Here are twelve internet tools you won't want to work without.

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YOU'RE READING THE SPARKPLUG CEO BLOG
Web Tools That Undoubtedly Rock
by Lyz Cano Freeman — 1 Comment
Welcome to Spark Bits Weekly where I ask a panel of homeprenuers a blazing question
about running and growing their business from home.
Today’s Q is:
What are two or three web tools you can’t do without and how are they helpful in
your business?
Reba Collins from PLR One Stop says:
By far WordPress is the best web tool ever
created. I used to build websites using
Dreamweaver and html one page at a time.
Now, it just takes minutes to set-up a site and
within a few hours, I can have most of the
graphics done and in place on the site.
The second tool I use and could not live without
is Photoshop. I’ve been using Photoshop for
about 15 years and have always kept my
version updated; I don’t think I could create like I do without it. I also use the other Adobe
products like Illustrator and Fireworks but I can do without them, Photoshop is my go-to
image editor/creator.
The last tool would be any WordPress theme. I like WooThemes and Studiopress
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2. personally. It’s worth it to take the time to learn how to manipulate at least one great
theme framework.
And that does it. Those three tools give me what I need to build a website for any niche,
industry or business. Granted, I might need other things like a shopping cart or directory
depending on the site, but these are the three things that I need and use for every site.
Jessica Lee from Psychic Readings Guide says:
I just learned about Canva and I’m really liking it. Quotes and images are huge in my
niche, and Canva allows me to create these images in just a few minutes. I also use
Social Graphics Pro Software from Coach Glue for this – which I love!
These tools allow me to create custom graphics so that I can really brand myself on
social media. And, because the posts are so pretty and inspiring, they often go viral
which leads to more people liking my page and visiting my site.
I have also been using Hootsuite, which is helpful because it saves me a lot of time each
day. I think of Hootsuite as my “mission control” for social media. It’s so convenient to be
able to see all Tweets and posts in one place. A huge time saver!
Kim Phoenix from TheOnlineChick & BuyHealthPLR says:
Other people are probably going to say this too, but Aweber is one tool that I could not go
without in my business. It took me a long time to decide to start building a list, and
looking back, it was also a costly bad decision. Aweber allows you to build a list of
people who are interested in what you have to offer and recommend; and, it allows you to
stay in touch with them so that you can build a relationship.
Another tool in my business, which I could not go without, is Amember Pro. It is the
program through which people are able to purchase my PLR products from my websites. I
use it for my affiliate program as well.
Christa Jensen from ChristaJensen.com says:
Google Calendars has been a super valuable tool for my partner and I when we are
working on business projects together. It helps with staying organized.
ActiveInbox for my Google email is a new tool for me. I am a newbie to it but I am seeing

3. the potential in its value already with keeping many things organized.
Getting better organized while using these tools has helped me in completing projects
quicker in order to meet or exceed deadlines. These tools have helped increase
productivity in my business and I don’t think I could do without them!
Stephanie L. Watson from Barry Publishing says:
Dropbox: I love Dropbox. It’s so easy to use and makes it easy to work with my clients.
You can start with a free version but I use an upgraded version for business so that I can
easily work with my clients. I share files, collaborate, and can work from anywhere due to
Dropbox. Even if my home was destroyed with everything in it, I could find a computer
from anywhere and do my work.
Freshbooks: This is an invoicing service in the cloud that I really enjoy using. I have
flirted with other options but Freshbooks just works. It allows me to manage projects,
keep track of time, bill by projects, and keeps track of expenses and more. It reminds me
and my clients of unpaid bills and automatically adds late fees. It makes it easy for me to
give a discount too. I can send professional looking invoices via email or via mail.
WordPress: I build all my websites and client sites with WordPress. I love it. I only wish I
would have jumped on board sooner. I used to build simple sites with Dreamweaver and
there is no real point in using that when WordPress works so well. I’m speaking of
WordPress.org, not WordPress.com. Self-hosted WordPress works so well for most
needs that there is little reason to choose something else.
Make a list of the things you need to run your business and there is most certainly
something out there that you need.

