I haven’t often written about blogging, but I thought it would be helpful to create a resource page that bloggers can use to see my favorite blogging resources. Please note that I’ve either personally used these resources or they have come highly recommended to me by people I trust.
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. This does not cost you any extra and is greatly appreciated! Affiliate links will be noted with an asterisk.*
Blog Platform
wordpress.org I started out on Blogger and after lots of reading and research, finally moved to WordPress after three and a half years. I love it and wish I had done it sooner.
Hosting
I am currently using Hostgator. This may change as my blog grows.
Blog Design
Genesis – My site runs on the Genesis framework and I love it.
Restored 316 Designs I love the gorgeous, feminine designs that Lauren creates. They are versatile and beautiful. My site uses the Delightful Pro theme. I highly recommend this company.
My Favorite WordPress Plugins
Akismet Protects your blog from comment and trackback spam.
Genesis e-News Extended Makes it very easy to create an email sign up form on your blog.
Jetpack Adds advanced options to WordPress that are usually only accessible by WordPress.com users. This is how I quickly check my stats each day.
Yoast SEO I love this plugin. It’s simple to use and provides tips to improve your SEO.
CommentLuv Allows your commenters to display a link back to one of their blog posts when they leave a comment on your blog. UPDATED – I no longer use this plugin.
Comment Reply Notification Auto-emails the commenter when you reply from within the comments, so they don’t need to come back to your site to see if you answered. UPDATED – I no longer use this plugin.
Related Posts by Zemanta Puts related posts at the bottom of each blog post to help engage readers and encourage them to click around your site. UPDATED – This plugin has been closed and is no longer available.
JQuery Pin It Button For Images This is how I created a custom “Pin It” button when you hover over images on my blog. UPDATED – I no longer use this plugin.
Blog Reading and Training
Building A Framework: The Ultimate Blogging Handbook by Abby Lawson
Abby’s first book was an extremely comprehensive guide to starting and growing your blog. She answers questions about naming your blog, creating a community and the technical aspects of blogging. I am so excited to announce that Abby has just relaunched this ebook. There are now three course options which include an updated version of the eBook, blog binder printables, step-by-step video tutorials and interviews with blogging experts covering all aspects of blogging. Whether you are completely new to blogging or have been blogging for a while, this book will be your go-to resource for making your blog a success. UPDATED – Abby is no longer offering the course, but has a wonderful resource page here.
How To Blog For Profit Without Selling Your Soul by Ruth Soukup
Ruth’s book is packed full of information on writing great content, creating wonderful images and maximizing revenue. A must read for every blogger.
I am currently working my way through Ruth’s course and I am loving it! Ruth shares everything she knows about blogging to help you take your blog to the next level. If you are ready to work hard on your blog, this course is for you. Ruth also offers a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied.
Blogging Your Passion University
Blogging Your Passion University offers a comprehensive, affordable online blogging course with three options depending on your level of experience.
Blog Tools
MailChimp I am currently researching starting a newsletter and this is the program that has been highly recommended to me. There is a free account for up to 2,000 subscribers and it uses a drag-and-drop template builder for campaigns. If you want to set up an autoresponder series, you will need a paid account.
Google Analytics is a free web analytics service that tracks your visitors and reports on their behaviour.
Hemingway This wonderful tool analyzes your text for readability and highlights sentences that are too complex or dense.
Image Editing
PicMonkey This is a great, graphic design tool to easily edit photos or create collages. There is a free and a paid version.
Canva I have just recently discovered this graphic design program and created the new logo for the blog with it (as of June 2015). This is another great image creator with both free and paid options.
PhotoPin This is a search engine for license free photography. There are both paid and free options for photography that you can use on your blog.
Other options are Public Domain Pictures, Pexels and Dreamstime.
Staying Organized
WordPress Editorial Calendar I currently use this calendar to organize and schedule my blog posts. I am currently researching upgrading to Co-Schedule as this will enable me to plan blog posts and to auto-share on my social media accounts at different times of the day.
