Streamline Your Business Expenses: 12 Subscriptions You Can Replace with Just 2
As business owners, we have two main ways to make more money: increase revenue or increase profit margins. While it’s essential to focus on earning more, it’s equally important to reduce unnecessary expenses. One way to do that is by swapping costly subscriptions for more efficient, cost-effective tools.
If you’re tired of juggling dozens of subscriptions that nickel and dime your business, I’ve got good news: You can replace up to 12 common business tools with just two platforms: Google Workspace and ClickUp.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the swaps you can make, what you might gain (and lose), and how to decide if these changes are right for your business.
🚀 Prefer video? Watch the full detailed breakdown on my YouTube channel below!
Or keep reading for the full list and practical tips.
Why Simplify Your Subscriptions?
Managing multiple tools can be a headache:
They clutter your workflow.
They drain your budget.
They require constant updates and maintenance.
Instead, leveraging just two powerful tools—Google Workspace and ClickUp—can streamline your operations and reduce your costs significantly. Let’s dive into how you can make these swaps.
1. Website and Web Security: Google Sites
Replace: WordPress, Squarespace
Pros: Simple setup, integrates with Google services, no hosting fees
Cons: Limited customization, not ideal for e-commerce
Best for: Brick-and-mortar businesses, local services, one-on-one providers
2. Landing Pages: Google Sites
Replace: LeadPages
Pros: Cost-effective, integrates with Google Forms
Cons: No A/B testing or advanced design features
Best for: Small campaigns, simple lead magnets
3. Forms and Surveys: ClickUp or Google Forms
Replace: Typeform, JotForm
Pros: Easy to use, integrates with tasks, real-time response collection
Cons: Limited customization and branching logic
Best for: Client onboarding, simple feedback forms
4. Time Tracking: ClickUp
Replace: Toggl
Pros: Built into task management, linked to client projects
Cons: Less detailed reporting, no payroll integration
Best for: Solopreneurs, small teams
5. Project Management: ClickUp
Replace: Trello
Pros: Customizable views (board, list), scalable as you grow
Cons: Steeper learning curve than Trello
Best for: Teams needing flexible project views
6. Appointment Scheduling: Google Calendar
Replace: Calendly
Pros: No extra fees, integrates with your existing calendar
Cons: Limited buffer settings, no payment integration
Best for: Simple scheduling needs
7. Team Communication: ClickUp Chat
Replace: Slack
Pros: All communication in one platform, no extra cost
Cons: Harder to track conversations within tasks
Best for: Small teams needing basic communication
8. Video Meetings: Google Meet
Replace: Zoom
Pros: Integrated with Google Calendar, no plugins needed
Cons: Limited webinar features, basic video quality
Best for: One-on-one meetings or small team calls
9. File Storage: Google Drive
Replace: Dropbox
Pros: Centralized file management, easy sharing
Cons: Limited storage unless you upgrade
Best for: Teams already using Google Workspace
10. AI Assistance: ClickUp AI or Google Gemini
Replace: ChatGPT
Pros: Built into existing tools, no separate subscription
Cons: May lack advanced customization
Best for: Integrated task automation
11. Meeting Transcription: Google Meet Notetaker
Replace: Fathom
Pros: Auto-transcribes Google Meet meetings, saves to Drive
Cons: Doesn’t work with non-Google platforms
Best for: Teams already using Google Meet
12. Video Feedback: ClickUp Videos or Google Vids
Replace: Loom, Vimeo
Pros: Built-in recording and storage, customizable sharing
Cons: Limited branding options, fewer analytics
Best for: Internal training, client video replies
My Take: Why These Swaps Work
I use Google Workspace and ClickUp every day in my business because they act as my “second brain.” I call it that because I can streamline my entire workflow, keep everything organized, and spend less time juggling apps. While these swaps won’t be perfect for everyone, they can simplify your setup and save you money.
If you want to see exactly how I set this up in my business, check out my Breakthrough Boss® program, where I show you how to build your own second brain.
👉 Which of these swaps do you think would work for you?