54 Must-Read Resources for Computer Consultants

Often times, computer consultants will contact us here at SP Home Run looking for advice on different SaaS products, websites for tracking analytics, and our “must-read” favorites.

We’ve put together the following list of 54 of our favorite resources to help you in different facets of your business.

1. Google Analytics – Gives you the full picture of your customer across your ads, websites, and social tools.               

2. Google Analytics URL Builder – Track your URLs to gain helpful information on your customers and prospects.               

3. Salesforce – Most well-known for its CRM (customer relationship management) software, the SaaS provider is also involved in cloud platforms and applications.        

4. Zoho CRM – Another CRM software solution, free for up to three users.  Also provides a suite of tools for productivity and collaboration. 

5. Microsoft Dynamics CRM – Helps your sales, marketing, and customer care teams work together to deliver a personal experience for each customer or prospect.      

6. Toastmasters International - A non-profit organization that helps members improve their communication, public speaking and leadership skills.     

7. CreateSpace – An Amazon company that helps people publish and distribute books, music, and films.   

8. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion [Paperback] Robert B. Cialdini – A classic book on persuasion, explains why people say yes and how to become a skilled persuader.    

9. Google+ Local (formerly Google Places for Business) – Helps users find and share local places. Includes user reviews and other detailed insights.       

10. Yahoo! Local – A directory for your local area plus business reviews.

11. Bing Business Portal – A Bing portal which allows local businesses to add a directory listing for their business.

12. Google Keyword Planner – Enter a keyword or phrase to find related word searches.

13. Wordtracker Free Keyword Tool - A tool to help you find high performing keywords.

14. The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business is Selling Less of More [Hardcover] Chris Anderson – The book discusses how the niche market will rework our common popular culture.

15. SearchEngineWatch.com – This website will guide you through search engine marketing and optimization.

16. SearchEngineLand.com - Discusses search engines such as Google and Yahoo and provides news and information on search engine marketing.

17. InboundMarketing.com - Inbound marketing training from the HubSpot Academy.

18. SEOBook.com – SEO training from Aaron Wall offering marketing tips, search analysis, and online business tips.

19. Moz.com – SEO software and marketing analytics tools.

20. Google Analytics YouTube Channel – A place to find all videos related to Google Analytics.

21. Google Analytics Official Blog – The official blog for Google Analytics, offering tips, tricks, and news.

22. Avinash Kaushik Blog – Digital marketing evangelist for Google and author of two books on web analytics.

23. PR Newswire – A news distribution service that helps connect you with your target audience around the globe.

24. PRWeb - A press release distribution service that helps you create online visibility and drive online traffic.

25. PR.com - A comprehensive directory of businesses, jobs, products, services, press releases, news and articles across all industries. 

26. Google News – Up to date news coverage from sources all over the world.

27. Yahoo! News – Latest news and headlines.

28. PR LEADS – Helps authors, experts, and speakers get publicity at an affordable price.

29. Help A Reporter – Free publicity that connects news sources and journalists.

30. Yearbook of Experts – Helps connect experts in many different industries with the news media.

31. Google AdWords – Advertise on Google to boost website traffic.

32. Microsoft Advertising – Search and display advertising solutions for small businesses and large advertisers and agencies.

33. Whale Hunting: How to Land Big Sales and Transform Your Company [Hardcover] Tom Searcy, Barbara Weaver Smith – A book that teaches a nine-phase model for finding and landing large sales accounts to transform your business.

34. Tested Advertising Methods (Prentice Hall Business Classics) [Paperback] John Caples – Candid analysis and award-winning ideas from a legend in advertising.

35. Ogilvy on Advertising [Paperback] David Ogilvy – A primer on all aspects of advertising.

36. Google Analytics Content Experiments (formerly Google Website Optimizer WSO) – Allows you to test landing pages to improve upon your goals.

37. UBM Channel – A provider of IT channel focused events, media, research, consulting, and sales and marketing services.

38. Forrester Research – Provides research and analysis on technology companies, products, and services.

39. Gartner - Delivers technology research to global technology business leaders.

40. IDC – Researches information technology companies and markets.

41. Business Solutions Magazine – A magazine for those in the IT channel (VARs, MSPs, ISVs).

42. Channel Pro SMB – A website with IT reviews, news and insights.

43. Channel Insider - News, information, and business intelligence for IT solution providers, VARs, MSPs, SaaS providers, and resellers.

44. CIO Insight – Research, best practices, statistics, and analytics for corporate technology executives.

45. CRN – News source for solution providers and the IT channel.

46. CRN Australia – Provides technology and channel news in Australia.

47. CRN UK - News, conferences, and resources for the UK technology channel.

48. CRN India – News and articles on information technology, including product reviews for computer resellers in India.

49. Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine – For Windows IT Professionals and those seeking or holding Microsoft certifications.

50. Redmond Channel Partner – An independent advocate to help make Microsoft partners more successful.

51. SMB Nation – An events and media company for SMB IT Professionals, VARs, MSPs, and the SMB channel community.

52. Microsoft Project – An online solution for project management from Microsoft.

53. Basecamp – A leading web-based project management and collaboration tool from 37signals.

54. Zoho Projects – A free online project management tool.

So what’s number 55? Do you have a favorite resource that’s not on our list? Leave your feedback in the Comments section below.

Do you need more new clients for your IT consulting, PC repair, MSP, or cloud business?

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Creative Commons Image Source: flickr Ben Sutherland