Free List of Resources to Start a Successful Blog Today
I started my blog without one single clue of what I was doing. Can you relate?
If you want to start a blog, you’re in the right place. I will share with you a great list of free resources to start a blog today. These are all of the resources I used to get where I am today in one straightforward list. Almost ALL of these resources are completely FREE.
When I went to start my blog, I knew I had valuable information I wanted to put in writing and share, and I knew A BLOG would be a great way to do it.
I have stumbled through this journey somewhat blindly, and I know I’m not the first or last to do so. However, thanks to the hugely helpful community of bloggers online, I have had a ton of guidance along the way.
My number one piece of advice is to get on Youtube! There are COUNTLESS amazing and FREE videos on how to create your website, how to set up your social media accounts, how to write articles, make money, create ads, and on and on and on. I’ll try to share some of them with you here in this list of free resources to start a blog today!
NEWBIE TIP #1
Anytime you find yourself thinking, “What in the heck am I doing?!!!” go to Youtube. Immediately. Search for what you need, and an abundance of resources will fall into your lap for free.
How to Make a Website
WEBSITE HOSTING: Bluehost
I use Bluehost Basic for my website hosting. It is so affordable (only $3.95/month!), super quick to set up, easy to use, and it got me automatically set up with my WordPress website.
I trusted it right away because so many bloggers recommend Bluehost and it’s also recommended directly by WordPress.org.
There are higher levels of Bluehost available if you’re looking for more support, but the Basic was perfect for me starting out. Click here to get started with Bluehost.
WEBSITE DESIGN SOFTWARE: Wordpress.org
Everyone uses WordPress.org. Wordpress requires website hosting – they use the example of hosting being like the rich soil a flower needs to grow in.
Like I said above, Bluehost includes a WordPress.org website, so you won’t actually need to do anything directly with WordPress in terms of signing up.
I simply sign in to Bluehost and click through to WordPress from my Bluehost dashboard. Wordpress is fairly intuitive, but it takes time to get used to. Be patient, and when all else fails, go to Youtube. That is how I have learned 90% of what I needed to know to get my blog started.
WEBSITE THEME (Design): Ashe Pro by WP Royal Themes
I love the ASHE PRO WEBSITE DESIGN and it was only $29! It is so beautiful and is set up with unique, professional templates to make getting started that much more simple.
Check out this beautiful website here – they have put together at least 10 different theme templates depending on your site, your style, and your audience: Light, dark, lifestyle, shop, food, blog, the list goes on and on. It’s amazing. It took me forever to choose.
Honestly, when I first started designing my website, I wanted to save money and refused to pay for a theme. The more I worked in free themes, the more I realized I was very limited on the design in so many ways – special features, fonts, designs and more.
So from a true penny-pincher, I’m very happy I spent the money on the Ashe theme – it has paid off with this beautiful website. CLICK HERE to get this super affordable and beautiful theme installed on your WordPress website.
NEWBIE TIP #2
We all want to save money, especially when we’re first getting started. There are places to skimp and places to spend. A beautiful website is the place to spend, because that website will (hopefully) be with you for a very long time. You need to feel great about it!
Free Professional Pictures
Pictures can completely transform your website! We don’t all have time or talent to be out and about taking amazing photos. This list below is one of the best free resources to start a blog today!
Social Media Posts
Canva.com
Canva is incredible for designing professional-looking ads for all of your social media posts. And did I mention it’s FREE?!
There are countless templates to work with so you don’t have to think too hard. You can also start completely from scratch if you like the artistic fun!
Check out Canva for logos, Pinterest pins, Facebook posts, Instagram posts, flyers, documents, and so much more.
Tailwind
Tailwind is an AMAZING website that helps you schedule your social media posts. You won’t be able to remember Blogging life without it!
For a full-time working mom, this is a game changer! I can’t possibly be on social media at all hours of the day when I’m at work or caring for my family. Tailwind allows me to plan out my posts for the week and have them scheduled to post at the optimal time for my audience. Yes please!!
FREE trail for this one too!
CHECK OUT THIS AMAZING TOOL (Click Here)!
NEWBIE TIP #3
Social Media can be SO overwhelming. Remember, take one step at a time and tackle what you can handle. Do not attempt to master all social media platforms at once. Look to those who have gone before you and remember why you started this journey – I’m guessing it wasn’t to consume yourself with analytics, but to share your story! Analytics are important. Essential even. Still, stay the course your heart started you on in the first place and do not lose sight of your original goals in the chaos that is social media.
Website Analytics
Google Analytics
Google analytics is an absolute MUST for anyone driving business to a website for a living.
It will completely blow your mind the information you can get on how many people visit your website, what they like, where they come from, what language they speak, what pages they love, how long they stay on your website and how they get there in the first place. It is AMAZING.
Sign up right away. It’s a FREE resources to start your blog today and ensure what you’re doing is working!
Email List
Mailchimp.com
This email service is awesome – it’s also FREE! The amount of things you can start off with for free is astonishing.
This is a product you can grow into as your business grows, and you may need to start paying once your email list is large enough, but it’s very capable product that can connect directly to your WordPress website. Check it out!
Make Money Blogging
Amazon Associates
I’m still growing in this arena, but the easiest place to start (for me) was Amazon Associates.
It’s free to sign up, and you don’t need to prove a strong existing readership or customer base. No brainer!
They provide you with links to products and services that you can place on your website, and when your readers click your link and order from Amazon, you can earn a commission.
Google Adsense
Another very popular income gainer for new bloggers.
Add these customized ads to your website. Check it out!
NEWBIE TIP #4
Building your blog takes time. A lot of time.
Don’t beat yourself up. Find an end goal to stay focused on, find your “WHY” and stay the course.
You’ll read over and over that it takes less than an hour to start a blog. I’m not sure what delusional world those people are living in, but it is a lot of work if you want to do it well. I absolutely love it because I am a life-long learner and this adventure has kept me on my toes every step of the way.
Good luck dreamers! You’re on your way and we can’t wait to see you shine!
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