BLOGGING RESOURCES
FOR NEWBIES…
If you’re reading this then I’m hoping you’re about to start your journey as a blogger. If that’s the case, I can not say GO FOR IT loud enough! Over the past few weeks I have been reading and devouring as much information as possible, but I’ve started to find that there are lots of blog post out there that are just saying a regurgitated version of the same thing. 
Instead of writing a 1000+ words for this post and boring you silly, I wanted to provide new bloggers with a concise list of resources that I have found invaluable on my journey. Here goes…
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that earn me a small commission, at no additional cost to you. I promise to only recommend products that I have reviewed personally or that I have used and think you might like to use too.
WordPress
I love that both my blogs are WordPress blogs and that I have the ability to monetize my content. If you want to eventually make money, it’s a good idea to go with WordPress.
Google Analytics
Please please pleeeeeeeeease make sure you install Google Analytics as soon as possible. You want to be able to track your traffic growth from the start.
Mailchimp
I use Mailchimp for sign-ups, newsletters etc. I’ve finally figured out the Automation process, yey me. It can take a bit of effort but it’s well worth it. Don’t just get names on your list and then forget about them. Set up weekly emails to stay in contact.
Pixabay
Pixabay is a haven of fabulous royalty free images that you can use on your blog and make it look super pretty. I love it!
Okay, so I know you all probably know about Instagram, but if you’re serious about blogging, make sure you convert to a business profile and focus on using hashtags to grow your audience and establish your presence.
Pinterest is fabulous whether you’re a blogger or not. But if you are a blogger, it can seriously grow your traffic. Again, convert to a business profile and make sure you pin consistently. I would recommend a minimum of 30 each day, half in the morning and half in the evening, and pin a mixture of your own content and that of others. Make sure your boards have easily searchable names too (eg, Fashion instead of Super outfits to make me look hot).
Tailwind
Once you get Pinterest set up, take a look at Tailwind. It allows you to schedule pins to go out at optimal times of the day to increase your visibility. Their free trial lets you schedule 100 pins which is great. If you see that it works, and I’m sure you will, you can sign up for the full version. For more details, read my full post on Tailwind. If you would like to receive a $15 credit to your account, please email me directly!
WooCommerce
If you are looking to set up a shop on your website, WooCommerce is a wonderful option. I haven’t used it on this site, but I have used it over at Zwannie Books. If I can figure it out, you can too!
ShareASale
ShareASale is a great affiliate program to join if you are looking to monetise your blog. I would suggest waiting until you have some decent traffic heading to your site as this should mean that once you join, you shouldn’t have to wait too long to make a commission. You can find affiliate programs for almost anything on ShareASale…there’s something for every niche and every blog.
Amazon Associates
If you’re looking to monetise your site with affiliate links, Amazon Associates is a good place to start. You can find a link to just about everything on Amazon but make sure to only recommend things that you have personally used. Don’t ram affiliate links down peoples’ throats! Just be aware that you’re unlikely to see much return on your links until you have decent traffic going to your site.
Canva
Create beautiful ‘pinnable’ images for your blog using Canva. You can also use Canva to create images for Twitter, Facebook, Instagram as well as making up free printables, flyers, posters and business cards. There are so many templates to choose from and lots of free images to use too if you haven’t signed up for Pixabay yet.
Boss Girl Bloggers
Boss Girl Bloggers was founded by Ell Duclos in 2017. It’s a fabulous site for all things blogging and a great community to be a part of on Instagram. I love the way Ell writes on her own blog and simply put, I just find her very inspirational. Worth checking out.
Startamomblog.com
The emails I receive from Suzi at Start A Mom Blog are great. Full of information and encouragement.
Of all the things that I have signed up for and all the emails I’ve been receiving from other bloggers promising the world in terms of handy info, these are the ones I keep coming back to or have utilised.
I know there is much more out there and I know I have so much more to discover and learn, so I will endeavour to update post accordingly. But for now, I hope this helps!
Happy blogging..let me know how you get on. I’d love to hear about your journey!
