Wondering which tools you need to succeed?
Tracie’s Top Tools & Recommendations
If you aren’t sure where to get your domain, hosting, email, or other features you will need to use on your site, this page should help. Just click on the link for each product and I’ll take you there so you can read more and get started! And of course, email or tag me in our Facebook Group if you need some help!
In full transparency, I am an affiliate for many of the companies on this page, which means I may earn a commission (at no additional cost to you) if you make a purchase using my code or link. I only recommend companies or products because I believe in them, not because of the small commission I may receive. Please do not spend money on any product unless you believe it will help you achieve your goals. See my disclosure policy for more information.
Tools For Newbies
If you are just starting your blogging journey or if you have been at it for less than six months, you don’t have a lot to invest. And, if you are in any Facebook groups you are being bombarded with courses, books, apps, and programs people say you need to get.
Let’s cut through the noise and share the tools such as your domain, hosting, email provider, legal forms, and more that you need as a new blogger. Scroll down to find everything you need to start your blog.
Domain & Hosting
Your domain name is your site address. That is what you type to access your blog. Your hosting is where your domain lives. You will need both to run a profitable blog.
Theme & Site Design
Once you have your site set up, it is time to make it look good! Get a quality theme and page builder to give your site a custom look.
WordPress Plugins
Plug-ins add functionality and features to your WordPress site.
Email Marketing
You need to collect email addresses so you have a direct connection to your readers.
Legal Pages
Your site must legally comply with the laws in your country as well as where your reader resides.
The mandatory forms include your privacy policy, disclaimer, terms of services, and cookie consent.
Graphic Design Tools
Create the graphics you need to market your blog online.
Stock Photos
You need pictures for your pins and your blog posts. Never rely on a free site for your images as you set yourself up for liability.
Tools For Amateurs
By now you have been blogging for a while and are making anywhere from $1,000 – $4,999 per month, or may have been blogging for at least 18+ months. While the money is great, you are looking to increase both income and traffic.
Below you will find the tools you may want to use to sell products, grow your list, and see your profits increase.
Ensure every article you write makes money!
You need to know what to do to get your site ready to do affiliate marketing and then make sure every post is written to get more clicks and conversions!
Upgraded Hosting
When you get more traffic to your site it may mean it is time to upgrade to a better server.
Paid Themes
Free themes can work but sometimes, paid themes offer the ability to create the custom look you desire.
Legal Pages
Your site must legally comply with the laws in your country as well as where your reader resides.
The mandatory forms include your privacy policy, disclaimer, terms of services, and cookie consent.
Lead Generation Services
Applications that offer custom sign-up boxes or landing pages to use for sales and increasing your subscriber count.
Scheduling Tools
Your time is limited. Scheduling tools will ensure your content is shared on autopilot.
SEO Tools
By now, you should have an SEO strategy. These tools can help boost your rankings.
Selling Digital Products
Platforms to use to sell your digital downloads and eBooks. Learn more about digital products through Product Perfection.
Selling Course
If you want to sell a course, these are the recommended platforms to use.
Advanced Graphic Design Tools
These applications will help you create higher-end printables and products you can sell.
Tools For Experts
You have been blogging for more than 2 years and should be making around $5,000+ per month and have been blogging for at least 18 – 24 months. Now is the time to leverage what you know and increase your income by adding more products or services to your site.
Below you will find the tools you may want to use to sell products, grow your list, and see your profits increase.
Scheduling Tools
Your time is limited. Scheduling tools will ensure your content is shared on autopilot.
Upgraded Hosting
When you get more traffic to your site it may mean it is time to upgrade to a better server.
Paid Themes
Free themes can work but sometimes, paid themes offer the ability to create the custom look you desire.
Lead Generation Services
Applications that offer custom sign-up boxes or landing pages to use for sales and increasing your subscriber count.
SEO Tools
By now, you should have an SEO strategy. These tools can help boost your rankings.
Selling Digital Products
Platforms to use to sell your digital downloads and eBooks. Learn more about digital products through Product Perfection.
Selling Course
If you want to sell a course, these are the recommended platforms to use.
Advanced Graphic Design Tools
These applications will help you create higher-end printables and products you can sell.