Yes!
We actually use most of these tools and services. You might notice a focus on free versions and opensource (also free). We are a big fan of opensource solutions! After all, WordPress which runs on Linux servers, well that’s all open source, too. Here’s our current top pics for goodies, tools, services, etc. (updated 05/01/2022)
Free WordPress Plugins
WordFence
Firewall and malware scanner for WordPress.
Akismet
The gold standard for front line spam control.
Classic Editor
Hate the new Gutenburg Editor? Use this plugin to get rid of it and go back to the original editor.
Drift
Easy, free instant messenger for your wordpress website.
Monster Insights
Displays more user-friendly graphs of your Google Analytics right in your website dashboard! Let’s face it, GA is not very user-friendly and this plugin helps.
Really Simple SSL
Got mixed content errors on your site after switching on https? This plugin takes care of it!
Yoast SEO
The best tool for managing on-page SEO including a great meta-tag title and description writing feature that coaches you through the proper length and format.
GT Translate
Simple plugin that uses Google translate to display your website in different languages.
WordPress Framework/Themes
WordPress Genesis
This is the free, opensource framework we use as a foundation for all of our professional websites.
Web Hosting
GreenGeeks
After decades trying all kinds of hosting providers we have been so happy with GreenGeeks, especially their amazing support. We’ve never been so happy with any previous hosting solutions and have been using GreenGeeks exclusively for the past 5 years. GreenGeeks is also a 300% carbon neutral hosting company. *
Vacation Rental Booking and Payment Solutions
OwnerRez
Our recommended solution for start-ups and VR businesses with 1-10 properties. OwnerRez is easy to use, economical and they have great documentation and support.*
Hostfully
We recommend Hostfully for more experienced owner/managers who wish to use dynamic pricing and a rich suite of management tools. Hostfully is great for any number of properties but we definitely recommend for managers with more than 20 properties.
Vacation Rental Industry Resources
VRMB
Helpful articles and tips from industry leader, Matt Landau.
VRMB Community
Matt Landau’s private forum for vacation rental owners, managers and industry vendors.
Vacation Rental Software Guy
Terry Whyte is an industry consultant who helps vacation rental owners and managers choose property management solutions.
Image Optimization & Manipulation
Gimp-GNU Image Manipulation
FREE opensource tool for Mac, Windows & Linux
ImageOptim
Opensource image optimization software for Mac & Windows.
PhotoShop Elements
Easy to use image editing and manipulation software. Good support and video tutorials.
Newsletters
MailChimp
Free and paid versions (free works for up to 10,000 emails a month!) Marketing, Automation & Email Platform
Video Editing
ShotCut
Free, opensource, cross-platform video editing software.
Font Libraries
DaFont
Free fonts for PRINT projects, some great, some not so great but this is my go-to for specialty fonts for specific projects.
Open Foundry
Free, opensource fonts for PRINT.
Web Safe Fonts
Choose from these when deciding what text and headers you want for your website.
Google Fonts
A large repository of opensource WEB ONLY fonts. Choose fonts for your website and have your web developer install them in the stylesheets or use a plugin to embed them yourself.
Word Processing/Spreadsheets
Apache OpenOffice
Free, opensource, cross-platform productivity suite.
Printing/Publishing
Scribus
Free, opensource, cross-platform desktop publishing solution
Inkscape
Free, opensource, cross-platform scalable vector graphics editor (for creating logos, signage, etc.) It’s an alternative to Adobe Illustrator.
Moo
High quality short runs for business cards, post cards, greeting cards, flyers and stickers. The benefit with Moo is that they use a technology called “Printfinity” so you can actually have a different image on the back of every piece for no additional cost. This is especially awesome for photographers, designers, artists, etc.
Vista Print
This company used to be among those I avoided like the plague but they have improved immensely. Of course, your results may vary depending upon the quality and resolution of your digital art. Get the help of a pro for the best results.
Stock Photography
iStock Photo
Stock photo prices start around $12 each.
ShutterStock
One month/10 images free introductory (no commitment) special.
Adobe Images
One month/10 images free introductory (no commitment) special.
Mobile App Builder
Siberian CMS
Free, opensource, cross-platform mobile app builder if you want to build one app that can be published on both the Apple Store AND Google Play, which are the big gatekeepers. You will need some web development skills to use this effectively but when you are done you will OWN your app, outright and if you monetize it there will be no subscription site fingers in your pie!
Reverse Image Search
TinEye.com
Find out where images originated with this handy tool.
Color Palettes
Color Hunt
Dozens and dozens of amazing color palettes for websites and screen applications. Come here for inspiration.
Website Tools
Google Mobile Friendly Test
Test your website to see if it meets Google’s requirements for being mobile responsive. If not your search rankings could be heavily effected.
*Disclosure: RedSpiralHand is proud to be an affiliate for GreenGeeks and OwnerRez. While we generate a small amount of revenue from signups using our links but rest assured, we only recommend solutions that we feel are the best and both companies are simply the best we’ve ever used in their respective categories.
