiness.com 🤘🏼

I use Superhuman to reply fast to emails and keep my inbox stress-free. It’s a game changer — especially when you’re juggling client communication, and customer support. Highly recommend!

6. MailerLite (Email Marketing)

I’ve used many email marketing platforms over the years for my clients. I swear by MailerLite! They keep it simple, affordable, and does exactly what I need — no unnecessary complications or features! Perfect for easy email opt-ins on my website, sending bulk email updates, and course access delivery if you love simplicity (like me!).

7. ChatGPT

Honestly? I think ChatGPT is one of the best tools for web designers (or any professional) who doesn’t love (or feels overwhelmed by) writing. I use it to brainstorm ideas, write sharper emails, and save hours on content. I use the paid version, however the free version is super helpful too if you don’t want to subscribe.

I personally love writing and the way we can communicate as humans with words, but my clients are paying me for my web design skills and my course helps web designers to simplify their businesses… ChatGPT helps me focus my time / brain space well on the most important tasks that most need “the Lou touch”. 😉

Bookings, Payments & Invoicing

8. Rounded

I stumbled upon this awesome tool back in 2019 for invoicing and quoting. It pulls in my bank feed, keeps things tidy at tax time, and is super affordable. Perfect for sole traders, freelancers, and small businesses who…(you guessed it!) LOVE simplicity and something that just works without costing a small fortune.

The Rounded team have hooked us up with the goods! #legends. Use this link to get a free, unrestricted 30 day free trial of Rounded for users who pay tax in Australia or New Zealand. No credit card needed. This offer isn’t available on their website. 😍

Marketing & Content Creation

9. Canva

I finally made the switch from Adobe Creative Cloud — and I haven’t looked back. This change was a big one for me, as my 13+ years of design background is in graphic design (aka Adobe is… or was king). 🎨

Canva is one of the best tools for web designers who want professional visuals, fast. I have absolutely fallen in love with Canva! It’s intuitive, powerful, and ridiculously affordable (Adobe – you’re too expensive for most designers mate!).

Courses, Products & Digital Delivery

10. Google Drive + Dropbox

Both are easy for sharing and storing digital products, training resources, and worksheets. Simple, and great!

12. Gravity Forms + Stripe

This Gravity Forms + Stripe duo powers all my course checkouts. I think together, they make one the best tools for web designers selling digital products because it’s just so simple for both the user and myself as admin. No complicated e-commerce system. Just fast, clean checkouts and auto-recurring payments. Love it!

I also have used Gravity Forms for years on my client website projects. I know I can trust it, with an easy setup, and I can make the forms look awesome on all devices. 🛒

13. Google Docs + Sheets

I create all my course documents here so they’re always up-to-date. My customers can download them in different formats easily, or copy to their own Google account. It keeps things easy and smooth on both sides! More and more digital course creators and web professionals are choosing to go down this path, rather than create custom pdfs as they can be tricky to re-distribute to customers are making a tiny edit.

Planning & Admin

14. Trello

Trello is my go-to for project management. It’s visual, free, and works across all my devices. I’ve used it for over 10 years and still love how simple it is. Very helpful if you’re a visual learner / planner.

15. Google Docs + Sheets (yep, again!)

I also plan out launches, blog posts, client projects — everything — in Google Docs and Sheets. It’s shareable, flexible, and one of the best tools for web designers who prefer minimal fuss.

PS. You might have noticed that no tools for social media management make this list… I stopped using socials for marketing my business a while back.