Quick note: Some of the links contained on this page are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I only recommend products that I use myself and think would be useful for other people.
After setting up two blogs in 10 months, currently working on my third, and setting up a Gumroad shop, these are my go-to business tools. For someone who isn’t all that tech-savvy, these resources proved invaluable to me.
Web hosting and WordPress themes
You will need web hosting if you are looking to monetize your site and have more control over the content. I did a lot of reading prior to signing up to any of the below companies and there are a lot of great comparison blogs out there.
Bluehost
When setting up my website, I lost my WordPress dashboard. The Hubby and I spent 3 hours trying to recover it. As you can imagine, this didn’t do my anxiety levels any good! Upon contacting Bluehost via online chat, they had the issue resolved and the website back in a matter of minutes.
For this reason, I have to recommend them to any budding bloggers or current website owners, who wish to switch their hosting. They offer web hosting for as little as $3.95 per month.
Krystal hosting
For my second blog, I went with KrystalHosting
My plan allows me to run two domains & I am loving it! Sign up using referral code – EEC8016B
We each receive a £10 bonus (The discount only applies to hosting services)
Bluchic Themes
Following my extensive research, before I started the blog, Bluchic was the only company on the shortlist after I had scoured the web. These are the reasons:
- One-off payment with no future costs
- Simple, feminine, attractive themes
- Ongoing technical support (this is a must for someone like me. Tech is not my strong point, but I am learning a lot!)
I decided on the Olivie theme and all products they offer can be found here.
Design and images
I am still learning when it comes to designing, but this is why apps make it so easy to quickly create great images for your blog.
Canva Pro
Canva Pro is a free online graphic design tool that lets you create beautiful images for your blog. You can design everything from your logo to Pinterest pins, to blog graphics and so much more. My little one even uses it and loves the pictures I create.
I had to upgrade to the Pro version to get the benefit of all the wonderful designs and it’s something I am willing to pay £10.99 monthly for because I use it every day!
Affiliate platforms
SendOwl
I am using SendOwl for one of the companies I am an affiliate with. It’s easy to use and I am seriously considering it for any future products I decide to create.
You can sell digital products and create an affiliate dashboard of your own.
Marketing tools
Email marketing is one of the more lucrative avenues you have as a blogger. I also find it amazing I can have a direct relationship with my readership.
ConvertKit
I use ConvertKit for my email forms and newsletters. I tried several other companies before them and I must say they are the most user-friendly. Sign up here.
Keyword research and SEO
There is so much information out there about Google ranking, Domain authority and mastering SEO. I would suggest using a combination of the great resources out there.
Keysearch
I have finally signed up for Keysearch and it’s the best decision I made. It’s driving the content I write and improving my overall Google ranking.
Blogging job platforms
These platforms have generated a lot of blog work for me. On some occasions, I have made lasting partnerships with a brand, which means ongoing collaboration and future work. Everyone benefits. And I genuinely love working with brands. Especially small businesses and start-ups.
Pressloft
Are you a brand looking for exposure? I am currently using Pressloft for brand collaborations, and I’ve had a lot of success matching with brands. You can sign up to access bloggers who can elevate your brand, using this link and code Mummy46133.
Intellifluence
On this platform, I got my first paid blogging job. The app is easy to use & the payment process is great.
Get Blogged
Want to start earning money by pitching for blogging jobs, sign up to getBlogged.
Affiliate marketing platforms
Adtraction
I have just started working with brands on this platform, but so far it is easy to use and I am looking forward to promoting these brands.
Share A Sale
Rakuten Advertising
Technology Used by Successful Businesses
Great resources from other bloggers
Other bloggers are often your best resource. Simply because they have lived through the struggles and made mistakes. Blogging is a learning curve and it takes time to master all the skills you need to be successful.
Affiliate Marketing For Bloggers
Buying this book will literally change the way you think about writing your blog posts. It is also encouraging me to be selective about the products I promote, in order to get the best return for the time I spend working on the content.
Izzy’s resources to help you stay on track
Blogging isn’t easy and at times you can feel like giving up. Outlining your purpose and your goals is essential, to keep you motivated. Izzy will help you do this.
The Content Chest Blogging Community
Sign up to The Content Chest using code: MUMMYCONQUERINGANXIETY and you will receive 20% off your first month!
Check out my review of Izzy’s great membership platform and the reasons why I love the blogging community so much.
The Art Of Blog Writing
If you’re looking to improve your writing, check out Eleanor’s blog and you will see she clearly knows what she is talking about.
Great online resources to help on your blogging journey
The Official Clickbank Copy Writing Guide
WordPress Plugins
Pixel Your Site
Side hustles
It’s great to have a side hustle, especially if you plan on taking blogging to the next level and your monthly income may fluctuate.
Profit accumulator
Sign up with Profit Accumulator. It’s proving to be a great extra source of income for our family. All tax-free!
Check out my recommendations for other side hustles here.
Money offers
Sign up for Ever Up
Add referral code RSAM271407UYQYDO we each get 500k coins. These can be spent playing daily savings games to add to your overall savings balance.
Start saving with the Chip app
Download the Chip app
Head to the “Promos & Referrals” section on your profile and enter the code CHIP-LKW818
You get £10 & so do I 💷
Sign up for a Monzo account
A great app to keep track of your spending. Sign up and we each receive a £5 payment into our account when you make a card payment.
Remember to use your cashback apps
Sign up to Quidco using my referral link
Even small purchases eventually add up to free money 💷💸
Sign up to TopCashBack using my referral link
Check out other money offers – bit.ly/3EvDHuQ
Websites for paid writing jobs
As I eventually intend to offer freelance writing services, I am making myself known on other writing platforms. Here are some of the ones I recommend.
Fiverr
Sign up & create your own gig on Fiverr. Start earning money today!
I hope these resources will be of some use to you!
