Tools I Use

Here are some of the tools I use in my writing, content marketing and SEO work. I'll keep this list updated if and when I change or adopt new ones. Have recommendations? Tweet me.

Disclaimer: I have affiliate relationships with some of the companies below. Any tool I've chosen to list here is one that I use myself and would recommend regardless. If you choose to signup via one of these links, I earn a commission at no cost to you.

Ghost Pro

Ghost is a great CMS that offers a free, open source self-hosted version and a hosted version called Ghost Pro. The text editor is simple and beautiful. If you're a fan of Markdown like me, you'll love Ghost.

Podia

Podia is an easy way to build online courses, run membership sites, sell digital downloads and send email newsletters. It's incredibly affordable, includes unlimited hosting and video uploads and doesn't charge any transaction fees.

Ahrefs

I'm in this tool every single day, analyzing my own site, the Animalz blog and customer sites. It's a must for anyone who works in content and/or SEO.

Asana

This is my favorite task manager. It's just easy. I recently realized there is a Chrome extension, which makes using Asana even more seamless.

Transistor

This is the best podcasting hosting and analytics tool I've come across. We use it for the Animalz podcast.

Sumo

Email forms, share buttons, smart bars, welcome mats, etc. Regardless of which email tool you use, this is the easiest way to get more subscribers.

Bear

I love, love, love writing in Bear. It's part note-taking app, part writing app. It's a better looking alternative to Apple Notes or Simplenote. There's a free version and a $15/year premium upgrade.

Airtable

I use Airtable as an editorial calendar, a CRM and a training log. It's the most flexible tool I've ever used—and one of the most fun too.

Zapier

Zapier is the invisible automation tool that makes almost every workflow simpler. Check out this getting started guide for some ideas.

Buffer

I use Buffer to schedule tweets. It's simple and effective.

Evernote

I use Evernote as an archive for tax documents, medical records, financial statements and so much more. I'm also a fan of the web clipper, which I use to gather content for my weekly newsletter.

aText

This text expander tool is $5 well spent. I use it to create keyboard shortcuts for all kinds of things that I have to type over and over again (like proposals and email follow-ups).

Clearbit Connect

This Gmail extension helps you find any email address.

Quip

I prefer Quip to Google Docs for writing and editing. There's no formatting, so it's easier to focus on writing.

Pocket

Pocket is my favorite tool for saving articles to read later. Their weekly newsletter is always full of good things to read as well.

Grammarly

This Chrome extension is a lifesaver. Until Twitter allows you to edit tweets, I will never uninstall this tool.

Soapbox

Soapbox is a Chrome extension that allows you to record your webcam and screen simultaneously, then share the videos with a link. It's great for sales, customer support and sharing tutorials with customers or employees.

News Feed Eradicator

Facebook is way less distracting without the news feed. This Chrome extension replaces the feed with an inspirational quote.

CleanMyMac

This desktop application keeps your Mac running smoothly by removing unnecessary junk from your computer with weekly scans.

Ecamm Call Recorder

I use this tool to record Skype calls, which is perfect for interviews. It's simple and reliable.

Dropbox

Dropbox is a great tool for many reasons, but I primarily use it to share screenshots.