Here is a list of the various tools and systems that I recommend.
Websites
I have had nothing but success with this hosting service! Unlike other hosting companies, HostMonster does not require a contract, you can cancel anytime and receive a prorated refund. They also offer a free domain name with your hosting purchase! The CPanel is very user friendly and comes with unlimited hosting space. Their 24/7 customer service is very friendly and always willing to help whether it is something technical or not, wait time is very reasonable too. I would recommend HostMonster to anyone looking for affordable but reliable web hosting.
WordPress – WordPress is website development software you can use to create a beautiful website. Personalize your design and pick a custom domain name. The same easy-to-use WordPress.com, but with more power and possibility.
Thesis Framework – This theme is fully customizable and provides search engine optimization out of the box. Whether you plan to hire a WordPress designer or you’re looking for a do-it-yourself option Thesis 2.0 pushes blogging technology to a place it’s NEVER gone before.
Genesis Framework – The Genesis Framework empowers you to quickly and easily build incredible websites with WordPress. Genesis provides a secure and search-engine-optimized foundation. This is a paid theme but it’s so worth it!
WishList Member – This is a WordPress plugin that allows you to create a private “members-only” site for any of your programs – trainings, memberships, associations. I’ve used WishList for clients and it’s always been an easy way to create membership sites and protect “member-only” content fast.
Email Marketing
If you are ready to get serious with your email marketing it is time to switch from one of the more common services like Constant Contact to AWeber. AWeber has the highest deliverability rate in the industry, and that is because it is a double opt-in service. Double opt-in means that your client not only opts in on your website, but also gets a confirmation email ensuring your lists are rock-solid and spam-free.
Infusionsoft has quickly become a market leader. It’s so much more than email marketing software, it’s an all-in-one platform for small business. Some of my favorite things about Infusionsoft are: CRM (allows you to track lots of data about your customer in one place). Ecommerce, you can use Infusionsoft to process credit cards, affiliate marketing, coupons, promotions. Detailed, customizable reports, reports on everything you could want to know. And of course, easy WordPress integration.
Infusionsoft has quickly become a market leader. It’s so much more than email marketing software, it’s an all-in-one platform for small business. Some of my favorite things about Infusionsoft are: CRM (allows you to track lots of data about your customer in one place). Ecommerce, you can use Infusionsoft to process credit cards, affiliate marketing, coupons, promotions. Detailed, customizable reports, reports on everything you could want to know. And of course, easy WordPress integration.
Business Tools
Redbooth – Project management software. A must have in the OBM world! There are many to choose from, I’ve used half a dozen and Redbooth is one of my favorites. They also have an app which is super helpful for on-the-go task management.
TimeTrade – Calendar and scheduling management, you can connect TimeTrade to your calendar and send a link with open times. They simply pick a time that works for them and you avoid the back-and-forth emails.
Dropbox – File backup and sharing. Dropbox syncs your predetermined files to their online servers – not only is it a backup, it also becomes a way to access your files from anywhere you like. You can also share folders with other people on your team vs. always trying to send stuff via email.
Vervante – On demand publishing and distribution, they produce orders as they come in and ship them direct. No upfront costs, no storage fees and a streamlined process. They offer tons of products, from print books to multimedia kits to journals, cards, etc.
Instant Teleseminar – Bridgeline for Teleseminars. Super easy to use and reliable.
PicJumbo – Free stock photos, easy navigation and extremely high-resolution photos (with no attribution required).