Complexity is the enemy of execution.
I often see creators carrying a “debt” of 15+ subscriptions—Monday.com for tasks, Trello for roadmaps, Webflow for design, ConvertKit for emails. They spend more time managing their tools than building their products.
I run Think Data Hub on a lean, 3-tier architecture. It costs almost nothing and requires zero maintenance.
Here is the stack.
Tier 1: The Operating System (Notion)
Everything starts here. I don’t use Notion just for notes; I use it as a relational database.
- CRM: Tracking connections.
- Content Calendar: Planning these posts.
- Product Development: Building tools like The Auto-Prioritizer.
If it isn’t in Notion, it doesn’t exist. It is the RAM of my business.
Tier 2: The Engine (WordPress)
Many people moved to Substack or Medium. I stayed on WordPress. Why? Control.
I treat WordPress as a “Headless CMS.” It allows me to build custom logic loops—like the Self-Updating Code Repository I built yesterday—without needing a dev team. It is robust, open-source, and I own the data.
Tier 3: The Storefront (Gumroad)
I don’t want to manage Stripe APIs or worry about VAT taxes in Europe. Gumroad handles the logistics. It is the checkout layer.
- I build the logic in Notion.
- I explain the logic in WordPress.
- I deliver the file via Gumroad.
See the live storefront in action here.
The Philosophy
This stack follows the “Unix Philosophy”: Do one thing and do it well.
- Notion handles Data.
- WordPress handles Display.
- Gumroad handles Transaction.
Stop looking for the “perfect” all-in-one tool. It doesn’t exist. Build a modular stack and get to work.