When I first started Internet Marketing one of the best ways I learned was by finding people who were successful and reading about the tools they were using.  After a lot of reading and even more testing, below you’ll find a list of the resources I currently use.

It may sound odd, but this page is very important to me, as I explained above.  I will never leave resources on here that I’m not currently using (or I will specifically point out I’m not using it if I’m in a testing phase, etc.), nor will I ever promote something I haven’t used.  With all that said, some of the links below are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you decide to purchase through those links.  When you first start out in Internet Marketing it can be very easy to buy tons of tools without knowing if you need them.  While I recommend and use everything listed below, if you are unsure please feel free to contact me before you purchase anything.

Hosting

Blue Host.  In my opinion by far the best hosting company.  Their 24 hour online support has been amazing.

InternetBS.  Cheapest place to purchase domain names with FREE Whois privacy.

WordPress

Pagelines.  This is the theme I’ve used for this blog, along with a couple other sites.  Highly customizable.

Catalyst.  This is my new “go to” theme for all my Amazon sites.  By far the easiest theme to customize with the most features.  Highly recommended if you’re looking for just one premium theme to learn.

Themeforest.  For around $30 you can usually find a theme that will require no customization on the back end, which saves a lot of time.  Though make sure you don’t get too addicted and start grabbing a new theme for every site.

Security and Backups

Backup Buddy.  If you’re comfortable managing your own backups this plugin is the way to go.  I currently use Code Garage on all my sites, but I also use Backup Buddy to run some manual malware scans and perform backups in addition to Code Garage.

Code Garage.  They have different pricing plans depending on the amount of sites you want monitored, but they run 2 basic services for your sites: backup and restore and hack scan.  The guys that run this service are top notch.  I currently have all my sites with them.

Email Subscriptions

Aweber.  The best email subscription service available.  Unbelievably easy to set up and use.

SEO Tools (Paid)

Long Tail Pro.  The only keyword research tool I use.  It was created by Spencer at Niche Pursuits.  Check out my review here.

The Best Spinner.  This tool makes spinning articles super easy.  I probably don’t use it to the fullest extent because I don’t spin a lot of content, but it is something I use at least a few times a week.

SocialAdr.  One of the best social bookmarking tools available.  Be sure to utilize the FREE version for a bit prior to deciding if you want to use the paid version.

IMTalk.  Another great place for social bookmarking, web directories, and more.  FREE and paid options.

Article Marketing Robot.  The cheapest and simplest article marketing tool available.  One of the only real “tools” I use.

SEO Tools (FREE)

SEOBOOK Toolbar.  I probably use this toolbar more than anything else.  It quickly shows things like site age, Page Rank, backlinks to page, etc.

SEO Quake Firefox Add-on.  Originally this was one of my favorite Firefox add-ons because it shows all the things that SEOBOOK Toolbar does, except it shows it for each search listing in Google.  However, if I’m checking competition I just use Long Tail Pro these days.

Google Adwords Keyword Tool.  Google’s personal keyword tool designed for those who are using Adwords, but accessible for everyone.

SerpIQ.  Curious if your analysis of competition is correct?  Use this tool to double check.  While this tool is under the “FREE” section, there is also a paid option which I don’t use.  However, I’ve heard amazing things about the paid option and some of the features seem pretty cool.  I may be checking this out in the future.

Communities

The Keyword Academy.  If you’re starting out in Internet Marketing you absolutely need to start here.  I’ve spent thousands of dollars on community memberships, private networks, SEO tools, etc.  And I can say hands down this is the most valuable investment you can make.  Not only do you get a great community and forum with tons of info, but you get a step by step walk through to setting up your first site(s), amazing weekly webinars, AND Post Runner (a private blog network).

Zen Duck Dave – The Pond.  Dave is doing awesome things with Zen Duck.  He recently created The Pond (a forum that costs $10/month and worth every penny).

Blog Networks

Build My Rank (BMR).  BMR has been one of the most popular blog networks over the past year, which I’ve used with a lot of success.  This should be your first choice for blog networks.

Post Runner.  This is the private blog network available if you decide to join The Keyword Academy.