Toolbox

Nifty Online Tools

One day, I will put all the nifty online tools I have found in one place! For now, I’ve listed tools I use regularly in my business right here for you.

The online world changes fast, so I will be adding to this resource list as I learn more. Do bookmark the page and pop back 🙂

Some of the links below are affiliate links. That means, at no extra cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to buy through my link.

I do use all the products listed here and have no hesitation recommending them regardless of a small commission or not. Please do not buy anything that you feel will not help your business and assist you achieving your goals.

Remember – tools don’t make a business, just make your life easier!

Hosting

Web Hosting Buzz: My hosting reseller account is with Web Hosting Buzz, because they have European servers (and US servers too). As a US company their customer support is top notch and when I need it, none of this 9-5 support rubbish.

Try Webhosting Buzz Here

Domain names

Namecheap: I buy my domain names through Namecheap. Never had any issues and they don’t whack a premium on renewals.

Buy your domains here

Autoresponders

Aweber: I recently moved over to Aweber and can’t believe I didn’t do it sooner. Fab service! Aweber have a $1 trial month, give it a go.

Try Aweber here

Mail Chimp: Many of my clients don’t need an autoresponder but do send out broadcast newsletters. Mailchimp allows you to get started with newsletters free.

Try Mail Chimp here

Websites and Blogging

WordPress: Self hosted WordPress – it’s free and easy to use out of the box.

Download WordPress here

StudioPress: My Local Business Online runs on the Genesis Platform from StudioPress. Lovely looking themes that work from the guys over at CopyBlogger. Ideal for business.

Checkout the StudioPress themes here

The Backup Creator:  You do need to back up regularly, and while there are many free plugins around for WordPress restoring your backup isn’t always that easy.  The Backup Creator simplifies both backing up and restoring your WordPress website.

Check out The Back Up Creator here

Keywords and Rank Tracking

Google’s Keyword Tool: Despite the plethora of research tools I own, I always seem to start here – it’s free

Play with Google Keyword Tool

Ubersuggest: Google’s autosuggest on steroids, great for brainstorming ideas. Don’t get too carried away!

Get keyword suggestions here

Traffic Travis:  I used the free version for a long time. I upgraded when I started My Local Business Online and always go back to this tool.

Try Traffic Travis today

Longtail Pro: A recent addition, great for quickly brainstorming and selecting longtail keywords for blog posts and more.  Free 10 day trial

Check out Longtail Pro here

Power Suggest Pro: My latest love in keyword discovery tools.  Read why I love Power Suggest Pro here.  Keyword brainstorming using 6 search engines auto-suggest.

Check Out Power Suggest Pro here

Local Citations

Whitespark Citation Finder: Rummages out citation sources. Limited free version with monthly upgrade

Get your citation sources here

Graphics

GIMP: Free image manipulation software

Download GIMP here

Logo Creator: Drag and drop simple graphics creator. Creates more than logos! Create anything graphical from quote images, logos, timeline covers, blog images. The limit is your imagination!

Get your Logo Creator here

Canva: Drag and drop simple graphics, from quotes to covers, presentations to posters.  Free to use with premium features.

Try Canva here

 Writing Tools

Grammarly: My comma confusion is improving with Grammarly.  It works in most places you write online too (except the Facebook chat box, you’ll still see my sticky c and random spelling as my brain works faster than my fingers!)  Free to use with a premium upgrade, Grammarly picks up spelling and grammar mistakes your word processor spell check misses.

Try Grammarly here