Isn't That Rich Podcast

In the fast-paced world of marketing, having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference. At Farmers State Bank, our marketing team relies on a suite of digital tools that not only streamline our workflow but also enhance the quality of our content. Here’s a rundown of our top go-to tools, complete with updated pricing information and direct links to each tool’s website.

1. Canva Pro: The Ultimate Design Tool

Let’s be honest—life before Canva was tough. This graphic design platform is a game-changer, allowing even the least design-savvy among us to create professional-looking graphics with ease. Whether you’re designing social media posts, flyers, or videos, Canva’s user-friendly interface and vast library of templates make it a breeze.

Pricing: Canva Pro is available for $12.99 per month when billed monthly or $9.99 per month when billed annually.
Website: www.canva.com

2. Kapwing: The Multimedia Editing Powerhouse

Kapwing is another tool we use almost daily, especially for creating clips of our podcast episodes. It’s a multimedia editing platform that lets you add subtitles, create video snippets, and even transcribe audio—perfect for turning podcast content into blog posts.

Pricing: Kapwing offers a Pro plan at $16 per month when billed annually or $20 per month when billed monthly.
Website: www.kapwing.com

3. Lightroom: Professional Photo Editing Made Simple

When it comes to photo editing, Lightroom is our go-to. We use it to apply consistent filters across all our photos, ensuring brand cohesion. Whether you’re touching up blemishes or adjusting lighting, Lightroom offers professional-grade editing tools that are surprisingly easy to use.

Pricing: Adobe Lightroom costs $9.99 per month, which includes 1TB of cloud storage.
Website: www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-lightroom.html

4. Flodesk: Your Email Marketing Secret Weapon

Flodesk is the email marketing platform we use to send out our “In the Know” newsletter every Friday. It offers beautifully designed templates that are easy to customize, making your emails look professional and engaging. One of Flodesk’s standout features is its ability to segment your audience, allowing you to tailor your messages to specific groups.

Pricing: Flodesk has a flat-rate pricing model at $35 per month, with no additional costs as your subscriber list grows.
Website: www.flodesk.com

5. ChatGPT: Your AI Assistant

We can’t talk about essential tools without mentioning ChatGPT. This AI-powered tool has revolutionized the way we brainstorm and create content. Need ideas for your next blog post or social media caption? ChatGPT has got you covered.

Pricing: The subscription for ChatGPT Plus, which offers access to GPT-4, is priced at $20 per month.
Website: www.openai.com/chatgpt

6. CapCut: The Fun Video Editor

If you’re on TikTok or Instagram, you’ve likely seen CapCut in action. This video editing app is perfect for creating memes and short, humorous videos that resonate with audiences.

Pricing: CapCut offers a free version with basic features. Paid options may be available for advanced features.
Website: www.capcut.com

7. Paperless Post: Modern Invitations Made Easy

When it comes to sending out invitations, we love using Paperless Post. It’s an online platform that lets you create and send digital invitations that feel just as special as traditional paper ones. Whether it’s for a company event or a customer appreciation party, Paperless Post makes it easy to track RSVPs and send reminders.

Pricing: Paperless Post operates on a coin-based system where you purchase coins to send invitations. Pricing varies depending on the number of coins you purchase and the design elements you choose.
Website: www.paperlesspost.com

8. SurveyMonkey: Streamline Your Feedback Process

SurveyMonkey is our go-to for gathering feedback and conducting internal surveys. Whether it’s for a company culture test or gathering shirt sizes for an event, this tool simplifies the process.

Pricing: SurveyMonkey offers a Basic plan for free, with paid plans starting at $25 per month for the Team Advantage plan.
Website: www.surveymonkey.com

9. SimpleTexting: Direct Communication via SMS

SimpleTexting is a powerful platform for engaging customers through text messages. Whether you’re sending out important announcements or reminders, SimpleTexting allows you to personalize messages and track responses.

Pricing: SimpleTexting starts at $29 per month for 500 text messages, with the cost increasing based on the number of messages sent.
Website: www.simpletexting.com

10. Microsoft Teams: The Collaboration Hub

Microsoft Teams is the backbone of our daily operations. It’s where we chat, share files, and collaborate on projects—all in one place. Whether you’re working remotely or in the office, Teams makes it easy to stay connected and organized.

Pricing: Microsoft Teams is included in Microsoft 365 plans, which start at $6 per user per month for the Basic plan.
Website: www.microsoft.com/microsoft-teams

Two Additional Tools Worth Noting

11. Zoom: Virtual Meetings Made Simple

No list would be complete without Zoom. It’s the go-to platform for virtual meetings, whether you’re collaborating with your team or connecting with clients. The screen-sharing feature is particularly useful for presentations, making it easy to convey your ideas visually.

Pricing: Zoom's Pro plan starts at $14.99 per month per license.
Website: www.zoom.us

12. Pirate Ship: Shipping Simplified

Last but not least, Pirate Ship is our secret weapon for shipping. This free-to-use platform offers discounted USPS rates and simplifies the process of creating shipping labels. Whether you’re sending customer gifts or marketing materials, Pirate Ship helps you save both time and money.

Pricing: Pirate Ship is free to use, and you only pay for the postage at discounted USPS rates.
Website: www.pirateship.com

Invest in the Right Tools

At the end of the day, investing in the right tools can save you time, money, and a whole lot of headaches. Each of these tools has been carefully chosen to enhance our workflow and help us deliver top-notch content. Start with one or two, and soon you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them. Happy marketing!