No Tech Qualifications Required: The 5 Essential Software Tools Running the JCintheShed Website

Every project has its backbone — and this little corner of the internet is no different. JCintheShed started as a side project for sharing hands-on reviews and DIY ideas, but over time it’s become a proper workshop of its own.

I thought it was about time I lifted the lid on how it’s all held together — from the website platform and design tools to the systems that keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit my computer skills are average at the best of times, so I’ve had to find tools that make life easy without getting lost in code or tech jargon.

Building a site like this isn’t just about writing or uploading a few pictures — it’s about trial, error, and finding what actually works when you’re juggling videos, reviews, and everyday jobs in the shed.

From the Shed to the World

If you’ve got a few ideas bubbling away — whether it’s cleaning the cooker, restoring old tools, or just showing the products that actually work — you can share it with the world too. That’s the beauty of it.

You don’t need fancy gear or expert-level skills. I certainly didn’t.

All you really need is a simple setup, a bit of curiosity, and the right tools to make your ideas look good online. Wix handles the website side, Canva takes care of the visuals, and Geni.us ties all the product links together so people can find what you’re talking about wherever they are.

Before long, those small projects you do around the house can turn into something bigger — a place to share what you’ve learned, help others, and maybe even earn a bit along the way.

Behind the Shed: The Tech I Rely On

People often ask how everything comes together behind the scenes — the blog, the photos, the videos, the links.

You’d think I’ve got a server rack hidden under a tarp, but truth is, it’s not magic or high-end tech. It’s a small collection of software tools that make life easier and keep everything running smoothly from one end of the shed to the other.

Wix – My Website Workbench

Wix is where JCintheShed lives. It lets me design, post, and tweak pages without touching a single line of code.

I use the mobile editor all the time to tidy things up from my phone, and the built-in SEO tools help my posts get found without a headache.

Try Wix here

Canva Pro – My Design Toolbox

Every thumbnail, banner, and diagram you see starts life in Canva. It’s quick, clean, and even makes me look half-decent at design.

The templates save me hours, and the background remover is worth it on its own — especially for my YouTube thumbnails and workshop diagrams.

Get Canva Pro here

Geni.us – The Smart Link Assistant

I talk about products from both Amazon UK and Amazon US, and Geni.us handles that automatically.

It sends each reader to the right store instantly — no broken links, no confusion. That means you get to the right product faster, and I can keep everything tidy in one place.

Check out Geni.us

DaVinci Resolve Studio – Video Editing Powerhouse

For video reviews and YouTube clips, I use DaVinci Resolve Studio.

It’s powerful, colour-accurate, and surprisingly affordable compared to the big names.

The colour tools help me make sure wood tones, paint finishes, and lighting look exactly right on screen — because nothing ruins a product demo like a dodgy shade of oak.

The Gear Fund (Amazon Associates)

Most of the products I review or mention are found on Amazon.

The affiliate system means I can link directly to what I’ve tested — and if someone buys through those links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to them.

It’s how I keep the kettle boiling and the gear fund topped up for the next round of reviews.

So That’s What Holds It All Together

And that’s pretty much it — the simple mix of software tools, ideas, and trial-and-error that keeps JCintheShed ticking.

No secret team, no fancy setup — just me, a laptop that’s seen better days, and a few apps that make it all possible.

If you’ve ever thought about starting your own blog, YouTube channel, or little online project — honestly, just give it a go.

You don’t need to be an expert (I’m proof of that). Start small, keep it genuine, and use tools that make things easier, not harder.

And who knows — whether it’s cleaning the cooker, testing gadgets, or sharing what you’ve learned in your own shed — you might just end up showing the world something useful.

Affiliate note: Some links in this post are affiliate links. As an affiliate for Wix, Canva, Geni.us, and Amazon, I may earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you.

It helps keep this site running and the kettle full.