Below are a number of resources I use and recommend, whether you’re looking to increase your productivity or start your own blog.
Note: This page contains affiliate links, meaning I get a get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure for more info.
Productivity Tools to Stay Focused
Focus music: Focus@will
Focus@will provides personalized focus music to help you stay focused on your work and avoid distractions. Their music selection has been developed in collaboration with neuroscientists and music producers to get you focused within 20 minutes of listening and remain in that state for up to 200 minute focus sessions. To get your personalized focus music, take the Focus Quiz today.
Task management tool: Focuster
Focuster is a focus management tool that turns your to-do list into an organized schedule. You record your tasks, prioritize them in order of importance and urgency, and then Focuster schedules your tasks onto your calendar automatically. I’ve written a in-depth review here with instructions on how to use Focuster to get your work done. Try Focuster for free.
Starting a Blog/Website
Below are a list of tools and sites that I recommend.
Web hosting: SiteGround
I use SiteGround because it provides fast, reliable hosting and excellent customer support. If you’re getting started, SiteGround is affordable and easy to use. They provide a WordPress autoinstaller so you can run your site on WordPress right away.
If you need help, you can reach SiteGround quickly and they will work with you to provide a solution. They also offer site migration for free. As your site grows, SiteGround will help you manage your sites while providing consistent speed and security. Get started at SiteGround for $3.95/month.
WordPress Theme: StudioPress Genesis Framework
StudioPress creates clean, attractive themes for your WordPress blog. Since day one, I’ve been running this site on StudioPress’s Genesis Framework.No matter what stage your site is at, StudioPress Themes create a professional look for your site.
StudioPress runs their themes on top of the basic Genesis Framework. Think of it as Genesis being the foundation, and then StudioPress themes provide the design on top of it. Popular themes include the Foodie Pro Theme and Mai Lifestyle Pro Theme. StudioPress also offers a 25% discount off every theme through this link to their Pro Plus All-Theme Package.
Email list marketing: AWeber
An email subscriber list is important to growing your audience and building a relationship with them. Aweber has built-in technology that automates your email funnels, newsletter templates, and sign up forms so you can start collecting subscribers today.
Their templates, integration abilities, and segmentation options make Aweber a user-friendly choice tailored to beginners. Combined with their fast and friendly customer support, building an email list becomes a breeze. Try AWeber for free.
Domain Name: Namecheap
Namecheap is the go-to place for domain names. They’re known for being fast, affordable and easy to use. If you want to start a new website, check what domain names are available over at Namecheap.
Accounting and Invoicing: Quickbooks Self-Employed
If you’re self-employed and need to get your expenses organized, QuickBooks Self-Employed is a great option. Their setup is easy to use and intuitive for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. You can create and send professional looking invoices in under 30 seconds, and set up online payments quickly so you get paid faster.
With QuickBooks Self-Employed, you can send professional invoices and track your expenses. Access your information online anytime, anywhere. You can try Quickbooks Self-Employed free.