Here are the resources and tools I use to run WP Beagle and my other websites. It’s easy to become overwhelmed when setting up a new online business. Here are the basic resources that I think every web-based business needs.
Domain Names: NameCheap
You need a great, easy to say, domain name. NameCheap makes it easy to find and buy a great domain name. Their prices are low, their service is very good, and you also get WhoIs Guard for free.
Hosting: GreenGeeks
If your website is too slow, it often means you need better hosting. I now host all of my websites with GreenGeeks. They offer reasonably priced hosting with great 24-hour chat and phone support. GreenGeeks also gives you free SSL and Lite Speed Cache.
WordPress Theme: Generate Press
This is the theme I use on many of my websites. It’s a light-weight theme that is built for speed and ease of use. They offer both free and paid versions of the theme. So go ahead and try out the free version.
Page Builder: Generate Blocks Pro
If you like to tinker with HTML and CSS, then you don’t need a page builder. However, if your emphasis is on getting something up and running fast (and that should be your focus) then get Generate Blocks and learn how to use it.
Email: ConvertKit
Email marketing software for running your business. Includes easy-to-use automation and tagging tools that make email marketing easy and simple.
Password Saver: KeePass
You know you need to use a different password on every account. But you also know you can’t remember them all. Use KeePass (it’s free) to create and safely store all of your passwords.
Website Backups: UpDraft Plus
I’m sure your hosting company claims they make backups of your site. And they probably do. However, it’s also a good idea for you to have a backup on your own hard drive. UpDraft Plus is an easy way to backup your site. The free plan offers a ton of features. The paid plan offers more features including cloning and migration and additional storage options.
Website Security: WordFence
There are baddies out there who want to break into your website. You may think that your site is too small and insignificant. It doesn’t matter. You are still a target for hackers. One way to protect your site is to make sure you have a recent backup. Another, is to install the WordFence security plugin and add another layer of protection for your site. They offer free and paid plans. You will probably find that the free plan is adequate for your security needs.
It helps to become part of an online community for support and advice. Here are my favorite marketing communities:
DAB Coaching
DAB Coaching gives you direct access to Dennis Becker and Barb Ling. You get practical business and marketing guidance at an affordable price.
Blog Marketing Academy
David Risley offers a step-by-step approach to building an online business using your blog as a marketing platform.
Covert Affiliate Authority
Learn affiliate marketing from 2 experts. The course is 52 lessons sent to you once a week so you’re never overwhelmed.