Starting a blog has been one of the most exciting – and challenging adventures of my life.
The cool part, I get to share my experiences with others just like you who want to have control over their life. I get to offer my readers options and ideas that could be a game changer for their families. It’s a win-win for everyone!
The challenging part is trying to figure out what tools you need, which ones work best and not wasting much time figuring this part out.
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Most of the tools I have listed below I either stumbled upon or I read about on another person’s blog. Honestly, without these tools, I would NOT be where I am today!
If you are just getting started I want to highly recommend ALL of the suggestions I list below. They will help you tremendously as you reach for your dream of being a successful blogger!
Sites and Tools that will make your blogging experience SO much easier:
1. Bluehost
Bluehost is a hosting company that makes sure your website is up and running each and every day. Without a great hosting company your website will never be seen online. In short, you cannot have a website without a hosting company.
The reason I put this one on here is I started with a different hosting platform when I first began my blog and it was a HUGE mistake! They only offered “chat” for customer service so I could never actually talk to a human.
Being a bit “challenged” when it comes to the technical side of things I really needed help from a live person in the beginning. Live chat did little for me when I was lost!
If you are with a hosting company that just isn’t cutting it I highly recommend Bluehost!
Reasons why Bluehost is the BEST out there:
1. Bluehost will help you every step of the way as you set up and get your blog going.
2. They automatically set you up with WordPress (the largest and most widely used blogging platform in the entire world). 3. They have 24/7 live support as well as a chat option.
4. They give you a free domain and free security for your website.
5. It is super easy to add affiliate links and start making money with Bluehost.
6. They will also migrate your website from your current hosting and move it to Bluehost for you. 7. All of this starting at just $2.95 a month!
If you are in a situation where you know it is time for a change OR you are about to start your blog from scratch, Bluehost is definitely your answer!
Click here to move or get started with Bluehost.
2. Convert Kit
Convert Kit is an email marketing website that allows you to easily communicate with your new readers and followers. They have quick “pre made” templates for email opt ins and landing pages where color, font and text can all be changed very easily!
I know you have read that other companies are really good and easy to use – but trust me! I am NOT techy at all and Convert Kit is a very easy system that is designed to help you along the way. I can literally create an email opt in in less than 3 minutes.
The greatest reason Convert Kit is the best – customer service is BY FAR the best I have ever worked with! Quick response times, answers to all of my questions and always happy to help.
Click below to get your free trial through my unique link.
3. Canva
Canva is a website that I use to create all of my Pinterest pins. However, that is not all it can be used for! It also has templates for Instagram, Tumblr, Facebook adds and more. You can also make business cards, flyers, letterhead and many other business tools for your blog or brick and mortar business.
It took me a little time to learn – but keep in mind I am SLOW on the technical side of things! All this being said, my 13 year old daughter watched me on Canva one day while I was creating a pin. She asked if she could earn money creating my pins for me. Uh, yes! I need all the help I can get! So, now I pay her $3 per pin she creates and she can usually create them in less than 10 minutes! This is a win-win for both of us!
I tell you this story to show you that even a 13 year old can use Canva and learn it pretty quickly!
4. WordPress Support/Specialist
Without a doubt – no questions asked – hands down – Grayson, my WordPress specialist is UN-BE-LIEV-ABLE! He is very knowledgeable, super quick to respond, always kind and usually gets work done within the hour! If it is a bigger project and will take more time he will let you know that up front. He is super polite and is a huge asset to my blog and business!
Click here to take a look at the many services Grayson provides. He has been in business for 15 years and is VERY good at what he does!
Click here to take a look at Grayson’s plans, fees and services.
What I love most about Grayson is he never makes me feel ridiculous for not knowing something! He simply jumps in and answers questions or takes care of anything I need done within my WordPress site.
The truth is, I could not do what I do without Grayson on board! When I am lost, he is my “go to” guy.
5. Tailwind
Tailwind is an online app that allows you to easily schedule Pinterest pins to your boards. The pins are put in on a schedule that you choose OR when those you are trying to reach are most active on the site. You can quickly set up 5 or 10 pins to cover a couple of days or you can pre-schedule daily pins for several weeks in advance! This gives you time to get back to building your blog and brand or you can go on vacation and not worry about inactivity on Pinterest.
I LOVE Tailwind and would highly recommend it for anyone who is wanting to use Pinterest as a platform for growing a following on your blog.
As a side note: In my very first month of using Tailwind I went from 118 monthly viewers to over 36,000 monthly viewers! You read that right! It just took 30 days for that kind of growth and ALL the credit goes to Tailwind! You can click here to see my currently monthly viewers.
If you want to create a big following on Pinterest then Tailwind is a MUST for your blog and business. Click below for a FREE trial through my unique link.
There you have it! Some of my favorite tools for building a great blog! I use these tools each and every day and have been very satisfied with each company.
If you have any questions feel free to reach out via email here. I would love to help in any way I can!
