My Favorite Blogging Tools to Date
*This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission to help keep this site running.
While I haven’t been blogging as long as some others out there in the blogosphere, I have been doing it long enough to have some tools that I seem to keep coming back to. In this post, you can find my favorite blogging tools that I have discovered so far in my blogging journey.
1. Tailwind
Pinterest is a huge driver of blog traffic for me, as is the same for most bloggers. Until about a couple of months ago I was spending so much time on Pinterest that I really wasn’t getting much else done. After seeing a lot of mentions about Tailwind, I finally decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did!! After trying it for only a few days I decided it was worth it to go ahead and purchase the “Plus” plan that allows me infinite pins per month. The best part – I can schedule them so I’m not constantly on Pinterest!
Typically, I will try to schedule my pins only once a week, but when I have time to sit down and scroll through Pinterest, instead of pinning in real time, I’ll schedule those pins through Tailwind. I’ve seen such a dramatic increase in my reach, pageviews, and Pinterest followers since signing up for Tailwind.
Another great thing about Tailwind is the Tailwind Tribes. Think of it like Pinterest Group Boards on steroids. Typically, each Tribe requires at least one pin repinned for each pin you contribute. So unlike group boards, there’s a better chance that your pins will get repinned by other frequent Pinterest users with similar niches.
Haven’t tried Tailwind yet? Click here to get a free trial month!
2. Bluehost
Bluehost is the hosting company I use for my blog and I couldn’t be happier with them! There have been a few times that I’ve had to use their customer support to assist with some things that I just couldn’t figure out how to do, and they were so helpful and were able to help me get things taken care of very quickly.
The first issue I had them help me with was switching my domain name. I thought I could do it completely by myself, but there was one tiny little thing I couldn’t figure out, so I used the chat feature for their support and asked if it was something they could help me with. Within 5 minutes, it was all taken care of!
The other issue I had was with trying to get my SSL Certifcate installed. So first of all, I have to point out that if you use bluehost, they provide you with an SSL Certificate for free, which is awesome! I’m not totally sure why, but I just couldn’t seem to get the installation to work, I kept getting error messages. So once again, I used the chat feature to ask for help, and again, within 5 minutes they had it installed for me!
Having a blog inevitably means you’re going to run in to some issues here and there, but it’s nice to know that there’s a dependable support team standing by to assist when issues arise.
Want to give bluehost a try? Click here to try it for only $3.95 per month!
3. VigLink
VigLink is one of my favorite affiliate programs to use because it really doesn’t require a lot of effort at all! You can make nearly any link an affiliate link, or search through specific merchants to find product links to use in your posts. VigLink can also insert affiliate links into your posts without you having to link anything at all. For example, you can write a post about a product such as alarm clocks and VigLink will automatically create an affiliate link for the term “alarm clock” that if clicked, will take the user to a product link that has a history of converting well.
VigLink has been one of my most successful affiliate programs and that’s mainly because it’s so easy to use!
Are you signed up for VigLink yet? If not, give VigLink a try by clicking here!
4. Convertkit
I just switched from MailChimp to Converkit a couple of months ago, and I’m so glad I made the move. ConvertKit is so easy to use and has so many amazing features and learning tools. I’ll be honest, when I made the switch and logged into the platform, it was a little intimidating at first, so I closed my computer and thought “Oh God, what did I just do? I spent money on something I’ll never learn to use!” So after a night of sleeping on it, I opened my computer and attempted to dive in again. Only this time, I first noticed that I had an email from someone at ConvertKit asking me if I’d like help switching over my list from MailChimp. I thought for sure it’d just be one of those cases where I’d say yes and be sent a tutorial to follow, but that wasn’t the case! A real person responded to my email and basically said “Done!” I couldn’t believe it! There were a few more email exchanges with me asking questions and within minutes I’d receive a reply. I cannot tell you enough – the customer service for ConvertKit alone is worth the monthly price for the service.
