Here are some recommended tools that I personally use and find beneficial. I believe they could be useful to you as well. These tools can assist you with writing, editing, publishing, marketing, reading, or resolving various issues on your phone, computer, or website. I intend to expand this list with more valuable tools as I discover and test them.
Many of these tools have contributed to my personal and professional development. I recognize that I am a product of both nature and nurture. Through the use of these tools, I have shaped my own growth. You can do the same! Try them out and share your experiences with me. Take care!
Related: Technology Ultimate Guide
Reading Tools
At the top of my list of recommended tools is the Kindle eBook Reader for Android. This tool enables you to read eBooks in Kindle format. You can download it from Amazon for your device.
I must admit that reading has been a beneficial habit for me to learn and practice. It has played a part in making me who I am today. However, I recognize that not everyone has a passion for reading, nor should they. We are all different for a reason. But if you’re reading this, then you are indeed a reader!
Now, you can enjoy eBooks on your phone, or opt for print books and read them each month. You’re going to enjoy it!
READ THE BIBLE IN: Nuer, Dinka, Bari, Juba Arabic, Shilluk, Maban, Anuak, and Lotuho.
Writing Tools
ProWritingAid: Your Author’s Toolkit
ProWritingAid, often abbreviated as PWA, is more than just a spellchecker – it’s a comprehensive toolbox for writers of all kinds, especially helpful for independent authors (indie authors). PWA can guide you through the entire writing process, from crafting your story to polishing it for publication.
Think of writing as the next step after reading. Just like you learned to decipher the written word, you can now learn to put your own thoughts and stories onto the page. Whether you’re composing emails, crafting witty text messages, or sharing your ideas on blog posts and social media, you’re already engaging in the art of writing.
Publishing a book isn’t the sole defining factor of being a writer. ProWritingAid is a valuable tool for anyone who wants to elevate their writing, and it’s not limited to novelists. I use it myself for emails, blog posts like this one, social media content, and anything else I write.
Publishing Tools
Take Control of Your Book with Kindle Direct Publishing
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is more than just a publishing platform – it empowers you to be the author in charge. This tool streamlines the entire self-publishing process, from design and formatting to uploading, publishing, and even marketing your book. With KDP, you can bring your book to life in both digital and print formats.
Ready to share your story with the world? If you’ve honed your writing skills and have a book manuscript ready, KDP is a fantastic option for bringing it to life. It’s a great way to take control of your publishing journey and potentially earn royalties on your work. This user-friendly platform allows you to publish your book(s) today and start reaching readers.
As a writer myself, I’m a big fan of KDP – it makes self-publishing accessible and efficient.
System Care Tools
Advanced SystemCare: Your PC’s All-in-One Optimizer
Advanced SystemCare, often referred to as IObit ASC, is a comprehensive suite of tools designed to keep your PC running smoothly and securely. Available for Windows, Mac, and even mobile devices, Advanced SystemCare offers a variety of features to optimize your system’s performance.
This powerful software can help you:
- Clean Out Junk Files: Eliminate unnecessary clutter like temporary files, leftover software remnants, and browsing history to free up valuable disk space.
- Remove Unwanted Applications: Easily uninstall programs you no longer need, ensuring they don’t continue to consume resources in the background.
- Boost Security: While the free version offers basic cleaning and optimization tools, upgrading to a paid version can provide additional security features like malware removal.
For Windows users, Advanced SystemCare is a strong contender for keeping your PC running at its best. It’s a user-friendly option with a free version to try, and the paid versions unlock more advanced features that can be a worthwhile investment for comprehensive system care.
Data Recovery Potential: While not explicitly advertised for all versions, some Advanced SystemCare packages may include a data recovery tool. It’s always best to check the specific features of the version you’re considering.
Email Marketing Tools
MailerLite: Streamlined Email Marketing for Everyone
Feeling overwhelmed by the number of email marketing tools out there? Look no further than MailerLite! I’ve been a loyal MailerLite user since 2016, and for good reason. Here’s why I highly recommend it:
- User-Friendly Platform: MailerLite boasts a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for beginners and experienced users alike to navigate its features.
