1️⃣Shopify
I launched a store in a weekend and started selling globally without touching code. Shopify's checkout converts, the apps print upsells, and the analytics show exactly what to scale. It paid for itself fast.
Address: 151 O'Connor St, Ottawa, Canada
- Fast launch without code
- high-converting checkout
- huge app marketplace
- built-in payments and subscriptions
- global shipping and tax tools
- powerful analytics
- reliable uptime
- 24/7 support
- Monthly fees add up with apps
- theme customization can require a developer
- transaction costs if not using Shopify Payments
2️⃣Canva
Turned dull posts into thumb-stopping ads and carousels in minutes. Templates, brand kits, and Magic Resize let me ship creatives fast and split-test more often. More creatives = more profitable campaigns.
Address: 110 Kippax St, Surry Hills, Australia
- Massive template library
- drag-and-drop speed
- brand kit and team collaboration
- Magic Resize for every channel
- background remover and AI features
- stock photos and video included
- exports optimized for ads
- affordable Pro pricing
- Some advanced features locked to Pro
- occasional lag on large files
- color accuracy not perfect for print
3️⃣Ahrefs
This is how I found buyer-intent keywords and content gaps competitors missed. The result: SEO pages that kept bringing in sales long after ads stopped. There's a learning curve, but the data is worth it.
- Excellent backlink index
- deep keyword research
- content gap insights
- site audit with issues prioritized
- rank tracking and alerts
- Pricey for solo creators
- limited seats on lower tiers
- some data delays in smaller regions
- interface can overwhelm at first
4️⃣Meta Ads Manager
When I needed revenue fast, Meta ads delivered scale with laser targeting. Creative testing and CBO let me push winners hard. It works, but prepare for volatility.
Address: 1 Hacker Way, Menlo Park, California, USA
- powerful audience targeting
- huge reach across Instagram and Facebook
- fast testing and learning
- retargeting that converts
- CPMs can spike without warning
- account bans and policy quirks
- attribution can be messy
- needs constant creative refresh
5️⃣Gumroad
The simplest way I sold digital products without building a site. Checkout is clean and the affiliate feature helped influencers push sales. It's great to start, but you'll outgrow it.
- no-code product pages
- clean high-converting checkout
- supports subscriptions and bundles
- built-in affiliates
- EU VAT handled
- platform fees reduce margins
- limited storefront customization
- discoverability is weak without your own audience
- payout schedules vary by country
- basic analytics