Every good web designer and developer has a toolkit of online sites that are their go-to for website optimization. There are hundreds out there on the Internet. Here are my picks for free online website tools that will help to make your life easier. Tools I use on a regular basis.

Google Analytic – Website Statistics Tool
This is an obvious one, but let’s be honest, Google Analytics is the standard in website traffic tools. Everyone uses it, it’s constantly evolving. You can look at others for reference, but nothing really competes. My favorite functions are creating custom dashboards, visitor’s flow and in-page analytics (the last one doesn’t always load.)

WooRank – SEO Analysis Tool
This is a great SEO, Social Media, Mobile and Conversions testing tool. Get a free report on what you need to do for improving your website. Generate a nicely designed report for you clients.

SpyFu – Competitor Analysis Tool
Is a sneaky way to get an idea on how much the competition is spending on online advertising. So when you’re client complains that the competition appears higher them on Adwords, here is a tool to show them it’s because they are spending hundreds more.

XML Sitemap Generator – Sitemap Tool
Every website needs a site map to be optimized and indexed with Google and Bing. This is a very easy, free tool that will automatically generate an XML site map and provide multiple file options for download. There is a paid software tool you can download if you work on a lot of websites.

ClickTale – Heat Mapping ToolI have posted about this site before and it’s good to mention again because there are not a lot of heat mapping tools out there and this one gives you a free sampling. It provides more insight than the In-Page Analytic tool offered by Google.  Seeing where users move there mouse and hover can be pretty eye opening.

What is your favorite tool?