I am feeling a bit better than I was yesterday, so I thought I would aim for a more helpful post this morning. I thought I would share some of the tools that I really can’t live without.
When I say tools, I really mean different pieces of software on my computer that I use all the time.
Yes some of these programs cost money, but when they aren’t free, they have probably paid for themselves a million times over. Now this list complements my personal style and strengths, so your list might be way different, but I am sure you will find something of use.
Without further ado – the tools I can’t live without:
1. Evernote – This is a free program available for just about any platform (including mobile). It is the ultimate note taking tool. It will allow you to save all of your notes in one central area. You can also easily share them. It will let you create todo lists as well, and will sync over all of your devices and computers. You can also scan things like receipts and Evernote will be able to read them. It can even read the text on any pictures you add to it.
2. Dropbox - Dropbox is one of many file sharing services. I use the free service and that allows me to store 2gb. I haven’t even gotten close to using that yet. This service basically allows you to store any files you want and makes sharing large files very easy. there is also a desktop client available that makes charing files even easier. It does a great job of uploading files in the background as you work on whatever else you want. You won’t even notice it running.
3. Box Shot 3d – This is the first paid tool on the list. This tool simply create 3d objects out of any images I have. The objects are all marketing materials. You can wrap your chosen image around a can, a box, a wide variety of books and etc… I like using it for any products I create. An eBook is a pretty plain creation, but throw in a realistic 3D cover and it instantly gains perceived value.
4. Firefox – I use this free browser all the time. I know it isn’t the fastest anymore (heard Chrome is) but it has so many addons that I find it a must have. I could (and will) make a post on my Firefox addons, but in general it offers me a lot of tools that make web design and management a lot easier. If you use Firefox, check out all of their addons, there will definitely be a couple you can use.
5. Fireworks - Yes, I know it isn’t photoshop. Everyone tells me that, “Oh Fireworks is cool, but it is no photoshop”. Well i am not looking for Photoshop, all I want is to create graphics for my my websites and Fireworks does that every bit as good as photoshop IMO. Fireworks is a graphic editor that allows me to create ads, banners and even minisites. It is an expensive program with a steep learning curve, but I use it daily at this point and everything I know, I learned on my own, so it is possible.
6. iTunes - Weird addition right? No way! If you work from home you need to have some music player in my opinion. Each of us are different but I love having music blaring while I work. I consider iTunes a tool because I use it everytime I work. It can cheer me up, motivate me or just help tune out any distractions. I was wondering if I should include this, but since I use it everyday I figured I might as well.
7, Pages - This is a MAC specific program but I love it. It is a word processing program similar to MS Word but I just find it much easier to create visually stunning docs with it. it also has a built in “Export to PDF” that is great – works seamlessly and keeps links live etc… The built in templates make it very easy to create great work right out of the box. It comes with a learning curve as well, but I got used to it very quickly.
These tools were not randomly selected, they are the ones I use pretty much daily when I am working online. They aren’t guaranteed to make you money, but I know for a fact that every one of those tools contribute to the money I make! If one of those tools address a need in your own online marketing, then I suggest you try it out. Don’t be surprised when it becomes something you can’t live without though.
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