We recommend checking out the following tools for your business and personal life.
We value your business and are here to support you! Let us know if we can help you with any of these tools and resources!
CJ's Free Video Workshop : CJ's Lead Magnet Guide : CJ's Social Media Club : Ask a Web Geek : CJ's Book : Books : Erik's Big Book : Sales Training : Networking & Referrals : Computer Repair & Networking : Square Credit Card : Organize Your Time : Computer Back-Up : Virtual Private Network : Customer Relationship Management : Project Management : E-Mail Marketing : Text Marketing : Stickers & Promotional Items : Social Media : Podcasting : LIVE Streaming : YouTube Tools : Video Hosting : Audio, Photo, Video Editing : File Sharing, Dropbox : Photos & Stock Images : Design Templates : Website Accessibility : Webinar Platforms : Website Hosting : Website Alternatives
Make your website do more for your business!
Free Video Workshop: 5 Keys to Unlock the Profit Hidden in your Website with C. J. Gilbert
This free on-demand 7-pt video series will give you 5 Keys to Unlock the Mysteries of Your Website and Find its Hidden Profit!
Buckle up for a web-jungle tour that promises to reveal ways to improve your Search, Sales and Customer Service allowing you to Save Money, Save Time, and Serve your Clients Better, Faster & Easier!
Have you considered using a Lead Magnet?
Learn what a lead magnet is, why it is important to use one for your small business (both for your clients AND for yourself), and exactly how it works.
Then, explore our extensive list of ideas. Which ones are right for you?
Want to LEARN Social Media & need SUPPORT?
Social Media Jungle .Club
Grow your Small Business Social Media with our Fun Club!
Learn How to "DO" Social Media for your Business surrounded by a supportive community of other business owners taking action together.
You will learn exactly what to do, how to do it, and gain access to tools that help you to do more in less time!
Ask me anything about websites and marketing LIVE!
Ask a Web Geek with C. J. Gilbert
Ask a Web Geek is a weekly LIVE show in which CJ attempts to answer your every question about websites, marketing, online tools, technology and more!
Submit your questions anytime, and then tune in live every Weds at 9am PT / Noon ET to hear the answers and participate in the live call!
My book helps you improve your website AND your business!
Five Golden Keys to Sharpen Your Website by C. J. Gilbert
Begin to see your website as a powerful tool to tune-up each aspect of your business. == Refine your goals; Get more customers; Make more sales; Enhance customer service; Increase efficiency; Serve clients better, faster and easier; Make more money; Have more time.
Buy this 70-pg book at Amazon, and use it like a workbook to sharpen your business and your website!
I LOVE Books!
CJ's Top Recommended Books for Business & Fun
I LOVE to read! I've read so many incredible books that I just had to put together a resource page for you featuring all the amazing books I love and recommend that you check out! Extremely highly recommended.
FREE guide to help organize your crucial details...just in case!
The Big Book of Everything by Erik A. Dewey
In a nutshell, this is a notebook filled with all of the information anyone could possibly need to know about you. The idea is that in our lives we have countless things that we are involved in. On rare occasions, other people need this information and no one knows how to get it. That's where the Big Book comes in. By filling this out and keeping it current, you can simplify the effort others have to take on your behalf. Highly recommended.
Sales techniques useful in every area of your life and business!
The System: The Proven 3-Step Formula Anyone Can Learn to Get More Leads, Book More Appointments, and Make More Sales by Eric Lofholm
Contrary to the myth that you have to be a born salesman, selling is a step-by-step system that anyone can learn. In this book renowned sales trainer Eric Lofholm distills the secrets of sales success into a simple three-step formula that has been used by more than 10,000 students over the past fourteen years to get more leads, book more appointments, and make more sales. Highly recommended.
Business Referrals Groups in East County San Diego & Beyond
East County Referrals
Please use our Member Directory to find the local businesses and services that you need! The men and women business professionals of East County Referrals are here to assist you. If you do not see your own field of business represented, please join us!
(We have been a member of East County Referrals since 2006.)
Other Favorite Business Networking Groups
Networking and referrals are the main way that I have grown my website design company in San Diego since 2006!
There are a ton of local groups that you can become involved with!
