Tools

Indispensable Tools and Applications for Startups. Yes, we have used most of them!

>>If you offer a tool or application that startups might find useful, or know of one that startups might like, please add it using the form below.<<

AngelList
List your startup, network with angel investors. Also a good place to see what other startups are in your space, going after the same market.

Balsamiq
Create wireframes and prototype mockups of your web or mobile application.

Basecamp, Mantis and Pivotal Tracker
Low cost project management and bug tracking applications.

CrunchBase
Free database of technology companies, people, and investors. Good place to see if a company is already doing what you are thinking of doing. Good place to learn where investors are placing their bets and which ones might be interested in your deal. See who has invested in your competitors.

DropBox
Backup and share files with others on the go.

Evernote
Make notes, sync between your computer, phone and tablet. Collaborate with co-founders.

FireBug
Web development tool, integrates with Firefox. Edit, debug, and monitor CSS, HTML, and JavaScript live in any web page.

Fiverr.com
Hire people for $5 to answer your questions, perform small tasks. Also see MechanicalTurk.

FiveSecondTest.com
Get instant feedback on your product and website designs. Optimize your landing pages and calls to action.

FounderDating
Search for a potential co-founder; review profiles of available people; attend matchmaking events.

Google Analytics
A must-have tool for websites.

GoogleApps
Online office suite including word processing, spreadsheets, mail and calendar.

Google Developers
Developer tools, API’s and technologies.

Google Webmaster Tools
Optimize your website.

Go2Web20
Does your application idea already exist?

iStockPhoto and 123RF.com
Royalty free stock photography, images and clip art.

KickStarter
Raise money for creative projects or to develop your app.

Klout
Monitor your reputation and those of your company and products.

LaunchRock
Set up a pre-launch sign up page for your app or website; gauge user interest and encourage viral sharing to get the word out on your product.

LinkedIn
Network with potential employees, partners, and investors. Learn about the companies in your space.

MailChimp
Build and manage an email list of customers and supporters. Send emails to opt-in list.

MechanticalTurk – Amazon
Conduct market research. Survey your target audience. Mobilize workers to complete small tasks for your startup. Also see Fiverr.com.

NameFind
NameFind is the first collaborative, one-stop business name generator that lets you search domain names, investigate and buy the best brand name for your business or product.

Nolo
Forms and templates for trademarks, provisional patents, and other common tasks.

ReTargeter and Google AdWords
Ad platforms for driving traffic to your website. Create launch ad campaigns with banner ads and pay-per-click text ads.

Screencast-O-Matic.com
Capture screen shots of your app; record an online demo.

SEOmoz
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and diagnostic app.

Skitch and Snag It
Annotate, edit and share your screen shots with Skitch. Capture screen shots with Snag It. Tech Smith also offers a video production app, but it is quite pricey for most startups.

Startup Genome
Score your readiness and likeliness of success. Track your progress as you develop and grow your startup.

SurveyMonkey.com
Survey your prospective customers on needs, wants, price sensitivity, desired features, etc.

TweetChat
Monitor and chat about a topic; increase your presence on Twitter.

Webpage Test
Test your website’s performance.

Wufoo Form Builder
Great app for creating and managing forms on your website or blog.

Misc Tools
from IdeaSpotter

Tools Submission

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• Brief Description of Tool *

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