*Updated May 2019
Blogging is definitely something that I believe everyone should do if they are feeling that urge. You don’t have to make money from it (but you can if you do want to), you just have to want to share your voice with the world. I’m sharing all of the resources I’ve seen so far so you can make the most informed decision about starting your very own blog.
Some links are affiliate links, which I do make a small commission off of if you do make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. You can read our full disclosure here.
Blogging Platforms
Blogger – Free blogging platform hosted by Google.
WordPress.com – Free blogging platform
WordPress.org – Self-hosted platform (I currently use)
Squarespace – User-friendly platform
Weebly – Basic blogging platform
Domain Name and Hosting
Siteground – Well-known and affordable domain + hosting (I currently use)
Lyrical Host – An up and coming hosting platform with free monthly resources.
WP Engine – WordPress hosting, for WordPress users only
A Small Orange – Homegrown +cheap hosting options
Google Domains – Domains only (I currently use)
Host Gator – Cheap hosting
Namecheap – Cheap domains + name checker
Writing and Editing
Evernote – A note taking app, use across multiple platforms
Hemmingway App – Editing website
Grammarly – Editing website, Chrome extension. There is a paid version available
Affiliate Networks
Shareasale – Most well-known affiliate network (ASOS, Julep, Wayfair, Shutterfly)
Skimlinks – Easy to setup (Sephora, Zappos, Dell, Canon)
Amazon Associates – Just about everything! It’s Amazon….DUH!
Sell Your Digital Products
Teachable – Create your own digital school for free
Gumroad – Good for E-book delivery
Shopify – The place to sell digital and physical products
Etsy – The number one place to sell crafty digital and physical products
Store Envy – Sell indie, not as mainstream, products
Payment Processors
Paypal – Most well-known and trusted payment processor, integrates with just about everything
Stripe – Optimized payment forms
Email Service Providers
MailChimp – First 2,000 subscribers are free
Mailerlite – First 1,000 subscribers are free + automation + landing pages
ConvertKit – Most intuitive + user-friendly
Infusionsoft – Ultimate email software for professionals
Aweber – In between CK and Infusionsoft
Video Hosting
YouTube – Most well-known video hosting, free, monetize with ads
Vimeo – Upload HD videos with no ads
Survey Tools
Survey Monkey – Easy to build surveys
TypeForm – Free, customizable, minimal forms
Project Management
Asana – Create a workspace for your team and manage projects
Trello – Create lists/cards and easily collaborate with your team
Slack – Communicate easily with your team on different topics
Social Media Scheduling
CoSchedule – Easy set up an editorial calendar for social media
Buffer – Easily schedule social media posts
Hootsuite – Scheduling software for most platforms
Tailwind – Easy to use pin scheduler
Buffer – Very easy and user-friendly to schedule tweets
Tweetdeck – Easily schedule tweets, view multiple accounts at once
Crowdfire – Efficient account management, schedule tweets, manage followers
Image Editing + Stock Images
Canva – a free platform that I used to create my images
Canva for Work – the paid version of Canva, that I currently use, create branded images
Stocksnap.io – Search for free stock images
Haute Chocolate – Styled stock images
PicMonkey – Free photo editor
Creative Market – Inexpensive graphic options
Photobucket – A free photo hosting site
Courses
Pinfinite Growth – Learn how to effectively drive traffic to your blog through Pinterest
Your First $1K – Learn tips and tricks to earn your first $1,000!
Webinar for Introverts – Are you an introvert (like me) but you see everyone else doing these awesome webinars? Get tips and tricks to conquer your first webinar.
Pinterest with Ell – This easy-to-digest course gets you started with the basics of setting up Pinterest, as well as Tailwind strategies to help propel your blog traffic!
This page will continue to be updated as new resources come about.