Blogging Resources
Maintaining a blog requires a lot of tools! These are the blogging resources I’ve used and would recommend. Check back as I continue to update this list!
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BLOGGING TOOLS
Books & Courses
While I enjoy doing my own research to learn tips and tricks of blogging, these resources have taught me so much and I continue to reference them!
Elite Blog Academy (Hands down, THE BEST training I’ve received to learn about blogging and grow my site! My only regret is that I didn’t take it sooner! If you have a blog, or are even thinking of creating one, get on the waitlist for this class NOW, because enrollment only opens once a year!)
How To Blog For Profit: Without Selling Your Soul
ProBlogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income
Email Marketing
ConvertKit is one of my favorite email service providers. After starting to build an email list with Mail Chimp (accompanied by lots of confusion and frustration), I sought a user-friendly option full of features like tagging and automation, and ConvertKit delivered big time! Now I recommend it to everyone who wants to build a strong email following!
MailerLite gives Mail Chimp some serious competition…In my opinion, MailerLite is the best free email service provider for new bloggers, since it provides all the necessary features like automation, landing pages, pop-ups, etc. AND is easy to navigate!
Graphic Design/Photo Editing
PicMonkey, Canva, Stencil I’ve used all of these programs and have enjoyed each one. You really can’t go wrong with any of them!
Landing Pages
ConvertKit, Instapage, MailerLite These are easy ways to design attractive landing pages for products, email sign ups, etc.
Plugins
Evergreen Countdown Timer offers a simple yet effective timer for use on landing pages, sales pages, etc.
Social Warfare gives each post and page on my site clean-looking social sharing icons that I love.
Yoast SEO improves search engine results to increase traffic to my site (and is so easy to use).
Social Media
Tailwind helps you manage your Pinterest and Instagram accounts all in one place. Schedule posts in advance, share access with team members if necessary, and track activity like repins, mentions, likes, followers, and more—all in one dashboard! It’s important to note that Tailwind is an approved API partner with Pinterest (unlike some other social media schedulers).
Themes
Restored 316 Designs provides elegant and feminine themes for your WordPress site. I am in love with all of them! (If only I could change my theme as often as my hairstyle…!)
StudioPress (WordPress themes + Genesis framework) The Genesis framework is top of the line when it comes to site themes. I’m currently using the Foodie Pro theme.
Website Hosting
Bluehost has been good to me ever since I started my blog. With hosting for less than the cost of one coffee each month and excellent customer service, I highly recommend Bluehost to anyone starting a blog.
SiteGround is also a preferred (and affordable) option for website hosting with virtually no unhappy customers!