Being A European Blogger

If you're a fellow European blogger, you must share the frustration I sometimes feel when I read about a great new piece of software, or a fabulous offer on something, only to see those dreaded words:

"This service is only available to US based customers."

I've found ways around this, and in some cases alternatives, so I thought I'd share them with you.

Get yourself a VPN

I use a virtual private network called My Private Network - I actually use it mostly to watch UK television, as the system allows me to display a UK IP address. But MPN also offer a US VPN service, so if I ever want to watch US content, or find out more about US only products, I can do so.

Google Voice

Google Voice is still not available here, but I've been successfully using it for over a year now, and I'm very pleased with it. Here's my step by step guide to using Google Voice in Europe: Google Voice Europe

Accounts Software

I needed an accounts software that would cope with the European Value added Tax system, and also deal with the fact that I trade in Dollars, Euros and Sterling. Kashflow came to the rescue, and I love how easy their service makes life for me. I just spend a few minutes each day on my accounts, and I always know exactly where I am.

Amazon

If a sizable part of your readership is in Europe, then I'd recommend signing up as an Amazon associate on both the .com and the .co.uk sites, and if you ever offer Amazon products as an affiliate, then give readers the choice, depending on where they are based.

What else would you add to this list?

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