Productivity Hacks for Online Business Owners: How to Stop Doing It All

If you're an online business owner running the show solo, I don’t have to tell you what burnout feels like. You already know.

You’re juggling a never-ending to-do list, tweaking your website at midnight, answering emails like it’s a full-time job, and somehow still feeling like you're falling behind.

Here’s the truth: doing it all might feel productive, but it’s actually the slowest way to grow.

This post is for the women out there (I see you!) who want smart, sustainable productivity hacks for online business owners that actually move the needle—without requiring more of your time and energy.

Let’s break down the myth of “doing it all” and what to do instead.

Why Doing Everything Yourself Is Killing Your Growth

Most solopreneurs start their businesses solo—and stay that way far too long.

You might be thinking:

• “I’ll hire help when I make more money.”

• “It’s faster if I just do it myself.”

• “I tried outsourcing once and it was a disaster.”

• “Nobody will care about my business as much as I do.”

  
  

I get it. But here’s the truth: those beliefs are bottlenecking your growth. You're stuck in the control trap, wearing every hat and convincing yourself it’s just part of the hustle.

Spoiler: the hustle isn’t noble. It’s exhausting. And there’s a better way.

Three Types of Tasks You Shouldn’t Be Doing Anymore

Let’s dive into the kind of work that’s dragging you down and what you can do to get out from under it.

1. Repetitive Tasks You Can Automate

Automate anything that happens more than once a week and doesn’t require your brainpower.

Examples:

• Automatically add new leads to your email list using tools like Zapier or Make.

• Use autoresponders or canned replies for frequently asked questions.

• Schedule content across platforms with tools like Plann or Publer.

  
  

These kinds of productivity hacks for online business owners save hours every week—no team required.

2. Admin Work That’s Below Your Pay Grade

Answering every email, manually organizing files, researching hashtags… these are not CEO tasks.

Use tools like:

• Sanebox or Superhuman to sort your inbox.

• Canva templates for design consistency (without reinventing the wheel).

• Loom or Scribe to document your processes for future delegation.

  
  

And when you do bring in help? You’ll have everything ready to hand off. No micromanaging required.

3. Design and Tech That Steals Your Time

Let’s be honest. That perfect Pinterest graphic you spent 45 minutes designing? It won’t make or break your brand.

Neither will:

• Finding the perfect stock photo.

• Obsessing over line spacing on your sales page.

• Tinkering with colors on your homepage for the 10th time.

  
  

Here’s one of my favorite productivity mantras: Done is better than perfect. Use templates, outsource the hard stuff, and save your brain for high-level strategy.

Three Simple Productivity Hacks for Online Business Owners So They Can Finally Stop Doing It All

Ready to step into that CEO role instead of being stuck in VA mode? Here’s how to start:

1. Identify Your $10 Tasks

Write down everything you did in your business this week. Now ask: Which of these could I pay someone $10–$25/hour to handle? Spoiler alert: most of them.

Even if you're not ready to hire just yet, knowing what to offload is step one.

2. Choose ONE Task to Automate or Delegate This Week

Start small:

Set up a Zap. Create an email template.

Buy a Canva bundle.

Just pick one thing and take it off your plate. You’ll instantly create space—and momentum.

3. Schedule a Weekly CEO Hour

Block off one hour every week to work on your business, not in it. Use that time to:

• Refine systems

• Record tutorials

• Brainstorm big-picture strategy

• 
  

This is where the real growth happens.

Thrive in 5: Your Quick Start Guide

If you’re looking for fast, actionable productivity hacks for online business owners, here’s your five-minute challenge:

1. Write down every task you did this week.

2. Identify one that’s low-impact or repeatable.

3. Decide: will you automate it, delegate it, or ditch it?

4. Take one step toward removing it from your list.

5. Schedule your first CEO Hour for this week.

   
   

Done. That’s how it starts. One small shift at a time.

Want More Support (and Less Overwhelm)?

If you’re tired of doing it all and ready to set up systems that make your business run smoother without eating up your time, check out The Shortcut—my signature program to help you automate, delegate, and finally feel like the boss again.

You were never meant to do this alone. Let’s build a business that works for you—not the other way around.