Marketing becomes much easier when you have systems that match how your brain naturally works. These tools create the structure we need while giving us the flexibility to work with our strengths.
Understanding Our Brain's Needs 💫
Before diving into the tools, let’s acknowledge something important: our ADHD brains crave both novelty and structure. The perfect system balances these seemingly contradictory needs.
Each tool I’m sharing helps create this balance in different ways, focusing on organisation while allowing for flexibility and creativity.
The Tools That Keep Me Going 🎯
1. Google Sheets: Your Flexible Planning Companion 📊
Why it works
Yes, it’s a spreadsheet, but Google Sheets is so much more. It’s incredibly adaptable, which makes it perfect for the constantly shifting needs of an ADHD brain. When overwhelm hits, having a flexible system that can grow and change with you makes all the difference.
How I use it
Content Calendar
I use it to plan blog posts, social media themes, and other marketing activities. Colour-coding is my friend, as is the ability to move things around easily. When my brain needs a different view, I can quickly reorganise without losing any information.
Client Project Tracking
I keep tabs on client projects, deadlines, and their current status in one place, ensuring I can quickly see the overall progress. This visual overview helps prevent things from slipping through the cracks during busy periods.
Data Central
I also use it to log website traffic, social media engagement, and marketing data, which makes identifying patterns so much easier. For my ADHD brain, having all these numbers in one place means I actually remember to check them.
2. Monday.com: Visual Project Management 🌈
Why it works
For those of us who think visually, Monday.com is a lifesaver. It turns project management into a colourful, easy-to-understand system that actually makes sense to our pattern-seeking minds.How I use it
Project Breakdown
I divide large marketing projects into smaller, actionable tasks and assign due dates. This helps break down overwhelming tasks into manageable chunks that don’t trigger procrastination.Progress Tracking
I can visually track the progress of each task and the overall project flow, keeping me focused and on track. The visual progress bars speak to my brain in a way that traditional to-do lists never could.Centralised Communication
The comment section helps me keep conversations about tasks organised and accessible. No more losing important details in endless email threads or scattered notes. Link: https://monday.com/3. Google Keep: The Brain Dump & Idea Catcher 📝
Why it works
Google Keep is a simple and flexible note-taking app, perfect for capturing ideas and to-dos wherever I am. It’s brilliant for those moments when your ADHD brain suddenly remembers something important or has a creative burst at 3 AM.
How I use it
Brain Dumps
I use Keep to jot down any ideas or tasks I need to remember. This is a brilliant place to offload before I forget. When inspiration strikes at random moments, I know I have a reliable place to capture it.
Checklists
I love being able to make checklists and tick them off as I go. This is great for working through a task. The satisfaction of ticking off items helps maintain momentum, especially on low-focus days.
Voice Notes
When typing feels overwhelming, I record my ideas in voice memos so I don’t lose the thought. This is particularly helpful during those moments when my thoughts are racing faster than I can type.
Link: https://keep.google.com/
4. Miro: The Visual Collaboration Canvas 🎨
Why it works
Miro is a fantastic online whiteboard platform that lets you organise thoughts, plan projects, and brainstorm visually. It’s like having an infinite space for your ideas to expand and connect, perfect for our non-linear thinking patterns.How I use it
Mind Mapping
When I’m trying to get a project or idea into focus I love using Miro for mind-mapping. I can create a visual map of all my thoughts, allowing them to flow naturally without forcing them into a rigid structure.Marketing Planning
I plan out entire campaigns and strategies by using the large canvas and flexible elements on Miro. Being able to see everything at once helps me spot connections and opportunities I might miss in a linear format.Mood Boards
Miro is also brilliant for creating mood boards, especially for design projects, as it helps to bring all the visual inspiration together. It’s like Pinterest but with more structure and professional features. Link: https://miro.com/5. Freedom: The Focus & Productivity Ally ⏳
Why it works
Freedom is an app that blocks distracting websites and apps, helping me stay focused and productive. For those of us with ADHD, it’s like having a supportive friend who gently keeps us on track without judgment.How I use it
Scheduled Blocks
I schedule focused work blocks by automatically blocking all non-essential websites. This reduces temptations and distractions when my executive function is low. It’s particularly helpful during client work when I need to maintain deep focus.Custom Block Lists
I customise which sites are blocked based on my working style and needs. For instance, I might allow research-related sites during content creation but block them during data analysis periods.Productivity Insights
Freedom keeps track of my time usage, helping me to identify patterns and adjust accordingly. This data helps me understand my natural rhythms and plan my work around my peak focus times. Link: https://freedom.to/Building a Supportive System
These tools have become essential in my daily workflow, helping me stay consistent and organised.
The key is finding the tools that resonate with you and how your brain works. The right system should feel supportive and empowering, not like another item on your to-do list.
Ready to Transform Your Marketing?
Let’s explore how to turn your ADHD into a business advantage with proven marketing systems that work with your brain, not against it. Book a free chat to discuss your needs and find the perfect combination of tools for your unique way of working.
Remember: Your ADHD brain isn’t something to “overcome” – it’s a superpower waiting to be channeled in the right direction. These tools are just the scaffolding that lets your creativity and brilliance shine through.
5 tools that help make life easier for me. There are many others that can help you, depending on your work-style and preferences.
