Welcome to my resource page! This is a collection of tools I use to do virtually everything from writing to instructional design development. These are my go-to tools. These are tools I use on a daily basis and that is why I am telling you about them. As a fan of these tools, I am also helping the companies spread the word.
Before I start telling you about these resources, I need to make an important disclosure.
In the spirit of full disclosure, some of these links may be affiliate links. This means that if you purchase an item through the link below I will earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. I only recommend products & systems that I use and love myself, so I know you’ll be in good hands. Please research products fully before making a purchase.
Now, let me tell you about the tools that make my life so much easier.
Web Hosting
Bluehost
For hosting my various website, I have made a shift to BlueHost. I am able to do everything I need to do on this hosting platform from build webpages to creating databases.
The control panels are easy to use. They also provide one-click installations of key software that I use to include WordPress, Moodle, and other content management systems.
Bluehost is a great platform to get started with building your website.
WordPress
When I first started creating websites, I was hand coding everything. While you can get exactly what you want, it is much harder to maintain. I found a more efficient solution. I developed my first blog on WordPress.com. It is a great place to start.
WordPress.com is a great place to start a new blog or website. It did virtually everything I wanted to do. However, there are some restrictions that will hold you back. For that reason, I started to self-host on hosting platforms such as BlueHost. Now, I load WordPress from WordPress.org and set it up the way I want.
You can create some amazing websites with WordPress. WordPress is one of the most popular content platforms for development.
Videos
Camtasia
Camtasia from TechSmith is a powerful but easy to use video editing program. With Camtasia, you can do screencasts or narrate a PowerPoint presentation. You can pull in different types of media to output a video that you can put on different platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, etc. It is my go-to tool for video editing.
Wirecast
Wirecast is the tool I use to do live streaming to Facebook or YouTube Live. You can hook up multiple cameras, add overlays, and stream a computer desktop or mobile device. Natively, Facebook and YouTube do not allow screencasting. Wirecast allows you to share your computers. You can also do a picture in a picture if you want.
Logitech 922x
iPad
Increasingly, I have used it to capture videos that I live stream to Facebook or YouTube Live. I do this when I do not need to show what I am doing on a computer. For those cases, I use Wirecast.
Iographer
Vidyard goVideo
Vidyard GoVideo is a Chrome browser extension that allows you to capture quick videos and screencasts. One of the things I like about GoVideo is that you can share it to Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. You can also send it out as an email message. I use it to show how to do various computer tasks or in lieu of a typed message. I have received positive feedback for using them.
YouTube
YouTube is the place where I share all the videos I create. YouTube is a logical place to share videos that you want to share with others. If you are concerned with the public seeing your video, then you can make your videos unlisted or private.
YouTube Live
Our current go-to strategy for capturing an event is to use YouTube Live. YouTube makes it very easy to capture a live stream. All you need is an internet connection and a webcam. I use my trusty Logitech 920. If you want to share content from your computer as part of the stream, you will need to use a product like Wirecast.
Scanning
ScanSnap
Scanmarker
Chromebook
Audio
Audacity
Recently, I began to do podcasting. I host the In the Classroom Podcast. A lot of the podcasters that I know create their podcasts with Audacity. Audacity is freeware but has an amazing amount of power. It certainly does everything I need it to do.
The Snowball
Libsyn
When it comes to distributing your podcast, I learn it is best to load it to a podcasting service. I am using Libsyn. They are reasonably priced. They will also distribute the podcast to iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, etc. Finally, I can import the link into my page without affecting website performance.
Graphic Design
Canva
When creating images for my blog posts (every post has a featured image at least), I use an online program called Canva. It is a wonderful tool that helps me create professional looking images without having to be a graphic designer. Canva has templates for all the different social media graphic sizes that you need. If they don’t have it, you can customize the dimensions.
Pexels
It is just not good practice to use copyrighted images without permission. Thankfully there are sites like Pexels and Unsplash that provide images for free. Pexels has some wonderful photos. The site has certainly made me look a lot better on the web.
Unsplash
Unsplash is another free image site. Their images are also great. You can really brighten up your site by using them. In most cases, you simply give them credit for use.
Storage Tools
Dropbox
I store all my important documents in the cloud either in Dropbox or Google Drive. I have been using Dropbox for at least 10 years. I needed a solution at the time to prevent loss of files when my hard drive crashed. Since using Dropbox, I am less concerned about computer failures. When I was writing my dissertation, it was stored only on Dropbox. I have invested in the extra space with a yearly subscription.
