Starting an Online Business - What Tools Do I Need?

by FUBSZ
37 replies
Hello Warriors!
I am starting a serious mid scale online business and I need someone who can chime in and tell me what are the most vital tools.

Here are some of the tools:
1) Mailchimp
2) Kissmetrics
3) Google Analytics
4) Retargeting Software like Adroll
5)Crazy Egg
6) Voluum
7) Zendesk
8) Recurly

I am also looking for a program for affiliates, like links and tracking.

Thanks!
Samy
#business #online #starting #tools
  • Profile picture of the author writeaway
    If you want to get social media traffic and you want to do it the quick and easy way, you need REPUBLISHER tools like Sociocaster.

    Aside from having the right tools, you should focus on having the right FRAMEWORK.

    If not, you'll set the wrong goals, have the wrong expectations, and arrive at the wrong place.

    People set themselves up for failure if they don't have the right game plan.

    Check out the war room and also the money making blueprint advice on THIS forum so you can get a game plan going.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10374231].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Steve B
    Since you're just starting, as you say, I would suggest you keep it simple and only add tools as the need arises.

    There's no sense buying a bunch of tools on the premise that you may need them some day.

    Most every tool you need to run a business is either free or quite inexpensive so learn by using the free/inexpensive tools first and "grow into" more sophisticated solutions as the need arises and as you grow your revenue to support the higher costs.

    Think about this . . .
    The success of any startup business is indirectly proportional to the size of the owner's desk.
    The very best to you,

    Steve
    Signature

    Steve Browne, online business strategies, tips, guidance, and resources
    SteveBrowneDirect

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10374233].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Melvin Gonzalez
      Originally Posted by Steve B View Post

      Since you're just starting, as you say, I would suggest you keep it simple and only add tools as the need arises.

      There's no sense buying a bunch of tools on the premise that you may need them some day.

      Most every tool you need to run a business is either free or quite inexpensive so learn by using the free/inexpensive tools first and "grow into" more sophisticated solutions as the need arises and as you grow your revenue to support the higher costs.

      Think about this . . .
      The success of any startup business is indirectly proportional to the size of the owner's desk.
      The very best to you,

      Steve
      Steve is right, if you are starting go slowly and growth from there.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10374264].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author salegurus
    The best "tools" in the world are not going to help if you don't have what it takes...
    Concentrate on the fundamentals, the tools will be tertiary.
    Signature
    Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

    ― George Carlin
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10374265].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author SasaIlic
    I think you basically covered it:

    I would add:

    Wordpress as a CMS to making your own website
    Wunderlist to keep everything scheduled as you go.
    Signature
    Start Making 5 Figures a Month Flipping Domains you don't own Click here and Grab your Spot

    Build Your own Email List using Methods i use to build 15k Email list Affiliateunderdog.com
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10374268].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Jill Carpenter
      Originally Posted by FUBSZ View Post

      I need someone who can chime in and tell me what are the most vital tools.
      Have no idea what the most vital tools are for you.

      As Steve said, only get tools as the need comes up.
      Signature

      "May I have ten thousand marbles, please?"

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10374437].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author fernando avila
        You should familiarize yourself with WordPress. There are many useful plugins for affiliate marketers.

        For example the plugin ThirstyAffiliates allows you to easily manage your affiliate links inside your WordPress blog.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10376002].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author aznsparks
    A VPS is highly recommended for your hosting.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10376004].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author dlane1987
    I think you have some good tools but if you are just starting out you should keep it simple with minimal tools. Maybe even start with no tools and simply try to get clients, then add tools that the business requires to grow and run more efficiently.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10376007].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Enfusia
      If your business is online, focus on email marketing. I.E. building your list.

      Once you have a list, you have a business.