Free Resources
betaandbeyond.com Regina offers lots of helpful information through her blog and newsletter. She also provides courses and books in her shop.
Amy Lynn Andrews Amy Lynn teaches people how to blog with tips, tricks and tutorials. Her newsletter (The Useletter) is full of useful, current information about blogging and online businesses.
Brilliant Business Moms Beth Anne and Sarah cover a lot of information in their interviews with mom entrepreneurs. They cover topics such as growing your email list, how to build your tribe, why you need a business mentor and finding balance.
I hope that this has been helpful to you and provides encouragement on your own blogging journey.
This is a great list, Debbie! Thank you so much for including Building a Framework in the mix– I’m honored!!
~Abby =)
Thank you so much Abby! I hope you had a wonderful birthday and re-launch.
I love this list–it looks similar to my own! 🙂 🙂 If you love byRegina.com, you’ll love Olyvia.co. They’re two of my favorites for great blog/branding info. Have a great day!
Thanks so much for the recommendation Jennie! I’ll be sure to check it out. Have a lovely week!
THank you for the resources to use as a blogger.
I hope they are helpful to you Gail!
Thank you for sharing. As a newer blogger, it’s nice to learn from those who are more experienced. Any tips for transitioning to wordpress from blogger?
Hi Steph. Thanks so much for stopping by! I set up WordPress and then used a plugin called “Blogger Importer” to import all my old posts. Then I went through and re-arranged the categories and tags. If it’s too technical or you don’t have time, I would definitely recommend hiring a designer to help you.
This is so helpful! Thanks for sharing all these resources with relatively new bloggers like me. I will definitely have to click around and explore some of them!
You’re welcome Lauren! Glad it was helpful for you.
What a great list! I am also an EBA member – there are so many things to learn, doing my way slowly through the course. One of the plugins that I use and I found really helpful is the editorial calendar.
You named so many that I love and some that I am going to have to check out. One that you left off that I like is Boardbooster.
Thanks for the suggestion Sheena! I’ll take a look at that.
This is really helpful stuff, Debbie. Thanks for sharing it!
By the way, I’d love to have you post at my new blog hop—The Weekend Blog Hop at My Flagstaff Home (www.myflagstaffhome.com). It begins on Thursday evenings and lasts through the weekend, if you’re interested.
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer, I’m glad I was able to help you! Thanks so much for the invitation. Hopping over to your blog now to have a look. 🙂
This post is really helpful! Thank for sharing 🙂
bjorkiagadzotica.blogspot.com
Thanks for the list of resources! I’m still somewhat new to blogging and I always appreciate other bloggers tips. I’m definitely going to check out some of those books,. Thanks for sharing!
I hope they are helpful to you Jody! Have a lovely week.
Thanks for sharing this great resource full post at Good Morning Mondays. Blessings
What a great list! Isn’t Canva great? Love it! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday! This is going to be one of my features this week. Hope to see you again tomorrow night!
Thank you so much Chelc! Have a wonderful week.
Great informational post! Thank you for sharing your blog resources in this week’s Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop! 🙂
Erika @whaterikawears.com
Wow, what an amazing collection of resources! Thanks for sharing the tips and links. I will be pinning this to read over and over!
I have just started a brand new link up and it went live today! I’d be thrilled if you could share this post at today’s Sundays Down Under linky party.
Best wishes,
Natasha in Oz
Thank you so much Natasha! I hope the information is helpful to you. Congratulations on your link up party! I would love to come and party. Have a lovely week.
Thanks for the great resource list. Always nice to learn about new plug ins and how they work or what they are for. Stopping by from Sundays Down Under link party.
Great tips! I just pinned this to my blog resources board! Thanks so much for sharing with us at #HomeMattersParty. Hope you join us again next week! The door opens Friday EST.
Nice list–thanks for sharing.