Google Drive
Because of my Chromebook, Google Drive is now the place where I store documents. I can easily access my documents as long as I have an internet connection. With the Chromebook, I can also work on documents offline and sync them when I do reconnect. So far, I have been able to store virtually any type of file I want on Google Drive. Google Drive also makes it extremely easy to share files and folders with others.
Productivity
Asana
Asana is where I manage my projects. I have Asana set up for my personal use, for work, and for my business dealings. Within Asana, you can set up multiple projects with tasks and subtasks. You can assign each task and subtask to an individual on your team. Additionally, you can add due dates and create repeating tasks. Once a task is complete, you just check it off.
I use Asana to not only manage my projects but also to track ideas such as blog and podcast topics. At work, I use it to manage my team meeting agenda.
Google Apps
If I am creating a document, the odds are that I am creating it in Google Apps. Google Apps provides a suite of applications that I rely on daily. My email client of choice is Gmail, which is part of the GSuite. Additionally, I have other connection tools such as a calendar and Google Hangouts, which allows me to video chat with others.
Other apps allow me to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, forms, drawings, websites, etc. In addition to sharing with others, you can collaborate in real time with others. Most importantly all your work is automatically saved. Not only does Google store a current copy but you can see the revisions over time. I have never had to worry about lost work.
Marinara
Marinara is a Chrome extension I use to help stay on task. It uses the Pomodoro method for staying focused. With a click, you turn on the timer and get head down into your work. At the end of the established time period, it will tell you to take a break. I have my timer set for 42 minutes with a 5-minute break. I challenge myself to see how many “Pomodoros” I can do during the day. When I use this strategy, I manage to get a lot of work done.
IFTTT
Sometimes you need a program to do something it was not originally designed for. For example, say you want to automatically collect a set of tweets based on a specific hashtag. To do this manually would a be a pain, but with IFTTT you can automatically collect them in a Google Sheet. IFTTT connects two different applications together. I have many different recipes set up to help automate many mundane tasks.
Phrase Express
If you need to repeatedly type in a phrase, a text expander like Phrase Express is a tool that you want. It is great for letter templates that you can further personalize. You simply type a short unique code and Phrase Express will kick out the full text. I use it for different routine letters and the different signature blocks I have.
Google Play
I simply cannot work without my music. Google Play is my music application of choice. With it, I can select a radio station based on a favorite artist and my day is filled with music. If I need to listen to a specific song or album, I can just call it up.
Notepad++
Notepad++ is a text editor. There are times you need a good text editor because word processors add code behind the scenes. Notepad++ was designed for coders. If you select the language that you want to write in, Notepad++ will not only color code the language but also provide assistance while you type. I use it to help edit HTML code and clean up data that I enter into spreadsheets.
Fiverr
Fiverr is a place where you go to hire someone to complete a task for you at a nominal fee. If you do not have expertise in an area or you don’t have the bandwidth to complete the task, then Fiverr is a great place to go. I have used them to help promote my book. If you need a web designer, a graphic designer, etc., this is the place to go.
Analytics
Google Analytics
All the websites I manage are supported by Google Analytics. Google Analytics tracks everything regarding the usage of the website. It lets me know if I am on the right track when I make changes to my site or when I promote content. If you are running a website, then Google Analytics is a must.
Google Data Studio
Google Data Studio is a new tool that I have been using. Basically, it is used to make sense of the data you have. With Google Data Studio, you can create attractive, informative displays of your date. Additionally, you can add filters to your sheets so that others can manipulate the information. At work, I have run all my spreadsheets through Google Data Studio to discover new relationships.
Writing Apps
Scrivener
When it comes to writing, Scrivener is more and more becoming my go-to writing tool. I have used it to write my books. Now, I am using it to draft podcasts, newsletters, and blog posts. Scrivener will let you output a document in many formats to include a draft manuscript to a file ready for Kindle. The power of Scrivener lies in the ability to collect and reorganize your thoughts. The more I use it, the more ideas I have for its use.
Grammarly
I used Grammarly for free for the longest time. I just upgraded to a paid account since I find it so useful. Grammarly will check your written work to include blog posts. It will not only identify spelling and grammar, but it will also offer suggestions for improving your writing.
Hemingway Editor
The Hemingway Editor will help you simplify your writing. By dropping in text, the Hemingway Editor will let you know where to use easier words, correct passive into active phrasing, and clean up adverbs. The Hemingway Editor will also give you a grade for your writing. There is also a desktop version of this app.
