Recommended Resources

These are the resources (tools, software, hosting) that I use everyday in my affiliate business and can recommend them without hesitation.

Recommended Products and Services

Below, you'll find some of the products, services and other resources that I strongly recommend you take a look at. I use these resources to make my living online. Some cost money. Others are absolutely free.

When I see a resource that has a ton of potential, I'll add it to the list below along with my thoughts on it.

Domains

I buy most of mine from Namecheap. Great value, nice interface and very easy to buy/manage.

Watch this video as I show you how I go about finding domains: Finding Domain Names Video

Web Hosting

I've been with a number of web hosts over the past few years and if you pick the wrong one, believe me, it'll cost you in the long run.

I now spread my sites through 3 hosts that all offer excellent support, ease of use and great value for money.

Of these, the best I've found is Host Gator. Have phenomenal support and you can get a reseller account (meaning you can host unlimited domains) from about $25 per month.

Autoresponders

If you plan on developing a long term business online, you're going to need an autoresponder. I've tried free services, other web based systems (including G** R*******) and server based applications. Finally I discovered AWeber and haven't looked back since. For one low fee, you can have unlimited lists. Don't mess around, just go for the most professional service from day 1 and protect your most valuable asset: Your list.

Keyword Research

There's plenty you can do for free. Google AdWords has a tool for account holders that'll suggest phrases as do Overture. However, if you plan on carrying out some detailed research I would strongly suggest you take a look at Wordtracker. If you're just starting out, just go for their 1 week free trial and go on a discovery trip to see how many words and phrases are used in your particular niche. Some estimate that 40% of all searches online are unique. Think like a searcher, not a seller!

AdWords Training

Whenever you think of AdWords, there should be two names in your mind: Perry Marshall and Andrew Goodman. Both are experts in this very specialist area and both have helped me make/save money by setting up my campaigns correctly. If you plan on doing any form of AdWords marketing, and you should ;-), you need to invest in at least one of the books created by these guys. If you don't, it'll cost you. Read my review of these AdWords Books.

Website Creation

I use the wonderful XSitePro. Very easy to use and an absolute breeze to build websites quickly. Even if you've never heard of HTML, you could have your own site up and running in a couple of hours.

Blogs and RSS

The blog software I use is Wordpress. It's open source, meaning free, and has a great network of support sites, template builders and themes that can give you an edge. This is an example of a blog I created using Wordpress: affiliate blog

To help manage my various blogs (not necessary but nice to have) I use various tools and you can read about them here: RSS Feed Software.