      Patrick
      Signature
      Free eBook =>
      The Secret To Success In Any Business
      Yes, Any Business!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10376134].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author FUBSZ
    Thank you all for your input, but I didn't quite explain what kind of tools I needed:
    1) Track Clicks
    2) Read visitor behaviour in the site
    3) Ability to read information from multiple traffic sources and tracking their eventual ROI
    4) Understanding why visitors leave the site and why they stayed
    5) Communicating with visitors effectively
    6) Tracking affiliates and bringing in affiliates easily ( thanks to fernando avila)

    I am not new to building an online business, but I am new to building a larger scale business with higher tier competition, so I am hoping to start the site with the correct tracking tools to understand exactly where things go wrong.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10376157].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author godinu
    good content is the best "tool" you can have. Shoddy copy or poor grammar can turn people away quickly, no matter what your field.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10376235].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Brent Stangel
    Track Clicks
    Ability to read information from multiple traffic sources and tracking their eventual ROI
    https://www.clickmagick.com

    Read visitor behaviour in the site
    Understanding why visitors leave the site and why they stayed
    http://clicky.com/

    Communicating with visitors effectively
    The autorespnder of your choice.

    Tracking affiliates and bringing in affiliates easily
    https://www.jvzoo.com/

    That should get you started.
    Signature
    Get Off The Warrior Forum Now & Don't Come Back If You Want To Succeed!
    All The Real Marketers Are Gone. There's Nothing Left But Weak, Sniveling Wanna-Bees!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10376246].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author napoleonfirst
    Keyword Elite is a must-have these days as well as Market Samurai.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10376249].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author kimanierick
    do not be in a rush to invest in tools that you dont already need. First build the foundation of the business then as the need arises you will acquire the tools. This is to avoid stocking unnecessary things in your business that you actually might never use.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10376397].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Kherk Roldan
    since you are just starting your online business. instead of using paid zendesk support ticket you can try osTicket for free
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10376445].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DURABLEOILCOM
    Originally Posted by FUBSZ View Post

    Hello Warriors!
    I am starting a serious mid scale online business and I need someone who can chime in and tell me what are the most vital tools.

    Here are some of the tools:
    1) Mailchimp
    2) Kissmetrics
    3) Google Analytics
    4) Retargeting Software like Adroll
    5)Crazy Egg
    6) Voluum
    7) Zendesk
    8) Recurly

    I am also looking for a program for affiliates, like links and tracking.

    Thanks!
    Samy
    You need a Domain, Get Response, Google Analytics, and Blogger or WordPress.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10376482].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author marketingfreak
    Banned
    Hello dear, for starting a business you should know the key pints of any business... if you know the key points only then you will get a better start.. because there are many expert people sitting around the internet that they are so expert that newbie can't meet them until unless that newbie has a huge knowledge of marketing.. it's not a play in which you can win by chance.. if you need to win you need to learn ... I have been in this for many years and making myself groomed on daily basis still.... I think you should first get the knowledge of it and then start so that your money and time should not be wasted... I think Google Analytics and zendesk are best if you need to start because i have personally used them once...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10376496].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author insiderhub
    On the off chance that you need to get online networking movement and you need to do it the fast and simple way, you require REPUBLISHER devices like Sociocaster.

    Beside having the right devices, you ought to concentrate on having the right FRAMEWORK.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10376661].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author FUBSZ
    Thank you all for the input! Ill hold off on some paid tools until I get my feet wet.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10377154].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author extrememan
    Try aweber, trck.me. These two you can make money as an affiliate.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10377352].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Originally Posted by FUBSZ View Post

    Here are some of the tools:

    1) Mailchimp
    2) Kissmetrics
    3) Google Analytics
    4) Retargeting Software like Adroll
    5)Crazy Egg
    6) Voluum
    7) Zendesk
    8) Recurly
    You forgot to add:

    9) Webhosting
    10) Domain name
    11) Advertising budget
    12) A niche market
    13) A marketing strategy
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10377468].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author goldenone1
    you have a complete package. moreover, some of this tools are not so necessary, but you’ll find out it soon. Nevertheless I can suggest RankWatch or Moz to monitor your Keywords Ranking.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10379280].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author SeanSupplee
    Most Vital Tools

    1) Yourself, your commitment to treating it like a real job and understanding you most likely will log more hours at first then any normal "job"
    2) Hosting - Dedicated dont mess around with the shared hosting crap you need a solid server which you can scale up quickly and handle as you grow
    3) An auto responder - You need to be collecting leads right out of the gate to promote offers and services to. This will be your very low cost method of selling more later on.
    4) A budget - Set aside money,capital to buy ads, test, fail a few times and succeed.
    5) A clear vision of what you want to acomplish with your site and commit to it

