What are the "Must Have" tools you use to run your business?

42 replies
As we all know, there are many tools, plugins, software etc. used to make the task of running a internet business a little easier. What are the "Must Have" tools that you use and recommend to others to power a internet business and why do you feel these are "Must Have"?
#business #internet business tools #must have #run #tools
  • Profile picture of the author Johnny Optimo
    lol... there's so many, where to start??? I actually wrote an entire (free) ebook with all of my favorite tools (see sig)

    I love the basics though... great HTML/CSS editor (aptana), great FTP (filezilla), great keyword research tool (wordtracker), great browser (I love chrome), I also like a product called fast blog finder, wordpress is a must, too many cool plugins to mention...
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    • Profile picture of the author Lonnie_Robinson
      Originally Posted by Johnny Optimo View Post

      lol... there's so many, where to start??? I actually wrote an entire (free) ebook with all of my favorite tools (see sig)

      I love the basics though... great HTML/CSS editor (aptana), great FTP (filezilla), great keyword research tool (wordtracker), great browser (I love chrome), I also like a product called fast blog finder, wordpress is a must, too many cool plugins to mention...
      WOW! Thanks Johnny! I just grabbed your FREE Report!
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    • Profile picture of the author igre123
      Originally Posted by Johnny Optimo View Post

      lol... there's so many, where to start??? I actually wrote an entire (free) ebook with all of my favorite tools (see sig)

      I love the basics though... great HTML/CSS editor (aptana), great FTP (filezilla), great keyword research tool (wordtracker), great browser (I love chrome), I also like a product called fast blog finder, wordpress is a must, too many cool plugins to mention...
      Thanks dude
      rally nice tools shared
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  • Profile picture of the author Robert M Gouge
    Andy Fletchers wordpress plugins from Digi Power Tools are all pretty much gold.

    He was kind enough to partner up with my site and allow me to do full reviews of his products for RobertsReviewBlog.com and I would definitely consider most of them "must haves". Specifically Digi List Builder, Digi Link Doctor and WP Syndicator. Really pleased with his products.

    For obvious reasons, I couldn't do without wordpress, host gator, statcounter, or google analytics.

    So many good ones these days it's hard to narrow it down to a few.
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    • Profile picture of the author Lonnie_Robinson
      Originally Posted by Robert M Gouge View Post

      Andy Fletchers wordpress plugins from Digi Power Tools are all pretty much gold.

      He was kind enough to partner up with my site and allow me to do full reviews of his products for RobertsReviewBlog.com and I would definitely consider most of them "must haves". Specifically Digi List Builder, Digi Link Doctor and WP Syndicator. Really pleased with his products.

      For obvious reasons, I couldn't do without wordpress, host gator, statcounter, or google analytics.

      So many good ones these days it's hard to narrow it down to a few.
      Good Stuff! Thanks for sharing Robert!
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      • Profile picture of the author Hamida Harland
        These are the necessities:

        Wordpress
        Google Keywords Tool
        Filezilla
        Roboform
        Aweber
        Hostgator

        I use alot of other stuff, but I could run my business quite easily with just the above.
        Signature
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        • Profile picture of the author Lonnie_Robinson
          Originally Posted by Hamida Harland View Post

          These are the necessities:

          Wordpress
          Google Keywords Tool
          Filezilla
          Roboform
          Aweber
          Hostgator

          I use alot of other stuff, but I could run my business quite easily with just the above.
          For sure! These are the "Core" necessities. I agree! Thanks Hamida!
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    • Profile picture of the author giversunite
      I use all of the necessary tools for marketing online - a way to make the computer work for you while you are doing other things

      bare essentials are:
      - Hosting and a Domain so that you can market yourself and not just a program or product
      - Auto Responder so you can stay in contact with your lists
      - Webinar room so you can talk to your team all at once or present your program or product to your prospects

      go to my link below if you would like to get my ebook - a step by step guide for online marketing

      let me know if you need free coaching also - I'd be happy to help
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  • Profile picture of the author Robert M Gouge
    Forgot one, Gimp2.0 free graphic editing software has been extremely helpful to me as well.
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    • Profile picture of the author Lonnie_Robinson
      Originally Posted by Robert M Gouge View Post

      Forgot one, Gimp2.0 free graphic editing software has been extremely helpful to me as well.
      Thanks Robert!

