Resources

Best Free Blog Platforms

When you’re first starting out as a blogger, it can be tough to soak money into an endeavor that may not last. If you’re simply trying to get your feet wet, try a free blog platform. While there are quite a few on the market, the following are simply the best.

WordPress.com – WordPress.com (not to be confused with WordPress.org) offers six plan options, starting with their $0 plan. Get free access to themes, unlimited pages and users, and more.
Blogger – Blogger is a completely free blogging platform. All templates are available at no cost and there are no additional hosting fees. You can also connect your AdSense account to start earning.

If you need help getting started as a blogger, check out my comprehensive guide on how to become a freelance writer.

Best Hosting Services

If you’re serious about starting a blog or website, you may want to start with paid hosting. There are dozens of hosting services out there, but not all are worth the money. While I started my first blog with Bluehost and enjoyed its ease of use and affordability, there are other great options.

BlueHost – This hosting service is powered by WordPress, making it easy for beginners to use. Plans start at just $1.99 per month.
Hostinger – Provides everything you need to create a website. Hosting plans start as low as $2.99 per month.
DreamHost – Offers domain names, web hosting, business email, managed WordPress hosting, and more. Plans start at $2.95 per month.

Best Graphic Design Tools

Whether you want to make a logo for your website or are looking to craft some compelling marketing materials, you’ll need a great graphic design tool to get the job done. Here are a couple of my favorites:

Canva – Canva is a free-to-use graphic design tool that can be used to create social media posts, videos, logos, posters, presentations, and more. Upgrade to a paid plan for full access to features and other perks.
Adobe Photoshop – While Adobe Photoshop has been around for ages, it still tops the list as one of the best graphic design tools. The tool now offers plans for commercial use.

Best Royalty-Free Images

Adding images to your blogs and website content can enhance its overall appearance and better engage readers. However, purchasing stock photos can be costly. Here are some websites that offer free or inexpensive royalty-free images:

Pexels – Here you’ll find millions of high-quality, royalty-free images and copyright-free pictures that you can download with a click of a button.
Free Images – Offers a diverse selection of free images, including free photos, vectors, clipart, PSD, and icons.
Pixabay – Contains over 4.4 million royalty-free images that are ready to download and require no attribution.

Best Tools for Productivity

Staying productive can be tough with any job but is particularly challenging when you work from home. Fortunately, there are some free tools that you can use to stay motivated.

Monday – This is an open platform task management application that helps users stay on task by streamlining workflows.
Pomofocus – I often use a pomodoro timer to help me keep focus and ensure I take frequent breaks.
Evernote – Evernote is a popular note-taking app where you can organize your thoughts, scan important files, and more.

Best Ad Networks

It makes sense that you’d want to earn money from sharing valuable information on the web. The good news is that there are many amazing ad networks that you can sign up for and start earning almost right away. Some top choices include:

Google AdSense – AdSense is one of the most well-known programs for website publishers. Sign up to earn money from your online content when you allow advertisers to serve image, text, video, or interactive media advertisements on your site.
Infolinks – Provides website publishers with a stable revenue source with its high-quality ads.
Mediavine – Helps content creators build a sustainable online business using full-service digital management, technology, and products.

Best Affiliate Programs

In addition to ad networks, affiliate programs are one of the best ways to earn money online. Whether you want to sell a product, service, or virtually anything else, you can find an affiliate program in your niche. Here are a few of the best programs:

Amazon – The Amazon Associates Program helps publishers, content creators, and bloggers monetize their traffic.
Clickbank – Clickbank is one of the world’s largest affiliate marketplaces with more than 4,000 quality products.
Commission Junction – Become a publisher partner with Commission Junction and engage shoppers through a variety of models, such as blogs and websites.

Best Writing Help Books

No one is born a professional writer. Continuously learning from experts in the field can help you hone your skills and elevate your career. Here’s a look at some of my favorite self-help books for writers: