Top 10 Business Tools & Resources You Should Be Using Today

Need help building your business online? Struggling to get organized and feel more productive? If that’s you, you’re in the right place. I struggled building my business when I first got online as well.

Not only did it feel like I didn’t quite have a grasp on my day to day operations, but it also seemed like every time I needed to use a tool, they were scattered all over the place.

Is your situation similar to how mine was? If so, no worries, what I’m getting ready to share with you right now can help you become more productive and allow you to streamline your daily business efforts also.

Here are some of the best online business tools and resources I recommend you use to help build your business online.

Site123

Promoting on social media is cool, but eventually you’re going to need your own hub. Not every social media site is friendly when it comes to promoting your business links. That’s exactly where having your own website comes into play.

Site123 is by far one of the best free website builders you can use to promote your brand and or business. I’ve created multiple websites using their platform and it was super easy to create and can be set up pretty quickly.

Pro’s

• Very user-friendly
• Gives you the ability to customize your site to your liking
• Allows you to quickly get your website set up and running
• Allows you to create multiple sites
• Sites come with built-in mailing list software
• Refer others and receive free credits to upgrade your site

Con’s

• Limited bandwidth and storage (250 MB)
• Pricing options could be better (like most sites)
• Must upgrade for the best features (but it may be worth it)

Just like every website platform, if you want the best features, you have to pay for them. It really comes down to which site you feel most comfortable with. If you don’t feel like building your own site and would rather focus on creating content that you can send your audience, this next tool is probably more ideal.

Vocal

As you’re reading this post, If you take a look around the page, you’re starting to realize this post was actually made using Vocal. This is one of the simplest blogging platforms to use and supports your posts regardless of what you’re promoting. Well, as long as it’s legal of course.

Having a blog like this one is super powerful because one, you didn’t have to create it. Secondly, all you have to do is focus on writing about your niche/topic and hit publish. Which ultimately makes your job a lot easier..

Pro’s

• Get paid when people read your content
• Keeps track of how many people are reading your posts
• Allows you to earn from donations
• You can make money from subscriptions
• Get a $5 bonus with your “5th” Vocal post

Con’s

• Other Vocal posts may be shown at bottom of post page
• There is a withdrawal minimum

Now keep in mind, just because you can get paid using this platform, does not mean you’re going to automatically get rich overnight. But I will say, the more you post and share your content, it can accumulate over time.

For example, let’s talk about one of my posts. I have one Vocal post that has only gotten over “2,000” clicks, views and reads since I posted it.

Already it’s earned me over $7 so far.

Now I know what you’re thinking, “dude, that’s not a lot” right?

Well here’s the crazy part.

I haven’t shared this post with anyone since the day I posted it.

The first day I shared it was only in a couple of Facebook groups and that was all.

Yet, somehow, it’s received thousands of views and keeps receiving more views and making more money every day. Now imagine this, what would happen if I were to post say 100 more and they do the exact same thing.

Yea, I’m sure you can do the math.

Sure it’s not a ton of income pouring in, but ask anyone else who has a blog, whether they get paid just to get people to read their posts.

Spoiler alert, you won’t find many.

Once you create your Vocal account, in a sense you pretty much get paid to blog.

It also doesn’t hurt that you can also make money promoting your affiliate/sign up links in your posts as well. Pretty cool right?

Just make sure you’re not posting your sales pages or company links in a spammy way. Vocal is not a fan of it and may even stop your posts from being approved. Keep it natural and make sure you’re leading with value.

It’s what you should be doing anyways though, right?

Another way you can start making money is using your email autoresponder to send subscribers to your Vocal posts. Remember, the more people visit and read your posts, the more you get paid.

Not sure what email autoresponder you should use?

I recommend you check out the tool below.

Aweber

What is an email autoresponder and why should I be using it? An email autoresponder is simply a tool that sends automated messages to your audience on your behalf. In result you're allowed to free up time in your business and utilize what I like to call an automated assistant.

You see, once you create your free Aweber email autoresponder does the heavy lifting and follows up with potential buyers, current customers and even team members all on one platform. Pretty awesome right? Yes, awesome for sure, but for now let’s focus on how it can help you make more sales in your business.

If you don’t have an email autoresponder already, it’s safe to say there’s a great chance you may be missing out on a lot of sales and money. Think about this for a second, hopefully this will change your mind or perception about autoresponders.

All you need to do is answer a single question.

How many times have you reached out to someone about buying your products, they tell you they’re interested and will get back to you at a later date, but you don’t ever hear from them afterwards? You’re extremely excited and looking forward to hearing from that person again.

Hopefully sooner rather than later, right?

A couple days go by, then a couple of weeks go by and now it’s been a month and you still haven’t heard from the person yet. This is exactly why an email autoresponder is so important for your business. People can get busy in their life, right?

Ok, so we understand that.

Here’s where we can fix the issue and make sure you and your products stay on their mind.

When you have an autoresponder, the software allows you to collect the person's email and puts them on your email subscribers list. Once they’re on your email list, your autoresponder can send automated emails to those people on your subscribers list who say they’re interested in what you’re offering.

So even if you’re busy, or they’re busy, there are emails being sent to them in the form of constant reminders to check out the products that you and the person were talking about.

Think about it, nearly every major business has an autoresponder. Ever received emails about deals, discounts and promotions from your favorite fast food restaurant encouraging you to come in and take advantage of the offer they emailed you about?

Yup, now you’re starting to understand why an autoresponder is so powerful. If big businesses are doing it, why aren’t you also? Now although I do encourage you using this platform, I still want to be completely transparent with you. Here are the pros and cons of this specific tool.

Pro’s

• Free plan
• Proven and trusted for many years
• Provides free email (message) templates
• Integrates with social media platforms
• Customizable Landing and Sales pages included
• You can sell your products directly through the platform
• Allows you to become and affiliate
• Friendly and effective support

Con’s

• Free plan is limited to 500 subscribers
• Allows a single email list
• Prices could be improved

At the end of the day, if you’re not generating a ton of leads and are just starting off with an email subscribers list, the 500 subscriber limit is not a problem. But as you keep growing your subscriber list, it’ll probably make more sense to upgrade.

For now, just focus on building that list of subscribers.

Another tool I recommend you use is a link (URL) shortener.

Here’s one that I think is very useful and pretty simple to use.

Snips

If you’re going to be posting links online, it’s important to be able to know if people are actually clicking them. Otherwise how will you know if your posting efforts are actually working? Which is why I recommend using the Snips.co url shortener. What I like most about the tool is that not only is it free, but you can actually see how often and even when the last “exact time” your link was viewed/clicked.

Pro’s

• Provides detailed statistics for each link you shorten
• Customizable short links
• Get paid when people click your links
• Free meme generator included
• Allows you to create widgets for a website
• Allows you to share “Trending News” and make money
• Get paid directly through PayPal

Con’s

• Must upgrade to use the even better features
• You may have to reconnect your social accounts in order to “snip” links
• (Continued) - That’s only if they disconnect for some reason

This is one of the best link shorteners by far and not only that, but it’s one of the only url shorteners that you can make money with when people click your links. Not many shortener tools offer the same benefits as Snips.

Up next is another one of my favorite tools that people tend to overlook quite often.

StreamYard

As an online business owner or influencer, providing quality content matters. One of the main ways people want to consume content nowadays is through streaming. In order to stream, you’re going to need a platform that allows you to do such. StreamYard has to be the main platform I recommend when it comes to streaming.

Looking for a way to record your screen? Want to record reaction videos? Want to go LIVE and have it stream on multiple platforms simultaneously? If that’s the case, then this is the tool you need to use.

Pro’s

• Get started with the free plan
• Easy to use
• Awesome sound and visual quality
• Allows you to go LIVE
• Ability to go LIVE on multiple platforms all at once!
• Allows you to collaborate with teammates
• Ability to include your referral link in upcoming LIVE stream descriptions
• Provides an affiliate program
• Customizable branding options

Con’s

• More advanced features unlock once you upgrade
• StreamYard branding included with free plan

There are many ways you can utilize StreamYard to help build your online presence. I’ve utilized the platform in many ways and plan to continue doing so. I suggest you create an account and try it out for yourself and see if it’s a fit. That’s especially if you’re taking advantage of YouTube as a marketing platform for your business.

Speaking of YouTube, let’s move to the next recommended tool.

VidIQ

When it comes to getting more views and subscribers on YouTube, VidIQ has to be one of the most essential tools. Regardless if you’re a beginner or an expert, this platform can help you grow your YouTube channel. One of the things I like most about the tool is that they provide a ton of tools that are focused mainly on helping you learn what it’ll take for you to explode the results on your channel.

Pro’s

• Allows you to get started with a free plan
• Provides an impressive keyword research tool
• Displayed real-time channel analytics
• Provides a checklist to help you optimize your video for YouTube
• Free daily video idea generator is included
• Easy sign up process with YouTube account integration

Con’s

• Free plan comes with limited features
• Must upgrade for best tools
• Some users may feel overwhelmed by all of the features

Need ideas for your next video? Want to see what kind of videos are trending on YouTube? Want to keep track of your competitors? You can get access to all of this information when you create your free account.

Canva

Whenever I need to create a graphic for social media, a business presentation or even a YouTube thumbnail, I always use Canva. Doesn’t matter if you’re posting on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok or Facebook, using this platform will help you build your presence online.

One of the ways you can do such is by posting more professional images and content.

Pro’s

• Allows you to get started with a free plan
• Really simple to use
• Provides a professional template library
• Gives you the ability to create designs for many different platforms
• Even their basic plan is packed with pretty awesome features
• The platform is cost-friendly
• Allows users to participate in team projects

Con’s

• Must upgrade to unlock more advanced features
• No phone support
• Doesn’t allow you to work on projects offline

Want to create a logo? How about a banner for your YouTube channel or website?

That’s where Canva comes in and provides the assistance. Even as a free member you get access to tons of templates that are ready for you to customize to fit your brand and/or business.

Toodledo

Ever wanted to create tasks, notes and even set goals for your business? Toodledo allows you to do all of those things all in one place. They even allow you to set reminders, create outlines and work with others all within the platform. This is still one of my favorite tools and is ideal for you if you’re looking to get more organized in your business.

Pro’s

• Allows you to get started with a free plan
• Provides many features from tasks, notes, goals and more
• Allows its users to sync their accounts with mobile apps
• Allows 3rd party integrations
• Gives you the ability to collaborate and complete tasks with others
• Allows you to request certain features

Con’s

• Might be a little bit of a challenge for some users
• Must upgrade to unlock the advanced features

Just look at it as an online accountability partner. Try it out for yourself and let me know if you could see yourself using it to help you become more productive in your business. This platform can also help you out mentally by eliminating the uncertainty of daily business tasks. By the way, here’s another resource that can help you build more of a business mindset.

eBooks.com

One of the most underestimated factors when it comes to building a business is not necessarily what product you’re selling, but rather the mindset of the person selling that product. eBooks.com provides an awesome selection of both business and motivational eBooks you can absorb to help you become a more successful business owner online.

Pro’s

• Provides a wide variety of ebooks
• Gives you a place to store all of the ebooks you like in one place
• You can read most books online with multiple formats
• Allows for ebook preorders
• Access your ebooks on multiple devices

Con’s

• Not quite like a hardcover book
• May require you to install 3rd party app to read certain books

One thing I can recommend you do on a daily basis before you even start working on your business is start your day off either reading a book, listening to an audiobook or reading and eBook using this platform. Doing this everyday can definitely help you create more success online. Especially when your mindset is equipped with the right tools and principles.

If there’s one eBook in particular that I recommend from this site, it has to be “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. I definitely think you’ll thank me later on this one.

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Are there any other tools I should add to this list?

Make sure you leave your suggestions below in the comments!