These are 3 simple and easy (2 are free) website tools that your website designer doesn’t want you to know about.
I’ve been building websites for 12 years and I know for a fact that website designers, in general, don’t want to give you free advice. Of course, we do around here at Anchored Design. I want you to know what we know and give you every chance to be successful.
Interested in learning how these 3 simple tools can help you, help yourself and your website? Plus, you’ll be saving money and learning how to manage your website easier on your own.
I have narrowed down my list to 3; which means they MUST be good, right?
Let’s dive in.
3 Simple Tools for Bloggers and Small Business Websites:
If they’re not on your site, I would HIGHLY suggest you stop everything and implement today.
#1: FREE! Google Analytics Should be on Every Website
“Okay Google…” has become a household phenomenon. So, why don’t most website and blog owners ask Google for help with their websites? These tools are FREE. They are free to install, free to use and the majority of our brand new clients didn’t even know this was a thing.
Google Analytics is a FREE web analytics service offered by Google that tracks and reports website traffic and is currently a part of their Google Marketing Platform brand. If you are a blogger and wanting to sign up with an ad company, or you’re interested in being a brand ambassador — without a second thought, you should be going through the following steps to activate analytics on your website or blog today.
Everyone is going to ask about them. Might as well give them what they want. Oh, did I mention IT’S FREE 
.
What’s a Google Analytics UA Code?
A Google Analytics UA code is created when you set up a free Google Analytics account. Every account has a specific UA code and it must be created and then added to your website in order to begin tracking.
7 EASY Steps to Create a Google Analytics UA Code for WordPress:
“Thanks Google… you are saving the day to every website owner out there.”
Step #1: Sign in to Google Analytics.
If you don’t have an account, create a new one. Oh, did I mentioned that they are free?
Step #2: Click Admin
Step #3: Select Where You Want to Set up the Property
In the ACCOUNT column, use the menu to select the account to which you want to add the property. If you have a lot of accounts, use the search box to help you find the right one.
Step # 4. Create the New Property
In the PROPERTY column, select +Create Property from the menu.
If you don’t have Edit permission on the account, you won’t see the +Create Property option. Check that you’ve selected the correct account in the ACCOUNT column. Then, select Website or Mobile app. In this case, select Website.
Step #5: Enter the Website or App Name.
If you plan on tracking more than one app in your account, use a very specific and descriptive name that includes the edition or version number. This will help you keep your app properties organized.
Step #6: Enter the Web Site URL and Industry Category and Reporting Time Zone
You cannot create a property if your URL isn’t formatted correctly. Then, when you select an industry category, you can use goal templates designed for your industry. Select the Reporting Time Zone. This will be used as the day boundary for your reports, regardless of where the data originates.
Step #7: Click Get Tracking ID.
Your property is created after you click this button, but you must set up the tracking code to collect data.
How to Install the UA Code on WordPress:
If you’re not familiar with using HTML code for your site, we highly recommend this Google Analytics for WordPress plugin – great instructions for installation can be found here.
#2: Inexpensive but Powerful Email Management Tool
Until December 2019, I have been promoting the heck out of Mailchimp, because it’s what we used exclusively for 10 years. It’s the only referral we made to clients setting up a list or updating their tools. Well, we no longer are proud MailChimp clients. We made the switch the FLODESK and couldn’t be happier. Let me tell you why.
Reasons We Switched from MailChimp to Flodesk
Unlimited Subscribers – 1 Monthly Fee
Unlike competitors, Flodesk doesn’t penalize you for growing your list. Whether you’re looking to start a small newsletter or build an email marketing empire, you pay the same monthly price
Lots of Creative Freedom
For the first time ever in email marketing, you can use custom fonts and image collages. Yes please! I like my marketing on-brand
Click and Drag Email Builder
Want to look like you have an entire marketing team crafting and coding your every email? Look no further! Flodesk puts the power of a professional designer in your pocket. Their click and drag email builder makes it easier than ever to create beautifully branded emails (no coding required).
Free Templates Designed by Flodesk to Convert
To get you started, Flodesk has a library of gorgeous templates to help you welcome, nur-ture, and convert subscribers into customers. Built in partner-ship with other successful entrepreneurs, each template is designed to help you up your email game. Oh, and customizing them is simple. A few clicks and the templates transform to match your brand’s unique look and feel.
Flodesk has Tracking Analytics and Tools
They have developed tools as our client’s have needed them — we feel like we have grown alongside them. Like we’re besties… they just don’t know it!
What if I told you that creating email newsletters could be as easily as posting to social media? Don’t believe me. Prepare to be mind blown.
Oh, and use our exclusive code “50percent” to save 50% off the monthly rate. But, do it now – we were told that it’s a limited time offering, so hurry up and sign up at Flodesk.
#3: NOW FREE! Genesis Framework for WordPress
The Genesis Framework is the crème de la crème of the WordPress industry. This framework alone makes an incredible impact on Google search SEO and after 12 years in the website design industry, it’s the ONLY tool I recommend for boosting SEO on your website.
Just trust me.
Okay, fine. Just repeat after me instead:
“The Genesis Framework is the only tool I need to boost my SEO.”
3 Reasons Why We Trust the Genesis Framework
#1: Lightweight and Built for SEO
The built-in SEO for this framework is considered lightweight which means that your site will load faster which means, the site speed factor for Google will be happier.
#2: SEO Built into Every Page and Post
If you’re not familiar with how important SEO is, then you must learn first about the important of SEO. Then come back.
Every single PAGE and every single POST has customizable SEO functionality built into the framework.
#3: Incredible Genesis Community
The Genesis Framework community is small but mighty – well, in comparison to the percentage of people using with loads of documentation and support. And since we’re being honest around here – the only thing I suggest using from Genesis is the framework and the customizable child theme. Using block editor, you can set yourself up for success.
If you have any questions about themes, installation or set-up, we can help.
So, there you have it — 3 invaluable tools that your website or blog must have!
