Discover 3 essential software tools—HubSpot, Metricool, and Google Chat—that help streamline small business workflows. See how Launch Kit uses them daily to stay organized and productive.
If you’ve been following Launch Kit or even just tuned into some of my content, you know we’re big fans of tools that make our work smoother and more effective. Whether it’s managing our team, keeping track of client interactions, or running social media campaigns, we’re always on the lookout for software that helps us elevate our work experience. Today, I want to share three software tools that we’re using daily at Launch Kit and give you a behind-the-scenes look at how these tools help us optimize our workflows.
Let’s dive into HubSpot, Metricool, and Google Chat—and how they can make your life a little easier too.
We officially started using HubSpot at Launch Kit in 2024. Before that, we had a more casual approach to CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems, relying on ClickUp for managing contacts, companies, and deals. It worked fine. But just fine. We weren’t really connecting the dots between all our contacts and interactions like a true CRM does.
After a lot of back-and-forth, I decided it was time to set up a proper CRM. Spoiler alert: HubSpot was the right move. Setting it up took some work, but the learning curve was worth it. As I built out our CRM, I learned more about Launch Kit’s workflows and spotted areas where we could improve. And honestly, having a system that’s one step ahead of where you think you need to be is a smart move. It gives you room to grow.
For any small business owner out there, my advice is simple: don’t shy away from getting a robust CRM, even if you think your current system “works fine.” Trust me, it’s better to have a system you can grow into, rather than one that holds you back.
At the time of writing, we’re on the HubSpot Starter Customer plan, which includes Marketing Hub, Sales Hub, Service Hub, CMS Hub, and Operations Hub for three users. We’re paying $30 a month, which, in my opinion, is a steal for what we get.
As a digital marketing agency, social media is a core part of what we do. We need a reliable tool to schedule, track, and manage posts across multiple platforms—and that’s where Metricool comes in. We’ve been using it for over a year now, and I can honestly say it’s been a game changer.
Before Metricool, we used Sprout Social, which is a big name in the industry. It worked well, but Metricool just feels more intuitive. It has all the features we need, without any extra clutter, and its user interface is a lot more straightforward.
When you’re scheduling over 120 posts a month, including Instagram Reels, you need a tool that you can trust to handle everything seamlessly. Metricool lets us schedule, track analytics, and even manage direct messages—all in one place. If you’re running a small business with a big focus on social media, I can’t recommend it enough.
We’re using Metricool’s Advanced Plan, which costs $88 a month. This plan lets us manage up to 25 brands (or clients), which is perfect for our needs.
At Launch Kit, we use Google Chat for all our internal, non-project-related communication. It’s not the flashiest tool, but it’s practical, reliable, and included with our Google Workspace subscription. Why pay for Slack when Google Chat gets the job done?
Here’s how we keep things organized: when we’re discussing specific projects, we chat directly in ClickUp, which keeps the conversation tied to the task at hand. But for everything else—like “who’s bringing donuts on Friday?”—we use Google Chat. This separation of project and non-project communication helps keep things streamlined.
Switching from Slack to Google Chat last year was an easy decision, mainly because it integrated seamlessly into our existing workflows. Plus, it’s free with Google Workspace, which is always a win in my book.
If anyone from Google happens to be reading this, I have one minor ask: please give us the option to press “return” for a new paragraph instead of sending the message! (Yes, I know there’s a “shift + return” workaround, but still—it’s the little things.)
These three tools—HubSpot, Metricool, and Google Chat—are central to how we operate here at Launch Kit. Each one has helped us streamline our workflows, stay organized, and focus on what matters: helping our clients grow.
If you’re a small business owner trying to navigate the sea of productivity tools, these are three worth considering. And if you have any questions about software, or just want to talk shop, feel free to shoot me an email. I could talk about this stuff all day!
Each year, we take a fresh look at the various marketing efforts a small business can make. We've built this framework to get started optimizing your business's online presence.
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