Any search engine professional will tell you – to succeed, you need the right tools. Tools to evaluate keywords, tools to gauge your competition, tools to get backlinks.

Without the right tools, even the best SEO professionals in the world won’t be able to get very far.

What are the most important tools you should know about? Here are some of the most important tools for Google search engine optimization.

1. Backlink Checking Tools

Backlink checking tools allow you to figure out exactly how strong your competition is for any given keyword before you begin a campaign.

It also allows you to reverse engineer strategies that are already working for other people in your industry. If you can figure out what’s already working and do it even better than your competitors, you have a very good chance of success.

Two great backlink checking tools are Open Site Explorer and Majestic SEO. Both of these tools have free versions that give you quite a bit of data, along with a paid version with even more data.

You can also use Yahoo Site Explorer and Bing Webmaster Tools to check backlinks; though both of these tools have serious drawbacks.

2. Submission Tools

If you’re doing mass backlinks using a social bookmarking website or article marketing, you’re going to want to have a few programs that do it for you.

For example, if you’re regularly submitting content to social bookmarking websites, you’ll probably want to use a tool like Bookmarking Demon or Ping.fm. These tools will submit new content to a wide array of social media websites all at the click of a button for you.

If you’re doing article submissions, you’ll either want to use a submission program like Article Submitter or use a service like iSnare.

3. Market Research Tools

There are several market research tools on the market that offer stellar keyword research and niche research capabilities.

For one, Google’s own Google Keyword Tool is still the best tool out there for raw traffic data. If you’re just trying to figure out how much traffic certain search terms get, it’s one of the fastest and easiest places to get data.

Another tool that’s been taking off rapidly is Market Samurai. In addition to search volume, Market Samurai will also evaluate the competitiveness of each keyword you type in and give you a rough gauge of how much you can expect to earn in that market if you successfully rank.

How Much of SEO Is in the Tools?

Though not having the right tools can prevent you from succeeding, having the right tools doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll succeed.

You need to use the tools in the right way to get the results you’re looking for. If you want to get ranked, tools can help you get there faster, but they can’t do the bulk of the real work for you.

Life is mobile and so is business. If you are a busy entrepreneur, whether in the real world, cyberspace or both, you need a way to stay connected with your business from any point on the globe. Stay current with apps for your Smartphone.

An entrepreneur these days needs to be able to move. That means having the tools that they need to conduct their business with them at all times. If you are a business owner, then you need a Smartphone that allows you access to what you need in order to grow your business even when you are not in the office or at your computer.

Take your pick. Everyone has their favorite line of Smartphones, but you can choose the one that offers the memory, ease of use and speed that you desire. And, with the large market of applications available today, most are available to more than one line of phones.

So let’s explore the essential apps that you will need if you want to perform as many functions as possible while staying mobile.

Essential Apps for Your Smartphone

* Square – This app is free to use. It allows you to process credit card payments right from your phone. You don’t have to wait until you get to the office and your PC to do this anymore. Use the card reader to accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.

* Evernote – They say that elephants never forget and neither does this app. Whenever you have an idea, capture it in picture, voice recording or words with this virtual memo system. With cloud computing, updates to your Evernote lists are synced across all of your electronic devices. This app is free to download.

* LinkedIn – This is by far the most popular social networking site for professionals. Just like with Facebook or Twitter, keep abreast of what fellow peers are doing using this app. Network, share information and update your profile – all from your phone. This app is free to download.

* Google Docs – Want to share information quickly with your team? You can update and send files back and forth with this application. Also, Google offers other cloud computing apps that allow you to talk with clients, invoice customers and create sync information across your devices and Google calendars. This app is free.

* Documents to Go – There is a cost for this app but it is well worth the payment. You can create MS Word documents, Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint files – all from your Smartphone. Files can be transferred to your desktop also. Send completed files to clients quickly from any location. Now you don’t have to wait until you get back to the office.

* Dropbox or SugarSync – Now you can share files between computers and your phone with your team and clients. This app, which is free, allows you to make your information available to whoever needs it, when they need it.

As a business owner, it is important to have tools that make your business as mobile as you sometimes are. The apps above are examples of some of the more essential Smartphone tools.

In order for your business to grow, you need to expand your customer base. That means finding new clients to buy your products or services. But, what methods will help you attract the most people?