      QUESTION: Can .PSD files be edited in Gimp?
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      • Profile picture of the author mojojuju
        Originally Posted by Lonnie_Robinson View Post

        Thanks Robert!

        QUESTION: Can .PSD files be edited in Gimp?
        Yes.

        (this is extra text needed to lengthen this message to at least 10 characters)
        Signature

        :)

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        • I believe some of my "must have tools" are:
          • Web browser:Firefox/Chrome
          • HTML editor: Notepad++
          • Editing Graphics: Photoshop (sorry, its the industry standard)
          • FTP: Filezilla
          • CMS: WordPress (I can still make a site the old-fashioned way though )
          • Videos/Screen Recording: Camtasia
          • Screenshots:Snagit
          • Writing: MS Word/ Open Office
          • PDF Creator: Print to PDF
          • Audio Editing: Audacity
          Hope this helps,
          Virginia Clemmons
          Signature

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        • Profile picture of the author Lonnie_Robinson
          Originally Posted by mojojuju View Post

          Yes.

          (this is extra text needed to lengthen this message to at least 10 characters)
          I'm not sure I understand. :confused:
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          • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
            Banned
            These threads, which seem to come round every couple of months or so, normally fill with a mixture of "stuff I haven't heard of" and "stuff I've heard of but don't need or use". I must admit that there aren't quite so many things I haven't heard of at all, this time (maybe I'm gradually recognising the names of more of this stuff from other threads, though I still don't always know what the acronyms stand for?) but there's still plenty I don't use and don't intend to.

            Apart from a computer and an internet connection (too obvious to mention?), all I really need is hosting, domains and an autoresponder account. Which is just as well because I don't know how to use anything else (including Wordpress, Filezilla and almost everything else mentioned above ).

            Apart from some "safety" stuff like AVG, Carbonite and MalwareBytes, all the software on my PC came ready-installed and tends to update itself automatically, and I've never needed anything else.

            I have used Google's "Wonder Wheel" and have occasionally tried to use their "Free External Keyword Research Tool", I admit ... but probably won't again.

            If a technophobic incompetent like me can set up and build an internet marketing business successfully, many people can.
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          • Profile picture of the author mojojuju
            Originally Posted by Lonnie_Robinson View Post

            I'm not sure I understand. :confused:
            Yes, the GIMP can edit PSD files.
            Signature

            :)

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            • Profile picture of the author Lonnie_Robinson
              Originally Posted by mojojuju View Post

              Yes, the GIMP can edit PSD files.
              Ok, Thanks!
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              • Profile picture of the author StevenL
                One item that everyone who posted here uses , but has not been mentioned...The educational database we all use that is known as the Warrior Forum.
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                • Profile picture of the author Lonnie_Robinson
                  Originally Posted by StevenL View Post

                  One item that everyone who posted here uses , but has not been mentioned...The educational database we all use that is known as the Warrior Forum.
                  Now that is a "Must Have"
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                • Profile picture of the author Ben Gordon
                  Originally Posted by StevenL View Post

                  One item that everyone who posted here uses , but has not been mentioned...The educational database we all use that is known as the Warrior Forum.
                  Truly a must-have. Without Warrior Forum, most of us wouldn't have even been here, or we just wouldn't have developed the same techniques that make us a lot of money .
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          • Profile picture of the author Ben Gordon
            Originally Posted by Lonnie_Robinson View Post

            I'm not sure I understand. :confused:
            I think the person meant "Yes, PSD files could be edited in gimp".

            Hope that helps.

            But in my opinion, Photoshop is one of the most important tools that an internet marketer should have.
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      • Profile picture of the author mgkimsal
        Originally Posted by Lonnie_Robinson View Post

        Ok, Thanks!
        Originally Posted by Lonnie_Robinson View Post

        Thanks Robert!

        QUESTION: Can .PSD files be edited in Gimp?


