The tools I actually recommend

Every tool that shows up in my posts, what it's good for and whether you can start free.

Design

Templates, Brand Kit, Magic Switch to resize one design for every platform, Bulk Create and a content planner.

Best for: Anyone making posts, carousels or thumbnails every week.
Free plan. Pro has a free trial.

Describe a post in one sentence and get editable designs back.

Best for: Beginners who don't know where to start a design.
Free with a Microsoft account.

Removes the background from product photos and places them in clean scenes.

Best for: Online shops and anyone making product mockups.
Free plan available.

Generates images and upscales low-resolution ones.

Best for: Covers and visuals when stock photos look generic.
Free plan with limited daily use.

Try Krea

Edits short videos, adds auto captions and turns slides into Reels or Shorts.

Best for: Anyone repurposing carousels into video.
Free plan. Pro adds more effects and storage.

Try CapCut

Email list, signup forms and automated welcome sequences.

Best for: Your first email list and lead magnet.
Free plan for small lists.