A list of the tools I use to build my business :)

These are the tools that I personally use for my business online so that others can get an idea of what I feel could be most beneficial to them.

I'll express why I use each tool as well.

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Domains - GoDaddy, DomainOrb, and Namecheap

Let's face it. If you want a website, you need a domain. These are the registrars that I use. The only reason I list "DomainOrb" is because the price is a standard $9.99 and I like to keep myself organized, versus paying $1.99 and then $14.99 for a domain.

Hosting - HostGator and LiquidWeb

I use HostGator to host my small niche websites (baby croc plan + VPS) and I use LiquidWeb in order to host my large websites on 3 separate dedicated servers.

Website Builder - WordPress and SocialEngine

WordPress is by far my favorite website creation tool on the net. It's really all you need and it's easy to use. SocialEngine is a tool I'm more recently getting adept to, which helps me create social atmospheres (be warned.. it's expensive to host a social website).

WordPress Theme - FlexSqueeze

I've used hundreds of themes, but FlexSqueeze caught my eye because it can be customized to do almost anything. I can recreate any design with it's simple settings and import/export the CSS for new websites.

Graphics - XHeaderPro, MSPaint, and Picnik

I used to spend a lot of money on graphics, but once I found these 3 tools, I haven't spent a dime There are free versions of all 3 (MSPaint is already free and I believe there's a mac version?)

Video Hosting - Vimeo Plus

I've spent a lot of money on video hosting trying to find an adequate provider. In the end, Vimeo took the crown because of it's high definition video player and it's all around simplicity.

Video Equipment - Canon Vixia HFM30, External Microphone, and Tripod

I looove my Canon Vixia, it's HD, very easy to use, lightweight, and has a lot of functions that I couldn't find in other camcorders. My external mic and tripod were both pretty cheap ($40 range) and bought from BestBuy.

Other Video Stuff - Camtasia and Ustream

Camtasia rocks for screen recording and if you can afford it, it's worth it. I used Camstudio at one point, but it clogged up my computer fast. Ustream is great for doing live events like Webinars and whatnot for cheap. I plan on getting GoToWebinar in the future though.

Project Management Platform - Basecamp

When I first developed my business online creating websites for clients, I handled everything manually. That didn't work out, so I ventured to find something that could keep me more organized and Basecamp was the solution

Survey Forms - WuFoo and Jotform

I primarily use WuFoo now as it's faster and easier to use (more expensive), but JotForm is a great alternative for those that just want to capture what their audience has to say about something.

Autoresponder - Aweber

I don't have a massive list on Aweber yet, but around 3,000 people so far. Seeing as I make much more from the list after expenses, it's fair to say I love it.

Statistics Tracking - StatCounter and CrazyEgg

I tried Google Analytics and didn't enjoy it. StatCounter seemed a lot easier and faster to me, whilst CrazyEgg made it very easy for me to increase conversions (I have pages that convert at 76%+)

Keyword Research - Google Keyword Tool, Majestic SEO Site Explorer, and NicheShark

The best mix of tools I've ever seen. The first 2 are pretty common (especially since Yahoo Site Explorer closed down a few days ago) and NicheShark makes my life a lot easier by providing constant keywords that are easy to rank for.

Payment Platform - PayPal

It's the only payment platform I use. PayPal is simple, fast, and trusted.

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Okay so there you have it.

These are all of the tools that I can think of that I use in my business. Likely if something is a paid tool, there's a free option out there. I just feel more comfortable using these tools.

Thanks for reading and I hope these can help out some Warriors that are a bit lost.

P.S. There are a few more things I didn't list, but I can' think of them off the top of my head.