    Beside that the rest is just fluff, GOOD LUCK!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10379341].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author malik4u7861
    I suggest some tools
    GSA SER
    Long tail pro
    Bluehost hosting
    Godaddy domains
    wp profit builder
    Signature

    midrees

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10380044].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Kherk Roldan
      Originally Posted by malik4u7861 View Post

      I suggest some tools
      GSA SER
      Long tail pro
      Bluehost hosting
      Godaddy domains
      wp profit builder
      he's just starting the business bro. why you recommended him to use a spammy tool?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10386712].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Patbinc
    I would add

    -Inspectlet to show you exactly what users do when they get to your site

    -Similarweb for analysis of competitor sites - for inspiration, ideas and positioning

    -Seo-browser for SEO analysis

    As others have pointed out above, it could be best to start with the basics and build your tools into your business as need arises...
    Signature
    Become an online marketing Shark...
    Join The Best & Build Your Online Empire
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10380140].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author hackyou77
    MailChimp is an awesome autoresponder, you’ve made a right choise. But all the list is quite good as well. Best fortune to you!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10381083].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author LesterRussell
    When starting out, always go with the basics to keep your expenditure as low as possible. These are the basics that i would recommend.

    1. Domain Name (GoDaddy, Namecheap)
    2. Domain Hosting Service (Hostgator, Godaddy)
    3. Autoresponder (Getresponse, Aweber)
    4. Link Tracker - Optional (Clickmagick)
    5. Spreadsheet (Use this to track all your monthly expenses and paid traffic)
    Signature
    Updated With All The Internet Marketing Tips I Find
    => Check Out My Internet Marketing Blog <=
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10381575].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sweetcrabhoney18
    I like https://freshdesk.com/ for ticketing systems.

    I prefer getresponse for emails .

    Best of luck on your larger scaled business
    Signature

    keep moving forward

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10381908].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DrForum
    Originally Posted by FUBSZ View Post

    Hello Warriors!
    I am starting a serious mid scale online business and I need someone who can chime in and tell me what are the most vital tools.

    Here are some of the tools:
    1) Mailchimp
    2) Kissmetrics
    3) Google Analytics
    4) Retargeting Software like Adroll
    5)Crazy Egg
    6) Voluum
    7) Zendesk
    8) Recurly

    I am also looking for a program for affiliates, like links and tracking.

    Thanks!
    Samy
    Google analytic is one of the major and very effective tools that you can be able to use to make money online. This platform from google enables you identify and gauge your traffic levels so that you can be able to know as to whether you are on the right track or not. Through the tool, you can even go ahead and sign up for googles ads which is today one of the best selling ad company in the world. The analytical information just give you an overview of what traffic percentage and the retention capacities your systems is offering.
    However, be sure to have a look at other tools available, you need not to be specific to just but one tool.
    Signature
    The Elite Ad-Network | Adsnik
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10386732].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jake Sacks
    Decide if you want to be a product creator or just an affiliate as well.

    Main things you will need -

    Domain name
    Hosting for domain name
    ---------------------

    You can use one domain name for everything at first. Just name it something generic.


    Next you need an email capture service like getresponse or aweber. You will need this regardless of what you are promoting.


    You then will need to install wordpress on your site and any subdomains you make.

    Next, get a sales/lead/squeeze page theme like optimizepress or others to create ANY type of page you need in any scenario.



    That will get you started. Next, you will need to know how to promote these products and there are many WSOs to help get you going.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10386903].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Alex The Lion
    Instead of buying all of those tools, go and spend a fraction of that on a high-quality course that will teach you how to create a successful business without them.

    Similar to anything in life, you must learn, not just do. If you wanted to build a table, you could go and buy a super 9000 hammer that perfectly slams nails, or you could buy a simple hammer and attend a woodworking class.

    I know which option I would go for.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10387274].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Tyreece Cox
    Checkout this review it will help you get setup with ClickMagic http://www.mrlaptoplifestyle.com/clickmagick-tutorial/
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11002490].message }}

Trending Topics