Finding ways to help entrepreneurs and business owners save time and be more productive is one of my life’s missions! And browser extensions are helpful tools that make you more efficient when working online. So, in this article, I’m sharing my top 5 browser tips to help with website design.
Like apps on your phone or WordPress plugins, browser extensions perform various tasks. They can block ads, take screenshots, help you shop with cashback, and save important articles. They can also help you remember passwords and translate text into other languages. In addition, the right browser extensions can help with website design. These handy tools can help you pick colors, adjust fonts, and identify typos.
What is a Browser Extension?
Before diving into the details of browser extensions, it’s important to understand first what a “Browser” is. A browser is the software you use to retrieve information from the web and display it on your screen. Popular browsers include Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge.
Extensions are like little applications that run on your Internet browser and allow you to do various tasks easily and quickly. This little tool adds a capability to your browser that it didn’t have before. Similar to adding a plugin to your WordPress website. In fact, sometimes these are called Browser plugins.
Top 5 Browser Extensions for Website Design
1) ColorZilla
Colors are crucial in website design, and ColorZilla is here to help you choose the right ones for your website. This extension lets you pick any color from a webpage, find its hex code, and create a color palette. The ColorZilla extension is only available for Google Chrome and Firefox.
To find out more about Colorzilla visit their website at https://www.colorzilla.com/.
2) WhatFont
Have you ever looked at a website and wondered what font they used? The WhatFont extension can help you find out. This extension lets you easily identify fonts on any webpage. All you need to do is hover the text. It’ll tell you the font’s name, size, and color.
3) MeasureIt
When building your website, it can be tricky to figure out what size the images should be. The Measure-It extension can help you determine how big or small elements are on a webpage. Draw a ruler across a webpage using your cursor to check page elements’ pixel width, height, or alignment.
4) Grammarly
Grammarly is a free browser extension that will check for spelling and punctuation errors. It will automatically draw a red line underneath text with errors so that you can review it. Typos and errors on your website will make your business look disorganized and unprofessional. Grammarly is like having a personal editor alongside you while creating content. Here’s an example of how Grammarly works inside WordPress.
There is also a premium version of Grammarly, which I recommend if you’re creating a lot of content and are not a skilled writer. The premium version will make additional suggestions and reword poor sentences for you. To find out more about Grammarly, visit their website at https://app.grammarly.com/.
5) Loom
Loom is a video messaging platform that allows users to create and share videos quickly and easily. The Loom extension lets you easily record and share your screen, making it simple to show others your website design ideas or get feedback on your work. In addition to helping with website design, Loom can also improve communication in your business.
To find out more about Loom and its features, go to their website at: https://www.loom.com/.
How to Install a Browser Extension
You can add a browser extension in just a few short steps. Watch this video below, where I show you how to add the Colorzilla extension.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Browser Extension
1) Open your browser: Launch your favorite web browser. This could be Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or another browser.
2) Go to your browser’s extension store: Each browser has its extension store. For example, Google Chrome has the Chrome Web Store, while Firefox has Add-ons.
3) Search for the extension you want to install
4) Click ‘Add’ or ‘Install’: Once you find the extension, double-check the source, ratings, and installations. When you’re ready, click the “Add” or “Install” button.
5) Follow any other prompts
Best Practices for Installing Safe Browser Extensions
Just like you do your research before downloading free images or installing a plugin, the same applies to browser extensions. Make sure to follow the best practices below for installing a browser extension to minimize risks.
1) Check the Source
Is it developed by a trusted source? Are you downloading it from the browser’s official extensions/add-ons store? This is a must! Only use extensions from the Chrome Web Store or other official sources. Downloading from other places is risky and not a good idea.
2) Look at the Reviews
Check if the extension has many downloads and positive reviews. Also, see if any reputable tech blogs recommend it.
3) Does it Require Special Permissions?
Certain extensions request specific permissions before you can install them. For example, you may see a pop-up when you try to install an extension that says the extension needs to “read and change the data on the websites you visit.”
Some extensions genuinely require access to this data to carry out their functions. For instance, video-blocking software must examine a website’s code to detect if a video is set to play automatically so that it can then prevent playback.
However, before granting permission, understand the risk. Each user must decide if the extension is worth the potential safety and privacy risks.
4) Limit the Number of Extensions
Don’t install too many extensions, which can slow down your browsing and device speed.
5) Monitor your Installed Extensions
Regularly check the ones you have installed and ensure they are still active. This will help you respond quickly to any potential risks or data leaks.
6) Delete Unused Extensions
Remove any extensions that you no longer need or use. This will reduce security risks and keep your browser running smoothly.
Conclusion
Sometimes, a simple, free tool can greatly impact your business. Many of the programs I use daily in my business are free – like Google tools, Loom, and Grammarly. Browser extensions are mini-applications that can do big work. These tasks can range from tracking your passwords to recording videos.
Browser extensions are also useful tools when you manage and update your website. Whether you are an experienced online business or just starting out, these extensions can greatly help manage your business website.
And here’s a fun fact – extensions like Rakuten, BeFrugal, and RetailMeNot will actually give you money back when you shop online.
Do you use any browser extensions? If so, which ones?
