Blogging Tools & Resources I Use and Recommend
The essential tools to help you start, build, grow, and monetise your blog step-by-step.
BLOGGING TOOLS & Resources
These are the tools I personally use and recommend to build, grow, and monetise a blog. Each one plays a specific role, from getting your site online to creating content, driving traffic, and generating income.
Start with the essentials below to get your blog set up the right way, then add more tools as your blog grows and your needs evolve.
Start (Foundations) → Build (Setup & Design) → Grow (Content & Traffic) → Monetise (Income Tools)
Some of the tools below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I use and trust.
Start (Foundations)
These are the tools I use to get my blogs online and set up properly. Start simple, then upgrade as your blog grows.
Hosting
Bluehost (Best for Beginners)
I recommend Bluehost if you’re just starting out. It’s beginner-friendly, affordable, and makes it easy to get your blog online quickly.
Blogging Platform
WordPress (Self-Hosted)
I use Self-Hosted WordPress to build all my websites. It gives you full control over your design, functionality, and long-term growth.
All-in-One Platform
Wealthy Affiliate
I use Wealthy Affiliate as an all-in-one platform for training, hosting, keyword research, and AI tools. It’s especially useful for managing smaller niche sites and learning new strategies.
High-Performance Hosting (Optional Upgrade)
SiteGround
As your blog grows, I recommend upgrading to SiteGround for faster performance, better reliability, and improved scalability.
Build (Setup & Design)
These are the tools I use to design, structure, and customise my blog.
Theme
Kadence
I use Kadence to create a clean, fast, and professional blog layout without needing code. It’s lightweight, flexible, and easy to customise.
Page Builder Enhancements
Kadence Blocks
I use Kadence Blocks to extend the WordPress editor and create more advanced layouts, sections, and design elements.
SEO Plugin
AIOSEO
I use AIOSEO to optimise my content, improve search visibility, and manage essential on-page SEO without complexity.
Code Snippets Plugin
WPCode
I use WPCode as a simple way to safely add scripts, tracking codes, and small customisations without editing theme files.
Forms & User Interaction
WPForms
I use WPForms to create contact forms, email signup forms, and simple user interactions, making it easy for visitors to get in touch without any technical setup.
Cookie & Compliance Plugin
Complianz
I use Complianz to add a cookie banner and manage cookie consent, GDPR compliance, and privacy settings across my site.
Grow (Content & Traffic)
These are the tools I use to create content, improve visibility, and grow consistent traffic to my blog.
Content Creation & Ideas
ChatGPT
I use ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas, plan content, and speed up the writing process while keeping my workflow efficient.
Graphics & Visual Content
Canva
I use Canva to create blog graphics, Pinterest pins, and visual content quickly, making it easy to design professional-looking visuals without any design experience.
Advanced Design (optional upgrade)
Adobe Creative Suite
For more advanced design work, I use Adobe’s professional tools to create high-quality blog visuals, videos, lead magnets, branding, and more detailed graphics when needed.
Traffic & Performance Insights
Google Analytics
I use Google Analytics to track blog traffic and blog growth, understand my audience, and see which content is performing best.
Search Visibility & SEO Insights
Google Search Console
I use Google Search Console to monitor search performance, track rankings, and identify opportunities to improve visibility.
Keyword Research & Strategy
Ahrefs
I use Ahrefs for in-depth keyword research, competitor analysis, and planning content that has the potential to rank in search.
Traffic Platform
I use Pinterest as a visual search engine to drive consistent, long-term traffic through pins, boards, and strategic content sharing.
Monetise (Income Tools)
These are the tools I use to turn blog traffic into income through affiliate marketing and ads.
Affiliate Program
Amazon Associates
I use Amazon Associates to recommend relevant products within my niche and earn commission from my blog content.
Display Ads
Google AdSense
I use Google AdSense to generate passive income by displaying ads on my blog and monetising my traffic as it grows over time.
Affiliate Network
Awin
I use Awin to access a wide range of brands and affiliate programs across different niches, giving me more opportunities to diversify my income streams.
Affiliate Network
Rakuten Advertising
I use Rakuten to partner with well-known brands and higher-quality partnerships to build more premium, long-term affiliate income streams.
Not sure where to start? Follow a clear, step-by-step path to build your blog the right way.
View the Blogging Roadmap →