One of the most frequently asked questions I get is how I built my blog? Here I am sharing with you personally all the tools and products I use on my blog. At the time when I started blogging I felt completely lost and had no idea really where to begin other then getting a domain name! Nor did I have any one really to ask for advice! Below are all the blogging resources that I have found useful and taught me everything thus far.
Whilst I am definitely no professional or guru for that matter there is always so much more to learn. I hope you find some of my blogging resources helpful in building your dream blog. A little reminder that each blog is different and and what may work well for me may not be the requirements of others. If there is anything you want to ask me please comment below or feel free to contact me! Any other tips drop them below too, I would love to hear!
(Please note the following links may contain some affiliate links. Whilst these are no cost to you, I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase. However please remember these are all products I use which have helped build my blog. All blogging resources that I personally use and love)
Blogging Resources List
WEB HOSTING
Host Gator : My web host. What is a web host and why do you need it? Web hosting think of like your own little space you rent out in the cyber world. Have a self hosted blog you have complete control over blog from layout, to SEO, advertising and more. Whilst it can be intimidating to start it does give your blog a much more professional feel
BLOGGING PLATFORM
WordPress : The place to bring your dream blog to life. Easy to use (if you get stuck Youtube it ha!!). Download themes, plugins and widgets. Not only just a blogging platform but you can create any website you desire.
BLOG THEME
All the below premium wordpress theme recommendations are so easy to use. I am not the most tech savvy person and navigated my way through setup quite easy. The best part if you do get stuck there is support available
17th Avenue Designs : Whilst WordPress does provide some free themes I highly recommend purchasing a theme that suits your niche and personal style. For my blog I wanted something feminine, yet functional and to stand out from everyone else. I fell in love with 17th Avenue Designs. As a new blogger with absolutely no idea when it comes to computer tech it can be intimidating. The theme design was easy to install. An in-depth step by step guide helps your design and personalise it how you wish. And a little tip from personal experience the more content you have on your blog the more it will look like the demo!
Restored 316 : Truly some beautiful and feminine premium themes to make you blog stand out. The Refined theme below is a favourite of mine along with Glam and Dazzling Bluchic : Beautiful themes for the creative entrepreneur. Just which one to pick they are all so so stunning!
PINTEREST BASICS
I love Pinterest! Like seriously love Pinterest. Think it rather like a search engine rather than social media. You may be suprised to know Pinterest actually brings me more traffic to my blog than Instagram! Whilst it does take a few months of hard work and dedication to build up the traffic/views I recommend every serious blogger to get onto Pinterest! More below.
Canva : You need this in your life to create any kind of graphic. I can not recommend Canva highly enough! I use Canva to create all my blog graphics to go on Pinterest. Pretty much it is where I create everything form my invoices, image graphics, blog banners and more
Tailwind : Ever wonder how users on Pinterest are pinning pins at all hours of day? Say hello to Tailwind! I used to pin manually but with keeping up with the blog and other social media it was becoming too much. Since I have switched to Tailwind my views have grown to 769K viewers a month and still growing. Whilst I do use Tailwind to pin I do jump on for a few minutes everyday to pin manually.
EMAIL LIST
Mailchimp : I will openly admit the one thing I need to improve on building a subscriber list. So stay tuned as I will update as I go! In the meantime feel free to subscribe below, I promise I won’t spam you. I will keep you updated on all my latest blog posts and sale finds I am loving
E-BOOKS + E-COURSES
I am forever reading. In the past few months I have read and completed a few E-Books and E-Courses. I still have a few on my list, once I complete them I will add them here
Get Paid to Pin : E-Book by Coco Darling learn everything about pinning and making money on Pinterest. One of my favourite guides to understanding strategy on Pinterest, cant recommend it enough!
Her paper Route : A selection of free and paid E-Courses + E-Books. Chelsea’s “How to Start a Blog” is a great free course for newbies.
Be Your Own Dam Boss : Another great E-Course for those new to blogging. Touches on a little bit each of Facebook, Pinterest, Traffic Tips and Blog Basics
Get Started on Pinterest : It is so easy to get turned off from articles saying “sign up here to get this free guide”. Let me tell you this one is worth getting. Vanessa Kynes’s content is highly informative, I have learnt a lot from her in regards to Pinterest.
THE BLOGS I LOVE TO READ PACKED FULL OF BLOGGING TIPS
ThinkCreativeCollective : Courses, podcasts and a blog these ladies have it all. Whenever I get the chance I enjoy listening to their podcasts Strategy Sessions
Plush Content Co : Whilst she may not blog often her articles are very useful. If you are after stock photos Amanda certainly has some beautiful images!
Vanessa Kynes : Your Pinterest marketing Strategist. I mentioned Vanessa above however, everything you want to know about Pinterest just visit her blog. Highly recommend the Facebook group too!
Blogdarling : Hands down my absolute favourite! I think I have read just about every single article on Coco’s website. Just don’t forget to grab her “Get Paid To Pin” E-Book worth the little investment!
EllDuclos : #bossgirlbloggers a little community that has now grown quick large! Ell (Lauren) first created the community for female entrepreneurs and bloggers to come together. Its all about sharing tip and ideas in business and of course women supporting women. I am not part of many Facebook Groups but this another one I highly recommend! Ell’s blog articles are greatly informative and useful. And as I mentioned above definitely check her courses.
Girlbizonline : Let me just start by saying Meghan creates the most gorgeous graphics on her website as well as on Pinterest! Constantly new articles being added to Girl Biz Online I recommend taking a read from WordPress tips, Blogging tips and Instagram
BLOGGERS MUST-HAVE BOOKS
She Means Business : Turn your ideas into reality. Carrie Green will leave you ready to smash all your entrepreneurial dreams
Daring and Disruptive : By Lisa Messenger this is not just a book. Its like the book, the book to scribble all your goals, bring your dreams to life and packed full of inspiring quotes. Currently sitting on my desk I am working my way through
Girl Code : On my list. Stay tuned
The Conquer Kit : Another book to scribble, draw and plan all your goals. A planner for anyone wanting to bring their business dream to life
MOTIVATING STATIONERY (PERFECT FOR FLATLAY STYLING PHOTOGRAPHY)
AFFILIATE PROGRAMS
ShareASale : So many programs on offer from marketing, web hosting to fashion. I am only new to it (I just wanted Tailwind) and probably not one of the best for Australian bloggers
Shop Style Collective : My favourite! Create widgets in your blog posts, create “shop the look” images, pin direct to Pinterest and not to mention its pay per click! Absolutely perfect for beauty and fashion bloggers you just check this one out!
Commission Factory : Fashion, Beauty, Home, Health another fantastic one for Australian Bloggers