In addition to having awesome customer service, they’re truly dedicated to helping you grow your list and optimize your email content. They have weekly webinars that you can attend to learn how to use the tools available. They also have a library of instructions to help you set up different campaigns, landing pages, etc… And, they even have a podcast where you can learn from other successful bloggers that use ConvertKit.
Building your email list and staying connected with your readers is the most critical thing you can do as a blogger.Click To TweetWe all know that building your email list and staying connected with your readers is the most critical thing you can do as a blogger. So why not have the best support team rallying behind you with tips and tricks to help you connect with your audience the best way possible?!
Want to give ConvertKit a try? Click here to get started!
So there you have it! My 4 favorite blogging tools that have made my life so much easier! What are some blogging tools that you use that you couldn’t live without?
Still trying to decide if I want to go through something like Bluhost or if I should use squarespace.
I’m not familiar with Squarespace, so I can’t speak to that. I would recommend doing your research and even pose questions to various facebook groups to ask people about their experiences. It’s always helpful to directly from people who are using a product or service.
Converkit sounds like the thing I need!
It really is SO helpful! 🙂
These are some awesome suggested tools. I just signed up for Tailwind and I’m learning the ins and outs of it. I need to set up an email list next so I will keep ConvertKit in mind.
The more you use Tailwind, the more you’ll love it! 🙂
I second Tailwind. Love how easy it’s made Pinterest.
🙂
I’ve never heard of Viglink, sounds like it would make life so much easier. I switched to Squarespace almost a year ago, best decision ever, so much better and prettier than wordpress!
I think I’m going to have to check out squarespace – it sounds like there are several people out there that really love it!
I love Tailwind so much! I’ve been using it for a very long time now. It’s a really great tool. I also use Bluehost. They have been so great. I had a melt down a couple of years ago when my site crashed. They fixed it as soon as I spoke to them.
That’s so awesome to hear! Thanks Joanna!
I’m a recent Tailwind convert, but I love it and I’m never going back. haha
I LOVE all of these! I use them all and would be lost without them!
I keep hearing about Convertkit. I need to make that switch too! It’ s nice to know that their customer service is great. Thank you for sharing. I use skimlinks affiliate program, but I’ll be sure to try viglinks if skimlinks doesn’t work out.
😀
Ugh yes, I love posts like this. I am totally going to check out Tailwind. I really need to learn how to better utilize Pinterest.
Those are some very great ideas and tools. I probably should be using all of them. I will consider tailwind and convertkit first
I love Tailwind, too! And I need to check Viglink.
I’m a Virtual Assistant and I love to use tailwind. It’s so easy and effective! It helps me become more productive. I guess I have to try those 3 tools too!
Tailwind and convertkit are the best!
I’ve been wanting to use Tailwind for a while now but it seems so daunting. Your post cleared it up some, thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing this! I desperately need to start building my subscriber list and using Pinterest so these tools are very helpful, they just seem like such overwhelming tasks lol
I tried Tailwind and still belong in a group there, but prefer Buffer.
I’ve been wanting to try Tailwind for a while. It’s on my blogging goal list for the month of August. Thanks for reminding me that I need to sit down and just make it happen!
Viglink is a new one to me. I still have so many things to implement! I have used Tailwind and can attest that it makes managing Pinterest a breeze. I’d add Post Planner or Buffer to this list.
These are some great tools to help manage your blog better. I highly recommend trying our their free trials to make sure the tool has everything you are looking for.
I’ve heard so many good things about ConvertKit lately that I’m thinking about making the switch, too. I love that there are actual people providing customer service instead of a bot or a general self-help section. That makes things SO much easier!
Thanks for sharing. I have heard about Tailwind, but have not sat down and given it a thorough review/understanding. However, the more that I read your post, the more that I know that I should be working it into the blog.
I have heard a lot of positive things about Tailwind. I may have to give it a try.
Oh my gosh this is absolutely amazing. I will suggest this to my friend who is just starting.
I love Tailwind! It makes planning all your pinterest shares a breeze and has helped with my pageviews so much. Great tips!