Resources

A NOTE FROM OUR CEO

Hello, dear friends!

In the early days of PIG AND COIN, I remember looking through blogs, vlogs, webpages, newsletters, and anything else that came across my screen searching for all the resources entrepreneurs were using to operate their online businesses.

I’ve tried SO.MANY.THINGS. I wanted to make it easy for you to see what resources we use to run our business.

I hope you find it helpful in learning how to start and grow an online business that can help you make more money.

Sincerely,

Erin Stewart

(Links to resources may be affiliate links. That means if you click on them and sign up for their services, we will receive a commission. It comes at no extra charge to you. It’s just a company’s way of saying “thanks for referring us.”)

TECHNOLOGY

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: You DO NOT need to get fancy here. You don’t need a website, a funnel, an affiliate program or any of this tech to start and grow an online business. Think big, but start small. How can you earn money today? Right now? What do people want to buy? What could you offer them?

  • WHAT I CURRENTLY USE: This site is built on Squarespace. It has it’s Pros and Cons, just like all the other Website/Funnel builders I’ve tried, but Squarespace ticked more boxes than the others for me. It is simple to use, easy to integrate with other tech we use (listed below) and I can jump in and edit when I need to instead of having to work with a developer.

    WHAT I HAVE TRIED: I’ve used a lot of website and funnel builders in the past. I started out with BlueHost and WordPress. Then I moved to ClickFunnels. I have also tried Shopify, Wix, BigCartel, Etsy, Gumroad, SamCart, GrooveFunnels, Kajabi, Kartra, MemberVault. All have their Pros and Cons. But I was looking for easy to use, clean and professional feel, and up-to-date technology.

  • WHAT I CURRENTLY USE: I use and LOVE Google Domains, but they sold to Squarespace in September 2023, so I guess all my domains will be slowly transferring to Squarespace (unless I move them somewhere else… TBD)

    WHAT I HAVE TRIED: GoDaddy, Google Domains

  • WHAT I CURRENTLY USE: Our email lists are hosted on ConvertKit. It is such a great tool to narrow down what to send to who. Not everyone on your list wants everything you do, and ConvertKit makes it easy to segment lists so people only get what they want/ask for.

    WHAT I HAVE TRIED: I’ve used ClickFunnels Actionetics, MailChimp, and Klaviyo.

  • WHAT I CURRENTLY USE: We don’t currently have an affiliate program software. We do on occasion work with influencers and we create ‘coupon codes’ that can be used at checkout for certain things.

    WHAT I HAVE TRIED: ClickFunnels Backpack.

  • WHAT I CURRENTLY USE: Gleam.io runs all our Scholarships and Giveaways. It is very easy to use, and I have been very impressed with it.

    WHAT I HAVE TRIED: Years ago when I was using WordPress I purchased the KingSumo plugin. It had the Lucky URL (refer-a-friend) feature, which I loved. Then in January of 2024 I wanted to start doing Scholarship Sweepstakes and purchased the KingSumo App. Unfortunately they had removed the Lucky URL feature, and after talking to their support team and to Noah Kagan, I realized they didn’t have plans to bring it back (at least, not any time soon). So I had to find another option.

  • WHAT I CURRENTLY USE: Google Voice connected to my cell phone. I mainly use it on the computer though, and love the functionality.

    WHAT I HAVE TRIED: I’ve only used Google Voice.

  • WHAT I CURRENTLY USE: Stripe. They are top of the line secure. We also use PayPal, Venmo and CashApp.

    WHAT I HAVE TRIED: Square. But I think I remember it was more for retail stores. But I used it a long time ago… perhaps it’s different now.

  • WHAT I CURRENTLY USE: 1Password. LOVE them.

    WHAT I HAVE TRIED: Nothing else.

  • WHAT I CURRENTLY USE: Acuity. It was sold to Squarespace and is now integrated well with their backend.

    WHAT I HAVE TRIED: Calendly. I loved this scheduler and would probably still be using it if Acuity wasn’t part of Squarespace.

  • WHAT I CURRENTLY USE: StreamYard.

    WHAT I HAVE TRIED: OBS, Ecamm Live, and all the native socials (Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Periscope, etc).

  • WHAT I CURRENTLY USE: Zoom.

    WHAT I HAVE TRIED:

video production

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: Start with what you have. The cameras on smartphones are pretty good these days. Use it. The first piece of gear I would recommend is a mic so you get better audio. Just start creating!

  • WHAT I CURRENTLY USE: iPhone 13 Pro

    WHAT I HAVE TRIED: Sony a7iii

  • WHAT I CURRENTLY USE: two soft boxes and LED desk ring light (for my office) and an LED video light with shoe mount for the smartphone video rig

    WHAT I HAVE TRIED: large LED ring light

  • WHAT I CURRENTLY USE: Rode Wireless Go II (I use a lav mic and the Rode mic with these)

    WHAT I HAVE TRIED: Blue Yeti, Rode Go

  • WHAT I CURRENTLY USE: iMovie

    WHAT I HAVE TRIED:

  • WHAT I CURRENTLY USE: various tripods, smartphone video rig, mic stand,

    WHAT I HAVE TRIED:

  • BOOKS I’VE LOVED:

    -The YouTube Formula by Derral Eves
    -A Curious Discovery: An Entrepreneur’s Story by John Hendricks (not particularly about YouTube or video production, but written by the founder and chairman of the Discovery Channel and how he started and grew it into Discovery Communications… it’s fascinating!)