There are so many tools around the web that promise to make your life easier that it’s often difficult not to get distracted by all the shiny objects out there. This page is a list of tools that I am personally using, finding useful, and that I enjoy.
I promise not to add something to this page until I’ve used it myself and feel comfortable recommending it. There are plenty tools I’ve reviewed or tested out that I won’t be recommending. Now, let’s get to the good stuff….
Domain Names & Website Hosting Services:
I prefer using Namecheap for my domains. I know there are plenty of other registrars out there, but Namecheap is my favorite because they don’t try to up-sell you 500 things you don’t need with your domain name and the WhoIs privacy protection service is always free.
I use Reliable Webs for my hosting. I’ve been with them for a long time now, after trying many other hosts. The customer service is always amazing and answered by a real person who is knowledgeable about all the things that go on behind the scenes of a website.
- You can read my review of Reliable Webs that explains why I left HostGator and moved to Reliable Webs, and happily stayed there.
If you’re looking for something different in hosting, I have several clients who are using WP Engine Managed WordPress Hosting for their niche website projects and all are very happy with the service they’ve received, so maybe one of their packages is a good fit for you as well. Since it’s from the team at StudioPress, you can be confident that they know and understand WordPress, plus you can get premium themes included with your hosting package.
WordPress Themes, Plugins, and Widgets:
There’s no shortage of themes and templates available for WordPress. These are my go-to resource picks…
Plugins are what make WordPress even more flexible and easy to customize. If you need to tweak something or add some nifty feature, there’s always a plugin for that. A few of my favorite plugins include:
- Jetpack
- Wordfence
- PrettyLinks
- RankMath
Keyword Research Tools
Keyword Finder is an affordable keyword tool from the Mangools SEO suite to have in your kit. It performs toe to toe against programs that cost a lot more, and it’s really easy to use. Check out the 10-day free trial 😉
Long Tail Pro has been around for several years and is well known among the affiliate marketing world for finding the best long tail keywords to go after in search.
Email Marketing & List Building
Aweber is known for their excellent deliverability and focus on quality service. They’re also one of the only email marketing services that support affiliate marketing as a business model.
Reliable and Awesome PLR Sources
Affiliate Marketing Easy Button
Skimlinks for affiliate marketing in easy mode with one single affiliate ID for an ever-growing list of products and services.
Defend Your Site Against Hacking
Click Here to get a WordPress Security Consultation
More Tools Coming Soon…
Contact me with any questions. I look forward to helping you grow your niche website projects into profitable adventures.
Transcriptionist, passionate cross stitcher, writer at heart, wife, mom, and finder of lost shoes… Loretta Oliver, married to the comic book geek of her dreams and mother of four amazing young men, has been working from home full time since 2001. With a busy transcription service business, a few niche sites, and a handful of other internet marketing projects on the go, the computer is always fired up and the ideas are always flowing.