Seriously Useful Google Chrome Extensions For Small Business Owners

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Hello, I’m Leeha, and I’m addicted to Google Chrome Extensions.

Now, if you’re not sure what they are, stick around my friend, you’re goin’ to want to find out.

What are Google Chrome Extensions?

Whether you’re a PC user or a die-hard Mac fan, instead of using Windows Edge or Safari as your internet browser, have you considered using Google Chrome?

Google Chrome is another web browser that can be used regardless of your preferred operating system. And the best bit is you get extra functionality thanks primarily to Chrome Extensions.

Chrome Extensions are small software programs that enable users (that’s you) to tailor functionality and behaviour to suit your needs or preferences. For example, you can block advertisements, take screenshots, manage passwords, record a video or even add something to your to-do list. There’s a tonne of extensions out there; you’ve just got to go looking for them.

Where do you find Google Chrome Extensions?

These nifty little tools are best found in Google’s Chrome Web Store, and the majority of them are free.  

To use the store, simply search by category or search for an extension using a keyword to return a list of extensions that match that criteria. A quick word of warning though, the more extensions you install, the more memory Chrome will use on your computer.

20 Google Chrome Extensions to help your business:

Alright, now you know what Chrome Extensions are, let’s look at 20 extensions that can save your sanity and improve your productivity when it comes to your business.

1. Todoist: Ready to get organised? This extension is for you. Organise your work and your life quickly and easily by capturing and prioritising tasks, deadlines, and even allocating tasks to others. There are over 600 000 super organised users loving this extension, and there’s a heap of integrations to take your productivity to the next level.

2. Asana

Project management needs? No problem! Asana is technically a small business project management application, but their Chrome Extension gives you the added ability to manage your projects and calendars from any webpage.

3. Stayfocused

Another super popular extension with over 600 000 users that increases your focus and keeps you away from time-wasting websites (I’m talkin’ social media, trashy news websites or spending countless hours window shopping on your favourite fashion site). This highly configurable extension will keep you laser-focused by allocating time to a site – when you’ve used up your time, that site will be blocked for the rest of the day.

4. Momentum

With over 3 million users, there was no way I wasn’t checking this one out. It’s a starter page that includes daily photos, quotes, mantras, to-do lists, and you can even set your daily focus—everything you need to keep moving forward.

5. Drag

Are you a Gmail and Trello lover? Does the thought of dragging emails around a Kanban-style board INSIDE Gmail tickle your fancy? You’ve got to check out Drag! Create boards for emails to be read later, turn them into tasks with notes and deadlines – even chat about them in real-time with your team. There’s a free and paid version. 

6. Toggl Button

Tracking time is easy with Toggl Button, which allows you to start tracking time without having to open a new tab. Plus there are other cool features like a Pomodoro timer, idle detection and reminders. It also integrates with project management tools like Trello, Asana and Todoist.

7. Google Calendar

When’s that meeting? Catch a quick glimpse of your google calendar without having to open a new tab or browser. This extension displays a preview of your schedule right there in your browser.

8. bitly

Get rid of long links with this handy extension! Shorten, measure and optimise your links for social media, SMS and emails.

My favourite Chrome Extensions

What Chrome Extensions are on my browser? I’m glad you asked!

9. Grammarly

If you’ve not discovered this application yet – you’ve been missing out. Grammarly is a spelling, grammar, punctuation and tone of voice whizz kid. This handy extension will save you from embarrassing typos when you’re writing online – like in Gmail, Facebook, Google Docs etc. You can also choose to open a new Grammarly document and copy and paste your text in there for more suggestions. Grammarly the application can now also be used in Word (bonus!!) which is perfect for a Copywriter like me.

10. Lastpass

Never forget your login details again – do I need to say more? Ok, a few other benefits – securely save documents, WIFI passwords, credit card information etc. AND access it everywhere! That’s right; you can use it on your computer, laptop, phone or tablet.

11. FocusMe

Not heard of the Pomodoro Technique? It’s a time management/productivity hack to keep you focused on one task for 25 minutes. Then you break for five minutes, followed by another Pomodora 25 minute interval. This extension is simple but effective, and times your intervals for you.

12. Full Page Screen Capture

I love it! This is the easiest way to take a full-page screenshot of your browser window! Click the extension icon and watch it work its magic as it scrolls down your entire page and captures everything that you need. You can even export your page capture!

13. WhatFont

Ever found a font on a website and wanted to know what it was? Ok, maybe not…but as a WordPress Website Designer I’m always on the lookout for fonts that work well together. This extension is my saviour! Simple activate the extension and hover over the text. Click, and you get all sorts of bits and bobs like the style, weight, size, line height and colour.

14. ColorZilla

In a similar fashion to WhatFont – I use this for my design work. It’s packed with an eyedropper, colour picker and other colourful goodies. If you’ve found a colour that you love, simple click on the extension, choose ‘pick a color from page’ and hover over the colour. You’ll get the RGB and HEX codes.

15. Word Counter

This one does exactly what you think it does – it counts words (and characters) on website pages. Simply highlight the text, right-click, click the Word Counter icon and BOOM, it tells you the Word and character count.

16. Google SERP Counter

Here’s a sneaky SEO extension for those of us that want to know the ranking of a site…but don’t want to count it manually. This extension adds a number next to the search results in Google.

17. Loom for Chrome

I’ve only just started with this but can see it has great potential for my business. You can record your screen, your voice and face to create an instantly shareable video.

18. SEO Analysis and Website Review by WooRank

Get instant SEO information and website reviews for SEO, mobile, usability and social media – and, it’s free. This extension takes into account on and off-site data to give you a complete picture of a website’s optimisation.

19. Lightshot

Boy, do I wish I’d found this one earlier! I’ve been taking screenshots and having the captures downloading to my computer. You can only imagine how untidy my desktop looks. With Lightshot, I can take the screenshot and then copy and paste it – no need to download! You can edit the screenshot in place, select any part of the page and also save it if you choose. So easy!

20. Pinterest Save Button

Another favourite of mine! I’m ‘pinner’ for personal and business (check out my account) and this extension is super freakin’ handy. If I find a website that I adore – pin it. A blog article to read later – pin it! Just click on the extension and choose the image to save, select (or create) a board.

There’s a Chrome Extension for everyone!

I’m not joking – there literally is. Whatever your business needs, you’ll find a Google Chome Extension to help. And, if you’re just looking for something fun, there’s plenty of extensions to choose from (like Custom Cursor for Chrome).

If you’re already a lover of Chrome Extensions, drop me a line and let me know if I need to add another one to my collection.