If you’re still fairly new to running your online business, then you may still be in the process of choosing your tools and platforms. Here are six types of tools you want to be sure to include on your list.
This is not a comprehensive list. But consider this the bare minimum you'll need in order to get started as an internet marketer.
Email Service Provider (ESP)
This is the most important marketing tool because it helps you build relationships and close sales with both prospects and customers alike.
For best results, choose a well-known email service provider that gives you features such as:
- Good uptime reliability.
- Good customer service.
- Opt-in form templates.
- Newsletter templates.
- Built-in testing.
- Segmentation.
I highly recommend these two ESPs:
Payment Processor
No matter what you’re selling, you need a reliable payment processor. You can choose options such as PayPal, Stripe, or 2Checkout.com. If you’re planning on setting up an affiliate program, then you might use a platform such as ClickBank or JVZoo.
The best in the business, IMHO, is Zaxaa. It has it all: Payment processor, integration with your ESP and membership scripts, an affiliate platform, as well as self-hosted sales pages. It also has a free WordPress membership plugin! It's actually very good and integrated perfectly with other Zaxaa products.
Content Management System
Whether you’re setting up a blog, or you just want an easier way to manage your website, you need a content management system. There are plenty of options (such as Joomla). However, I recommend that you use the free and robust system at WordPress.org.
I also recommend the following themes and plugins.
Keyword/SEO Tool
If you plan on doing any search engine optimization, then you need a good keyword tool. Examples include WordTracker.com, MarketSamurai.com, and WordRecon.com.
TIP: If you’re doing search engine optimization for your WordPress blog, then it’s also a good idea to use a search engine optimization plugin. One really good tool is the RankMath plugin.
A very good comprehensive keyword tool is contained in this WordPress plugin from SiteSell. I started with them back in 1996 and continue to use and support them to this day. They are excellent.
Social Media Tool
There are a lot of social media tools available, depending on what social media platforms you’re using. If you’re using multiple platforms, then seek out an all-in-one-tool. One such example is Publer. This tool helps you find popular topic ideas, schedule your content across multiple platforms, and track your content’s performance.
TIP: You’ll also want to check out BuzzSumo.com, which will help you uncover popular topics. You can then create content on these topics and use appropriate hashtags to increase exposure.
Testing and Tracking Tool
In order to figure out what’s working and what’s not on your website, with your emails and within your ad campaigns, you need tools for tracking and testing. Here are some ideas:
- Check your platform. If you’re using a third-party platform or service such as email or pay per click marketing, check for built-in testing tools.
- For simple A/B split tests, look for popular split-testing tools. You’ll find plenty when you search Google, such as SplitTestMonkey.com.
- For more complex tracking, use a tool like Google Analytics, or the popular alternative at Matomo.org.
Now a few parting thoughts…
Conclusion: But wait, there's more!
Is this a comprehensive list of tools every internet marketer needs? Of course not. But it is a good list of solid tools to get you up and running. Once you start using these tools and platforms to simplify and streamline your business, then you can look into using other tools (such as Zapier.com) to boost efficiency & profitability.