The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Business Tech Stack
Say goodbye to marketing overwhelm with these step-by-step instructions for reducing your tech
Does marketing your business feel overwhelming? Do you wish it could all just be simpler?
It can! And today, I’m going to help you solve one of the areas that might be causing more problems than good.
And that’s your tech stack.
Your tech stack is the engine behind everything you do to market our brand. It's the backbone of your website, the engine of your email marketing campaigns, the tools you use to create and post to social media, and so much more. But the more tech we use to run our business, the more complicated and overwhelming it can become.
Not to mention costly!
As a business owner, I am always on the lookout for new tools and apps that can help me manage my business more efficiently. And like many other entrepreneurs, I often find myself downloading and signing up for new tools without really thinking about whether or not I actually need them.
Before I knew it, I had a tech stack that was bloated and unwieldy. I was using multiple tools for the same tasks, and I was paying for services that I didn't even use. Worst of all, my workflow was suffering because I was spending too much time jumping between different tools and systems.
That's when I decided to simplify my tech stack. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I was determined to streamline my processes and make my life easier. And it worked! Keep reading to learn how you can do this for yourself.
So, what is a tech stack?
Your tech stack is the combination of all the technology tools you use to run your business. This can include your website platform, email marketing system, social media tools, automation software, finance software, project management system, analytics tools, and more. Essentially, anything you use to manage your business and market your brand falls under your tech stack.
Why should you have a simplified tech stack?
The more technology you have, the more complex it becomes to manage. Managing multiple tools for the same purpose can be time-consuming and often leads to confusion. Not only does this slow down productivity, but it can also lead to a less-than-optimal customer experience.
It also can lower your overhead costs. It’s really easy for business expenses to add up. Ten or twenty dollars a month per tool can add up very quickly. And especially for solopreneurs, it means that you are eating into the income you can be taking out of your business for yourself and your family.
Having a simplified tech stack can help you save time and money, streamline processes, and increase efficiency. By reducing the number of tools you use, you'll have more time to focus on what really matters – growing your business.
How to simplify your tech stack
Ready to take stock of your tech and see if you can simplify it? Follow these steps:
Take inventory of your tech stack
The first step to simplifying your tech stack is to take inventory of all the tools you’re currently using. This includes your website platform, your email marketing system, social media tools, automation tools, finance software, project management system, analytics tools, and any other tools you use to run your business. Think about anything that you use in your day-to-day that requires a password. Don’t forget what apps you might use on your phone, also.
Create a spreadsheet to document how you use each tool, the costs, and anything you don’t like about it. This will give you a clear picture of your tech stack and help you identify areas where you can simplify.Look for duplicates
Once you’ve taken inventory of your tech stack, look for duplicates. Do you have multiple tools for the same purpose? For example, do you use a few apps to edit your photos? Could you simplify it down to one? Do you use multiple project management tools? If so, maybe you haven't found the right one.
Identify the duplicates and assess why you have multiple tools for the same purpose. If you find that one tool can do the job of several others, consider switching to that tool.
The Ultimate Content Calendar was actually born out of this process! I was using too many tools to plan, create and calendar my content and couldn’t find just one that would help me do everything from capturing my ideas to planning out what I was going to post and when. Wondering if it’s right for you? Learn more here!Review the cons of each tool
Next, review the cons of each tool. Are these cons actual pain points in your day-to-day marketing? What are your options for removing that pain point? For example, if one of your tools is slow and clunky, consider switching to a faster and more user-friendly tool. Or is it that you just haven’t taken the time to learn a specific feature of the tool? Many of these companies have great customer service and will hop on a call and teach you how to use their product also.Look at your tech stack from your client's or customer’s point of view
It’s important to look at your tech stack from your client’s point of view. Are there any steps that take too long for them to complete? For example, does it take too many steps for them to get on your calendar or submit a payment? Identify any pain points your clients might experience and look for ways to simplify the process.Create additional systems or efficiencies within your tools
Finally, look for ways to create additional systems or efficiencies within your tools. For example, you could create a brand kit on Canva, set up a recurring task with all the steps you need to pull your metrics or save your favorite filters so you can access them more quickly.
When to Add New Tools to Your Stack
As a business owner, you may feel the pressure to constantly adopt new tools and technologies to keep up with the industry leaders or get influenced by a post on Instagram or a podcast. But adding new tools to your stack without a clear purpose will only lead to more overwhelm. The key is to be intentional and strategic in your decision-making.
When considering a new tool, start by asking yourself whether you already have a tool that performs the same task. It’s common to forget about tools you’ve used in the past, so take the time to review your existing tech stack before committing to a new one. If you already have a tool that does the job, there’s no need to add another one.
Next, consider whether the new tool solves any pain points that you’re currently experiencing. Are you struggling to manage your social media accounts? Is your email marketing platform failing to deliver the results you need? If the new tool can address a specific problem that you’re facing, it may be worth adding to your stack.
Another factor to consider is whether the new tool can replace multiple tools that you’re currently using. If it can perform multiple tasks and streamline your workflow, it’s a good sign that it’s a valuable addition to your stack. On the other hand, if the tool only performs one task and you already have a tool that does the same thing, it may not be worth the investment.
Finally, consider whether the new tool will enhance your or your client’s experience. Will it make your work easier, faster, or more efficient? Will it improve your client’s satisfaction with your business? If the answer is yes, it’s a good sign that the tool will be a valuable addition to your stack.
It’s important to note that not all new tools are created equal. Some may promise to solve all of your problems but fail to deliver. Others may be flashy and impressive, but ultimately unnecessary. To avoid falling for marketing hype, take the time to research and test any new tool before adding it to your stack. Look for reviews from other users and test the tool out yourself with a free trial or demo.
Remember, the goal of simplifying your tech stack is not to eliminate all tools or to stick with the same tools forever. Instead, it’s about being intentional and strategic with your tool choices to maximize your productivity and achieve your business goals. By regularly reviewing your tech stack and carefully considering any new tools, you can ensure that your business is always using the best tools for the job.
