Note – this page includes some affiliate links (meaning that I may earn a referral commission if you purchase via the links). I only ever include the affiliate links for products I have used and recommend.
If you’re new to blogging, or you already blog but wonder what tools I use, then this page is for you! This is the list of tools and resources that I’ve found useful throughout my blogging and online business career.
Areas covered: Website Hosting & Domain Names, Website Design & Images, Social Media, Email Marketing, Money & Accounting, Other: Emails, File Hosting, Documents etc., Helpful Courses, and Charity.
Is there something I’ve missed? If you have any questions feel free to contact me.
Website Hosting & Domain Names
I personally use Name.com for my domain names, and WP Engine for my website hosting. For a lower cost hosting option, I use InMotion Hosting.
Useful blog posts:
- How to Choose the Perfect Blog Name
- How to Buy a Domain Name
- How to Set Up Your Domain’s DNS Servers
- A Beginner’s Guide to Website Hosting
- How to Start a Blog for Free if You Have No Money
Website Design & Images
I use WordPress with the Flatsome Theme (as it’s really easy to customize and works with WooCommerce which I use to sell my digital products).
I love Unsplash for free photography and I use Adobe Photoshop to create my blog post images. I also love Creative Market.
Useful blog posts:
- Choosing a Theme for Your WordPress Blog
- How to Set Up Your Blog with WordPress
- WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org – What’s the Difference?
- A Guide to WordPress Blog Settings
Social Media
I use Tailwind to schedule my Pinterest pins and to get extra traffic with their Tribes feature. I’ve also found Buffer very useful for scheduling (and there’s a free plan).
- Useful blog post: Should You Automate Your Social Media?
Email Marketing
I use ConvertKit for my email newsletters, and LeadPages for my opt-in forms and landing pages. I set my husband up with MailChimp, because they have a generous free plan. I used to use Aweber and found them reliable too.
For ConvertKit training, I can’t recommend Elizabeth Goddard’s ConvertKit Club enough – she’s brilliant!
Useful blog posts:
- Email List Building Basics: How to Start from Scratch (In a Way That Feels Good)
- 8 Reasons Why You Need to Build an Email List
- How to Start and Grow an Email List with No Money
- 15 Freebie Ideas to Send to Your List
- How Often Should You Email Your List?
Money & Accounting
I use Xero for my bookkeeping and Amy Taylor Accountancy to manage my accounts.
- Useful blog post: How to Stop Freaking Out About Money in Your Business
Other: Emails, File Hosting, Documents etc.
I use G Suite for emails and Google Drive for backing up my files. I use Evernote for all my ideas and drafts. I use Basecamp project management software to stay organised with my team.
Helpful Courses
- If you’re new to blogging, I have a Big Picture Business Kit to help with the bigger vision.
- I learnt all things Instagram from Sara Tasker’s Insta Retreat.
- Better Branding from Caroline Kelso Zook is one of the best courses I’ve taken – it’ll help you get really clear on your brand story (and what makes you unique) as well as the design.
- I also mentioned ConvertKit Club above – for training on all things ConvertKit.
Charity
I am increasingly making charity a part of my business. I currently donate monthly to Give Directly and lend money via Kiva to help alleviate poverty around the world. I use the resources on the Life You Can Save to evaluate where my money is best donated to various charities.