Recommended tools
The tools I actually use to run this business
No tool list for the sake of it. These are the platforms running my own business and my clients' — with an honest note on what each one is for.
Before you click anything
Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you sign up. It costs you nothing extra, and several of them give you a discount you would not get going direct. I only list tools I pay for and use — if a tool stops being the right recommendation it comes off this page.
WhatsApp automation with WATI
Official WhatsApp Business API platform I set up for clients — chatbots, broadcasts and shared team inbox.
Hostinger hosting — 20% off
Fast, low-cost hosting for landing pages and business websites in India.
Shopify eCommerce
What I recommend for product businesses that want a store connected to Meta catalogue ads.
Canva design
Ad creatives, reels covers and carousels without a designer.
Pabbly Connect automation
Connects Meta lead ads to WhatsApp, Google Sheets and your CRM — one-time payment, no monthly task limits.
VidIQ for YouTube
Keyword and thumbnail research for the YouTube side of your content.
Kartra webinar automation
Evergreen webinar funnels for coaches and course sellers.
Google Workspace
Business email on your own domain — needed before you verify a Meta Business account.
Kit (ConvertKit) email
Email sequences that back up your WhatsApp follow-up.
Hotjar analytics
Heatmaps and recordings to see why landing page visitors do not convert.
Instamojo payments
Simple payment links for Indian businesses selling courses or services.
Razorpay payments
Payment gateway for course checkouts, subscriptions and invoices.
What to buy first
If you are starting out and the list feels like a lot, here is the order that makes sense for a small Kerala business:
- Google Workspace. A business email on your own domain. You need this before Meta business verification, and it makes everything else look legitimate.
- Hosting and a simple site. Even one good landing page. It gives you somewhere to send traffic and something to verify a domain against.
- Canva. Ad creative without hiring a designer for every test.
- A payment gateway. Razorpay or Instamojo, depending on whether you need subscriptions.
- WhatsApp automation. Once enquiry volume outgrows one person replying by hand.
Everything else is situational. Do not buy tools ahead of the problem they solve.
Not sure which tools fit your business?
Ask before you subscribe to something. A short conversation usually saves more than the tool costs.