I’m quite analytical and certainly not a “shoot from the hip” guy when it come to making important business tool decisions.  But I’m sure this is a flawed list.  I’m also sure many will take issue with my choices.

My biases: I place high value on learning curve (shape and length), ease of use, intuitive character of the interfaces and, perhaps most of all, customer support and on-line help of the vendor. I almost never buy an important tool from a new or otherwise marginal vendor.

Web :  One and One Hosting.  www.1and1.com
I think I pay less than $20 monthly and host between 20 and 30 websites with them.

Domain Registrar: One and One Hosting. www.1and1.com
At this time I own about 600 domain urls and have about 70% registered with one and one. I think I pay about $7 per year per domain.

Accounting Software:  Quickbooks Pro www.quickbooks.intuit.com
Less than $150 (street price). Update it every couple of years.

Blogging Software:  Wordpress www.wordpress.com
This is being posted on my wordpress blog.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Coach: Jerrid Smith www.smithseo.com
Jerrid also owns and manages the country’s largest Injury Lawyer Directory www.InjuryGuide.com

SEO/SEM (Search Enging Optimization/Marketing) Reference Books I use very frequently.  Both are accessed on-line and are author updated very frequently:
Aaron Wall’s Search Engine Book www.seobook.com
Planet Ocean’s “The Unfair Advantage Book…”  www.PlanetOcean.com

Survey software:  www.Zoomerang.com www.SurveyMonkey.com
I’ve been successful with each of these.  Very easy to use.

Technical Training: www.Lynda.com
Learn the latest tools and techniques in digital media, design, and development. They now have over 400 on-line courses.  The ones I’ve completed have been excellent. About $25 monthly.

Directory software: www.eSyndicat.com
Very inexpensive, intuitive interfaces and reliable. Check out some of my directories using eSyndicat.:
http://floridaautoaccidentlawyers.org/
http://floridatruckaccidentlawyers.org/
http://floridabraininjurylawyers.org/
http://floridamotorcycleaccidentlawyers.org/
http://legalcentersusa.com
http://topinnsusa.com

Graphic design:  Whether you need logo design or web site design, you’ll do well to check out http://99designs.com/.  Basically, you’ll set up a contest, offer a monetary prize and get dozens of “entries”.  I’ve been very pleased. Generally, high quality graphic design from all parts of the world.

But accounting and finance may well be a mystery to you.  Your eyes may glaze over when you just start thinking about determining which type of accounting software to use. If you’re like most people, you lack an extensive background in accounting. So where do you begin? Fortunately, Today’s accounting software options offer great solutions—providing you with the tools and the information you need to keep your financial records accurate and current, while supporting you in making the most of your company’s cash flow.

You’ve probably already found that there are about as many accounting software packages as there are types and sizes of small businesses. So determining which ones best meet the needs of your firm can be a tricky undertaking.

Of course, you’ll want to consider the special needs of you and your firm and you’ll also want to be certain that whatever product you select is compatible with your CPA’s systems.

Unless you have a full time bookeeper, look for ease of use and intuitive interfaces for each of the most frequently modules e.g., accounts payable.

Which ones are “best”?  Of course, the answer is very situational. 

We’ve been using QUICKBOOKS PRO www.quickbooks.intuit.com/ for several years and are quite satisfied. You’ll pay less than $150 (street price). But this is an important decision for you.  Once you pick a program, you’ll be unlikely to switch soon to another. Compare several of the most popular programs. Two other popular programs you’ll want to look into are Peachtree Complete and MYOB Business Essentials.