Website Tools You Should Be Using (But Probably Aren’t)
Most websites don’t fail because of bad design or weak ideas—they fail because they’re missing the right tools behind the scenes.
If you’ve ever wondered why your site feels slow, hard to manage, or not converting the way it should, chances are you’re under-utilizing some incredibly powerful (and often overlooked) website tools. The good news? You don’t need a massive budget or a full dev team to fix that.
In this guide, we’ll walk through website tools you should be using (but probably aren’t)—tools that improve performance, user experience, SEO, conversions, and day-to-day management. You’ll also get a step-by-step framework for choosing and implementing them the smart way.
Whether you’re a business owner, blogger, creator, or marketer, this post will help you level up your website without overcomplicating things.
Why Website Tools Matter More Than Ever
Your website isn’t just a digital brochure anymore. It’s a salesperson, a customer service rep, a marketing channel, and a data collector—all rolled into one.
The right tools help you:
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Understand how visitors actually use your site
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Improve speed, accessibility, and usability
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Capture leads and increase conversions
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Protect your site from security threats
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Save time by automating repetitive tasks
Yet many site owners only use the basics—analytics, maybe an SEO plugin—and stop there. That’s where missed opportunities pile up.
Website Tools You Should Be Using (But Probably Aren’t)
Let’s break down the most overlooked website tools by category and why they matter.
1. Website Heatmaps & Session Recordings
Traditional analytics tell you what is happening. Heatmaps show you why.
What they do:
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Track where users click, scroll, and stop
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Reveal confusing layouts or ignored content
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Show real user behavior via session recordings
Why they’re overlooked:
Many people assume analytics alone are enough. They’re not.
Why you should use them:
Heatmaps help you optimize pages for real humans, not assumptions—especially landing pages, checkout flows, and high-traffic blog posts.
2. Accessibility Testing Tools
Accessibility isn’t optional—it’s essential.
What they do:
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Identify contrast, font size, and navigation issues
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Check screen reader compatibility
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Highlight accessibility compliance gaps
Why they’re overlooked:
Accessibility is often seen as “extra” or only for large companies.
Why you should use them:
Accessible sites are easier to use, rank better in search engines, and reach a wider audience. Plus, they reduce legal risk.
3. Broken Link & Site Health Scanners
Broken links silently hurt your credibility and SEO.
What they do:
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Find broken internal and external links
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Identify missing pages and redirect issues
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Surface technical SEO problems
Why they’re overlooked:
Most site owners don’t notice broken links unless users complain.
Why you should use them:
Regular scans keep your site clean, professional, and search-engine friendly.
4. Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) Tools
Traffic is only half the equation. Conversions are what matter.
What they do:
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Run A/B tests on headlines, buttons, and layouts
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Test different calls to action
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Optimize forms and landing pages
Why they’re overlooked:
People assume CRO is only for big e-commerce brands.
Why you should use them:
Even small changes can dramatically increase signups, sales, or inquiries—without increasing traffic.
5. Website Performance Monitoring Tools
Your site may feel “fine” to you—but not to your visitors.
What they do:
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Monitor page load speed in real time
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Alert you when your site goes down
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Identify performance bottlenecks
Why they’re overlooked:
Speed issues are often invisible unless you’re actively testing.
Why you should use them:
Page speed affects SEO, user experience, and conversions. Slow sites lose visitors fast.
6. Form Analytics & Abandonment Tracking
Forms are where conversions often die.
What they do:
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Track where users abandon forms
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Identify confusing or unnecessary fields
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Improve completion rates
Why they’re overlooked:
People assume “no one wants to fill out forms.”
Why you should use them:
More often than not, the form—not the offer—is the problem.
7. Security & Vulnerability Scanning Tools
Security threats don’t always announce themselves.
What they do:
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Scan for malware and vulnerabilities
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Monitor suspicious activity
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Alert you to outdated plugins or software
Why they’re overlooked:
Many people rely solely on hosting providers.
Why you should use them:
A compromised website can damage trust, rankings, and revenue overnight.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Choose and Use Website Tools Effectively
Adding tools randomly can create clutter instead of clarity. Follow this process instead.
Step 1: Identify Your Biggest Website Bottleneck
Ask yourself:
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Is traffic low?
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Are visitors leaving too quickly?
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Are conversions weak?
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Is the site hard to manage?
Your problem determines the tools—not the other way around.
Step 2: Start With One Tool Per Goal
Avoid installing everything at once. For example:
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One analytics or heatmap tool
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One performance tool
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One security tool
Master each before adding more.
Step 3: Set Benchmarks Before You Install
Track:
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Page speed
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Conversion rates
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Bounce rates
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Form completion rates
This helps you measure real improvement instead of guessing.
Step 4: Review Data Monthly (Not Daily)
Too much checking leads to reactionary decisions. Monthly reviews help you spot trends and make smarter changes.
Step 5: Optimize, Then Automate
Once you know what works:
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Automate reports
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Set alerts
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Create workflows
The best website tools quietly work in the background.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using too many tools at once
More tools ≠ better results. -
Ignoring the data
A tool only helps if you act on insights. -
Choosing tools based on hype
Choose based on your goals, not trends. -
Forgetting mobile users
Always review tool data for mobile behavior.
FAQs: Website Tools You Should Be Using
What are website tools?
Website tools are software or platforms that help you analyze, optimize, manage, secure, and grow your website.
Are free website tools good enough?
Many free tools are excellent for beginners. As your site grows, paid tools often offer deeper insights and automation.
How many website tools should I use?
Most sites do well with 5–8 core tools covering analytics, performance, SEO, security, and conversions.
Do website tools slow down your site?
Poorly implemented tools can. Always choose lightweight, reputable tools and monitor performance.
Are these tools only for businesses?
No. Bloggers, creators, freelancers, and nonprofits all benefit from smarter website tooling.
Final Thoughts
The difference between an average website and a high-performing one is rarely design—it’s decisions powered by the right tools.
By using website tools you should be using (but probably aren’t), you gain clarity, confidence, and control over how your site performs. Start small, stay focused, and let the data guide you.
Your website already has potential. These tools help you unlock it.
