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Blogging: Best Tools & Resources

21st December 2014

Blogging can be a busy business, as I recently mentioned in my Blogging Myths post. If you don’t use the right tools, or make advantage of the amazing resources out there, you could be missing out. I decided to put together a small list of the things I find most useful and help me keep my blogging schedule together somewhat. I am by no means an expert, obviously. But enough of you have asked me recently, so I decided to put the most important ones (to me!) on here. Hope it helps you guys out a little.

 

1. Tweetdeck.

Tweetdeck is a dashboard application that allows you to manage everything about your Twitter account all in one place. Even multiple accounts. The best thing about this is the ability to schedule tweets whenever you want. Meaning you can tweet out about your latest blog posts on a regular basis, bringing in more views. On the rare days that I don’t use this; I notice the difference big time. Another feature I love is the ability to create columns dedicated to certain users, or hashtags. That way I can see what all my fave blogger’s updates are without getting lost in my busy feed.

 

2. Photoshop/Pic Monkey/Canva.

Okay so basically, get yourself a good photo editor dudes! I personally use Photoshop more than anything, but I know a lot of people don’t have it. In which case, Pic Monkey and Canva are fantastic free editors that create beautiful images in a variety of ways. I’m new to trying Canva, but it seems like it has many creative ways to make your images stand out. And photography is your friend when it comes to blogging. Having beautiful images isn’t everything, but it certainly helps.

 

3. Your Phone.

It sounds a little bit obvious, at least to me. But your phone is an incredible tool for managing your blog. You can download all the relevant apps (twitter, bloglovin, instagram) to stay on top of your blog notifications; even when you’re out and about. Then there’s your emails you can stay on top of too. Don’t miss an opportunity to work with a brand or business, simply because you didn’t keep on top of emails. Personally, my phone is my hero.

 

4. A Notebook.

And last but not least, the most simple and overlooked tool of all. Carrying a notebook everywhere with you, for when inspiration hits is invaluable. Yes you can use an app to make notes on your phone, but if your phone battery dies then you’ll encounter problems. I can never remember a blog post idea I had unless I write it down! Also, if I’m being honest I much prefer putting pen to paper when developing ideas. So much more satisfying!

And there we have it. The four must have tools for blogging IMO. They’ll save you time, help you get organised and hopefully grow your blog successfully. Let me know what you guys think.

 

What tools do you guys use?

 

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  2. I always carry a notebook with me in case I have a bit of random inspiration. I have a separate blogging planner (which is brilliant when I'm not at school and have 8 deadlines in 7 days) which is super, duper helpful. I find when I give myself a schedule and deadline I'm a lot more likely to get a post written (If I have a post to write!)

    Rachael at broomfie.blogspot.com

  12. Yes. Tweetdeck is my homeboy! Scheduling is such a big help.
    And photoshop is my life saver, though I don't know how many bloggers afford it! I only have it because of my work obviously and it's an outdated version now (cs2!).

    Good post missus!

    xo

  13. I use all of those things except for tweetdeck. It would be mighty handy. But I havent made a twitter specifically for my blog, it's just my personal twitter which I use casually on a daily basis. Thanks so much for the tips. Also I referenced you in my latest blog post. I used your Christmas tag on my blog and answered the same questions. I hope you don't mind. 🙂
    http://fishnetsxd.blogspot.ie