The Ultimate List of Resources for Bloggers
Y’all, I’ve been blogging since 2001 – that’s a long time! Below, I’m sharing my ultimate list of valuable resources for bloggers.
I began blogging at my site, A Virtuous Woman when I was just 25 years old and before blogging was even a word! In that time I’ve built a solid business, a successful blog in the faith niche, written several books, and reached millions of readers.
In the process, I’ve discovered some of the best tools on the web for bloggers. I’m sharing my favorites with you below. Some of the links are affiliate links, but I am only sharing products and services that I have used or am currently using.
My Favorite Blogging Tools
Hosting
In the 16 years that I have owned my own domains, there are two hosting companies that I have used. Get started for less than $5.00 a month!
Self Hosted WordPress
- WordPress is the platform that your blog runs on. You can read more about setting up a WordPress website here.
Framework & Child Themes
- Genesis Framework by Studiopress – I’ve used the Genesis Framework for years and I highly recommend it. The Genesis Framework is for creating your theme {the way your website looks}. In order to use the Genesis Framework, you will also need a Child Theme from one of these recommended sources:
- Studiopress Themes
- Download The Genesis Guide for Absolute Beginners
Email Marketing
I have used several services over the years. The ones below have been my favorites.
- Madmimi – This mailing list provider is great for beginners. You can start your mailing list for free and it’s easier to use than some other services.
- ConvertKit – I’ve been with ConvertKit since early 2016. This is by far the best and greatest mailing service povider I have ever used and I highly recommend them. ConvertKit changed the way I do email, it’s so easy to use, and it’s blogger friendly.
- List Surge – this course offers loads of ideas and information about growing your mailing list.
Graphic Design
My favorite programs for graphic design, editing images, and creating opt-in lead magnets are:
My Favorite Blogging Courses
- Stupid Simple SEO – Hands down, this is the best course I’ve ever taken in the all the years of my blogging experience. It’s also the best money I’ve ever spent on any blogging education. Mike Pearson is amazing – and he’s so helpful inside the course Facebook group. You need to take this course! If it’s not currently available for enrollment, be sure to get on the waiting list!
Mastermind Group
- Your Blogging Mastermind – This is Crystal Paine’s {from Money Saving Mom} Mastermind Group and I’ve been a member since the beginning! I’ve found this group to be one of the best sources for asking questions, making other blogging friends, and learning new tips and tricks to help me in my blogging goals.
Planning & Productivity
- Asana.com – Asana is a work flow system for businesses and bloggers.
- Trello.com – Trello’s boards, lists, and cards enable you to organize and prioritize your projects in a fun, flexible and rewarding way.
- EverNote.com is great for saving notes to yourself, snippets from around the web, and other things you need to remember, plus share ideas – across all of your devices.
- Google Calendar – You can sync your Google Calendar with your devices.
- CoSchedule – Create a unified workflow for every project with CoSchedule’s drag + drop calendar. Sync your teams inside a collaborative, cross-functional calendar for social, content, email, events, and more.
Accounting
Affiliate Programs
- Ultimate Bundles – this family owned business offers multiple bundles of amazing products each year. They are great to work with!
- Amazon.com – Everyone shops at Amazon. Unless you’re state is one of the few that do not allow Amazon affiliate sales, you should sign up and use the program.
Ad Networks
- AdThrive
- The Blog Network
- Mediavine
Books to Read
- How to Blog for Profit Without Selling Your Soul by Ruth Soukup
- Problogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six Figure Income by Darren Rowse