Must-have blogging tools and resources
What are blogging tools?
Blogging tools are various resources or software that will help you create a blog. The blogging tools and resources that you use can help you become a successful blogger.
What if I don’t have time to start a blog?
Blogging does take money and time. If you want to start a successful blog, you will need to commit to putting in the time to create your site. Another option is to pay someone to help you set up your site.
What if I don’t have money to start a blog?
Blogging is a business and it does take money to start your site. Of course, you can first tap out any free resources available, but I have found that it may take longer when you try to piece together information you find online versus paying for a reputable course that will walk you through the simplest steps. Don’t sabotage your business by not using the tools you need.
What basic equipment do you use for blogging?
These are the basic necessities you need to start a blog. You will need other equipment as you build you business, but it’s best to wait to see what you will really use before spending money on unnecessary products.
- Computer
- Smart phone or camera
What other equipment can be used for blogging?
Depending on the type of blog you start, you may need the following equipment. Determine whether you will be taking your own photos or using stock photos.
- Tripod
- Lighting equipment
- Backdrops
Blogging tools and resources for beginners and beyond
- WordPress or other publishing software, which is where you write your blog posts
- Hosting, which is what makes your blog accessible online- Siteground
- Backup services so that you don’t lose all of your work
- Technical help in case you run into issues you can’t figure out- IMark Interactve
- Courses- Don’t feel like you have to take all the classes, but you do need to learn the basics. Choose a few courses to focus on each year to improve your skills.
- Stock photos- deposit photos is one of my favorite, unless of course you’ll be taking your own photos.
- Email Automation- I am currently using Mailerlite, but make sure you compare options to decide what works best for you.
- Editorial Calendar- Asana
- Software to sell your own courses. Such as, Send Owl
What are Plugins?
Plugins add options to the software that you are using and help customize your site. There are plugins for just about everything, but make sure that you are selective with the plugins you use. Plugins can slow down your site, which is bad for SEO. Make sure that you are selective when adding plugins and only add what you really need.
Here are a few of my favorites, but please make sure they are compatible with your software before using them:
- Spam Blocker: Askimet Anti Spam
- Backup: UpdraftPlus
- Optimize Images: Short Pixel
- SEO: Yoast SEO
- Social Sharing: Grow Social by Mediavine
- Drag & drop Page Builder (use on pages only- not posts): Elementor
- Cookie add on (make sure you’re GDPR compliant): Cookie Notice
- Resource library: One option is Essential Grid
Time saving blogging tools
If you decide to promote your blog on Pinterest, my friend Carly’s Pinterest templates are a great way to make amazing pins while saving money. Another option would be to pay a VA to help you do anything that you don’t love to do.
Favorite blogging courses and resources
Don’t make the same mistake I made, I was trying so hard to save money that I wasn’t using the tools that I needed to progress. At the same time, don’t only follow one person or get stuck on one concept. Make sure you always keep progressing and learning.
Setting up your blog:
- Elite Blog Academy by Ruth Soukup
- Niche Site Academy by Mike Pearson
SEO (Search Engine Optimizations)
Once you know the very basics of setting up your blog, SEO is one of the main things you need to learn to rank on Google, Bing, Pinterest, etc:
- Stupid Simple SEO by Mike Pearson
- Sticky Blogging SEO by Kelly Holmes
- Easy On Page SEO by Debbie Gartner
- Easy Backlinks for SEO by Debbie Gartner
- Adventures in SEO by Lena Gott
More helpful blogging courses:
- Ultimate Bundles: a package of blogging courses where you’ll save money, but need to be selective in where you spend your time.
- Traffic Transformation by Lena Gott
- Blog Simple Framework by Scrivs
- Title Traffic Hacks by Carly
- Google Analytics by Debbie Gartner
- Blogging Hacks by Debbie Gartner
- How to Create Printables in Illustrator by Sarah Titus
Social Media Courses:
- Pinteresting Strategies by Carly
Affiliate Marketing:
- Course: Affiliate Marketing for Bloggers by Carly
- Affiliate Network: Awin
Related articles on blogging:
More about How to Start a blog
Read about Pinterest schedulers here: Pinterest: Tailwind, BoardBooster, or Manual Pinning?
Susan Strayer says
Have you looked at coschedule or thriveleads? Those are two blogging tools I’ve paid for that are powerful. I still haven’t put them to full use yet.
Heather says
Thanks for all the great tips!
Christine says
Awesome tips! So important to remember to back up! That’s one I forget without having it automated. Good reminder!