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Tracking Subscriptions as a Web Designer
Signing up for business tools is easy, but over time, those monthly fees can add up. This week, I focused on reviewing my business subscriptions, a habit that helps cut unnecessary costs and makes sure I’m only paying for tools that truly add value.
What Worked Well
One of the most effective things I did was save my incoming email receipts as tasks in Google throughout the year. This made it easy to track charges and spot patterns in my spending. When I sat down to do my audit, I had all the information I needed in one place.
Challenges: Navigating Subscription Models
The hardest part? Adobe. I wanted to cancel one of my subscriptions, but due to their policy, I would have been charged a hefty cancellation fee. Ironically, upgrading to the full suite was cheaper than keeping just two of my previous subscriptions. While I now have access to tools I don’t necessarily need, I had to make a financial decision that worked best in the long run.
A Surprising Benefit: Understanding My Business Costs
I always knew I had a lot of subscriptions, but reviewing them in detail made me realize how much they fluctuate. My monthly expenses range between $800 and $1,600, yet I have no employees—these are all tools that keep my business running. This breakdown gave me a better sense of how my business operates and where my money goes.
Tools & Resources That Helped
- Google Sheets – I track all my subscriptions, costs, renewal dates, payment methods, and sign-in links in one organized document.
- Google Tasks & Gmail Labels – I save invoices as tasks in Google and keep a folder in Gmail for quick reference when it’s time to review.
Lessons Learned
I need to spend money to make money, but it’s easy to forget what I’m paying for and when I stop using something. A subscription audit is a great way to regain control over business finances and prevent unnecessary spending.
Moving Forward
Going forward, I plan to rename versions of my spreadsheet and separate past years instead of continuously updating the same file. This will help me track yearly cost increases instead of losing historical data.
How You Can Implement This Habit
Start small—create a Gmail label for business subscription renewals and check it periodically. Keep a detailed spreadsheet and update it at least once a year, though monthly check-ins will help you stay on top of spending and make smarter financial decisions.
about the author
Cami MacNamara is a web designer and owner of WebCami LLC, a Seattle-based agency since 2002. She created Web Designer Habits to help web designers build smarter systems, stay productive, and run a business that works for them.