4. Brenda Trott from Done4UMedia Marketing says:
Wow, since nearly my entire business is conducted on-line, I’m having a tough time
boiling this down to three but I’ll give a try:
Onlywire: I use this service to syndicate my content to 50 web2.0 sites. This includes
videos I make, podcasts I’ve been featured in, press releases and news stories I’ve
written or been featured in, including places I contribute to like SparkPlugging.com. It
helps the Google Fairies know that I have things to say to help small business owners
market. It is also great for SEO (search engine optimization) and get’s my content found.
Sendreach: This is my auto-responder. It helps me make sure that whenever someone
new connects with me on my email list, they get valuable content sent to them on a
regular schedule. This allows me to spend less time sending the exact information out to
people and more time finding new people to connect with.
Pinterest: Last week you asked how I make sure I stay productive and I mentioned that I
use sticky notes…well, Pinterest is like my digital set of sticky notes. Whenever I find a
resource, or join a program I want to use, I “pin” it to my appropriate board. If it is
something I want to keep to myself, I pin it to a secret board. I use Scoop-it in a similar
way when I organize my research.
My Insights
As mentioned by some of the members of our
panel, listing 2 to 3 important tools that are
“must haves” to my business was quite difficult.
As a digital marketer (in training), the livelihood
of my entire business relies heavily on working
with tools that manage and grow the business. I
find that there are way too many good ones to
enumerate in a snippet of content but learning
about what works for each person and how was
enlightening.
I agree, WordPress has been an absolute game changer and lifesaver for many of us
who don’t have the skills to build our own websites. Since I lack the knack for technology,
it is safe to say that without it, I wouldn’t be publishing this post independently. For that I
send my sincerest gratitude for those people who have designed tools that make it

5. possible for people like me to work from my laptop in the comfort of my own home.
In the recent weeks, I’ve been exploring the use of Evernote. As an avid life long learner, I
find inspiration in many places. Having one central location to keep all my spontaneous
research organized for easy access from anywhere, is very appealing. It’s easy for things
to disappear in the wave of superfluous information that penetrates my brain on a daily
basis. Although, I am loving the idea of having a secret pin board on Pinterest too.
What about you? Are there any spectacular tools you use? Which web tools can you not
live without?
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About Lyz Cano Freeman
Lyz has a passion for business, personal development and wellness. She
hopes to help new and emerging home-based entrepreneurs discover both
their personal and business strengths in order to develop a more productive, healthy
and balanced life while rocking it in business from home.
Filed Under: Work at Home Community
Comments

6. Sunday says
February 25, 2014 at 6:37 pm
WordPress is definitely a Must-have tool for every blogger. The concept is
awesome and relieving. Other tools could be relative. For me, WordWeb,
TextPad, Firefox, and Dropbox are tools I can’t do without!
This comment was left in kingged.com – the content syndication and content
aggregation website where this post was bookmarked.
Sunday – kingged.com contributor
Sunday recently posted..What Makes A Bad Business Presentation [VIDEO]
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on Web Tools That Undoubtedly Rock
WordPress is definitely a Must-have tool for every blogger. The concept is awesome and
relieving. Other tools could be relative.
on Insider Tips on Focus and Productivity in Business
For sure:) Prioritizing is definitely key.
on Insider Tips on Focus and Productivity in Business
I agree Ryan. Your brain can only handle so much. I find that small bursts of exercise during
my breaks
on Insider Tips on Focus and Productivity in Business
Hi Lyz, Staying for focus while pursuing productivity working at home is always a big
challenge for many. A lot
on Insider Tips on Focus and Productivity in Business
I take short, frequent breaks.....each hour....to improve my focus. Most burn out because
they work non stop. You can do
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