Looking for tried and true products for your business? Here are my recommended resources for small businesses. These are products I have used and recommend. They are easy to use and work well.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click the link on this page and make a purchase, I’ll earn a commission — at no additional cost to you. Read my full disclosures here.
Recommended Resources
Need a particular service? Click the link and go straight to that area. Or browse the entire list to learn about a variety of services.
Domain Name Registrar
Namecheap.com
Do you need a domain name for your site? You’ll need to purchase your domain name from a Domain Name Registrar. You can register a domain name through most web hosts, and many even offer the first year for free. However, I prefer to keep my Domain Name Registration and my Web Hosting separate.
There have been instances of Web Hosts holding your Domain Name ‘hostage’ when you try to change to a new Web Host. Although that is not likely to happen with reputable Web Hosts, I prefer to err on the side of caution.
I use, and recommend, Namecheap as my Domain Name Registrar. They are priced competitively, and offer “Who Is” protection for FREE.
What is “Who Is”, and why do you need protection? You can easily look up who owns a domain name by going to icann.org.
You don’t want your name, address and personal information available for others to see. If it is visible, you will get lots of junk email.
To avoid this, you will need Who Is protection. Again, this protection is FREE through Namecheap. I have seen other registrars charge $85 for two years of Who Is protection. Don’t get gouged!
Forms Plug-In
WPForms
This easy to use plugin lets you easily set up custom forms to help customers contact you, collect email addresses and more. The paid version helps you to integrate your form with email management systems, including Mail Chimp, AWeber and Constant Contact. You can also set up multi-page forms, enable spam protection, allow uploads and process payments.
Click here to learn more about WPForms and get started!
Security
VPN (Virtual Private Network): NameCheap
Do you like to work in a coffee shop, library or other public location? It is incredibly easy for hackers to ‘eavesdrop’ on your internet activity while you use public wifi.
Any easy solution is to use a VPN, or Virtual Private Network. A VPN is an app you add to your computer or phone. When turned on, it encrypts everything transmitted from you. You become ‘invisible’ to hackers. While using a VPN, you can also access websites and streaming services that are blocked in your location. A boon to people trying to watch a home game that has a media blackout.
My VPN of choice is Namecheap. For a couple of bucks a month, I can use public wifi with out worrying about security. Click here to save up to 68% on Namecheap VPN!
Website Security: WordFence
Your website is a tempting target for hackers and other ‘baddies’. You need to protect your website. WordFence is a security plugin, or mini program, for WordPress. It includes a firewall and malware scanner. You can start with a free version, and consider upgrading to the paid version as your site grows. The paid version provides ‘real-time’ updates to the malware scanning and premium service. Best of all, if your site is compromised, WordFence can help you clean it up. Click here to get started with WordFence.
Themes
Astra Pro
I think Astra is the perfect theme for someone who is new to themes and websites. It is easy to use, runs smoothly, and there is a lot of support available.
Astra is a really lightweight theme that works exceptionally well with Elementor. A lightweight theme has very efficient code — which makes your website load faster. And faster is always better, when it comes to your website.
Astra also comes with a number of free templates built with Elementor. It is REALLY easy to adapt one to your business. Just replace the images with your own and add your content.
Astra also offers a paid version, called Astra Pro. The Pro version gives you even more pre-made Elementor website templates. Not only that, but you get a lot more control over colors, widgets and more. Astra has tremendous capabilities, and will allow you to grow your site along with your business.
Web Hosting
WordPress.com: The ‘hold my hand’ option
For an all-in-one solution, I recommend WordPress.com. With WordPress.com, all of your hosting and maintenance can be handled in one place. This is an affordable choice, and is a good option if you want to avoid dealing with technology.
Although you can start with a free account, your domain will include ‘wordpress.com’ in it. (For example, sitename.wordpress.com) This does not look professional. If you upgrade to a paid account, you can use a ‘normal’ domain.
The best option for most small businesses is the ‘Business’ plan. For $25/month you get web hosting, access to all themes and plugins in the WordPress library, ongoing maintenance, backups, security and updates. Plus live help. If you have an online store, choose the $45/month ‘eCommerce’ option.
SiteGround: The DIY Option
If you are comfortable with technology, you can easily implement your website on your own. In order to install WordPress on your own, you’ll need to get a domain name and a web host.
There are a lot of web hosts out there. But beware, there are many things to be wary of. Many offer low, introductory ‘teaser’ rates – but the renewal is high. Some are notorious for having technical problems. Still others lack customer support.
A consistently well regarded web host is Site Ground. Your website will be FAST and secure. SiteGround has outstanding support and detailed tutorials to help you get started. Their rates are fair and reasonable. But most importantly, their solid hosting services will support the growth of your business well into the future.
Site Builder Plugin
Elementor Pro
Elementor is a very powerful plugin that lets you easily build professional looking websites. The best part is, you don’t even need to know how to code.
With Elementor, you can change colors, fonts, add buttons, headers and footers, and more! Great way to customize your site to meet your needs.
You can check out the free version of Elementor to get started. For more powerful options, and a bank of pre-made templates, choose the paid version. Click here to get started with Elementor Pro.