Thread by @mario_gabriele_

The Newsletter Stack...

In the last few weeks, folks have reached out asking what tools I use to write The Generalist. I thought I'd share the full-list.

A thread 👇

1/ Email

I use @convertkit. When I started out I used @substack. Also checked out @mailchimp and @MailerLite.

I like CK's intuitive interface + automation features. You can get 1K free subs w the link below. @nathanbarry + team are also the best.

app.convertkit.com/referrals/l/66…

2/ Writing

I use Google Docs to draft my pieces. I'm also a @grammarly subscriber. I don't always agree with their suggestions (they are belligerent about passive voice), but it always catches something.

grammarly.com

3/ Graphics

I've found @canva easy to use. You can set up brand colors and fonts which streamline creation. They also have a solid free tier.

In the past have used @figmadesign, which is great for more complex designs and mock-ups.

canva.com

4/ Graphics

To treat headshots, I often use @remove_bg which has a generous free-tier.

I also tried out @letsenhance_io which improves the quality of images. Ultimately, I felt I didn't need it.

remove.bg

5/ Webite

To date, I've used @carrd which is *great.* So easy to spin up a simple, solid looking site. I'll keeping using it for new projects.

Now that I'd like to have something a little fuller-featured with a CMS, I'm switching to @webflow.

carrd.co

6/ Payments

I'm going to be using @tryPico to handle memberships. The product is already impressive, but talking with @jasonwbade about what's ahead got me especially excited.

I also considered Memberflow.

trypico.com

7/ Community

So far, we run 2 communities: one on @public, one on @telegram. Both great.

Eventually, I'd like to create a single home for The Generalist. I'm impressed by what @genevachat and @CircleApp are doing.

I'll keep using @public fwiw — slightly different audience.

8/ Interviews

I started out using @DescriptApp to record the interviews I do for The Miss and The Prologue. Since then, I've tried out @otter_ai which I prefer.

It does an equally good transcription job but the UX is more intuitive.

otter.ai

9/ Surveys

Google Forms would probably work just as well, but I find @typeform more pleasant to use. I also think it's a nicer experience for the reader/submitter.

typeform.com

10/ Threads

I've been testing out @chirrapp for writing my longer Twitter threads. Very nice to use, though it sometimes struggles with photos and other media.

getchirrapp.com

11/ Publishing

I cross-post to @SubstackInc which remains best-in-class in terms of ease-of-use.

You don't accumulate SEO value but still a great place to begin.

substack.com

12/ Videos

@packyM and I have been using @mmhmmapp to add slides to our recordings.

The background gets messy if you move too much, but it's very fun and otherwise works well. Also such a new tool, so I'm sure it'll improve. We also use Zoom.

mmhmm.app

13/ Video events

I had the chance to use @streamdotclub for last week's "Creator Club" which was great.

I love the team and plan on using them as often as possible.

stream.club

14/ Referrals

I haven't tried this out for The Generalist but plan to. I just have to figure out how to do it in a way that adds value to the reader.

I've signed up for @SparkLoopHQ which seems promising.

sparkloop.app

15/ Pre-launch

I use @ProductHunt's "Ship" tool when I'm kicking off a new feature. It's a good way to get a few early supporters and makes it a little easier to launch when the time comes.

producthunt.com

16/ Domains

I use Google Domains. They don't have all the endings you might want, but so easy.

domains.google

17/ Incorporation

Going through this as we speak. I'm planning to incorporate as a NY LLC and am using a family friend who does this kind of work.

Theoretically, @atlas would work, but I'm glad to work with a familiar human.

18/ Banking

I'm not sure what I should use here. @brex? Does that make sense for a 1-person co?

Eventually, I'd love to try @stir which is building for creators. Also very open to suggestions.

(Same qs for accounting).

usestir.com

19/ Podcasting

I haven't figured this out yet. What are the best ways to get started?

@getredcircle looks like a great tool. Will eventually do more work here and update the thread.

There are also some short-form audio tools emerging that I'm excited about.

20/ Email

Use and love @superhuman. Don't have a lot to add here. It just works really well.

superhuman.com

21/ Task management

I do a mix of things. In addition to using my calendar as a to-do list, I've also been digging @DennisHXu's mem.ai.

It's much more than task management. More to share there.

22/ Browser

I feel the need to shout this from the rooftops: @brave has worked so much better for me than Chrome or Safari. Saving me a lot of time right now.

brave.com

23/ Unsolved problems...

- Making nice graphs. Canva's features are limited here.
- Starting a podcast.
- Banking and accounting.
- Probably a million things I'm not thinking of.

If you'd like to follow my journey of Building in Public, sign up for The Generalist. I'd love to have you aboard.

readthegeneralist.com