Running a creative business takes more than talent.
Behind every calm, confident brand is a set of tools quietly doing the heavy lifting — supporting enquiries, organising information, and creating smoother experiences for both clients and business owners.
At Rebecca Hobbs Studio, I work with florists and creative businesses who want their businesses to feel easier to manage, without losing personality or creativity. The tools I use play a big part in making that happen.
This post shares the core platforms I rely on — and why they work so well together.
A Thoughtful Approach to Tools (Before We Start)
Before diving into specifics, it’s important to say this:
tools should support your business — not complicate it.
I don’t believe in adding systems for the sake of it. Every platform I recommend has earned its place by being:
- Intuitive to use
- Flexible for creative businesses
- Able to grow alongside the business
The goal is always clarity, consistency, and calm.
Website Platform: Showit
Your website is often the first interaction someone has with your business — and it should feel like an extension of your brand, not a technical hurdle.
I use Showit because it allows complete creative freedom without sacrificing structure.
Why Showit works so well for creatives
- Design-led layouts without restrictive templates
- Easy content updates once the site is live
- Seamless integration with client systems
- Mobile designs that can be customised properly
For florists and creative business owners, this means a website that reflects their work and supports enquiries behind the scenes.
Try Showit here
Client Management: Dubsado
Dubsado is the backbone of most of the systems I build.
It’s a client relationship management platform that helps organise every stage of the client journey — from first enquiry to final invoice.
What Dubsado supports
- Structured enquiry forms
- Automated proposals and contracts
- Invoices and payments
- Custom workflows for different services
When set up properly, Dubsado reduces admin, avoids missed steps, and creates a more professional experience for clients.
Email Marketing: Flodesk
Email marketing should feel like an extension of your brand — not a separate, overly technical task.
I use Flodesk because it prioritises design and simplicity, making it ideal for creative businesses.
Why Flodesk works
- Beautiful, on-brand email layouts
- Simple signup forms
- Easy automations for welcome sequences
- Calm, uncluttered interface
When paired with your website and client systems, Flodesk helps you stay connected with your audience without adding pressure.
Design & Content Creation: Canva
Design consistency matters — especially when you’re wearing many hats.
Canva is a key tool I use and recommend for creating polished, on-brand visuals without overcomplicating the process.
How Canva supports creative businesses
- Easy-to-use design tools
- Brand kits for colours and fonts
- Templates for proposals, guides, and social content
- Simple collaboration and exporting
Used thoughtfully, Canva helps maintain brand consistency across platforms while saving time.
Why These Tools Work Best Together
Individually, each platform is strong. Together, they create something far more powerful.
A joined-up journey might look like this:
- A visitor explores your website
- They submit a considered enquiry
- Their details flow into your client system
- Proposals, contracts, and payments are handled smoothly
- Follow-up communication feels consistent and intentional
This connected setup removes friction — for both you and your clients.
A Calmer Way to Run a Creative Business
Running a business will always involve moving parts. But with the right foundations in place, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
Thoughtful websites, simple systems, and considered tools can transform how a business feels day to day — creating space for creativity, confidence, and growth.
Some of the links shared in this post are affiliate links.
I only recommend tools I genuinely use and trust, and affiliate support helps me continue sharing free, practical resources through the studio.
I hope you found this useful.
If you’d like to be part of The Notebook — a small, thoughtful community where I share notes on branding, websites, and systems throughout the year — you can sign up below.
