Useful Resources
Internet + Browser
Refresh your cache
By default your browser caches as much web page content as possible including images, stylesheets and other elements such as javascript files. The next time those resources are requested your browser can quickly access them from the cache rather than downloading them again however there are occasions when bypassing the cache is preferred. Step by step instructions to clear your cache are available at www.refreshyourcache.com
What browser
Find out what browser you are using with whatsmybrowser.org
Update your browser
Running an out of date browser is insecure, frankly dangerous and deprives you of the best browsing experience. You can find out more and update for free at browsehappy.com
Check your website availability globally
Check if your website is down for everyone or just you, simply enter your web address at Check Website Availability to find out.
Verify email address
This tool will connect to the mail server and verify if the mailbox actually exists: verify-email.org
Social Media Marketing
Ultimate guide to a perfect LinkedIn profile
Optimise your LinkedIn Profile for success with these hints and tips from respected author Mike Alton from thesocialmediahat.com: www.thesocialmediahat.com/article/ultimate-guide-perfect-linkedin-profile
The Google+ university
If you've ever wondered what Google+ is all about all the answers have been neatly collated by Mike Alton. Explore over 40 articles in categories including Growing Your Business with Google+ and Google authorship in his aptly named Google+ University post. Whether you're just starting with Google+ or already working to an advanced level there are articles and resources that will surely interest you. check it out at https://plus.google.com/u/0/+MikeAllton/posts/PdjyayM5sid
Copywriting
Essential guide to creating a stunning reading experience
Dustin W. Stout reveals the 3 key aspects to creating a stunning reading experience for your readers that gives your content the presentation it deserves and your readers an experience they will love.
Images
Resize images
Image Resizer for Windows is a free tool that lets you resize one or more image files by right clicking files in Windows Explorer. It is especially useful to reduce the file size of images so they take less time to upload to your website or social media channels. http://imageresizer.codeplex.com/
Edit images
Canva is a free online tool that makes design simple. Create designs for Web such as blog graphics, Facebook covers etc. https://www.canva.com/
Pixlr Editor is a free online tool built to allow non-professionals to create and edit images for use on websites, blogs or social media http://pixlr.com/editor/
Free stock photos
Update: less than a week after these links were added The Stocks comes along with even more sources of free stock photos all packaged up into a nice interface. Check it out at thestocks.im
Including appropriate images in blog and social media posts has been shown to increase the number of times an article is read and shared. Here are 15 sources of images that are free to use for personal and commercial purposes.
- Pixabay - Find and share outstanding free images
- Twenty20 Stock - Authenticity matters. Use real-world stock photos to tell your brand's story.
- Kaboompics - Kaboompics is the best way to get Free Photos for personal and commercial usage.
- Gratisography - Free high-resolution pictures you can use on your personal and commercial projects
- Pexels - Best Free Photos In One Place.
- Raumrot - handpicked- stockphotos for your commercial and personal works
- Morguefile - Looking for high resolution stock photos for your illustration, comp or design needs? Search morgueFile for free reference images. Yes, they're all completely free
- Unsplash - Free (do whatever you want) hi-resolution photos
- picjumbo.com - totally free photos for your commercial & personal works
- Splitshire - Free of restrictions – do as you wish
- Life Of Pix - Curated collection of free stock images
- deography.com - Images from Dylan O’Donnell that are used far by artists, musicians, academics, companies and even NASA. Check out the International Space Station passing the moon above Austrailia.
- stocksnap.io - Hundreds of high resolution images added weekly
- negativespace.co - Free stock photos added every week. All photos released under CC0 - no copyright restrictions.
- focusfitness.net - Free fitness, weight loss and food photos.
Want more free photos? Check out The Badass List of Free Stock Photos, Sites with High Quality Photos You Can Use for Free, 39 sites with stock photos you can use for free and Free Stock Photography Resources by @RonaldsVilcins.
Other useful photo related websites
- Pixsy - find and fight image theft
Fonts
Font Squirrel
High quality fonts that are free to use for commercial work. Hand picked and sorted into over 30 categories to make it easy to find one to suit your project www.fontsquirrel.com