I’m all about making life as easy and uncomplicated as possible, so I figured I would share some of my favorite apps that help keep my life (somewhat!) organized!!
First up is Mile IQ! If you have ever struggled with keeping track of your mileage (let’s talk about last January when I was going back through my planner calculating the miles I drove to weddings & engagement sessions… ridiculous!), than this app is for you! It is so simple to use and a lifesaver when it comes to stay organized and tracking business mileage. I’ve already calculated over $2000 worth of mileage for this year alone – and the year isn’t near over. This is an incredible write off at the end of the year and it will save you so much time and stress come 2016 if you stay on top of your mileage now.
GoldenPic is one of my absolute favorites. At any time, I can open up this app and find out the sunset/sunrise time in any part of the world on any given day! I can easily look ahead when I’m scheduling someone’s engagement session and figure out the best time to start their session. As a natural light photographer who is in love with warm, glowy golden hour – this is a must! This handy little app has paid for itself a million times over!
Google Docs is one of the greatest inventions there is! I love that I can access this so quickly from either my computer or phone. I tend to have the best ideas not when I’m sitting down at my computer, because let’s be real – who is ever inspired staring at their laptop – but when I’m in the most random places! Cue Google docs – the best way to keep my thoughts somewhat cohesive and in one place. This is a great place to store a to-do list, blog post ideas, quick notes to remember, etc. Love this app!
Quickbooks is so handy to keep right on your phone! If you are ever waiting for something or have a free moment, take a few second to categorize your business expenses right from your phone. So easy and such a great way to save time and stay on top of things! If you are anything like me, I am constantly making small business purchases here and there and it can add up quick! Instead of spending 30 minutes categorizing everything, take those free moments you would typically check instagram and check Quickbooks instead!
Ever wanted to make sure you remembered to Instagram a specific picture at a certain time? Latergramme is going to be your new best friend! You can prep an Instagram photo, caption and all, and it will shoot you a reminder to post at your requested time. While it doesn’t automatically post the image for you, it’s wonderful for keeping you on track and managing your social media well!
And just for fun – Popular Pays is an amazing app! If you do very much traveling, this fabulous app will for sure come in handy! Depending on your instagram following, you can get free lattes, donuts, pizza, etc., all in exchange for instagramming and promoting that specific small business. Pretty rad right? Sometimes the 21st century is simply the best! This summer in Chicago, my sweet friend Morgan and I picked up some dang good latte’s at Intellegensia Coffee and a half dozen donuts from Stan’s Donuts all for freeeee. So good!! It definitely doesn’t hurt to keep this one handy in case you find yourself in a big city with a hankering for some free food (because let’s be real – it’s the best kind there is!)!
Last but not least, this isn’t necessarily an app, but my iPhone calendar keeps my life on track like none other! I love that I can check and see if I have a wedding date open for 2016 in no time on my phone! I absolutely love writing things down in a pretty planner, but for the ease of life, sometimes my phone calendar is the best option!
If you’re struggling to keep some of these aspects of your business in order, hopefully these tools will help give you your sanity back or just make life a bit easier!! Have a happy Thursday, friends!
Much love,
Jessica Lauren
