Resources
This list includes some of the resources I recommend to colleagues and clients. Some (but not all) of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that I may receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase. However, I have only included products and services that are among the very best available and are offered by companies I believe to be reputable. I personally use most of these vendors, or have done so in the past.
Web Site and Blog Resources
Web Hosting
Lots of great features (more than you will use), easy set up, value pricing, helpful U.S.-based tech support. One-click installation of many popular programs, including WordPress.
Web Stats
Google Analytics is free and provides lots of information about your web traffic.
CommentLuv PluginThe CommentLuv Plugin helps you to get more blog comments by rewarding people who leave comments. It also helps you to manage your blog commenting and more. Definitely my favorite plugin for comment management. Learn how CommentLuv can get you noticed.
Email Marketing
The best service for managing your email list. Great service and support, lots of useful features. The price depends on the number of people you have on your lists, but you can get your first month for just $1.
Webinar Hosting
Best value – beats GoToWebinar! I had become completely frustrated with GTW and was looking for something new when I found MeetingBurner. They have a free level of service or you can get a 14-day free trial of their paid services. Their prices are lower than GTW and you won’t have to fight with GTW’s funky codec on their meeting recordings. Great service and support. In fact, since I signed up with them they have added several amazing features. Check them out for free today!
Online Business Solutions
Complete Ecommerce System
This is what I use. Includes shopping cart, affiliate management, autoresponders, ebook delivery and much more. Get a 30-day trial.
Free shopping cart
There are premium services available (at a fee) but the basic cart has lots of features and it’s easy for even a non-techie to use and customize. I used this cart to process more than 1,000 orders without a problem. (Note: This is not the system I am using now; however, I have used Mal’s successfully and would highly recommend it.)
Sell Digital Goods Online
Want to sell ebooks and other digital products online, as well as offering physical products? This system integrates with PayPal and Google Checkout for a seamless delivery system. They even have an affiliate program so you can recruit others to sell your products. There is a free trial, then monthly fees start at just $5. If I were starting an online business today, this is what I would use.
Sell Digital Goods Online
Another popular option for selling ebooks and other digital products. They handle payment, but fees are higher than many other options.
Accept Credit Cards
Merchant Account for Credit Card Processing
Get a merchant account so you can accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover online and offline. Also accept checks online.
Accept Payments Online
You do not need a merchant account to accept credit cards. PayPal allows you to do so with no expenses except when you make sales.
Accept Credit Cards with Your Smartphone or Tablet
There are several services that enable processing of credit card transactions via a reader attached to your phone or tablet (e.g., iPad). This is the one I like best. Free to get started, no monthly fees, and a reasonable fee per transaction. The money usually hits your bank account the next business day.
Graphics and Stock Photos
Get 10 Premium Credits Free when you sign up through this link. They have both inexpensive and free low- and hi-resolution images. Premium images go for .5 to 5 credits each, depending on the size of image you need.
Assorted Free Stuff
Free Magazine Subscriptions
Get free subscriptions to trade and industry publications, free white papers, podcasts, downloads and more.
Free Business Ideas
Looking for an idea for a new business? Check out this free site for inspiration and information.
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