8 Great Tools and Resources for When You're Ready to Build a Business These applications and websites will help your business launch successfully and keep going strong into 2015 and beyond.

By Sujan Patel Edited by Dan Bova

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Business owners aren't successful because they think about building a business -- they're successful because they don't stop until they get things done. And when it comes to getting things done, mental tenacity and motivation are important, but having the right tools and resources can make a huge difference as well.

Related: 7 Critical Questions to Contemplate Before You Become an Entrepreneur

The following tools and resources are ones you'll definitely want to have on hand when you're ready to build your business. From huge curated directories to backup software to keep your company safe, these resources will help your business launch successfully and keep going strong into 2015 and beyond.

1. Startup Stash

Ever wish that somebody would take every useful small business tool and software system out there and put them into one clearly organized page? Look no further than Startup Stash, a huge, curated directory with hundreds of helpful tools and software programs to sort through. Organized in easy-to-understand categories such Naming, Marketing, Analytics and Customer Support, you'll never be at a loss for options when you use this resource.

2. MailChimp or Aweber

Email marketing is a must for small businesses, so whether you decide to go with Mailchimp or Aweber (both of which are similar and have plenty of loyal followers), you'll find the support needed to build a list, keep it fresh and use it regularly. The average marketer receives a return of $44.25 for every $1 spent on email marketing, so pick one of these options and get started right away.

3. Basecamp or Asana

When it comes to project management needs, you won't go wrong with either Basecamp or Asana. Both programs offer in-app storage, the ability to sync with external providers such as Google Docs and Dropbox, and notification features that will keep your team members up to date on the status of different projects. Differences between the two are largely aesthetic in nature, so give both a try before committing your staff to one program over another.

4. Google Analytics

There no reason to have a website and an online marketing campaign if you aren't able to track how well they're performing. Google Analytics is a great, free tool that will help you understand who your audience is and how they behave, while also giving you the features needed to analyze and test your website and landing pages. Once installed, take advantage of the program's additional features that let you review your site's sales and conversions performance.

Related: 3 Top Strategies for Attracting Visitors to Your Website

5. Seth Godin's Startup School

Seth Godin is well known throughout the startup community for his business and marketing acumen, and now you can learn directly from his experiences with his Startup School. Through this program, Godin has created a 15-episode audio series covering everything from how to create scarcity to helping your ideas travel through marketing and social media. If you're running a new startup, you can't miss this free treasure trove of information from one of the biggest names in entrepreneurship.

6. Moz Learn

Today's business success isn't about traditional outbound advertising, such as television ads or telemarketing. If you're going to build a deep customer base today, you'll need to focus on inbound marketing. Techniques such as blogging, social media outreach and link building will help you create relationships with customers that will encourage them to buy from you and share your message and products with others. Moz Learn has everything you need to learn how to create these successful inbound marketing campaigns.

7. F6s

This oddly-named resource is an amazing list of funding opportunities, especially accelerator programs. F6s also provides a link to a Facebook group for founders, startups and angels, which can be a great place to begin your networking efforts. The key columns to focus on in F6s are Fundraise and Invest, as well as Programs and Funds. While you'll still need to do some of your own research, having everything in one place makes this process much easier.

Related: 3 Easy Hacks That Bring the Power of Google Analytics and Salesforce to Your Online Marketing

8. AngelList

Another great way to get your startup noticed by investors is to join AngelList. Not only can your company get noticed here, you can also review what other startups are doing and whether they're receiving any interest from the venture capitalists and angels you're going after. Taking all of this information into account will help you better position your own business for fundraising success.

All of these tools and resources will help you launch your startup, but remember that the key to business success isn't more information -- it's more action. Don't just gather data -- step out and get started. You'll learn so much more by trying (even if you fail) than you ever will just reading.

Sujan Patel

Entrepreneur and Marketer, Co-founder of Web Profits

In his 14-plus years as a marketer and entrepreneur, Sujan Patel has helped hundreds of companies boost online traffic and sales and strengthen their online brand reputation. Patel is the co-founder of Web Profits and Mailshake.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Leadership

Use This 4-Step Framework to Find Leaders Who Truly Fit Your Company Culture

When hiring for leadership, superficial perks like bean bags and kombucha won't ensure success. Instead, aligning leadership with core company values can foster innovation and collaboration and make room for long-term organizational growth.

Side Hustle

'I Was Called Crazy': This 27-Year-Old's Side Hustle Hit $30,000 a Month in Under a Year — Now It's Worth Millions

Changing regulations forced Angel Rodriguez's jet ski rental company to shut down, and the young entrepreneur had to figure out his next move — fast.

Marketing

This Is the Underappreciated Marketing Approach That Will Help You Keep Customers Longer

If you want to keep customers on your site and drive purchases, one marketing strategy could be your game-changer.

Growing a Business

Why Corporations Should Hire Entrepreneurs — and How to Create the Right Environment for Them to Thrive

This article explores how corporations can effectively hire and integrate entrepreneurs to drive innovation and foster a more dynamic, forward-thinking culture.

Leadership

Your Growth Strategy Won't Matter if Your Team Drowns — Here's the 5 Truths About Crisis Leadership

No one should navigate a crisis alone. These five critical strategies will help you lead under pressure, keep your team supported and emerge stronger on the other side through a natural disaster.