Being a blogger is a lot of fun and very rewarding. I’ve been blogging for a long time and have found some great resources along the way. If you are considering starting a blog or just looking for resources to help you improve your blog you are in the right place!
Looking for a step-by-step guide to setting up a blog? Check out How to Start a Blog. Enjoy this resource guide!
Blogging Platform-
I started out on Blogger but moved to WordPress.org in 2011. It was a great move. You have more freedom with your blog on WordPress and if you are wanting to make money from your blog it’s the best platform choice.
Web Hosting-
I’ve used GreenGeeks since I moved my site to WordPress. They have good customer service and use green energy credits.
Website Design-
I use the Foodie Pro theme with the Genesis framework. I highly recommend it or other StudioPress theme, I’ve used others for other sites and all have been wonderful.
If you need help designing your blog check out Eighteen 36 Designs. While I designed my own blog, I am familiar with her work and she has helped me with some issues on my own site.
Ad Network-
I used Google Adsense for years and it’s a good place to start because there is no page view requirements, however, the pay is quite low. I recently switched to Mediavine and my income has gone up considerably because of it. It’s a great ad network and the people that work there are very helpful. Every question I have had has been answered quickly. I highly recommend checking it out.
Affiliate Programs-
Affiliate links are a great way to make passive income on your blog. I like to share products I truly believe in and affiliate programs allow me to do so and make a percent off of purchases people make from my blog. These are some of the affiliate networks/programs I belong to.
Share-A-Sale
LinkShare
Amazon Associates
BrandCycle
Ultimate Bundle
Self Reliant School
Kitchen Stewardship and Kids Cook Real Food Products
Ebates
eBooks & Courses-
Growing Our Blogs Together Facebook Group
5 Days to a Successful Blog Launch
A Blogger’s Guide to Working With Brands by Lisa Sharp
How to Blog for Profit Without Selling Your Soul by Ruth Soukup
Building a Framework: The Ultimate Blogging Handbook by Abby Lawson
Make Money Blogging at Any Level by Victoria Pruett
The Family Blogger: How to Run a Successful Blog without Missing Family Time by Victoria Pruett
Other-
For my newsletter I use MailChimp. It is very user-friendly and I’ve been happy using it.
Blogging Income Spreadsheet– very helpful for growing your blog.
PicMonkey– Even though I have graphics software and know some about graphic design, I still love PicMonkey. It’s so quick and easy to use! While you can get most of it for free, I pay for the Royale membership. It’s affordable and well worth it. You get more options and I mostly love having more fonts.
Creative Market– I used this site to buy the font I used for my header. They also have great graphics and each week they have freebies.
Tailwind– I use this for Pinterest as well. Board Booster and Tailwind both work a bit differently so I use them for different ways of Pinning. By using my link you can get a free month!
