If you’re running an online business, and probably even if you aren’t, there are some online tools that you need to know about. Not all of these tools are a necessity for every business, but no matter what you’re in, there are sure to be tools below that you know you should be using.
The applications on this list didn’t get here because they look pretty. They got here because millions of freelancers have tried, tested, and swear by them. Do your business a favor and make sure you know about the applications listed here.
Every online business should have a blog and Wordpress is, by far, the most powerful blogging tool on the web today.
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Movable Type
Type Pad
Using a good analytics system is a must have for any online business. Spend some time learning how to read your site metrics and what they mean.
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Mint
Clicky
Having a central place to organize and keep track of all your projects and notes goes a long way in making your life less stressful.
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Lighthouse
No Kahuna
Because many freelancers are service oriented, it is essential to have some sort of invoicing system in place.
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Blink Sale
Ronin
Having a Twitter account is almost as important as having a blog these days. Twitter is easy to use and free to setup. Why wouldn’t you use it?
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Facebook
Friendfeed
This is a cool tool that will randomly ask your visitors to take a poll to help you gather demographics about your visitors. It never hurts to learn more about your sites visitors.
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Get Satisfaction
Its is never a bad idea to have some sort of backup in place. Mozy, makes backing up your files affordable and painless.
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iDrive
Carbonite
There are an amazing amount of tools here than can help you track your sites ROI, test designs, and much more.
E-Junkie can be used for more than just selling products through affiliates, you can also use it to offer a reward system to your clients.
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iDev Affiliate
All Affiliate Pro
It is easy to be overloaded with RSS feeds. Having a tool that lets you easily organize that information will make it easier for you to digest.
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iGoogle
Page Flakes
A good form builder app is always good to have an account with. You never know when you may want a new form, quiz, poll, etc.
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Form Site
Form Spring
Email campaign apps make it easier for you to send bulk emails to past clients, setup news letters, and send important notices to customers.
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iContact
Constant Contact
Skype is the ultimate communication tool, especially if you have clients all over the world. It is the default IM/Phone choice for freelancers who work abroad.
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Sight Speed
Google Talk
Alert Thingy allows you to manage and update most of your social media networks like Twitter, Facebook, Basecamp, and more; all in one spot.
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Event Box
Friend Feed
If you have a website, then there is no reason you shouldn’t sign up for this service. Its free and lets you know if your sites crash via emails and text messages.
What Are Your Essential Apps?
Do you have a few applications that your online business couldn’t live without? List your favorites in the comments.
