Welcome to my Writing, Business, and Blogging Resources page, a curated list of the tools I recommend for building your creative blog and business. These tools will help to make your writing and blogging life easier. Be sure to bookmark this page, and check back often. I will continue to add new writing and blogging resources as I try them.
Some of these writing and blogging resources links are affiliate links – meaning they do not cost you extra. However, I may receive a commission if you use them. Thank you for your support!
Website Hosting
Bluehost is the number one hosting service for WordPress blogs. They offer reasonable rates, a one-click install of WordPress, and top notch customer service. Click Here to learn more about Bluehost.
WordPress Themes
I use the Genesis Framework, by StudioPress.com, for my blog. The Genesis Framework enables you to quickly and easily build amazing websites with WordPress. Click Here for more information on the Genesis Framework.
In addition to the Genesis Framework, I am currently using the Captivating child theme by Restored 316. Restored 316 offers numerous feminine style themes for your blog and business. Many offer online shop capabilities, and all of them are responsive themes; meaning your site will look great on tablets and cell phones too. Click Here to see more themes from Restored 316.
Free Stock Photography, Photo Editing & Fonts
If you are looking for beautiful FREE stock photos, Ivory Mix is the place to go. At Ivory Mix you’ll find lifestyle photos, flat lay photos, social media style photos, and more. The best part is that you can download 300+ photos for free. (I personally use Ivory Mix photos on my website.) Click Here to learn how to download your free stock photos.
Creative Market houses all of your creative blogging needs in one site. They offer numerous photos, graphics, fonts, and more. They even offer free items each week. Click Here to learn more about all Creative Market has to offer.
PicMonkey is a fantastic photo editing program. You can touch up photos, design graphics, and create collages. Click Here for more information and to start a free PicMonkey trial.
SEO Tools
Keysearch is one of the best keyword research tools for bloggers. It’s reasonably priced and easy to use, making it perfect for beginner bloggers to more advanced bloggers. You can find new keywords and track your competitor keywords with Keysearch. Click Here for more info, and enter code KSDISC for 20% off.
SEMrush is an additional SEO tool that can help you find profitable and niche keywords for your blog. It has a lot more features than Keysearch and is more expensive. If you can afford the price, I would go with SEMrush. Click Here to learn more and to try SEMrush for free.
E-mail Marketing
ConvertKit is known as one of the best e-mail marketing services for bloggers and business owners. Grow your e-mail list quickly with the numerous tools, forms, and services offered by ConvertKit. Click Here to get a FREE trial, and learn more about all that ConvertKit has to offer.
Pinterest Tips
Tailwind is THE best scheduler for Pinterest and Instagram. Don’t have time to post pins all day? Let Tailwind pin for you. Schedule posts and amplify your reach, all with one tool. You can even get started for free. No credit card required. Click Here to learn more about Tailwind.
Dating Pinterest, by Paul Scrivens from Dare to Conquer, covers the ins and outs of Pinterest. Learn how to grow a successful blog by using Pinterest. Click here to learn more about the Dating Pinterst Course.
Online Courses and Classes
If you are looking for THE best blogging course, look no further than Dare to Conquer. I cover DTC in more detail in my post The Best Blogging Courses. In addition to the Dating Pinterest course above, you can also sign up for several other courses or a monthly membership that gets you access to all of Scrivs courses. Click Here for more information.
CreativeLive offers 1,500+ life changing and creative classes. From photo & video, to art & design, to classes for crafters & makers; CreativeLive has it all. Click Here to see a full listing of CreativeLive courses.
MasterClass offers online courses taught by the world’s greatest minds. Classes include photography with Annie Leibovitz, writing with Malcolm Gladwell, R.L Stine, James Patterson, and Judy Blume, cooking, acting, film directing and more. Click Here to see the classes MasterClass has to offer.
Other Resources
Ultimate Bundles offers bundled digital products for a significantly reduced rate. Pick up popular e-books and guides, online classes, and other tools to help you grow your hobby, blog, and business. Each bundle is offered for a short period of time, so it’s important to act fast. Current bundles are: The Ultimate Productivity Bundle (available now), The Genius Blogger’s Toolkit Flash Sale (available 4/8/2019 to 4/9/2019), Herbs and Essential Oils Super Bundle (ends 5/31/2019), Photography Super Bundle (ends 6/30/2019). Healthy Meal Planning Bundle (ends 12/31/2019). Interested in earning money and becoming an Ultimate Bundles affiliate? Click on Ultimate Bundles Affiliate Program for more information.
Sparkle Hustle Grow is a monthly subscription box for female entrepreneurs. It is filled with tools, training, and an online community to help you grow your business. Each month covers a different theme. Click on Sparkle Hustle Grow to learn more.
