Resources
Listed below are several resource links to various tools, services, books, videos, website etc., that have either enhanced my business in terms of helping me succeed as a small business owner or which profoundly affected my passion for woodworking, developing my woodworking skills and my life. In any case, I list these resources here, as perhaps such tools, services, videos and/or books may transform your life, your skills and your passion for woodworking as they have for me.
FULL DISCLOSURE
Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links to products that will earn me a commission. These are all things that I have experience with that I am recommending because they are helpful and are companies that I trust, not because of the commissions that I may earn from you using these products.
Regards,
Paul Rogers
Resource Links
Blogging
WordPress: The #1 Blog Publishing Platform. Free and easily customizable with wonderful support. All of my blogs use WordPress.
WordPress Plugins: Download any plugins, widgets, or customizable elements for your WordPress blog.
Hosting
IXwebhosting: All of my websites are hosted using IXwebhosting. Easy to use, 1-click automatic WordPress installation, and excellent customer service.
Network Solutions: Network Solutions is also a very good hosting company. I registered a few of my website domains using Network Solutions.
Product Distribution & Shopping Carts
e-Junkie: The shopping cart I use to sell my digital products. Its compatible with Paypal Standard, Paypal Pro, Google Checkout, and other payment providers. Works like a charm, very low price to use.
Paypal:I have been using Paypal for years. Very reliable service but you will need an account to configure with and accept payments from the above shopping carts
Email Subscriptions & Marketing
MailChimp: I use MailChimp to manage my community database. Further, use the tool to schedule and generate professional looking email campaigns. Great tool to build and maintain your tribe.
Testing Results
Google Analytics: free website tracking and analytical tool. A must have for anyone looking to analyze their website traffic.
Google Optimizer: This is another free tool from Google where you can test different webpages of the same content, only changing one or two things so you can see which one works/converts best. It is basically a website optimizer testing tool.
Books
Note: I have read each of the titles listed below, and strongly endorse such books as each has contributed to my growth as a woodworker, designer and business owner. Such books have profoundly affected my woodworking knowledge, skills and ability
David Charlesworth’s Furniture-Making Techniques(v.1) by David Charlesworth
David Charlesworth’s Furniture-Making Techniques(v.2) by David Charlesworth
David Charlesworth’s Furniture-Making Techniques: A Guide to Hand Tools and Methods by David Charlesworth
Magazines
Note: I have or currently do subscribe to the following magazines. I strongly endorse each magazine listed below. I have found each to be an essential guide over the years.
Fine Woodworking
Fine Homebuilding
Wood
Popular Woodworking
Woodsmith
Woodworkers Journal
For Capturing Video and Screencasts
Camtasia Studio: Camtasia is a great tool to create professional presentations with voice over audio. I use this tool to create my webinar products.
Captivate: Captivate is a great tool to create professional presentations with voice over audio. In addition, it is a great tool for producing e-learning products. I use a combination of both to create my webinar products.
Online Meetings, Webinars,&Events
GoToMeeting: This is a great product/service that allows me to connect with my clients, conduct interviews to include in future podcast episodes, and to establish a conference bridge to conduct my webinars.
GoToWebinar: This is another great tool that allows me to host webinars with up to 100+ attendees. Great software/service, but comes with a steep price tag.
EventBrite: This is another great tool that allows me to publish, promote, and manage online events (e.g. future webinars). This is a great support service to complement GoToWebinar.
