Here is a list of recommended tools and resources to help with your online business. I personally use all of these tools on at least one of my web properties.
Website Development
WordPress – My preferred blogging platform. WordPress is very easy to use but still needs tweaking to get it to perform at the highest level.
Joomla – Another web content management system. I use it for some of my niche sites where I may need some custom functionality.
Genesis Theme Framework – The framework/theme that I use for StartGrowProfit.com. Very flexible and fast wordpress theme framework.
YooThemes – Another versatile theme provider. Has themes for both Joomla and WordPress.
Hosting
Bluehost – Recommended host for new sites. Includes free domain.
Hostgator – Recommended host for beginning sites. See my Bluehost vs. Hostgator review to choose which provider is best for you.
LiquidWeb – Provides complete hosting services from shared hosting through dedicated servers. Highly recommended. Excellent customer service.
KnownHost – Use and recommend their VPS Hosting services.
ServInt – Also recommended for their VPS Hosting.
Tools
Market Samurai – My recommended tool for niche and keyword research.
SEO Moz – Complete set of SEO tools. Includes keyword and competitor analysis, SERP tracking and much more.
Google Keywords – Free keyword traffic tool from Google.
Disclosure: Some of the links provided are affiliate links. StartGrowProfit.com (SGP) will earn a small commission if you decide to purchase any of our recommended products – at no additional cost to you. These commissions help defray our cost of running this blog. SGP only recommends products that we have experience with or that our users/readers have recommended. If you have any other products to recommend, or if you have thoughts on any of our recommended products, please let us know. Thanks!