If you’ve just started a blog or have been blogging a while, these blogging resources will help you take your blog to the next level. From web-hosting to plugins and email marketing, I’ve got you covered!
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Getting Started.
Have no idea where to start? Here are a few posts I recommend you read before starting your first blog.
Website.
To host your blog on WordPress, you need to purchase a self-hosting package. I highly recommend SiteGround Hosting. They have the best customer service of all the self-hosting options.
Phil at Pipdig (Themes) not only creates down right awesome themes but again, he provides some of the best customer service. Thanks Phil!
Creative Market is another great place to find themes for your website if you aren’t too fond of the ones at Pipdig.
After you’ve figured out your self-hosting and purchased a theme, you’ll need to get a logo designed. Head over to my Etsy store, Designs By Hayle, and I can gladly help you out!
WordPress Plugins.
Yoast SEO allows you better optimize your site when it comes time for the search engines to index it. I HIGHLY recommend installing this plugin on your website. If you’re not too familiar with SEO, then check out my post where I discuss Search Engine Optimization Tips for Beginners.
Commenting is a huge part of engagement for a website. I recommend Disqus as a fantastic commenting plugin. It allows users to login on any platform they’d like.
Keeping yourself organized is always a priority. WP Editorial Calendar helps you plan out posts, keep on track, and reorganize when you need to. It’s a great visual to utilize when you’re planning posts!
Column Shortcodes is a plugin that lets you create columns within a post. I often use this plugin when I want to have three photos all right next to each other.
Similar to the previous plugin, Shortcodes Ultimate allows you to do so many things! You can add photo collages, buttons, embed video, etc. Take a look at it yourself to see everything you can do.
Email Marketing.
If you’re looking to give your readers free opt-ins when they subscribe to your newsletter, then ConvertKit is the way to go. Their automation, tagging, and segmenting features are beyond amazing.
MailChimp is another great option! Although it is free, it doesn’t have as many cool features as ConvertKit. Consider this when you’re trying to choose an email platform.
Tools of the Trade.
One of my favorite things about blogging is getting to take photos all the time! Although these items aren’t necessary when you first start out, they will give you that little extra boost to making your blog ten times better! Here are some camera & gear recommendations…
If you don’t have it already, I highly suggest you invest in Amazon Prime. Getting caugh in a pinch without the right gear and a quickly approaching deadline can be VERY stressful.
