Resources
Excellent tools, resources, and recommendations.
Technology Resources
Circa Consulting's FreshBooks Login Page – Use this link to securely view and pay your invoice, create a trouble ticket, or keep track of your project.
Google Analytics – A very important tool for analyzing your website traffic. Very easy to use and free!
Google Webmaster Tools – Make sure Google's search engine is seeing your website the way it should. Use these tools to optimize your search visibility.
W3C Markup Validation Service – Make sure your website's code is accurate for the standard used. This tool validates the HTML and XHTML code on your website.
W3C CSS Validation Service – This tool validates the CSS code on your website.
Getty Images – An excellent resource for photos and videos for your website.
iStockPhoto – Another awesome resource for photos, videos, and illustrations. These tend to be less expensive than Getty.
Open Source Web Design – A great free source for website designs. Search this site to get ideas for your own website (find what you do and don't like) or if you find the perfect design you can use it as a template.
HTML codes – A full list of HTML names and numbers for proper coding.
The How-To Geek – Windows and Linux how-tos and some nifty tips and tricks.
Recommendations
I use the following software and services and highly recommend them.
Notepad ++ – This is the program that I use to code XHTML, CSS, Javascript, and just about everything else.
The GNU Image Manipulation Program – A great free graphic manipulation program.
Visual Color Picker – An easy to use color picker that allows you to see how colors will look together on a website. It also lets you pick colors from existing programs and websites.
ClipMate – A very powerful tool that allows you to do more than you ever thought possible with your clipboard. So much easier than basic copy and paste!
Vista Print – Excellent resource for do-it-yourself business cards, brochures, stationary, and more. You can create a logo and even download all the graphic and PDF files for it. Very handy and cost effective. They're always having a sale!
Seattle Green Cleaner – Greater Seattle's premier green cleaning company. First hand experience they are the best!
Barefoot Phoenix – Visit Barefoot Phoenix for reflexology, tarot readings, and spiritual journeys. An Afternoon With Your Soul is pure bliss!
FreshBooks – Need to invoice clients? This is an amazing online tool. You can send invoices via e-mail and allow your clients to securely pay their bill, even using PayPal. It allows for time tracking, trouble tickets, document sharing, and expense tracking in addition to a full service invoicing system. Use this link to sign up.
