There are SO many tools out there to help entrepreneurs with their marketing and their business. Some of them are good, some are GREAT, and some are absolute GARBAGE! I know, because I’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars of my own money on “shiny objects” to help me in my business and usually been disappointed. So here’s your chance to learn from my mistakes and save yourself a TON of money, time, and (possibly even) your sanity!
Domain Name: The first step to a great website is having a great domain name. I like to get mine from GoDaddy. They have a wonderful user interface and top-notch customer service! Get Your Domain Name Here
Hosting: Once you have your shiny new domain name, it’s time to host it on the web. You can use GoDaddy for that, but I don’t recommend it for a variety of reasons. I like HostGator. They have an reliable, inexpensive hosting package and VERY helpful customer service to help you — even with the tech stuff! Grab Your Hosting Package Here
Collect Names & Emails: Your list is your most valuable asset, whether you’re an online marketer or a local business with a brick & mortar facility. I have found the single most effective tool for collecting names and email addresses on your website. That said, there’s a right way and a wrong way to use it! When you grab your copy here and send me your receipt I’ll share a few tips with you to get the most out of your shiny new tool! Grow Your List – FAST
Email Autoresponder: Now that you actually HAVE a list, you need a way to stay in touch with them. If you don’t yet have a list, you may want to start with MailChimp, because it’s VERY easy to use, and the first 2,000 names are FREE! (I like FREE!) Become Powered by MailChimp
(NOTE: if you are primarily promoting a network marketing/direct sales business, DO NOT sign up for MailChimp…they aren’t fans of the profession. Instead, sign up for Aweber. It’s a reasonable annual rate and user-friendly, too.)
Blog Energizer: The best –FREE– tool you can use to plan out your blog for the year. You may have heard the phrase “You get what you pay for?” I’m happy to say…NOT THIS TIME! This will save you TONS of time and energy! Grab Your Free Copy
Secure & Store Your Passwords: Do you ever make several attempts to log in to a website because you can’t remember your password? That was me on a DAILY basis. Then I discovered this cool tool that securely stores all my user names and passwords…and syncs across all my devices. Check it Out and Grab Your Copy Here
For those who want to add video to their marketing mix, these are the “must have’s”:
Webinar Platform: The #1 way to sell your products and services is with webinars! If you’re not doing webinars, you should be! And this platform is the one to get. It’s designed by marketers, for marketers, so it is easy to use, has tons of great features, AND it’s an absolute STEAL at this price point! Sell With Webinars Using This Tool
iPhone Video Training: Do you have an iPhone? When Apple launched the iPhone 5S, a revolution began. Even well-established video marketers started ditching their expensive digital cameras in favor of filming with the iPhone. You can’t beat it for convenience, portability, quality, and price. (Especially since you probably already own it!) This inexpensive course on using your iPhone for video is easily worth 10x the price! Become an iPhone Video Hero
Easy Video Editing: Now that you know how to make videos, you have to edit them (UGH!) I dreaded editing! Thankfully, I found this video training for Screenflow, and now editing is easy. Become a Screenflow Hero
Ongoing Video Training: If you’re an experienced video-preneur, you may want to continue your education with ongoing training to sharpen your skills and stay current on what’s working now. Two of the best I’ve found are Jules Watkins’ Video Hero VIP and James Wedmore’s Reel Marketing Insider.
Custom Headers & Thumbnails: Ever seen those really fancy headers on Facebook, Google+, & Twitter and wonder “How’d they do that?” Same thing with YouTube video thumbnails and Facebook tabs. Shhhhhh….this is my ‘secret weapon’ for creating great looking headers and thumbnails for myself and my clients at a fraction of the cost of hiring a designer. And it’s EASY! They’re called SLICERS! Grab Your Slicer Apps Here!
Clickable Images in Facebook & Google+: Did you know that when you include a link in your post, Facebook actually DECREASES your “EdgeRank?” That means your post is determined LESS valuable, and LESS likely to be seen! Here is an EASY (and EXTREMELY CHEAP) way to get around that. With this tool you can make any image clickable, and redirect your friends and fans to any website you like. Get Your Pic Redirect Tool Here!
Be a Rock Star Marketer: This is — hands down — the most fun you will EVER have at a workshop! It’s jam-packed with up-to-date marketing information for the beginner to the experienced. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! Become a Rock Star Marketer!
Your Million Dollar Message: This is a hands-on WORKshop where you will craft your Million Dollar Message for your business. This is MARKETING GOLD! Trust me…you will want to attend more than once! Craft Your Million Dollar Message