Most business owners don’t want to rest on their laurels. Even if they are making profits, they can always make more. Unless everyone in the world is using their product, then they still have work to do. If this is your philosophy, then keep reading to find out how to hook your next big account.

How to Attract A New Client

First, perform some background work. The best presentations begin before you have even put pen to paper. How can you create an effective presentation without knowing who your potential clients are and what they need?

So, find out all that you can about your clients. Any information can be helpful to building a convincing sales pitch. Analyze your customers from all sides to see where you can get a foothold.

Ask questions. What do potential clients want from you? For an online business, set up questionnaires or ask these questions in blog posts and wait for feedback. If you can talk to the potential client before pitching to them, then do so. One, it shows interest in their needs and it also means you are doing your due diligence.

Create a presentation that has your client’s need at heart. It is easy to pitch a product and forget all about the client. But, if you want them to actively listen to you, then you need to integrate them into the equation from the word go.

Here’s an example. If your client is sensitive about animal rights, then don’t give them the hard line kind of presentation. Show that your product is sensitive as well by demonstrating that no animal testing was used in the making of your product. Small things like that can make all the difference to your client.

Command the room when you make a presentation. Arrive early and set up your projector, slideshow or PowerPoint. Now you know that everything works and can just about guarantee that there won’t be any glitches. Also, arrange the furniture so that all eyes focus on you without anyone having to turn or crane their necks.

Choose the optimal time for your presentation. If you have been offered the spot right before lunch or quitting time, reschedule when you can have an early morning slot. The client will be more alert and focused on what you have to say.

Offer practical examples in your presentation. This means tell a story that relates to your product and the ability of said product to meet this client’s needs. A lot of technical jargon won’t convince them to buy. Everyone tries that approach. Make yours stand out.

Are you in need of new clients? Learn how to capture and keep their attention until the deal is closed.

Credibility is one of the rarest yet most powerful commodities online. If you have credibility, you’ll be able to get people on email lists, get joint venture partners and get others to buy with ease. Without credibility, nobody will give you their credit card.

So how do you go about establishing your online credibility? You can do so in a few easy steps.

1) Come Up with Your Story

You need to have a compelling “where I came from” story.

Have you ever noticed how just about every product ever invented has a story? Weight loss products tell the story of someone who was perpetually overweight finally losing the fat. Real estate gurus talk about how they went from rags to riches.

Stories are compelling. Figure out an attention-catching, respect-inspiring story to base your online identity around.

2) What Results Have You Personally Gotten?

Don’t be afraid to share the results that you’ve personally gotten.

If you’re giving advice about how to make money, share exactly how you are making money. If you’re giving advice about losing weight, share your exact measurements.

People want to be able to relate to you. They want to be able to feel that you’re one of them, you know what they’re going through, and that if you can do it so can they.

3) Proof Elements on Your Page

You should have several proof elements readily visible on your web page.

For example, if you’ve appeared on radio stations, put the logos of the radio stations on your page under “as seen on.”

If you have before and after photos, put those on your page as well.

The idea is to give people bite-sized chunks of credibility. They might not even consciously look at it, but just having them there makes a difference.

4) Credibility in the First Impression

The first impression is very important. Though you can’t tell your whole story in the first impression, it’s important that you have one or two proof elements here.

Have a before and after picture above the fold. Or have a killer testimonials prominently displayed on the front page. Or have your most spectacular achievement showcased upfront.

5) Get Social Proof

Social proof is one of the most powerful ways of building credibility. Why? Because it doesn’t come from you.

Social proof means that other people who have no financial gain from endorsing you like your product enough to go out of their way to help you. It sends a strong message.

Social proof includes comments on blog posts, testimonials on other people’s blogs or word of mouth endorsements from friend to friend.

These are a few of the most powerful ways to establish your credibility online. In the beginning, this process takes quite a bit of thought, as you have to plan out your story and discover your proof elements. Once you’ve got it down, however, your proof elements will keep working for you again and again, without you having to do much work.

Seth Godin: The marketing guru and author talks about the new year, the ‘forever recession’, and how you can join the race to the top, instead of settling for the bottom.

Online and off, competition is fierce. Consumers are holding onto their money more carefully. In order to thrive in this highly competitive market it’s important to pay attention to your competition.

