I am often asked about the tools and resources I use, so I thought it would be helpful to create a resource page that you can always come to for all my most recommended tools and resources.

I will add to this list as I find more great stuff, so I recommend bookmarking this page for your reference and convenience. Enjoy!

Please note: some of the links on this page are affiliate links, at no additional cost to you, and I may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase. Please know that I personally use every tool on this page and I recommend them because I like them, not because of any commission.

My Most Recommended

 


bluehost    Bluehost

is a fantastic tool for collecting ideas and notes. I use it on my PC, my HTC One Mini and iPad. It really is GREAT! My online brain and filing cabinet. I love to clip articles to Evernote for later reading or access on my smartphone.

 

 

slackfred-iconSlack

I use Bluehost to host all of my domains (I have a number of them). They have been great for me and the price cannot be beat. When used with WordPress it is so simple to use. Another amazing hosting company. Incredibly easy to use, Bluehost offers a 1-click automatic WordPress installation as well as phone and chat support.

 

 

evernote-logoEvernote

is a fantastic tool for collecting ideas and notes. I use it on my PC, my HTC One Mini and iPad. It really is GREAT! My online brain and filing cabinet. I love to clip articles to Evernote for later reading or access on my smartphone.

 

 

googleappsGoogle Apps

It is amazing what you can get done for free with Google Docs. A word processor, a spreadsheet maker and slide presentation. I have even used it to create surveys.This is what I use for my email addresses @jimbeeghley.com, my contacts, calendars, document storage and just about Everything.

 

 

dropboxDropbox

Free online storage! I am a HUGE fan of Dropbox. I use it many times a day and do not know what I would do without it. All my computers have it, my tablet and my smartphone.

 

What I use for my websites:

For those that are interested, here is what I am using for this website.

      • Divi by Elegant Themes 
      • Bluehost  – I use Bluehost to host all of my domains (I have a number of them). They have been great bluehostfor me and the price cannot be beat. When used with WordPress it is so simple to use. Another amazing hosting company. Incredibly easy to use, Bluehost offers a 1-click automatic WordPress installation as well as phone and chat support.
      • WordPress.org – All of my websites and my client websites are built on WordPress. First, it is FREE! Additionally, it is the #1 website and blog publishing platform in the world. With thousands of themes, plugins, and tools available, it is the best choice for most websites.
      • WordPress plugins I have a whole bunch of plug ins that I use on my various sites, especially this one. If you want to see a short list of my favorite ones:
        • Akismet: Essential WordPress plugin used to control comment spam. Creates less work for you and less friction for your readers because you do not have to require them to register to leave a comment.
        • WordPress SEO by Yoast: The most complete WordPress SEO plugin that exists today. Incorporates everything from a snippet preview and page analysis functionality that helps you optimize your pages content, images titles, meta descriptions and more to XML sitemaps, and loads of optimization options in between.
        • Contact Form 7: A simple, yet powerful contact form for collecting emails
        • MailPoet: A great newsletter tool that allows you to control everything from within WordPress

My Favorite Social Media Tools

      • Twitter – The most popular micro-blogging site around.
      • TweetDeck – perfect tool for managing multiple Twitter accounts and monitoring tweets
      • Bufferapp – The best tool for scheduling social posts
      • Feedly – I follow all the blogs I am interested in right here. Helps me curate content to share on Twitter
      • Tweriod – A great tool for finding out when your Twitter followers are on Twitter. Helps to know when the right time to post is.
      • Manageflitter – I hate when people fake follow me and then bail in a day or two. I use Manageflitter to eliminate those fake followers.

Graphics and Graphic Editing

Tools

      • Gimp - I do some photo editing but not enough to make Photoshop worth it. I use Gimp, an open-source photo editing program. It works great and is free!
      • Canva – So easy graphic design tool. I love the drag and drop features.
      • Pixlr - this is a really great free online tool. Easy to use give it a try.

Finding Images

      • iStock Photo: Photos have transformed my blog and I have looked at a number of stock photo sites. iStock photo is affordable and has a great selection.
      • Dollar Photo Club - I get most of my blog and social media images from this site where every photo is only 1 dollar.
      • Freeimages - useful when looking for the right image for your blog
      • Flickr Creative Commons: This is where you can get free images for your website, but there are some rules that go along with it.

Speaking and Teaching

      • Poll Everywhere: I love using audience response systems but do not want to pay a hefty price for one. Poll Everywhere is well-priced and uses cell phones or tablets. The audience can text responses or enter them into a website. It links to Powerpoint and responses immediately appear on the screen.
      • Nearpod

Video

      • ScreenFlow : ScreenFlow (for Mac users) for screen captures
      • Camtasia : Camtasia for PC (Camtasia Studio) the screen capture software I am currently using.
      • Omnidazzle :  to draw on your screen (free)
      • Explain Everything