First, make sure they are not designed to steal users. Each should be a support tool for the website – not their own advertising website. They should not ask users to sign up for a third-party newsletter, or register in their community.

Second, always add the HTML code so that the website opens in a new window. This is easily done. All the code you will ever need is available in easy to follow tutorials at http://www.w3schools.com/html/default.asp If you do not understand this tutorial, then there is an easy-to-follow tutorial at http://www.goldcoastwebdesigns.com/8.shtml#a

One example of a resource that might be useful is a directory. This company offers a directory hosting service http://www.adpages.com/welcome.html This would be a great third-party tool for an online business that focused on the local entertainment scene, or a regional dating site.

Another resource would be the newsletter creation tool at www.amazines.com.

Professional web hosting sites have dozens of scripts available, and are often cheaper than the local sites. For example, www.siteground.com offers professional hosting for only $70 USD a year. Your hosting service will come with Content Management System software, newsletter, mailing lists, auto transponders, web analytics software, life chat support software, shopping carts, FAQ (facts and questions), polls and surveys, mailing lists, wiki, classifieds, auction scripts, and even a template wizard for people who want a quick ‘fill in the form' website.

Another way to add webmaster tools to your online business is through a service like http://www.webpasties.com/overview.html For a nominal fee of $8 USD a month, you can add great tools for any site that wants to have chats, workshops, or other online events.

Podcasts – Podcasts, streaming audio feed, are fast becoming one of the #1 sticky sites. Some websites use them to offer audio tutorials. Others run full time radio stations from their sites. Podcasting is not easy, and it is not for the faint of heart. But, if you have the guts to try something new, visit this site: http://www.podcastingnews.com/

Flash Animation – Have $25 and the time to learn how to make flash animation for your site? http://www.mix-fx.com/ is one of the many software packages that are easy to use.

Video Streaming – You've seen those videos on myspace. You can make your own web videos. OR, if you don't have a video camera or a flash generator, you can turn a PowerPoint presentation into a very flashy web video – audio included. These can be used as presentations, introductions, tutorials, and even invitations.

Web Seminars – These are usually 1 hour chats that take place via java script chat software, much like MSN messenger. They can also take place via teleconferencing. Some free services like http://www.freeconference.com/ are great for newbies to get their feet wet and learn the basics without wasting their money.

RSS Feeds – Whether you want to add the daily blog from a famous actor, a lecture series from a Harvard professor, the blog of a famous singer – you can find it in text to add to your website, or a podcast at http://www.feedster.com/ is popular but http://www.syndic8.com/ is easier to use. Syndic8.com will also hook you up with all the main social networking directories. Just use the links in the left hand column.

This content appears on your website. Of course, the free services have a link back to their site.

If you have great content, and want to capture other website's visitors, then burn your own blog into a feed that other websites can publish and then submit it to syndic8.com, http://www.2rss.com/, and other ‘find feed' sites. The best, and only feed burner to consider is www.feedburner.com – it has everything you need to customize, optimize, and track the performance of your feed.

Directories – There are millions of directories on the web. Directories for niche websites, newsletters, podcasts, courses, tutorials, stores, auction sites. If you can think of it, someone has already made a directory. All online business owners should submit to the search engines, but they should also set aside a couple hours each week, or month, to submit to these directories.

Polls and Surveys – These are the most overlooked and under-rated tools on the Internet. Businesses pay marketing companies tens of thousands of dollars to run marketing surveys just to learn the same information they could find if they posted a few polls on their website