The 3T Test: Stop Wasting Time and Money on the Wrong Business Software (Video Breakdown)
Watch this week's YouTube video for a practical framework for choosing business tools without wasting time, money, or your sanity.
One of the questions I get the most from clients and creators is:
“What tool should I use for _______?”
From email platforms to content planning to website builders—everyone wants the “best” software. But here’s the truth: there is no best tool. There’s only what works for you.
That’s why I created the 3T Test, a framework to help you stop hopping between platforms and finally choose tools that work long-term.
🧠 The 3T Test Framework: What It Means
Time. Tech Comfort. Total Value.
This trio is how I now evaluate every software I use or recommend.
1. Time
How much time will it take to set up and maintain?
Will you lose momentum before you ever hit publish?
Does the tool require ongoing admin that drains your energy?
2. Tech Comfort
Do you understand it? Can you troubleshoot it?
If you’re not tech-savvy, avoid platforms that expect advanced skills or steep learning curves.
Some tools are powerful—but only if you’re comfortable using them.
3. Total Value
This is about more than cost—it’s is this worth the money for what you’re getting?
Sometimes free tools cost you time. Sometimes expensive ones save it.
🛠️ Software Categories I Use (and How They Stack Up)
Here’s how I break it down by tool category—what I pay for, what I’ve tested, and how each one passes (or fails) the 3T Test.
Watch my video for a full breakdown
🧩 All-in-One vs. Best-in-Class Tools
What I Used to Do:
I pieced together a ton of different tools (FloDesk + Squarespace + Teachable + Calendly, etc.)
What I Do Now:
I mostly use FG Funnels as my all-in-one platform (site, CRM, funnels, booking). I used to use Dubsado and Kartra before switching.
🟢 Great for tech-savvy users who want robust features in one place.
🔴 Fails the 3T test if you hate complex setups and upkeep or automations.
I still host my courses on ThriveCart—a one-time payment platform that’s paid for itself. If you’re looking to simplify and save over time, this is a solid win on the Total Value side.
📅 Digital Planning & Organization
You already know I’m Team Notion for life. But here’s how I evaluate it:
Time: Setup takes effort
Tech Comfort: Not beginner-friendly
Total Value: Free or very cheap for the features
Alternatives like Trello, Asana, or ClickUp might work better depending on your level of tech comfort. If you’re an ADHDer like me and love to tinker—Notion is a dream.
💻 Website Platforms
I’ve worked in Squarespace and WordPress and recommend Squarespace to most beginners.
Squarespace: Passes the 3T test for simplicity
WordPress: Great for customization but flunks the Tech Comfort part for non-techies
Substack: Free + no maintenance = perfect for newsletter-first businesses
✉️ Email Marketing
There are dozens of options, but I’ve used:
Substack (free, simple, bonus community/blog tools)
FloDesk (beautiful but limited automations)
ActiveCampaign / ConvertKit / MailerLite for more advanced users
Evaluate:
How many subscribers do you have?
How advanced are your automations?
Do you need blog + podcast hosting too?
Again—go through Time / Tech Comfort / Total Value.
🎥 Content Creation Tools
What I pay for:
Canva Pro
Zoom Pro
CapCut Pro
ChatGPT Plus
Google Drive & Photos (storage + AI photo features)
What I use for free:
OBS (for screen recording)
Metricool (for scheduling)
Gamma (for slides + AI presentations)
I’ve intentionally minimized tools and stuck to what works. When a free version limits me (like needing auto-captions in CapCut), that’s when I upgrade.
A Note on Power Users
Not every tool is right for every person.
Sometimes you’re not ready for a tool because you don’t need everything it offers yet.
Sometimes you’re beyond a basic tool and it’s costing you growth.
The 3T Test helps you figure out where you stand today.
💸 My Current Paid Stack
Here’s what I currently pay for regularly:
FG Funnels (website, funnels, booking, CRM)
ThriveCart (paid off) for courses
Canva Pro (graphics)
Zoom Pro (meetings)
CapCut Pro (video editing)
ChatGPT Plus (AI)
Google Workspace (email, Drive)
Google Photos (storage)
Whisper (Transcription)
Copilot.app (money management)
And many free tools I love, but I didn’t include those here to keep it simple. If you want my full free/paid list, grab my updated Free Marketing Tech Toolkit download—it’s consistently being updated.
💬 Final Thoughts
Don’t burn time and money platform-hopping.
Instead, ask:
How much time do I really have?
Do I understand this software—or dread it?
Is this worth it based on where I’m at?
The 3T Test will save you stress, scale your systems, and make your tools actually work for you.
And if you’re stuck, I offer 1:1 Clarity Calls to walk through your setup and help you decide.