Computer Repair & Networking (in San Diego)
Apcom Computer Consultants Inc
Dan Palmer
Atkinson Tech Help
John Atkinson
Accept Credit Card Payments by email & with your iPad or Smartphone!
Square
Get a free Credit Card Reader ... and get free Processing of first $1000!
This service is amazing. Highly recommended.
Organize your Time
Simpleology
Time: You can never get it back, but...!
This one-of-a-kind online training course will show you a unique organizational system that allows you to get a full day's work done in just 2 hours. Highly recommended.
Automatic Computer Back-Up
BackBlaze
Back Up Your Computer, Docs, Pictures, and Music
...before you wish you had!
We can't stress enough the importance of backing up your computer. This fantastic service is totally automatic and <$10/mo. Highly recommended.
Surf Safely and Securely
Feel secure in everything you do online
NordVPN makes your online data unreadable to others. Once connected, you’re free to enjoy the internet in complete privacy. Highly recommended.
Customer Relationship Management
Less Annoying CRM
A simple CRM built just for small businesses.
Thousands of small businesses use Less Annoying CRM to manage contacts, track leads, and stay on top of follow-ups.
WOW! Use our link to score an extended 60-Day FREE trial offer! Thanks, Alex!
Pinnacle Ai CRM
The perfect all-in-one system that acts as your sales & marketing team
Pinnacle Ai CRM helps you attract & close more customers. We give you all the tools you need to grow your business on autopilot.
Project Management
ClickUp
One app to replace them all.
All your work in one place: Tasks, docs, chat, goals, & more.
Trello
Trello lets you work more collaboratively and get more done.
Trello’s boards, lists, and cards enable you to organize and prioritize your projects in a fun, flexible, and rewarding way.
E-Mail Marketing
More than "just a newsletter," use email marketing to stay in touch with your customers and build your community.
Aweber
This is simply the best E-Mail Marketing Service there is.
They have developed relationships with all the email service providers to make sure your email is delivered! These providers know of Aweber's commitment to eliminate unwanted email. Let them protect you and your clients. Excellent service with high class technical support. Choose the best for your business!
Highly recommended.
Text Marketing
TextMagic
Interested in texting your clients?
Check out this "All-In-One Bulk SMS Service for Business"...
TextMagic is a business text-messaging service for sending notifications, alerts, reminders, confirmations and SMS marketing campaigns.
Stickers & Promotional Items
Sticker Mule
I've been having so much fun creating stickers and other cool promotional items through Sticker Mule! They made it super easy and affordable to start to get different kinds of promotional items for my podcast and youtube channel, Ask a Web Geek. (See Blog / Picture)
Check them out with my link and we'll both get a $10 credit!
Social Media
Buffer
This is what I use to pre-schedule my social media posts!
Social media can be the fastest and cheapest way to build your following and grow your business. But it can also take up all your time. Here are four ways Buffer can help...
Social Media Jungle Club
Grow your Small Business Social Media with our Fun Jungle Club! Learn How to "DO" Social Media for your Business surrounded by a supportive community of other business owners taking action together.
You will learn exactly what to do, how to do it, and gain access to tools that help you to do more in less time!
Podcasting
Libsyn
Get Your Podcast Started Today!
Sign up and reach new listeners on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all the other popular apps, get unlimited downloads, custom players and websites, easy design with Canva, social post creation, monetization options and so much more! Just select the plan that is right for you and in two taps, create an account!
Podbean
Record, publish and grow your podcast!
Get everything you need to create a successful podcast.
Podbean makes it easy.
LIVE Streaming
Be.Live
"Live Streaming Made Easy"
With Multi-Streaming, Custom Branding and Smart Comment Assistant Be.Live makes it easy to run professional live streams.
Streamyard
"The easiest way to create professional live streams"
StreamYard is a live streaming studio in your browser. Interview guests, brand your broadcast, and much more. Stream directly to Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and other platforms.
YouTube Tools & Analytics
YouTube Premium
Browse YouTube with NO ADS!
Sign up for YouTube Premium to watch and listen to your favorites uninterrupted by ads. Plus: Download videos and playlists on your mobile device to watch offline. Continue playing videos on your mobile device while using other apps or when your screen is off. Ad-free YouTube Music.
