Designstaq Recommends
Here’s a compilation of our favorite products and services that we use at Designstaq.*
*This page contains some affiliate links, which means that we may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. With that being said, we only list products and services that we 110% stand by.
Software & Services
Custom Email + Productivity
We use GSuite to power our business. We use Gmail, Calendar, Docs, and Drive to operate our distributed team and collaborate with our clients.
Sales CRM
We use Pipedrive to manage our sales pipeline. Pipedrive is an easy-to-use sales CRM that helps us keep track of our leads, making sure that no one falls through the cracks.
Operations
We use Process Street to streamline our operations at Designstaq. Process Street allows you to create checklists for any type of task so that nothing is left undone.
Operations
We us Airtable as our internal database. Since it’s more powerful than a spreadsheet and easier to use than a database, it’s perfect tool for everyone on our team to keep track of projects.
Operations
We use Zapier to automate our operations. Zapier is a powerful tool that lets you connect different software applications in an “If this, then do that” fashion, eliminating much of the tedium involved in operating our business.
Forms
We use Paperform to create dynamic forms ranging from new project intake submissions to gathering feedback. Paperform is a sophisticated form builder that is well designed and highly customizable. .
Accounting + Invoicing
We use Quickbooks as our accounting and invoicing software. We highly recommend Quickbooks invoicing because their bank transfer (ACH) payment method only costs 1% with a max of $10 per transaction.
International Payments
TransferWise is cheap and fast way to send money internationally. They’re transparent about their fees and charge significantly less than traditional banks. They also have fantastic customer support.
Scheduling
We use Calendly to schedule all of our calls. It syncs with Google Calendar and displays our availability in the invitee’s local timezone. Their Pro plan connects with Stripe, allowing you to sell live appointments.
Password Management
We use 1Password to keep our accounts safe. 1Password has great sharing features that allow you to share login information with teammates and access accounts with just one click.
VPN
We use NordVPN to stay safe on the internet. They have over 5,000 servers in 60+ countries and even work in restrictive countries like China. NordVPN also unblocks all major streaming services (including Netflix) when you’re abroad.
International Calling
We use Skype to make local calls while traveling. We always maintain a small balance in case we need to make dinner reservations or doctor appointments. Skype’s rates are very reasonable and support every country that we’ve been to.
Video Conferencing
As a remote team, we use Zoom as our video conferencing software of choice both internally and externally. The record feature is key for sharing training videos with clients!
Video Recording
Sometimes, a quick screen recording is the most effective way to communicate an idea. We use Loom to create shareable screen recordings for our teammates and clients.
Spelling and Grammar Check
We use Grammarly to ensure our messages make sense, no matter how late we write them. Grammarly has a seamless integration with Chrome, making it really easy to use.
Website Builder
Squarespace is the very website builder that our business is built on. It’s the best option for individuals and small businesses who are looking to maintain their own website. Use our promo code DESIGNSTAQ at checkout.
E-Commerce Website Builder
We recommend Shopify for anyone planning to sell physical products online. Shopify’s robust e-commerce platform has all the bells and whistles that you need to run your online store.
Website Builder
Webflow is an impressively powerful web design platform. While it has a steep learning curve compared to a platform like Squarespace, Webflow is the perfect fit for websites that want a more “custom” look and feel.
Business Credit Card
Solid business credit card. The Chase Ink Business Preferred card has no foreign transaction fees and gives 3x points on travel, shipping, advertising, internet, cable and phone.
Free ATM withdrawals, worldwide
Schwab’s free checking account offers free ATM withdrawals worldwide and has no minimum balance requirement. Also, they have excellent, 24/7, US-based customer support.
Gear
Roost Laptop Stand
Besides our laptops, we consider our Roost laptop stand as our second most essential piece of equipment as a remote worker. It’s light, compact, and makes a huge difference in keeping your back and neck healthy.
ASUS Zenscreen 15.6” Portable Monitor
If you need the extra screen real estate but a traditional external monitor is too heavy to carry around, this portable screen might be a good fit for you. It’s sleek and is USB-C compatible too!
Logitech K380 Bluetooth Keyboard
Our favorite little keyboard. It’s compact, light-weight, affordable, and super reliable. It can pair with multiple devices and we’ve never had any issues with it.
Yubikey
Yubikeys provides an additional level of security for software applications by requiring the physical device to be present. We use it for really important apps like GSuite.
Tile
This little device has come in hand more times than we’d like to admit. Tile has a bluetooth sensor inside which allows you to track its location. Attach it to your keys and the mobile app will help you find them with a nice little ring.
Apple Airpods
These wireless earbuds are actually really good quality. They sound great, have a built-in mic, and even reduce ambient noise like coffee shops. We have the 1st generation ones and have heard the later models have gotten better.