What’s Your Shtick?

A shtick is a Yiddish word that means your gimmick or unique talent. In the business world they call this your USP, Unique Selling Proposition. Essentially, what makes you different from your competition? What do you have to offer that they don’t? For example, a freelance writer might differentiate themselves by delivering any article or blog post project in 24 hours – the 24-Hour Article Service.

Narrow Your Focus

Trying to be all things to all people does one thing – it increases your competition. Specializing, on the other hand, narrows your competition. It also helps you become the best at what you do. For example, instead of offering information products on how to care for your pet, you might specialize in how to care for your aging dog. Or how to care for your aging Pomeranian. Specialization can virtually eliminate your competition.

Become Invaluable

Offer products, information, and resources that make you invaluable to your audience. When planning your business, ask yourself this single question – what can I do to offer more value to my audience? Of course, you have to know your audience well to answer this question.

Be Memorable

You cannot be boring in this competitive market and survive. Now that doesn’t mean you have to be over the top either. Instead, be yourself. Capture the interest of your audience and customers by sharing your personality with them in your content, interactions, and even in your products or services.

Pay Attention to Your Customers

Chances are you already have some very valuable information regarding what your customers respond to. Take a look at what they buy, when they buy, what emails they open and what links they click. This information will help you hone in on how to offer value and how to be memorable. It may also help you specialize.

Build a Community

Connect with your audience and customers on a regular basis. Invite them to get involved through a number of means. For example, invite them to connect with you on Facebook. Ask questions and invite comments.

Repeat Successes

Pay attention to what works for you and repeat it. For example, if you find that checklists are downloaded more than free reports you know that your audience enjoys checklists. If they buy more during the summer than in the winter then offer them more during the summer.

Staying ahead of your competition doesn’t just mean following their actions online and reacting to them. Instead, create a plan to be proactive. Differentiate yourself and focus on your customer. That’s how you’ll survive and thrive long term.

With so many small business owners operating online, credibility is important. Credibility helps separate you from your competition. It also helps your business appear larger to your prospects and customers. Credulity gives your customers confidence in you. This confidence and trust results in purchases and profits.

So how do you create this instant credibility? How do you demonstrate to your clients that you can be trusted?

Professional Policies and Procedures

One of the best ways to establish trust and credibility with your prospects instantly is to make sure you represent your company in a professional and credible manner. The simplest way to accomplish this is to publish your policies and procedures on your website. Make sure the page is easy to find and that it covers all the information someone would want to know. For example, what is your privacy policy? What is your return policy? Do you have a guarantee?

Transparency is a key credibility builder. Consider also including an FAQ page on your site. It may cover much of the same material that your policies and procedures page covers, but that’s okay.

Large Networking Presence

More than 400 million people are on Facebook right now. It’s important to have a presence on mainstream social networking sites. It’s also important to integrate your activity and social networking presence on your website. For example, include links to your social networking profile on your site. Allow people to share and follow you.

Social networking is a credibility builder because it’s a personal way to connect with your company. Again, it goes back to transparency and availability. If you’re open and easy to connect with online, it builds trust.

Additionally, if you’re connecting with other notable experts on social networking sites your prospects will notice that. You’ll earn credibility by association.

Great Content

Finally, great content is essential to building credibility. You want to make sure your content positions you as a knowledgeable expert in your industry. You can publish content on your website or blog. You can also publish content on your social networking site.

Each article, blog post, or web page will ideally offer value to your reader. When you offer value, you help build a foundation of trust with your readers. They begin to learn from you and about you. This helps them feel like you’re a company they can count on to continue to solve their problems.

In addition to publishing great content, it’s also helpful to publish content frequently – and on other websites. For example, if you are able to publish content on your site and contribute to other relevant blogs as a guest blogger it helps establish your credibility. If other business owners are turning to you for great content, then you must be an expert!

Building instant credibility isn’t difficult but it does take a plan. Represent your business in a professional manner. Make sure to be completely transparent and to publish content that offers value.

It takes trial and error to develop an effective marketing strategy for your online business. It is wise to consider different types of marketing tools when coming up with a combination that works. Have you considered StumbleUpon?

What is StumbleUpon?

