I find it difficult to believe that some SEO’s and Web Developers still don’t use Mozilla Firefox and opt for the more popular standardised Internet Explorer. In the opinion of many within the industry including myself, Firefox is far superior whether it be for usability or features, plus the software is open sourced and therefore widely available.

If you’re not aware of Firefox add-ons, they are free extensions available for download that can take your whole user experience to another level. Once the Firefox browser has been installed they have a library of these extensions that you can navigate, I feel without any guidance it’s difficult to know the names of the key add ons and what exactly it is that they do; so here are 5 of the best for you to get home and download.

5. Web Developer Toolbar – This add on gives you a different approach to building websites, perhaps its most powerful feature is its CSS editing, allowing on screen adjustments to be made with instant results.

4. Search Status – If you have ever wanted to be inundated with on-page information then Search Status is the tool for you. With resources ranging from keyword density checker, keyword / no-follow highlighter and colour information all at the tips of your fingers, Search Status is a must for web designers.

3. Netcraft Toolbar – This is for nosey web users who want to discover a bit of background knowledge on the site they’re viewing (or their competitors!) With this toolbar you can see a websites age, their hosting company, risk rating and current PageRank. It also has capabilities for reporting phishing sites and bank fraud detection. A brilliant tool for the Columbo in us!

2. IE Tab – This download is perfect for web designers, allowing you to quickly jump between Firefox and Internet Explorer at the click of a button. Ideal for when fixes are needed for different browsers on your site.

1. Greasemonkey – Despite the name, this is a serious piece of software that has the potential to enhance many other features – has to be explored to understand the limitless boundaries.

More info at Mozilla.org

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