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Today I'm sharing with you the tools I use for digital marketing.
You'll learn what I use to build websites, make videos and get traffic to my site.
As an added bonus, I'll also share with you the gear I use to make YouTube videos ... since a lot of people seem to be interested in that as well.
Two quick points before we get started ...
Tools I use to build websites:
Every website I've built since 2007, whether it be for myself or a client, has been built on the WordPress platform — currently used by over 800 million websites.
However, WordPress by itself is just a content management system. To make WordPress look and function like a website, you're going to need to use a theme.
In addition to a theme, if you want to create modern, professional-looking web pages without having to code everything manually (like we had to in the olden days), you're going to need a page builder.
Over the years, I've tried tons of different WordPress themes and page builders. What I currently use is something called Thrive Suite from a company called Thrive Themes. They're an excellent company and I've used their stuff since 2015.
Next, the place I get high-quality royalty-free stock images for use on websites and other digital media is BigStockPhoto.com.
For online appointment scheduling for clients and prospective clients, I use a scheduling app from a company called EngageWare (formerly known as TimeTrade). It automatically syncs to my Google calendar so I can see all my appointments, and it also sends out automated email reminders to reduce no-shows.
For website hosting, I've used HostGator since 2010. They're reliable, affordable, and provide great support.
Expensive web hosting = Page 1 of Google ???
Sometimes you hear experts say you need expensive web hosting if you want to rank well on Google because they claim page loading speed is a ranking factor.
Unfortunately, I have to call BS on this claim because the data just doesn't support it. I rank well on page 1 of Google for many competitive search terms and I don't use expensive website hosting.
In addition, search engine expert, Brian Dean, in his article, "We analyzed 11.8 million Google search results and here's what we learned" found no correlation between page loading speed and page 1 rankings on Google. So there's that.
For everyday graphic design and editing, I use an online tool called Canva.
For tracking website statistics, you might've seen in a previous video I use a service called Clicky. I also have Google Analytics installed on my site, but ever since they switched over to their new Google Analytics 4 system on July 1st, 2023, I just haven't used it that much ... but it is installed on my site and collecting data.
Lastly, at the heart of every great website is excellent copywriting. One copywriting tool I use is ChatGPT. I started using it in early 2023 mainly just to see what all the fuss was about, and I have to say it's helped tremendously. First, for brainstorming ideas. But second, for rewriting sentences or paragraphs when you're stuck and can't figure out the best way to say what you want to say.
Another copywriting tool I use is Rev.com, which is an automated transcription service that converts audio to text. (If you're interested, here's a video where I show you step-by-step exactly how I use rev.com to create top-notch written content.)
Tools I use for video and audio production:
I use two tools to record and edit all my video. Both tools are from a company called TechSmith.
The first video tool is called SnagIt. I use SnagIt nearly every day to record quick tutorial videos or answer questions for clients or prospective clients. I've used SnagIt since 2012.
The other video tool I use when I need to create videos with a higher production value that include animations or special effects is Camtasia, which I've used since 2008.
However, creating a video is only half the battle. In order to share your video, you need a place to host your video.
Unfortunately, there's no one size fits all when it comes to video hosting. I use three different video hosts depending on the situation.
Next, audio creation. If I ever need to create an audio-only soundtrack (like for a podcast or something), no additional recording software is needed, I can just record an audio-only track using Camtasia.
So with Camtasia, it's two for the price of one because it allows me to record audio or video.
There is one standalone piece of audio software I use called Audacity. It's free , open-source software that's been around forever. What I use Audacity for is cleaning up audio, specifically noise reduction for removing hisses and hums from things like air conditioners or other electrical interference.
The gear I use for making videos:
The microphone I use is the Rode PodMic. However, the Rode PodMic is an XLR microphone, so you're going to need an interface to get that audio signal into your computer. The interface I use is the Motu M2.
The camera I use is the Sony ZV-E10. However, like the Rode PodMic, you'll need an interface to get the high-def video signal from your camera into your computer. To do that, I use the Elgato Cam Link 4K capture card.
And don't forget lighting. To get nice-looking video, you must have good lighting. On my desk are two Elgato Key Light Airs — one about 45 degrees to my left and another about 45 degrees to my right.
The tools I use to get traffic to my website:
A lot of my website traffic comes from the Google search results.
Anyone that knows anything about search engine optimization knows that in-depth research is where the magic happens. The tool I use to do my SEO research is SEMrush.
To do email marketing, the email service provider I've used since 2007 is AWeber.
The two paid advertising platforms I use are Facebook ads (now known as Meta ads) and Google Ads.
Why Facebook and Google? For the same reason Willie Sutton robbed banks, that's where the money is. Or in my case, Facebook and Google are where the people are. For most small to medium-sized businesses, Facebook and Google should be able to provide you with all the website traffic you'd ever need.
Conclusion
You now know the digital tools I use to build websites, make videos, and drive traffic to my site. Hopefully I've plug some "technology gaps" and maybe shortened your research — or if nothing else, I've satisfied your curiosity.
