Start your blog the right way with the most up-to-date blogging resources and recommendations for new bloggers.
There is so much information out there when it comes to how to start a blog, that it can feel pretty overwhelming when you’re just starting out.
What makes it even worse, is that every blogger seems to have a different opinion on how to do…well, everything. From how to get more pageviews to how to make your first affiliate sale, there is no one single blogger vision.
When I first started out blogging, it was overwhelming. I spent hours watching endless tutorials, reading through confusing how-to guides, and scrolling through pages of support forums, only to find advice that was either outdated or just didn’t work.
It was defeating, and a few times, I actually had to step away from working on my blog because I felt like everything I tried wasn’t working.
Getting the wrong information can leave you feeling overwhelmed, confused, and worst of all, no closer to your blogging dreams. That’s why I created this Top 10 Resource List for New Bloggers.
This list includes the top best free and paid resources, I’ve use to build my blog, improve my writing, and market my content to a larger audience. The list is broken down by sections, so feel free to jump around to find exactly what you need.
1. Start a Blog – Bluehost
Cost: Paid
Description: Start your blog with Bluehost. Bluehost is one of the top website hosting providers for bloggers. Their plans include free domain for the first year, added site security and WordPress. They also offer 24-hour customer support via online, chat, or phone. For more information, check out my tutorial on How to Start a Blog with Bluehost here.
Learn More: Bluehost Web Hosting
2. Blog Legal Pages – Legal Template Bundle
Cost: Paid
Description: Every blogger is required to have specific legal documents on their blog. Lawyer and blogger, Amira, from A Self Guru has created a Legal Template Bundle with the three legal documents you need to protect your blog. Her legal templates are easy-to-use and downloadable. Once you have the templates, all you have to do is enter your information, add it to your blog, and you’re done. You can check out my review post here, or click the link below, for more information.
Learn More: Legal Template Bundle
3. Headline Analyzer – CoSchedule
Cost: Free
Description: CoSchedule’s Headline Analyzer allows you to test out different headlines to see how they would rank in search engines. They score each headline based on different criteria, and provide helpful tips on how to improve your headline appeal. I use CoSchedule for every post headline I write. Check out the link below for more information.
Learn More: CoSchedule Headline Analyzer
4. Write a Better Headline – Jon Morrow’s Headline Hacks
Cost: Free
Description: Another headline resource that’s worth looking into is Jon Morrow’s Headline Hacks- A ‘Cheat Sheet’ for Writing Blog Posts that Go Viral. Jon Morrow, creator of SmartBlogger, has put together a list of the most common headlines being used today, along with examples, and power words to help boost your title. Sign up below to get a copy of his headline hacks.
Learn More: Headline Hacks
5. Stock Photography – Unsplash & Pixabay
Cost: Free
Description: I actually included two different sites here for free stock photography. When using images in your blog posts or social media accounts, it’s important that you only use images that have a Royalty-Free, a Creative Commons and/or Public Domain License. Pixabay and Unsplash offers free stock photography available for use under their licensing. Both sites have a huge inventory of images to choose from. Check out the links below.
Learn More:Pixabay
Learn More: Unsplash
6. Pinterest Marketing – Pinterest Popular Course
Cost: Paid
Description: Pinterest Popular is a course created by Pinterest coach Nadalie Bardo, creator of It’s All You Boo. This course shows you show you everything about Pinterest marketing from how to design eye-catching pins, how to write keyword optimized descriptions, to how to set-up your Tailwind scheduler.you can check out my review post here, or click the link below for more information.
Learn More: Pinterest Popular
7. Graphic Design – Canva
Cost: Free & Paid Plans Available
Description: This is by far my favorite blogging resource. Canva is one of the best tools for designing images for both blog posts and Pinterest pins. Their platform is easy-to-use and They also offer a pretty generous free plan. I actually used their free version for about a year and a half, before I recently upgraded to their paid version. You can check out more information about Canva using the link below.
Learn More: Canva
8. Pinterest Scheduling – Tailwind
Cost: Free & Paid Plans Available
Description: If you plan on using Pinterest as your main source of traffic, then you’re probably going to need get Tailwind at some point. Tailwind is a Pinterest-approved automatic scheduler, that gives you the ability to upload and schedule pins in advance, check your pin analytics, and join Tailwind Tribes (groups where you can submit you pins for greater exposure). Sign up using my referral link below and get a fee month of Tailwind.
Learn More: Tailwind
9. Email Marketing – ConvertKit
Cost: Free & Paid Plans Available
Description: ConvertKit is a pretty reputable email marketing software provider. I’ve been using them for several years now, and overall have had a good experience. ConvertKit makes it easy to get subscribers to your blog using their pre-made templates. They also have automation tools that allow you to set up emails in advance to send to your subscribers. Check out my review post here for more information, or click the link below.
Learn More: ConvertKit
10. Grow Your Blog – Launch Your Blog Biz Course
Cost: Paid
Description: Launch Your Blog Biz Course is a beginner-friendly blog course that teaches you everything from how to set up your blog using WordPress to how to make money blogging. This course was created by Lauren McManus and Alex Nerney, two bloggers who both run two, six-figure blogs. If you’re new to blogging, and struggling with the technical or monetization parts of building a blog, then definitely check out their course. For more information, check out my review post here, or click the link below.
Learn More: Launch Your Blog Biz Course
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Starting a blog can feel really overwhelming at first, so don’t feel a need to jump head first into all this information. It’s okay to build you blog, and your brand, one step at a time.
Feel free to save this list and refer back to it periodically. I make updates to it as new blogging tools and resources come out.
As always, best blogging wishes!
