Blogging is a huge part of my life. Not only did it lead to the success of this website, I’m also Assistant Director of Houston Bloggers as well as Co-Founder of Blog Elevated Conference and Community.
I can’t tell you everything you need to know about blogging but I can, and will, help you find someone or something that can tell you what you need to know.
So what resources do I recommend for bloggers?
Running a website:
The first part of running a website is the platform that you use. I recommend using WordPress.org, which requires a paid server. I have used Bluehost as my server for the past 7 years and the have been wonderful. If you’re looking for a server to host your website, consider Bluehost.
Once you have that website up and running you’ll need a theme. Genesis Framework is the way to go, in my opinion. Genesis is what’s known as a parent theme. You purchase the Genesis theme once. Then you are able to easily change how your theme looks using child themes. These usually run around $25 each. StudioPress.com, which sells Genesis, is a great company that offers a lot of support and upgrades the themes!
Social Media:
If you want to be a blogger than you need a solid standing on social media to help with your marketing.
Here’s some tools that I couldn’t operate without:
Buffer – it helps you schedule out what you’re sharing on the different social media platforms.
ManageFlitter – My old time favorite that more people are figuring out. It helps you find out who is not following you back on Twitter. It’s a great way to keep your Twitter list clean and full of people who want to engage and talk back rather than just have a fan club. It’s really growing by leaps and bounds and now you can also work on finding great content to share and see your stats of what your Twitter account is achieving.
Writing:
Writing is a huge part of blogging.
If you want to write and send out a newsletter, I use MadMimi.
If writing an e-book is in your plans, check out Scrivener.
Photography / Graphics:
While you don’t have to use a fancy DSLR camera, it’s a good investment. Mine is old and it needs to be replaced but at the time being I’m shooting with a Nikon D-90. It is my second DSLR and it was a hard choice. Whichever camera you choose, make sure you research and learn a lot about them before purchasing.
To make graphics I simply use Photoshop. I’m a huge Adobe Suite junkie. I love all the Adobe products and use them regularly but Photoshop will always be my favorite.
If you’ve landed on this page and want to start a blog, check out this post on How To Start a Blog.
If you’re past starting a blog, check out How To Grow A Blog.
I’m also currently writing an e-book on what to do after you start a blog.
*This post contains affiliate links
