I am a big-time app and extension nerd, so whenever I hear about cool, new Google Chrome extensions, I usually just install them without asking any questions. Typically, I will cycle through a few new ones each month. I will test them for a while and, if they help me to work more efficiently, I keep them. If not, I toss them. In my experiments, I have found 5 gems that I would like to share with you here.
1. Buffer
If you have read any of my posts, you’ve seen me write about Buffer before. This is actually one of the reasons I think they have the best social media tool on the market. You can easily share images within a post, simply by right-clicking the image and choosing “Buffer this Image”. Also, by highlighting desired text before clicking on the icon in your browser, it will pull that text and place it in the draft box, along with the link. There’s also no need to choose a time for your post, though this option is available, as it simply drops into your pre-set posting schedule in Buffer.
2. LastPass
LastPass has become absolutely essential to my marketing career. With so many different programs that I use every day, it would be impossible to keep track of every username and password, without having to reach for my Moleskine every 5 minutes. LastPass allows you to save login credentials the first time you use them. From now on, the username and passwords will be pre-populated whenever you use the site again. It can also easily store multiple logins for the same site. You can also safely store credit card info so you can quickly and easily make purchases online.
3. Evernote Web Clipper
I am such a big fan of Evernote that it has become sort of a running joke with my colleagues. I make no apologies, the Evernote Web Clipper is an amazing tool, as it allows you to save any web page directly to your Evernote account for later use.
Pro tip: Grab the Web Clipper’s companion extension called Clearly. It strips away all the non-essential aspects of a web page and shows you a simplified article view. You can even highlight specific text as you read. Great for research.
4. SoundGecko
SoundGecko is one of the better apps for productivity that I have found recently. You can save an article with one click, and later, you can access the mobile app and it will dictate the article back to you. It is a great way to catch up on articles while in the car or going for a run.
Pro tip: I really like using this for longer-form articles that I just don’t have time to read. Perfect for sitting in traffic.
5. Asana
I love Asana as a task manager and this extension allows me to add new tasks without having to visit the main site. A nifty little feature lets you add the URL of the page you are currently on, which is especially helpful if you or a teammate needs to return there to complete the task. You can even choose which project you want to apply to the task and even leave a little description of the job that needs to be done. Sometimes, I will even assign myself a task to come back to a site at a later time, especially if something else comes up in the middle of what I am doing. It helps me to leave placeholders in all my open loops.
What are your favorite Google Chrome extensions?
Great recommendations, Reade. I use Chrome, but really haven’t invested time into researching any extensions and this does the work for me. I will have to check them out.
Thanks, Adam.
Hopefully these give you a good starting point. I’m sure you’ll have plenty to add to my list in no time.
I have become a massive Evernote junkie – can’t live without it. I also use Buffer and LastPass. Love them both. I use Asana now and then so I guess overall we are on the same page. I’m listening to my first post on SoundGecko as I write this and have to say its pretty good.
Some of my other favorites includes Awesome Screenshot which I use everyday and then add to Evernote with appropriate tags
Hootsuite but I dont really like the Google addon
Great post – thanks
Thanks for reading, Ian!
I’m glad you’ve also found success with those apps. Also hope you continue to enjoy SoundGecko.
I haven’t used Awesome Screenshot, but it sounds like I should. Thanks!
Great list, Reade! I use the Hootsuite extension and Adblock also.
Thanks for reading, Glenn! I’ve moved away from Hootsuite. I just haven’t found a reason to use it vs Buffer, but I never had a bad experience when I did.
As block is an essential extension for me, though it’s easy to forget as it does it’s job without me having to do anything.
I love the idea of SoundGecko, I’ll have to check that one out. Have you ever used Honey?
It is a must have. It’s normally a gray icon, but when it’s available to use it turns a gold color. When you go to buy something online, if Honey has any available offers it will light up and you click “Apply Coupons”, it will then scour the web to see if any coupon codes will work to get you a discount. It’s been especially helpful with sites like godaddy.com when buying domain names and such. Saved me a bunch of money. Definitely try it out!
I’ve actually used Honey before but have never thought of using it for domain names. That’s a great idea. I’ll have to make sure to try that next time.