        As others have said, "yes". I'd qualify - they can be opened and edited, but to my recollection, you can't *save* in PSD format. Might be worth remembering before you commit to providing a PSD file to someone
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  • Profile picture of the author Ben Gordon
    There are many tools that are a must for any internet marketer (well at least for me :p). I need dreamweaver, photoshop and illustrator (I create my own graphics and code my own websites). Another thing I need is filezilla, for file transfer. I also use some other tools for SEO and other programs I created solely for myself (which are secrets ).
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  • Profile picture of the author LegitIncomes
    Computer
    Internet Access
    Website Software
    Graphics Software
    Open Office
    Aweber
    Hosting

    That's it.
    Signature
    100% Unique Sales Page Website +100% Unique Internet Marketing Product
    + Support! All of this, just $397! (PM Me For Details!)
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  • Profile picture of the author andybeveridge
    Optimize press,Market Samurai and camtasia have all had a big hand in my business. I can make money using those three things anytime I want.
    Actually I would still need hosting and an auto responder.
    Signature

    Become a Digi Warrior and join us in the successful Dig Warrior IM Academy
    Join us at www.digiwarrior.com

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  • Profile picture of the author MegaC
    All free tools.

    1. Your brain.
    2. Market Samurai (Keyword research)
    3. Traffic Travis (SEO Analysis)
    4. Filezilla
    5. SEO Quake
    6. SEO Spyglass
    7. Google Analytics
    8. Wordpress and its plugins

    I'm sure I'm forgetting some, but that's what comes to mind.
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    • Profile picture of the author amiabledeveloper
      Originally Posted by rootvn91 View Post

      All free tools.

      1. Your brain.
      2. Market Samurai (Keyword research)
      3. Traffic Travis (SEO Analysis)
      4. Filezilla
      5. SEO Quake
      6. SEO Spyglass
      7. Google Analytics
      8. Wordpress and its plugins

      I'm sure I'm forgetting some, but that's what comes to mind.
      Hi Lonnie,
      You can add little more with this list:
      1. The Best Spinner
      2. ScrapBox
      3. xRumer

      Furthermore, Sick Submitter, SENuke X & Keyword Elite can make your life much easier.
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  • Profile picture of the author azmanar
    Hi,

    Tools are used to support your skills.

    Skills are gained when you use your knowledge.

    Knowledge are acquired when you have a plan.

    Plans are done when you have defined your goals.

    And it all start with a clear DIRECTION.

    The 4 most important questions are:
    ---> Where do you want to be in the next, say 1 year.
    ---> What are your goals
    ---> What are the resources needed to reach them
    ---> What are the steps you need to take

    Direction -> Goals -> Plan > Right knowledge -> Right Plan -> Right skills -> Right tools

    When you know where you're going, then you can start planning for right things.
    So you will make best use of your time, money and effort.

    Here is an eastern proverb, " Failing to plan, is planning to fail. "

    Otherwise you'll be distracted by all the glitter, miracles, great promises, hypnotic stories
    and scare tactics. In the end, you're right where you started, ... plus some extra baggage
    such as confusion, regret, frustration and loss of resources.
    Signature
    === >>> Tomorrow Should Be Better Than Today

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  • Profile picture of the author RevSEO
    Here are some of mine:

    1. Hosting
    2. EditPlus+++
    3. Firefox w/ Search Status & SEO Quake Plugins
    4. FileZilla
    5. Skype
    6. Aweber
    7. Market Samurai
    8. Scrapebox

    There's also a few others that I use frequently but I don't know if they are must haves for all marketers.
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  • Profile picture of the author hardraysnight
    short list

    internet connection

    at least a netbook

    the rest is perspiration
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  • Profile picture of the author Aviator Joe
    1. Prosper202
    2. notepad++
    4. FileZilla
    5. Skype
    6. Photoshop
    7. Remeber the milk
    Signature
    Are You Serious About Affiliate Marketing?

    If You Are SICK of Being Stuck in the Affiliate Rat Race, CLICK HERE
    By Professional Marketers. For Professional Marketers.
    Got this product All I can say is WOW
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  • Profile picture of the author MisterMunch
    My list of tools are:

    -Money
    -Time
    -Coffee
    -WarriorForum
    -A written marketing plan
    -A written business plan
    -LogoNerds, Mr. Bookmarks and other inexpencive quick fixers
    -My personal backlinking checklist
    -Active distribution channels for fresh content (email, blog, facebook, twitter, other channels)
    -Friends to eat lunch with (my friends are all tools)
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Baker
    These are the tools that I use in my business:

    Web Hosting: HostGator
    Domain Name/s: GoDaddy
    Websites: 95% Wordpress - 5% HTML/CSS
    HTML Editor: Adobe Dreamweaver CS5
    Graphics Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
    FTP: CuteFTP Pro (great for editing files also)
    Creating PDF: OpenOffice Writer
    Creating Video: Microsoft PowerPoint 97 & Camtasia Studio 7
    Keyword Research: Market Samurai & Google Adwords Keyword Tool
    Signature

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  • Profile picture of the author MrLinkBuilder
    Illustrator - Create my own icons, logos and any vector graphics (if I have time) like Mrlinkbuilder logo for example.
    Photoshop - edit, create actions, render images, make any images pretty
    TextMate - html/css editor
    W3c.org - Validate HTML
    Onyx - thoroughly clean computer after visiting hundreds of sites everyday.
    Dropbox - sending files to customers
    Dreamweaver - design and create website for offline clients. Convert a site to a wordpress theme (or use rentacoder instead )
    Market Samurai, Niche finder, Google Trends, keyword tool and instant search.
    MAMP - testing website before uploading to real live web host
    Follow top affiliates and internet marketers and join their Webinars - expand your knowledge and always get informed.
    Google Blog - once in a while I check what's the latest news from Big G
    Word Counter - useful tool to see how much I have written and know exactly how many keywords I used.
    enGadget.com - I visit this site once in a while to check what's new and what's hot so I can get a better idea what to promote
    Personal Brain - To map and jot down my next project in line and know exactly what to start and what to finish
    Jing - record a quick video for my blogs
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  • Profile picture of the author stephenwaldo
    My tools:

    Cool Timer - to make sure I work 6 or 8 hours per day and take hourly breaks for my CTS
    Visuwords - to help me do LSI research
    VueMinder Lite - to help me keep track of upcomming events and to keep track of my To Dos
    Windows Live Mail - to keep track of all my email
    Alarm clock - To make sure I don't sleep through my whole work day on accident (has happened before!)
    Coffee - To get rid of sleep
    Typing gloves - to ease the pain of CTS
    Ergonomic keyboard - to ease the pain of CTS
    Ibuprofen - to ease the pain of CTS
    Fallout 3 - I'm replayin' this bad boy in my free time
    Influence by Robert Cialdini - the best book about marketing that I've ever read. Wouldn't be here without it.

    Oh how my life changed once my fingers went numb that first time so long ago...

    Kindly,
    - Stephen
    Signature
    Need an awesome ghostwriter to fill in for you?

    Check out StephenWaldo.com
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  • Profile picture of the author jerry25
    Other than the standard Hostgator and autoresponder, I really like Micro Niche Finder for my keyword reasearch. There are many keyword research tools out there, but I've had really good results with MNF.
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  • Profile picture of the author d0rhk
    Internet connection.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Wilson
    notepad++
    dreamweaver
    photoshop
    browser plugins such as SEO for firefox, firebux, rank checker, ColorZilla

    "Hosting" if it counts as a tool. Money spend for hosting is never money thrown away.
    Signature


    -25% WF PROMO CODE: "WFPROMO911" (expires on 1.1.2012)
    - High search volume keywords , high CPC keywords, easy to rank keywords
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  • Profile picture of the author gm777
    -=brains=- is the main tool in my arsenal
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  • Profile picture of the author Rough Outline
    I could do everything I do now with just -

    Internet Access
    WordPress
    GAKT
    Scroogle
    BMR
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  • Profile picture of the author ganang
    I'm personally using th tools below

    1. Sick SUbmitter
    2. AMR
    3. Seo Link Robot
    4. Scrapebox.
    5. Build My Rank Subscription

    so far within 2-3 month I can dominate any target keyword I choose.
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  • Profile picture of the author Duy Nguyen
    Originally Posted by Lonnie_Robinson View Post

    As we all know, there are many tools, plugins, software etc. used to make the task of running a internet business a little easier. What are the "Must Have" tools that you use and recommend to others to power a internet business and why do you feel these are "Must Have"?
    We all need the basics first: hosting account, a Google friendly wordpress theme, domain name. After that will be other tools. And I love FREE tools because most of my tools nowadays are free lol!
    Signature
    Failure Is Temporary, Giving Up Makes It Permanent
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  • Profile picture of the author Matthew Iannotti
    My must have tool are Power Leads Pro X and Local marketing Titan, they go hand in hand for any offline business, which is why I made them!
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