Day 8: Tools of the Trade and Techie Stuff
Welcome to Day 8! So glad to see you today 
Today’s Learning Points
Our goal today is to cover:
- The tools of the trade in IMPACT marketing;
- Google Accounts for Online Marketing;
- and, what’s coming up.
Right Tools for the Job
Any craftsman will tell you, the right tools make all the difference in the world. This is certainly true when it comes to marketing your business online. Online, different tools may be right from some, while other tools are right for others. Moving forward in the program, we’ll cover tons of tools, resources and strategies. Some will be right for you and your business, some won’t. It’s important that you make that call for yourself. To make that easier for you, throughout we’re going to look at what the tools do, how they can save you time, and who they work best for 
Every tool online, has several alternatives. Some are free, some will cost you. We will focus on tools that are open-source (available to all) and free (or low-cost). We’ll also highlight the best paid alternatives, for those of you who are big ballers. In most cases, open-source and free tools are as good or better… again, your call on which you prefer.
Google Accounts for Online Marketing
Google has become a powerhouse when it comes to online productivity tools. If you plan to be successful online, you’ll need to become familiar with their tools and what’s coming up for them. Google is always ahead of the curve. We’ll frequently reference Google tools throughout the rest of this program, including:
- GMail – our preference for online marketing catchall (and used as login for all other accounts).
- Google Calendar – used to set up the IMPACT marketing calendar (and much more).
- Google Docs – used for surveys, document sharing, and more.
- Google Reader – used as your master monitor and information filter tool. You can also get really creative by integrating into social media.
There are many more tools provided by Google, frequent WebSuccessDiva readers will see them referenced often. For the purposes of this program, we’re going to focus on the above.
Note for my geeky friends: We will be covering additional Google tools, including Google Wave, Friend Connect, Video, and Labs later in the program
Google GMail
Why Google GMail Matters
- You’ll use GMail as your master account, to access all tools and services.
- Provides a scalable, catch all email for your online marketing efforts, separate from business email.
- Gmail integrates into all Google tools and comes in handy in your online marketing.
- You’ll be much more productive once you master it’s many features.
Google GMail Video Walk-Through
WebSuccessDiva prefers QuickTime, to view our videos you’ll need the free QuickTime player!
Google Calendar
Why Google Calendar Matters
Google Calendar a tremendous time management and collaboration tool, referenced often throughout this program. Our one-on-one clients use Google Calendar to manage their online marketing efforts consistently and purposeful.
- Google Calendar can be used to collaborate with colleagues and clients.
- Use Calendar to create a strategic action plan that helps you stay consistent in your online efforts.
- Calendar can be used as part of your online marketing efforts to promote events/news.
Google Calendar Video Walk-Through
WebSuccessDiva prefers QuickTime, to view our videos you’ll need the free QuickTime player!
Google Docs
Why Google Docs Matters
- Google Docs allows you to access documents (PDF, Document, Spreadsheet, Presentations) from anywhere in the world.
- Google Docs can be easily attached to Google Calendar and other Google services, for easy sharing and collaboration.
- We use Google Docs to access our IMPACT Marketing Action Guide, to work with Google Calendar in our daily online marketing activities.
Google Docs Video Walk-Through
WebSuccessDiva prefers QuickTime, to view our videos you’ll need the free QuickTime player!
Google Reader
Why Google Reader Matters
- Google Reader will be your online knowledge hub, for monitoring, tracking, and other online marketing activities.
- You can subscribe to any information that has a feed associated with it, including blogs, video, and more.
- Google Reader is a great way to manage your online reputation.
- Google Reader can integrate into Wordpress and various social media sites, for easy sharing.
Google Reader Video Walk-Through
WebSuccessDiva prefers QuickTime, to view our videos you’ll need the free QuickTime player!
How we use Google Reader
WebSuccessDiva prefers QuickTime, to view our videos you’ll need the free QuickTime player!
What’s coming ahead…
Day 9: Target Step 1 Setting Up to Listen
Day 10: Target Step 2 Tracking & Learning
Day 11: Target Getting Found with SEO
Day 12: Target Getting Found with Blogging
Day 13: Target Getting Found with Social Media
See you tomorrow!
Maria Reyes-McDavis
and WebSuccessDiva Team
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Thoughts on today’s resource? Leave a Comment!
About the Author...
Maria Reyes-McDavis is a colossal geek brainiac, certified genius IQ with university degrees in Finance, Economics, Business Management and an MBA. Maria has served over 300 pro-level, digital marketing clients as founder of online marketing firm Digital Peas & Carrots. Maria is Founder and Editor of Hyphenated Americans, a conservative politics blog and Proverbs 31 Project an online women's ministry. Most importantly, Maria is a wife to her king, mother of 3, lover of basketball (Go Lakers & Clippers!), classic cars and is currently training for professional women's roller derby!
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Hi Maria,
These are very informative videos. I've been using most of the Google tools like gmail for some time now but I have to say that I learned a lot from what you shared. I especially learned about Google Reader which I didn't fully understand you walked us through it.
This 30 Days 30 Ways program is awesome!
Thanks for providing this great educational resource.
Thank you! I appreciate the feedback
Maria, I am loving this series. Everything is so easy to understand and perfectly laid out. I love that you get it and explain everything so anyone can understand while at the same time not talking “down” – looking forward to the rest !
Thank Jane, I appreciate your feedback
Thank Jane, I appreciate your feedback