Recommended Small Biz Tools

Small business toolsStarting up a small business and then running the damn thing with smarts and efficiency is no easy feat.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed, not really sure what to do next, or where to go for the best information, I’m with ya! I’ve been in your shoes, and I’ve done a TON of online research, as well as a bunch of different e-courses, all to help bolster my biz and get it where it is today. I can recommend the following resources from first-hand experience, and hope that they will help to lessen your burden in getting that small business of yours rocking  🙂

Please note that that some of the products below contain affiliate links that will earn me commissions. But this is not some douchy internet marketing scam thing. I stand behind all of these products, as I have used them myself and wholeheartedly recommend the truly awesome people that are behind them. I would never suggest anything that I didn’t believe could help improve your small business. When you buy through one of my links, you’re helping to support the free content I produce here (which is very much appreciated!). If you have any questions at all about this, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Email Marketing

  • Aweber is the email marketing system used by top online marketing gurus. Why? It has the same features as the other email options out there, but it stands out in one key regard. Deliverability. The emails you send will get to your recipients. Period. I find emails from other providers will sometimes find their way into my junk folder. Even for email newsletters I’ve been getting for ages. Try AWeber out today!
  • Mail Chimp is another good email marketing option. If you are on a really tight budget, and have a list less than 500 subscribers, Mail Chimp is free! Over 500, you’re looking at pretty much the same cost as Aweber.

Small Business Websites

Many small business start with do-it-yourself website options (at least at the start – getting a customized website designed is always the ideal solution). Here are some resources to make biting that off just a little easier (or in some cases WAY easier!):

    • small business websitesIf you lack techie skills and want a simple website building option that allows for easy customization, Squarespace is a good small business option. At $15/month, it’s cost effective, there’s plenty of help in the online forums and their support is excellent.
    • If you want to jazz up your WordPress based site so that it doesn’t look cookie cutter, here are some theme options: WooThemes (super easy), StudioPress (awesome SEO) and Thesis (the ability to do tons of customization, without developer skills, amen!). For this site I am using the Thesis theme.

Thesis Theme for WordPress:  Options Galore and a Helpful Support Community

E-commerce

    • If you have pretty simple e-commerce needs with only a few products or services for sale, E-Junkie is a great option for small businesses. Starting at only $5 per month, it’s very affordable and offers a wide variety of options. The ability to create discount codes is what got me ~ I use e-junkie for my internet marketing packages.

E-junkie Shopping Cart and Digital Delivery

    • PayPal is another option for setting up buy buttons on your website if you have light e-commerce needs.

PayPal for Business - Accept credit cards in just minutes!

Online monitoring

  • There is absolutely no excuse for not having Google Analytics on your website. It’s FREE, will take you or your web guy/gal no time at all to implement, and the insight and information you get are pure gold. And even if you have no intention of looking at your analytics reports, PLEASE set it up anyways. That way it can merrily gather data until you are ready to use it (and trust me, one day you or someone you hire is gonna want it).
  • Google Alerts is a great, FREE marketing service that alerts you to online activity surrounding keywords. See more details about how this marketing tool can work for you.

Social media management

  • Hootsuite is my tool of choice. So easy to use and helps you make Twitter so much more efficient for your small business. Did I mention it’s FREE?

HootSuite - Social Media Dashboard

Online security

Are you backing up your computer? Doing so protects you in the event that your computer crashes. You can either use an external hard drive, or use an online solution. I personally use Mozy Online Backup and have been very happy with the service. DropBox is another good option.

Small business branding

small business brandingNeed some help with branding your small business? My friend Karen Gunton has put together a fabulous little e-book to help you build your brand – step by step instructions, easy to digest info paired with great insights and suggestions to get those creative juices flowing. Even the smallest biz needs a brand! Get your hands on this handy resource here.

An important consideration when it comes to either branding your business or a new product is trademarking. Usually, small business owners opt for either doing a quick Google search (free, but very incomplete) or paying a lawyer (super expensive) to do their trademark research. TrademarkIntel™ is a nice middle ground. It’s an online software that allows you to do a very thorough trademark clearance research, for way less than you would pay a lawyer.

Small business books

A new take on successful product (or service) launches. Eric Ries teaches you how to make better, faster business decisions. It’s a principled approach to developing a new product that’s different from the methods usually employed and advocated in product launches. It all comes down to figuring out what your customers want and what provides value to them. Get the book here.

The Suitcase EntrepreneurEmbrace your freedom as an entrepreneur and hit the road with your business strapped to your back! From inspiration on living life on your own terms to practical how-to’s about going mobile, Natalie Sisson gets you ready to take your business all over the world.  This is straight-up, no-nonsense advice from a Suitcase Entrepreneur herself.  Get the book here.

 

 

 

 

{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

Michelle June 26, 2013 at 6:38 am

Good list you have here, Martina. For a good read about marketing and business in general, I recommend Seth Godin’s books – totally awesome and inspiring selection.

Reply

Martina June 26, 2013 at 9:00 am

Thanks for the reco Michelle!

Reply

Asante February 15, 2016 at 5:31 pm

This list is so helpful. I’m a new small business owner and this list answered so many of my questions. Gd bless you Martina!

Reply

Martina Iring February 19, 2016 at 8:32 am

I’m so glad to hear that Asante! Welcome to the wonderful world of entrepreneurship 🙂 Don’t hesitate to be in touch if you have any further questions! Cheers.

Reply

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