- Generous Free Plan: Get started with professional email marketing for free! MailerLite’s free plan allows you to build an audience of up to 1,000 subscribers and send 12,000 emails per month. That’s a fantastic option to test the waters and see if it fits your needs. (Full disclosure: this is not an affiliate link, so I won’t receive any commission if you sign up for the free plan.)
- Powerful Features: Even the free plan offers a solid foundation for email marketing campaigns. You can create beautiful emails with drag-and-drop editing tools, segment your audience for targeted messaging, and track your results with detailed analytics.
- Scalable Solution: As your email list grows and your needs evolve, MailerLite offers affordable paid plans that unlock advanced features like automation, landing pages, and priority support.
In my experience, the free tier has been sufficient for my needs so far. However, with my list nearing capacity, I’m seriously considering upgrading to take advantage of the advanced features offered in the paid plans.
MailerLite is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to launch or streamline their email marketing efforts. Try it out for yourself and see why it’s become my go-to platform!
Web Hosting Tools
Build Your Dream Website with Bluehost
Bluehost has quickly become my favorite web hosting provider, and for several compelling reasons:
- Top-Notch Customer Support: When it comes to customer service, Bluehost stands out from the crowd. Their knowledgeable representatives are available 24/7 to answer your questions and assist you with any technical hurdles you encounter.
- All-in-One Convenience: Streamline your website management by keeping everything under one roof. Bluehost offers not only reliable hosting services but also domain registration. This eliminates the need to juggle multiple providers for different aspects of your website.
- Empowering Control: Taking ownership of your website is essential. Bluehost empowers you to do just that. You’ll have the freedom to manage your website and domain all in one place, giving you the control you deserve.
Ready to build your professional website? (While I can’t include affiliate links, I can still encourage the reader to sign up.) Bluehost offers a user-friendly platform and excellent customer support, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced web developers alike. Check out their website today and take the first step towards creating your online presence!
Online Learning Tools
Unlock Your Learning Potential with Alison.com
Alison.com is a game-changer for modern learners! While traditional classroom settings aren’t for everyone, self-paced learning platforms like Alison.com can be an amazing fit for many.
Here’s why Alison.com might be perfect for you:
- Self-Directed Learning: Take charge of your education! Alison.com offers a vast library of courses on a wide range of topics, allowing you to explore subjects that interest you at your own pace.
- Free Learning: The majority of courses on Alison.com are completely free, making it an accessible and budget-friendly option for anyone looking to expand their knowledge.
Is self-learning a good fit for you? (While I can’t include affiliate links, I can still provide some guidance.)
Self-directed learning requires discipline and motivation. If you enjoy taking control of your learning journey and can manage your time effectively, then Alison.com could be a fantastic resource.
Not sure if self-learning is right for you? That’s okay too! There’s no single “best” way to learn. Alison.com is a great option for those who thrive in self-paced environments, but traditional classroom settings or online learning with more instructor interaction might be a better fit for others.
Ready to explore Alison.com? Head over to their website and discover a world of learning possibilities! You can find courses on anything from business and technology to personal development and creative skills.
Global Payment Tools
Payoneer is a popular option for online payments, but it’s important to research different services to find the best fit for your needs. Here are some factors to consider:
- Fees: Consider transaction fees, currency conversion rates, and any monthly or annual charges.
- Supported Features: See if the service offers features important to you, such as international payments, invoicing tools, or prepaid debit cards.
- Ease of Use: Evaluate how user-friendly the platform is for sending and receiving payments.
Here are some specific details about Payoneer that you might find helpful:
- Payoneer offers international payment solutions for freelancers, businesses, and marketplaces.
- They support various currencies and offer a prepaid debit card.
If you’re living in Africa or Asia and publish books through Amazon KDP, investigate if Payoneer is compatible with their payout options. There might be other services that work well too, so be sure to compare your options.