Just starting? We all start somewhere, but in the maze of blog advice, it helps to get a hand up the ladder I can’t tell you how to be a successful and popular blogger, that seems to elude me, but I can help you with the nuts and bolts of making your way around the insides of writing and setting up a blog.
WordPress…Or
Like many long time bloggers I settled on WordPress as the best platform. If you want something less complicated, but also less powerful and flexible, Blogger will work for you. Read my post on platforms. There are new choices coming up, but none compare with what WordPress can do. i say without reservation: go with WordPress.Themes
I have used a lot of different ones over the years, and dug around in the insides of them. There are many good ones, but if it needs to be something solid, reliable and worth the money I’d reduce the number to three, in the order given:- Studiopress- solid, well supported, and clear
- Elegant Themes – artistic, powerful, full featured
- Thesis- clear and well constructed
Many Top Bloggers Use Genesis by Studiopress
Go to the developers sites and look at demos. They all three are dependable and keep well updated.Thesis Is A Very Professional Theme
Elegant Themes Do It All With Beauty
Hosting
WP Engine
I am not ready to go with the full features of WP Engine yet, but I am planning to move my main website there at a future date. After research, this is the hosting I consider the best.Siteground
After becoming very unhappy with Netfirms, I moved to Siteground. Overall, it has worked out well, especially since I upgraded to their Geek plan. You will have to make a decision on the level of features you need for your blog. While it is difficult to change a developed site from one host to another, upgrading is simple. Take time to choose the host you want. The information and ratings on them can be very confusing. My uptime on Siteground has been excellent, the support I’ve needed was available. So far, so good.Domains
Hosts often sell domains. Others are:- Namecheap
- Godaddy
Graphics
Every blogger needs to create and edit graphics, whether for posts or social media. Usually for both. There are some great tools now, I pay premium for both and use both, but you can use the free options just as well (premium has more fun stuff you can use like fonts, etc). [UPDATE: What began as free has now become paid services in both Canva and Picmonkey]- PicMonkey
- Canva
Productiveness
Lots of good programs and apps out there, but I find the most usefulness in Evernote. One thing must be said about the big changes in that app: unless you pay premium, now you may only use two devices to access your Evernote account. That is a big change. Still, it is one of the easiest and best ways to organize your writing and research. Evernote Dropbox Dropbox gives you space to store all kinds of files for access online. Mailchimp email provider. Others are available, but this is what I use.Keep Track
I use Google tools to keep track, Google analytics Google Webmaster Tools Stat Counter is free and has been reliable.Monetize
While I post on the ups and downs of making money online in my posts, here is a list of the usual avenues of earning from your writing. Adsense Amazon Be aware that Amazon requires that you show some results to remain in the program. Disclaimer: A number of the links on this page are affiliate links and will earn me a small commission if you signup to the services. This adds no cost to you but helps keep my blog sustainable. Looking for the info I had here previously? Look here.Starting A Blog? Confused? Begin Here.