You may see it listed with other social bookmarking sites but it differs slightly. You use StumbleUpon by signing up and then downloading their toolbar. When you sign up, you will be asked a few questions about your interests – what types of sites and articles you want to see when you search.

Then, plug in keywords that pertain to your site. Your results are targeted to those keywords and the information that you provided when you signed up. Now you can begin viewing content on similar sites and rating it. StumbleUpon is a voting site as well. Positive ratings are represented by a “thumbs up.” Conversely, negative ratings are represented by a “thumbs down.”

How to make it a part of your strategy

As with all marketing strategies, there is a method to the madness. With StumbleUpon, don’t think profit – think networking. In order for this tool to work, you have to follow a process to get to the desired end.

Here is what we are talking about. Now that you have signed up and started using the toolbar, begin reading and rating the articles and sites you find there. If they are within your niche, then you will also be able to see what your potential competition is writing about and how their work is being rated. Leave a review for new sites you discover in your searches.

Join the community. This site is built on the strength of its users. Network with others who are also using StumbleUpon. Create a list of “Friends” who you share favorite sites with. They can point you to theirs and you can do the same. Participate regularly so you are not perceived as only being seen when you want to promote your site content.

You can also increase your list of friends by encouraging friends from other social sites to join StumbleUpon. With the toolbar, you have the option of sending the URL for content you like to your friends to read and rate. The more friends (especially those with similar interests) you have, the more chance you have to see your own work read and rated. Sites that are rated high and often fly to the top of the pile.

Lastly, write good quality content on your website. Just like you, your friends and your potential traffic want to read good stuff, too. What type of content does well on StumbleUpon? List articles (such as “Top 5 Funniest Movies”) are easy to peruse given their format. Also, topics that are hot right now in the niche of your choice fare well, especially those that might contain a controversial opinion or a new angle on an old issue.

You can find ways to incorporate StumbleUpon into your marketing strategy. Best of all, it is free to try. So, you have nothing to lose.

Steve Jobs’ Vision of the World, “Everything around you that you call life was made up by people who are no smarter than you.”

When Twitter was first taking off, it was believed to be a tool mostly for consumers. Today, however, business executives are becoming more and more aware of Twitter as a tool to build B2B sales.

Twitter isn’t just important for interacting with consumers. It’s also crucial for interacting with brands, potential clients and competitors.

Here are a few big ways Twitter can impact your B2B sales.

1. Actively Projecting Your Brand

Your brand doesn’t have to be a passive thing. Twitter is perhaps the only avenue where blasting out your brand regularly is not only accepted, but encouraged.

You can’t email your potential clients every day without repercussions. But you can absolutely tweet every day, keeping your brand in front of potential clients, while actually building rather than burning goodwill.

2. Networking Your Way to New Contacts

If there’s someone in your space that you want to meet, Twitter can be a great way to get around the red tape.

It can be very hard to meet someone in a crowded seminar or to get through their secretary. But if you have their Twitter handle, you can start to build a connection on the social network that can then develop into an offline connection.

Start by following them. Retweet their tweets and @reply to any requests from them with helpful resources. Get on their radar. Eventually, when an opportunity presents itself to introduce yourself, do so and they’ll likely know who you are.

3. Find Their Pain Points

Twitter can be a powerful way of keeping track of exactly what’s going on in an industry. You can use it to figure out what your clients are up to, what your competitors are up to and what your clients’ competitors are up to.

Let’s say a competitor of a big potential client launches a new product. It stands a good chance of taking a big chunk out of your client’s business.

That could be a stellar opportunity to come in and offer to help. It may or may not result in immediate business for you, but that offer for help will definitely turn into goodwill that can later turn into business.

Use Twitter to keep your finger on the pulse of the industry and identify the pain points of potential clients.

4. Tapping into B2B Events

B2B events will often have their own Twitter feeds. That can be a very powerful way to participate with your ideal target market.

For example, let’s say Convention Y is having all their participants tweet to #conventionychat.

By participating actively on #conventionychat, you can build up a brand for yourself among potential leads at an event. Start doing this a few weeks before the event. By the time the actual event rolls around, a lot of people there will already know who you are.

These are a few ways that Twitter can affect your B2B sales. Twitter isn’t just a tool for consumers, but can be a powerful tool for building goodwill and gathering intelligence for making B2B sales.