Tubebuddy
"Your best friend on the road to YouTube success."
TubeBuddy is a FREE browser extension and mobile app that integrates directly into YouTube to help you run your channel with ease.
Video Hosting
Vimeo
Make, manage, and share brilliant videos!
This is what I recommend my clients use when we are hosting private videos on their website -- either for marketing OR something like a member's page or educational course.
(See MY Profile HERE)
Audio, Video and Image Editing Software
AVS4YOU
Simple, affordable Audio, Video and Image Editing Software.
There is a free trial so you can take it for a test drive.
This was the perfect solution for me before I could afford the "big dogs" in the industry!
Highly Recommended.
File Sharing and Storage
DropBox
A very popular tool to Share and Bring your photos, docs and videos anywhere. Recommended.
Photography and Stock Images for your Websites & Advertising
iStockPhoto
Quality Photography and Stock Images for your Print and Website Advertising. Highly recommended.
Graphic Design and Presentation Templates
Envato Elements
Elements opens up a world of creative possibilities for all your design projects. Powered by a community of talented designers, our subscription puts great design in reach for everyone.
Website Accessibility
accessiBe
The #1 Web Accessibility Solution for WCAG & ADA Compliance!
Everyone should be able to enjoy your website, regardless of ability!.
By streamlining accessibility, accessiBe's solutions empower businesses of all sizes to take the inclusive approach and comply with ADA & WCAG.
Webinar Platforms
Webinar platforms give you greater control over the room and audience than a typical virtual meeting room. These two have some extra incredible features, depending which kind of webinar you're looking to set up:
WebinarJam
"The Most Powerful All-In-One Webinar Platform" - WebinarJam's cloud-based broadcasting technology allows you to reach up to 5000 people in one presentation without breaking a sweat (or breaking the bank).
EverWebinar
Deliver The Perfect Webinar Presentation Over And Over Without Ever Being Present - Automate your efforts and maximize your time with EverWebinar. Our unique scheduling system lets you select either a specific date and time in the calendar, or recurring schedules with flexible days and times of the week and time zones based on what works best for your audience.
Website Hosting
This is "where your website lives" on the internet.
We offer this as a service, and yet some may prefer their own self-managed account.
DreamHost
This is the host we use for all our clients at the "VPS" level.
There are many options out there and you want to make sure to choose a company that has been around a while, has reliable server performance and has easy to access technical support. I am very happy with this provider and have upgraded to their VPS service for myself and my clients. Highly recommended.
HostGator
Another good service provider.
If you want the cheapest option available... here you go. YMMV.
Website Alternative Solutions
Sometimes, you may not need your own full-blown, custom website. Depending your situation, you may consider one of these providers:
Shopify
Sell online with Shopify!
Shopify is an easy to use online store builder trusted by over 800,000 stores. Fully customizable store design with a secure shopping cart.
Start your 3-day free trial today and then get your first month for $1!
Thinkific
Turn your expertise into your own thriving business!
Design a beautiful and professional course website to upgrade your online business.
Set up your courses in no time flat. No coding required. Total control over your content, pricing, and data. #1 support team.
ClickFunnels
Quickly Create Beautiful Sales Funnels!
ClickFunnels allows YOU, the entrepreneur, to build funnels FAST with our one-stop funnel creation system. You can build high-converting funnels to generate leads, make sales, one-click upsells, webinars and more!
Kajabi
Create all kinds of content to showcase what you know best, including online courses, coaching programs, podcasts, memberships, and more!
Kajabi is an all-in-one platform that makes it easy to create online courses, launch marketing campaigns, build landing pages, and design the perfect website.
Kartra
Online Business Made Easy - All in One Place!
Kartra is not just a shopping-cart system, but an all-inclusive, email marketing, list building, web-hosting, business management platform designed just for marketers! It does all these things – and more – while connecting them all together in a single account for you to manage.
Real Estate Investing
Outperform Your Competition
Lead generation websites that rank high in search engines, increase conversion rates and drive 2.5x more profit per deal.
I just can't compete with what they have created for real estate investors. Why reinvent the wheel?
We value your business and are here to support you! Let us know if we can help you with any of the above tools and resources!
Questions? Contact Us!
