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The following product recommendations are based on discussions about your business direction. Please ask any questions you would like to clarify these recommendations.
First Things First...
The reason to choose good, solid products is that you are building a long-term business. Making sure
that the tool does the job, the companies that produce them are sound and their product support is solid
is key, since you'll be working with them for some time to come.
My assumption is that you have a solid and relatively current PC or Mac desktop of laptop. Much of this software
runs on your web server, but some items like recording software, headphones and microphones have certain
system requirements - most are met by even basic this-generation PCs and Macs.
There are 3 MUST HAVE things you need to start ANY Web Business...
+ a Domain Name
+ a Hosting Account
+ an Autoresponder
Here are my recommendations for these (just click any image to be taken to the page)...
Domain Names:
While I don't like some of Go Daddy's advertising choices, they are the premiere
Domain Registration company on the web - in fact, even if you THINK you're registering
with someone else, they are likely using Go Daddy to book your domain for you.
Hosting Account:
HostGator does a great job. If you just need one domain you can host with them for as little as $5.oo per month. For Unlimited Domains, Unlimited Bandwidth and a more secure/stable environment (which comes in the form of the FREE Private SSL & IP Address), the Business Plan is what you want - and it's only around $12.oo per month or less.
DON'T SKIMP! Having a stable hosting environment is important, and that's why I recommend the Business Plan.
Click this link, then on the site click VIEW HOSTING PLANS >
BUSINESS PLAN and choose the duration.
Autoresponder:
AWeber is a great AutoResponder - there are others, but AWeber
is excellent and offers good training and customer service, as well!
Patience, for your particular business efforts, I also recommend...
Elegant Themes for WordPress:
One of the best Theme groups I've run across is Elegant Themes. I particularly like the Divi Theme, which is both powerful and simple to use - it has a drag-and-drop interface. Best of all - you currently get all 87 Themes for just $69 yearly!
You can save money by choosing the lifetime option, but that's up to you. It's just $249 with no yearly fee.
Membership Site Software:
There are a number of good programs in this space, but I find that WishList is the best value. While it can be very powerful, the basic features most people need are relatively simple to learn and manage, and there it is a one-time purchase as opposed to a monthly fee. (there is a low-cost annual support fee, but that's it)
Audio Podcasting / Interview Recording and Distribution Software:
Before Audello, you generally had to purchase and learn at least 4 programs in order to do Podcasting and Skype recording. This one application does it all now, even uploading it to iTunes and other sites for you, and allowing you to create audio players on your WordPress site as well.
I do offer Audello hosting and support if you would rather not purchase the software yourself. Pricing for my services starts at $50 monthly.
On the Hardware Front...
Microphones / Headsets:
The least expensive one-purchase option for all purposes - on-screen recording, interviews or Skype calls, there is not a better headset for even triple the price than this Beyerdynamic. It has great audio and mic quality combined.
OPTIONAL - Microphones:
These are not a requirement. You may want to invest in one of these once you see a bit of success, because there is a significant difference in microphone quality.
I do use all of these companies in my business, and that's why I highly recommend them and have an affiliate relationship
with each of them. I can make additional recommendations, but, based on our discussions, these are the best of the best for
both features and value.