My Toolbox
Small Business Resources for Productivity and Management
Please note: There are a ton of apps, programs and tools that I use as a blogger and entrepreneur. I’ve rounded up a list of them and other resources that I highly recommend that you should consider using in your business.
Some of the links to these resources contain affiliate links (at no additional cost to you) where I earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase. I appreciate you for stopping by and again thank you for your support. Cheers 🙂
Tools I Used to Start My Blog
WordPress – the number one rated blogging and website platform that I am using to run the Small Business Sense blog.
Netfirms – The site that use to purchase all of my domain names from.
Siteground– The current web hosting provider that I am using to host my WordPress blog and other sites. Siteground has a one-click install feature that you can use to get a small business website or blog up and running in no time. You can start your blog with Hostgator for just 3.95. Follow this step by step tutorial to learn how to start your business blog.
Themeforest – Where I purchase all of my website themes and templates. Themeforest has a large collection of affordable blogging and small business website themes available. Check them out when you get a chance.
Template Monster – another website that I use to find affordable WordPress website themes and templates for business a small business website.
Running Your Business from the Cloud
Ringcentral Cloud Based Phone System – the current system that I am using to take my office wherever I go. One of the things that I love the most about Ringcentral is their smartphone application. With this app, you can make and receive calls from your smartphone using your Ringcentral phone number. It’s pretty kewl!
Ringcentral Fax – The resource that I use to send and receive faxes anytime and anywhere via my smartphone or any computer that has an internet connection.
Grasshopper Cloud Based Phone System – A fantastic cloud based phone system that lets you run your business from your cell phone. This is the perfect cloud phone system for small businesses that features phone and fax services rolled into one package. Grasshopper also has a smartphone app that you can download to turn your phone into your mobile office. How cool is that?
Invoiceable – the invoicing system that I use to create and send invoices to clients
Freshbooks Cloud Accounting System for Small Business – An additional one of my favorite web based invoicing and accounting systems that you can use to send invoices on the go to your clients anytime and anywhere.
Box.com – one of my favorite cloud based sharing and storage apps that I use to store documents and also collaborate with others online.
Dropbox for Business – is an additional and very popular cloud storage application that I used to store and share documents on the go. Check out my blog post that covers my Top 5 Tips for Using Dropbox for your Small Business.
Skype– the current resource that I use for video calls and chats with fellow entrepreneurs, clients and more.
Business Startup Tools
Business Plan Pro – This is an essential cloud based application that you can use to easily create a business plan for your business. If you are in the startup phases of your business, this tool will definitely get you on track.
Legalzoom – They take care of all of the legal stuff for you…from helping you choose the right business structure for your business and more.
Moo.com – The company that I use to create all of my business cards. Their business cards are high quality and very affordable. Moo.com also has mini business cards that you can have created as well.
Branding Tools
Wisestamp for Business – I can’t rave enough about Wisestamp. This has easily become one of my favorite email signature marketing tools. If you need inspiration for creating a branded and lead generating email signature, check out this blog post.
Pixellogo – If you are looking for low-cost…ready made logos that you can use in your business for branding, Pixellogo has got you covered. They have a wide assortment of logos available for you to choose from in a variety of niches
Videvo.net – This website offers a vast library of FREE stock Footage, Motion Graphics, Audio, and Sound Effects. In addition to the their free content, they offer Premium subscription plans with guaranteed Royalty Free license and at some of the most competitive pricing out there. The quality-price ratio is nearly unmatched for your business and marketing needs!
Email Marketing and List Building Tools That I Use
AWeber – the email marketing service provider that I am currently using to host the Small Business Sense email newsletter. The feature that I love best from AWeber is their autoresponder feature. Check out this post to get some tips for using an autoresponder for marketing.
Thrive Content Builder – a resource that I use to create beautiful landing pages and spice up my blog content.
Optin Monster – is the lovely pop up notification tool that I am using to build up my email subscriber base and increase conversions.
Sumo.Me – The resource that I am using that has the smart bar that I am using to build a list of email subscribers and also encourage social media shares.
GetProspect – is an email finder that I apply to find emails in bulk and enrich my contacts. It works fast and organizes contacts well. Its CRM system offers dynamic lists and folders that help me to automate my work.
Social Media Marketing Tools
Hootsuite – the social media management system I am using to preschedule and publish my social media posts on autopilot.
Buffer – an additional social media marketing and management tool that I’ve used in the past and highly recommend.
Freelancing and Outsourcing Sites
oDesk – Guys, I use oDesk for everyyyyything! oDesk.com is an online outsourcing website that lets you hire and manage freelance talent to work on projects that you just don’t have time to do yourself.
Fiverr – the site that I use to find freelancers to assist me with smaller projects and etc.
Content and Blog Post Writing Tools
The Best Spinner – sometime’s its hard to find the right words to put on paper. The Best Spinner is one of my favorite tools that I use that helps me get past writer’s block. If you are blogging or writing content for your business, trust me, this is one tool that you shouldn’t go without.
Tweak Your Biz Blog Post Title Generator – a great blog post title generator that you can use to get ideas for your next blog post.
WordPress Design Services
Custom WordPress Design – Fabrizio VanMarciano, at Magnet4Blogging.net
