We continually try, test, and use A LOT of different tools, resources, and vendors in our pursuit of “The Well-Oiled Machine” – These are the apps, services, tools, add-ons and plug-ins we use, at The API Guys.
Some of these links are affiliate links. If you click them and then buy the product, we may receive some small compensation. For that, we would be appreciative.
However, you should know, we only recommend products and providers we buy with our own money and use. If, at any point, we decide they suck or stop using them, we will take them off the list. The money isn’t meaningful enough to steer you wrong and risk our reputation. We promise.
If you want to know what keeps “The Well-Oiled Machine” running on a daily basis start here with the tools we can’t live without.
Infusionsoft – we help entrepreneurs build well-oiled machines so they can make more money and lead amazing lives. At the center of that well-oiled machine is Infusionsoft, because of its amazing automation. In the hands of an expert, it is like having business ninja super-powers.
We Keep Our Pipeline Filled with Lead Generation and Conversion Tools
Driftrock– Smart, simple Facebook advertising tools designed to help you reach your audience at the right time.
ClickFunnels – A simple to use click of the mouse lead generation tool that allows us to quickly and easily build Optin/Lead Capture Funnels, Full Sales and Order Funnels, Webinars and Auto Webinar Funnels, Membership Sites and Launch emails.
We Keep Communications Flowing with Collaboration, Project Management and Messaging Tools
Trello – Trello is a collaboration tool that organizes your projects into boards. Trello adapts to your project, team, and workflow. You’ll see everything about your project just by glancing at the board, and it all updates in real-time. Trello really keeps me and my team on track to completing tasks on time.
Slack – this real time messaging allows us to collaborate in an instant and what is super sweet slack integrates with TeamworkPM, Infusionsoft, Dropbox and Twitter just to name a few. Slack keeps communications organized and allows you to choose what communications you want to be part of. Slack is free with unlimited users.
Google Hangouts – When we added Google Hangouts as our tool of choice for team meetings it was unanimous that this was by far the best way for us to connect and collaborate. The sound quality and connection is great. We really felt like we were all meeting in the same room. here.
We Keep Our Website User Friendly with WordPress and WordPress Plug-ins
WordPress – this is the only CMS system we work with. It powers a huge percentage of the web and has evolved from a simple CMS to a complete platform that can run even the most complex businesses.
Gravity Forms – Gravity Forms is one of my top five, must-have, take with you if you are stranded on a desert island WordPress plugins. It is the Swiss Army Knife of WordPress.
SumoMe For WordPress Plug-in – This free plug-in collects emails without being annoying. List Builder only asks for an email address at the optimal time, when a visitor is about to leave. Remember to submit your email address before you leave our site, you don’t want to miss out on all the great info we continually share.
We Have Cool Graphics Because We Use Ready Made Graphics and Design Teams
www.99designs.com – if you need customized graphics check out 99 designs. You can get up to 30 designs for as little as $9.96 per design with full copyright ownership.
Swiftly -get access to over 2,00 free templates across categories such as social media creative, business cards, party invitations and more. The templates are available for free download you can get them customize for $19.
We Get More Done in Less Time with Virtual Assistants & Consultants
Fancy Hands – If someone else can do a task, as well as you, at a lower hourly rate, you are losing money by not delegating it. I delegate a wide range of administrative tasks to Fancy Hands. I think it works out to about $7/hour.
International Virtual Assistants Association – A non-profit organization dedicated to the professional education and development of members of the Virtual Assistance profession. Use their RFP system to secure the services of member virtual assistants.
oDesk – find a consultant for your short term project on oDesk you can find talented developers, designers, writers, marketers, support reps and admins.
We Avoid Email Overload with Add-Ons
Boomerang for Gmail – Remember the time when that important email slipped through the cracks and cost you a ton of cash, now you can prevent it from ever happening to you again when you use the Boomerang reminder feature. The scheduling feature is great way to follow up with others when you are away from the office.
We Know Where to Find the Best Deals on Software and Tech Gadgets
App Sumo – A lot of people ask me about the various tools I use on my webinars. One of the sources I discovered recently for really great information and good deals on software is AppSumo. Not everything is great and not everything is great for me. But I get their emails and have so far bought 12 times for prices that were killer. Similar to Mighty Deals, but more geared toward entrepreneurs.
Mighty Deals – I have picked up some amazing deals off of Mighty Deals. I would say I probably purchase something about once a month. The most recent one I bought was ProductShotPro, regularly $199, for $37. But in addition to purchasing at great prices, by checking out the daily deals, I find websites and resources I never knew existed.