Apps & Tools

47 apps and tools Cody McLain uses and recommends, across 9 categories: Analytics, Chrome, Focus, Free Stock, Marketing, Operations, Outsourcing, Productivity, Social Tools.

Analytics

• BuzzSumo — Social media analytics and curation tool for content marketers. Searches the web for content based on search queries.
• iSpionage — Advanced keyword research tool for numerous keyword management and competitive analysis features.
• Clicky — The best way to monitor, analyze, and react to your blog or web site's traffic in real time.
• Serpstat — All-in-one SEO platform for Keyword Research, Competitor Analysis, Site Audit, Backlink Analysis.
• Yoast — Most comprehensive search engine optimization software for WordPress.
• SpyFu — Industry-leading competitive keyword research tool.

Chrome

• Grammarly — Free grammar checker instantly eliminates grammatical errors and enhances your writing.
• Go Fucking Work — Blocks distracting websites and insults you when you're slacking off.
• Honey — Browser extension that automatically finds and applies coupon codes at checkout.
• Evernote Web Clipper — Save things you see on the web into your Evernote account.
• Toby Mini — Organize your browser tabs and access them quickly anywhere.
• LastPass — Award-winning password manager with secure access from every device.
• Liner — Highlight and save your favorite quotes and articles.
• uBlock Origin — Efficient blocker: easy on memory and CPU, enforces thousands of filters.
• Momentum — Replace new tab page with a personal dashboard featuring to-do, weather, and inspiration.

Focus

• Morning Routine — A daily habit timer and tracker found only in the App Store.
• Mixmax — Send engaging emails with instant scheduling, free unlimited email tracking, polls and surveys.
• Todoist — The best online task management app and to do list.
• Meetingbird — View your calendar and schedule meetings instantly, right from Gmail.
• Droplr — Make sharing screenshots, screencasts, and other files seamless.
• Focus Booster — More than just a timer, it records your sessions and tracks productivity.
• SaneBox — AI that organizes your inbox so you can focus on what matters.
• Inbox When Ready — Hides your Gmail inbox by default so you can compose without distraction.
• Pocket — The best way to save articles, videos, and view them later.

Free Stock

• All The Free Stock — Get all the Free Stock Images, Videos, Music and Icons in one location.
• Pexels — Best free stock photos in one place.

Marketing

• Sumo — Free tools to grow your WordPress site including email list, sharing, and analytics.
• Outgrow — Interactive content studio that helps generate traffic through calculators and quizzes.
• Pitchbox — Influencer outreach program to find bloggers, reviewers, and experts in your niche.
• JustReachOut — Pitch journalists and press daily without the help of PR firms.
• Unless — Let your web pages show targeted content to different visitor segments.

Operations

• Gusto — Best Payroll software for your small business.
• Notion — A unified and collaborative workspace that blends your everyday work apps into one.
• Airtable — Works like a spreadsheet but gives you the power of a database.
• Hubdoc — Automatically gathers your key financial documents in one place.

Outsourcing

• Fiverr — World's largest freelance services marketplace for lean entrepreneurs.
• Growth Geeks — Online marketplace for high quality, vetted marketing services.
• Smart Shoot — Connects people and companies to photography and video production professionals.
• People Per Hour — Online platform giving businesses access to thousands of skilled freelance experts.
• 99designs — World's largest graphic design marketplace.
• Scripted — Hire writers to cover your blog and social media marketing.

Productivity

• Focus@Will — Combines neuroscience + music to boost productivity and tune out distractions!
• Scribe Writing — Helps experts turn their ideas into incredible books.

Social Tools

• Buffer — Simpler way to schedule posts, track performance, and manage all your accounts in one place.
• Sniply — Adds your custom call-to-action to any page on the web.
• Sprout Social — Social media management tool to grow your social media presence.
• Grum — Automated Instagram web app for scheduling posts.