Start Smart: What You Can Do for Free with ChatGPT, Canva, and Eleven Labs

Try before you buy: Create real content with $0 and no pressure.

You don’t need a budget to begin—you just need the right tools and a plan.

If you’re starting your blog, YouTube channel, digital product line, or anything creative online, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about ChatGPT, Canva, or Eleven Labs. And there’s an even better chance you’ve wondered:

Do I really need to pay for these tools just to get started?

The answer is no. Not yet.

Every single one of these tools has a generous free plan or trial, and you can use them to create real content without spending a dime. You don’t have to jump into subscriptions, commit to a new workflow, or stress about budgets. You just need to start exploring.

Let me show you what’s possible.

🧠 ChatGPT (Free Plan)

What it can do:

  • Help you brainstorm brand names and taglines

  • Write outlines, intros, or even full blog posts

  • Generate product ideas

  • Organize your thoughts and walk you through big plans

Why it matters: The free plan of ChatGPT (based on GPT-3.5) is more than enough to get started. It can help you define your brand voice, suggest ideas, and save you hours of stuck-in-your-head energy.

Start smart: Use my [free prompt guide] to introduce yourself to ChatGPT. Copy and paste your answers every time you start a session, and it will help you stay consistent even on the free plan.

🎤 Eleven Labs (Free Plan)

What it can do:

  • Create high-quality voiceovers for short videos or reels

  • Generate a mini podcast intro/outro

  • Experiment with voices to match your content style

Why it matters: Audio brings your content to life. With the free plan, you get a limited number of monthly credits—but it’s more than enough to test things out, especially for short-form content. No need to purchase all the equipment for an audio studio.

Limitations:

  • Not suitable for full audiobooks or long podcasts

  • Credits reset monthly but don’t last long if you test every voice

Start smart: Write a script with ChatGPT first. Keep it short, then test it with one or two voices in Eleven Labs to create your first voiceover or sound clip.

🎨 Canva (Free Plan)

What it can do:

  • Design logos, Instagram graphics, PDFs, and product mockups

  • Make YouTube thumbnails and Pinterest pins

  • Create a cohesive brand look with minimal tools

Why it matters: Visuals are essential, and Canva’s free plan gives you an incredible head start. You can create scroll-stopping graphics even if you have zero design experience.

Limitations:

  • Limited access to premium fonts and design elements

  • No brand kit or resizing tools

Start smart: Pick 2-3 free fonts and 2-3 brand colors and stick with them. That’s all you need to create a consistent look. Save your go-to templates in your account so you can reuse them easily.

You Don’t Need to Pay to Begin

These tools are powerful, and using them for free is the smartest way to start. If you love them, you’ll love the paid plans even more—but you don’t have to buy anything to begin building your dream.

Test it. Explore it. Make something real.

Coming Soon: The Creator Sprint

If you ever do decide to subscribe for a month, I’ll help you make the most of every single feature. The Creator Sprint is a 30-day roadmap that shows you how to:

  • Batch your content

  • Save time

  • And build something meaningful without wasting a dollar

Subscribe below to be the first to get it!

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