12 Most Expedient Time-Saving Apps and Websites
I am a busy individual and I find that I need to reduce the amount of time I spend online. I find full automation to take all the fun out of connecting on social media. Any product that works with little refinement is a blunt instrument. It just won’t get you very far.
Instead we need to use smart tools of automation. Technology that makes life easier by reducing complicated tasks and turning them into something simple. This allows us to refine our online strategies and execute with precision.
Here are 12 of the most expedient apps and websites I use to manage my routine.
1. Cruxbot
Cruxbot is a dream. It scans articles for key words and gives you a summary. It works as a bookmarklet that you can use on most pages. It is a real time saver!
2. Copy Paste Characters
☞ Are you familiar with the fact that your computer can output symbols like the copyright sign? Copy Paste Characters collects and organizes this library of icons.You can use these symbols to breathe some uniqueness into status updates and blog posts.
3. The Curators Code
The Curators Code is a collective effort by content curators to standardize the way we give attribution. They have a handy bookmarklet you can use when creating a status update. It reminds us that we need to properly label our resources and give credit to authors.
4. The Noun Project
The Noun Project is another collective effort, this time by designers. They are attempting to create simple images to describe all aspects of our daily lives. This is a great place to find simple icons and graphics for websites.
5. The Toolbox
The Toolbox is a resource full of one-page sites that do miraculous things. They are all meant as time savers. There is a bias towards design resources, but you will find plenty of help here.
6. Now Do This
Now Do This has become my favorite productivity tool. Just write-up a list of what you need to do and it will show you one item at a time. Click the “done” button and it will show the next one.
7. Shareaholic
What do you do when you want to share something quickly? I use Shareaholic. With one click I can share to Stumbleupon, Twitter, Facebook and many of my favorite social media platforms.
8. Your Next Read
Your Next Read will tell you what to read next after analyzing your library. It works as a mind map showing you related works. It also connects with Good Reads.
9. FollowBlast
FollowBlast is a great tool for Twitter chats and conferences — any event that has its own hashtag. You will be able to find and follow participants. It is another time-saving tool that helps you identify a target demographic.
10. The Public Circles Database
Do you use Google+? The Public Circles Database works a lot like Listorious. Browse and add public circles as created by other users.
11. Strawberry Jam
Strawberry Jam has been a favorite of mine and an app I use every day. It lets you see at a glance the most popular shared links on Twitter. Browse stories by your network, hashtag, or even a keyword of your choosing.
12. IFTTT
I cannot praise If This Than That enough. Through simple If-Then tasks you can automate Twitter list building or even send a voice message to followers. The list of social networks and apps that work with IFTTT is growing. This one is a must use for your daily routine.
What would you add to this list? ✌
Featured image courtesy of badboy69 via Creative Commons.
http://www.cirquedumot.com
Susan is a copywriter who crafts content strategies that rank. She is also the community manager for Gygax Magazine. She shares information on business, social media, and writing.
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