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Ep. 117 Tools of the Retail Trade

As retailers, we use A LOT of software, tools, and products for our stores. But with so many options and features available, it can really help to see what other retailers are using. 

I’ve recently created a new guide for retailers with all the tools, products, services, and software programs I recommend. Read on to learn more about what’s included and how you can access it!

Why I Created a New Guide

Since the early days of the Savvy Shopkeeper, I’ve had a Resources page on my website. It was formerly titled Tools of the Trade in my main menu. I created this page to share software programs, tools, and products that are helpful to shopkeepers.

Well, last year, I updated my brand and website.  I loved everything about the site, EXCEPT this resources page. It was full of text, and although it was probably helpful to some extent, it wasn’t AS beneficial as I wanted it to be. 

I knew I wanted to update the resources page in some way. A guide inspired me that Lauren, owner of Restored316, offered her customers. 

Restored316 creates beautiful WordPress themes to help women entrepreneurs and bloggers build a professional online presence. While WordPress isn’t the best option for retailers, it’s the go-to option for non-retail businesses with blogs, and I can’t recommend Restored316 enough!

Not only do Lauren and her team provide beautifully designed website templates, but their support is INCREDIBLE, and their Facebook group is fantastic.

I created this resource to ease the decision-making process for indie retailers. If it’s listed in this guide, shopkeepers already use these products and tools. I wish this had been available to me when I started!

An Example From the Guide: Email Marketing Software

Is it 100% comprehensive? No way. I’m sure I didn’t cover it all, and I’m sure there are other valuable tools and products out there. However, I chose to include the tools I love based on my years of research, experience, and product knowledge. 

For example, page 4 is email marketing. I have Flodesk and Klaviyo listed. These aren’t the ONLY email service providers out there, but they are the two that I believe work best for small retailers.

Flodesk is incredibly easy to use and aesthetically appealing. It’s not an intimidating or complicated platform. For these reasons, I’m confident that retailers can get their email marketing started. 

Is it the perfect email marketing software for omnichannel retailers? NOPE. But getting started with email marketing is the goal, and that’s what Flodesk is best for! You can always upgrade to a more technical or feature-driven platform in the future, depending on your needs.

I mention and share about Klaviyo because MANY retailers use Shopify. Klaviyo integrates with Shopify really well, especially for omnichannel retail. Plus, Klaviyo has some advanced marketing options that other platforms just can’t offer.

So I’ve included these two very different platforms for distinct reasons. They’re both worth mentioning. 

How to Access the Guide

2025 UPDATE: We simplified this again and decided to update the Resource Page on this website and we’re happy we did. It’s easy to bookmark (so you can visit it anytime you want) and easy to navigate all thanks to another great theme from Restored316.

Click HERE to visit the NEW Resources page!

*Some links or codes I share are affiliate links. Meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely believe in and find valuable for store owners. Please purchase only if it aligns with your goals and needs.

Mentions:

Timestamps

  • [00:41] Why I Created a New Guide
  • [07:55] What’s Inside the Guide
  • [10:17] An Example of What’s Inside: Email Marketing Software
  • [14:31] How to Access the Guide

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