The answer to that question would surprise a lot of people. Many affiliate marketers and webmasters are not investing in superior Software & Tools before they start marketing on the web. So here are some of the things that should be in your Basic Internet Marketing Tool Box. Along with some free programs/sites/software which may prove invaluable.

    We have all heard stories of people who have made money using Free Websites. Some affiliate marketers use only a program's free site and make a handsome income. No doubt it can be done. However, wisdom has it that the first thing you should invest in is a Domain Name and a Good Quality Web Host. It is vital that you project a professional image with your web site. It is your little piece of the internet. Plus, building a network of contacts is much easier if you have your own site. There are many web hosts to consider - just find one - just make sure your webhost has an affiliate program attached to it!

Again, your domain name and web site is your equity which you will be building up for years to come. Start it on the right foundation.

•     Most Useful Tool! AutoResponders will be your most useful marketing tool. Whether it be list building, bringing traffic to your site or making that final sale. AutoResponders are vital. That's no hype. Here's the one I use and recommend - AWeber . Of all the AR systems out there - this one is the oldest and still the best. Another great choice is GetResponse. Run by Simon Grabowski.

•     If you are selling or re-selling products on your site - you need an Online credit card processor such as Paypal Or you can use others such as ClickBank which also has an affiliate program with a large variety of software products and e-books. Check out their ClickBank Marketplace and you will find something to sell on your website. Simple and easy to use - ClickBank has over 100,000 affiliates.
  

TO COMPLIMENT YOUR BASIC MARKETING TOOLS USE  FREE RESOURCES   SUCH AS:

**** NEW **** Google LIGHTHOUSE Open Source Tool for improving any webpage. Essential if you want to "improve" the performance of your site. Just download this Google Chrome Extension - Open an Incognito URL and run Lighthouse to check your webpage. You will get Performance - Accessibility - Best Practices - SEO and PWA (Progressive Web App) Scores. PLUS - detailed information on HOW to fix any issues with your page. Must Have Tool For Ranking In Google.

SEOquake Essential SEO Toolbar which gives you the "rundown" on any site - including SEMrush (keyword$).

Google Analytics Numerous traffic/site analytics - plus, real-time traffic monitoring.

Google Alerts Monitor keywords so when content related to your keyword appears on the web Google sends you an email.

Google Webmaster Tools Site/keywords/linking stats and help with any problems dealing with ranking in Google.

Bing Webmaster Tools Bing resources and tools for webmasters to help monitor their sites.

Google Page Speed Check your webpage speed.

Google AdWords Keyword Planner Find keywords related to your site and marketing.

WordStream Free Keyword Tool Another keyword tool to cross-reference your site's keywords.

Majestic Backlink Research Tool Keep track of your link profile with this handy tool/site.

http://home.snafu.de/tilman/xenulink.html - Find broken links and other linking problems on web sites with the Xenu software.

Screaming Frog SEO Spider Tool Allows one to quickly analyse, audit & review your site with onsite SEO issues.

Link Management Tool This is web-based software for building links/buzz around your site, products or services.

Buzzsumo Quickly find & analyse competing/top content in your field of interest.

Tweetdeck Essential for real-time tracking, organizing & engaging in the Twitter environment.

HELPFUL TOOLS TO   GET THE JOB DONE  

WordPress Popular blog software used to create websites and blogs.

Grammarly Check for grammar mistakes and plagiarism.

Copyscape Plagiarism Checker Check for plagiarism and/or to see if copies of your page exists on the web.

Infogr.am Very easy way to create Infographics.

Storify This site/program will help you find, collect and share content online.

ShareThis Free social media sharing widgets and buttons.

Quozio Quickly turn any quote or headline into a graphic image to share on Pinterest, Google+, Twitter...

AgoraPulse (Free Trial) Social media management tool for when you become serious about Social Media.

Tailwind Free Trial Another Excellent social media management system geared towards Pinterest & Instagram. Tailwind Tribes is a powerful marketing force you should check out.

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