Zotero
Zotero is a bibliographical citation tool. I use it to track my academic and book research. With Zotero, you can collect information to include notes on many different types of reference materials. Once collected, you can use it in your writing to cite content correctly. The citations can be automatically formatted to different requirements such as APA or MLA. Lastly, you can export an annotated bibliography. The Chrome extension makes it easy to import new content.
Collection Apps
Diigo
Diigo is a social bookmarking tool. If I find a web page that I like and want to reference later, I will store it in Diigo. With a handy Chrome extension, it is easy to save and categorize web pages. I have countless collections of websites that I easily reference or share with others. I use Diigo extensively when I am doing research. One of the great things about Diigo is that I can reference my thousands of bookmarks wherever I have an internet connection.
Evernote
Evernote is my digital brain. I have used a paid Evernote account since it came out. If it can be digitized, I store it in Evernote. When I moved from Wyoming, I scanned countless documents into Evernote. I store ideas and notes for blog posts, podcast episodes, and books chapters. I store lock combinations. I store clothing sizes. I also store all the notes I take at conferences and classes. One of the most powerful features is Evernote’s ability to also search through the text on images. If I take a picture of a PowerPoint slide, I can find it with a search.
Bit.ly
Very simply, Bit.ly is a URL shortener. With Bit.ly, you can take a long URL and turn it into a short memorable one. Bit.ly allows you to customize a part of the URL. One of the features I really like about Bit.ly is the ability to track the number of people who click on the link.
Communication Tools
Zoom
When it comes to video conferencing, Zoom is my tool of choice. Zoom makes it tremendously easy to schedule a one-on-one or group call. It has been great for holding meetings, providing technical support, and giving training. With Zoom, I can share my screen. It also has a whiteboard and member chat feature. It is a great tool for trainers.
Skype
Skype is another tool that I use quite often. A lot of friends are on Skype, so it easy to connect with them through the contact book. Skype is a video conferencing tool. You can connect with one or more people with video, phone, and/or text chat. I used it as a meeting tool when I was in the Civil Air Patrol.
Slack
Slack is my team communication tool. My team uses it to share what is happening throughout the workday. Additionally, we have it integrated with IFTTT so that the team is alerted to updates to the various spreadsheets we use to collect requests for assistance. Conversations can be arranged in channels. This helps to keep the conversation on target. The great thing about Slack is that when someone joins the channel, they can see all the messages for that channel.
Social Media Productivity
Tailwind
Tailwind is a Pinterest scheduling tool. It helps me schedule pins to my Pinterest boards. This allows me to keep content feeding to boards on a regular basis. I can batch my Pinterest activity. I usually do this in conjunction with my Tweetdeck and Feedly reviews. Tailwind also has a Smartloop feature that allows you to put content into a “playlist” so that it will pin the posts on a repeated basis.
SmarterQueue
In the spring, I moved my content from MeetEdgar to SmarterQueue. SmarterQueue provides me with the ability to schedule Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook page posts. Additionally, I can put some content on autorepeat. I have done this for my podcast and book promotions. It is a very easy tool to use. I immediately saw my podcast growth take a leap once I started to use SmarterQueue.
Learning Tools
LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com)
In addition to the MOOCs and other courses I subscribe to, LinkedIn Learning is one of my go-to tools to learn something new. These video courses are easy to consume. You can watch a full course or just find a video that addresses the issue you are facing. With videos that are 2-8 minutes in length, they are easy to consume.
Pocket Casts
When I am listening to podcasts, you can be sure it is using Pocket Casts. The program is a very straightforward podcast application. You simply subscribe to a podcast and the episode automatically downloads to your device. Well, that depends on how you have it configured. I primarily listen to podcasts while I am out walking or driving. I also listen to podcasts through the web app.
Feedly
Feedly is a tool I use to aggregate various blogs and news feeds. It makes it a single place to go to see all the news you are interested in. Another nice feature is that you can organize the blog feeds around topics. I use it to keep tabs on different topics that are meaningful to me.
Tweetdeck
Tweetdeck is the tool I used to manage my different Twitter accounts. I can set up columns to keep track of messages specifically for me or on various topics. For example, I will set up a column to track conference proceedings.
Well, that is my collection of apps and tools that I use to keep my life running at home, work, and play. What apps do you find essential?
In the spirit of full disclosure, this is an affiliate link, which means that if you purchase this item through my link I will earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. I only recommend products & systems that I use and love myself, so I know you’ll be in good hands.
Plus, when you order through my link, it helps me to continue to offer you lots of free stuff. 🙂 Thank you, in advance for your support!