I’m a firm believer in telling your story and/or sharing your passion via blogging. And no, I don’t believe blogging is dead or even oversaturated. The internet needs your voice, your story, your expertise, and your passion … and it’s easier than ever before to get a professional blog up and running!
Let me tell you back story of my blogging journey.
I started my online journey back in 2004 – 18 years ago. That is like dinosaur years in internet time. I blogged, and had websites, that were actually successful. At one point I was making 2-3 thousand a month from them.(sorry, no screenshot proof it was so long ago!) Between the work at home niche and the mommy blogging niche, I’ve had a lot of experience with websites, blogs, and info products.
As my family grew, and my virtual assistant practice grew, I began letting my blogs fade away. And although I now regret that decision I believe most things do happen for a reason – or, at least you can make good come from anything – and so here I am starting my blogging journey, again. And guess what? You can start blogging in 2022 (or whatever year you read this in!), too.
Since 2004 I’ve had some sort of blog. And though I eventually stopped blogging for profit I never stopped blogging for fun, and to keep my skills fresh. As of 2021 I began feeling the urge to take blogging to a business level again. I purchased a course and starting brainstorming ideas. It wasn’t until late 2021 into early 2022 that I narrowed my idea and started the blog, this blog.
My goal for this blog is to be a positive and educational resource for chronically ill women seeking to live their best life despite illness. I blog on topics that I feel will be good for women who need more self care, a slower more intentional life, tips for living with chronic illness, and for those who want to make money from home while they heal/live with their chronic illnesses.
I’m back at square one with blogging and have to build from scratch but with last years course, and the few more I’ve purchased since then, my experience and skills with WordPress blogs and writing, I believe I’ll get back to a full time living and I believe you have a good shot at it, too!
A snippet of my old blogs
(screen grabs from the way back machine)
Blogging Tools, Resources, and Learning
Hosting
BlueHost — a great host for affordable needs and great customer support. This is a nice option for those new to blogging.
SiteGround – another great option for smaller and bigger bloggers alike.
BigScoots —- this hosting comes recommended by my blogging mentor, Sophia Lee of BySophiaLee (you’ll find her courses linked below) for anyone with over 200,000 page views.
WordPress.org Themes (self-hosted)
StudioMommy —-> This is the shop of the current theme I’m using as of May 2022. I LOVE it! It’s a cute look and has what I need at this time.
Restored316– –> I’m super excited to switch my blog theme to one of hers as soon as my blog gets more traction! I’ve used her themes a few years ago and was always impressed!
17th Ave Themes —–> I have used their themes in the past and was very satisfied and happy with the quality of theme and the variety of themes to choose from. My mentor, BySophiaLee.com (you’ll find her course linked below), also used this company when starting out.
Stock Photo Sites
I only have one listed right now because it’s my favorite and the only one I think you’ll need but if you Google stock photos I’m sure you’ll find many more to choose from.
WordPress.org Plugins
These are the plugins that I personally use with my blog and theme. Plugins can break a theme so please be aware of that before uploading a plugin to your theme. Also note that not everything I use you’ll necessarily want to use with your theme and some may be theme specific.
Google Analytics
You’ll want to set up a google analytics account. This will help you keep track of your traffic, page views etc. And if you want to be part of big ad networks eventually you’re going to need this installed on your blog. I would YouTube how to set up a Google Analytics account as it can be overwhelming if you’re new to it.
Pinterest Account
I highly recommend getting a business account with Pinterest and claiming a website. You’ll do that in the settings part of your account, going through the process to claim your website, which is easy. This will give you more analytics for your blog and how Pinterest Pins are performing for you.
- Tailwind for scheduling pins
- OR using Pinterest’s scheduler – which is what I currently use
Keeping Track of Passwords
Blogging and Pinterest Courses I have bought and used and recommend
Perfecting blogging – by Sophia Lee – hands down one of the best purchases I’ve made for my business
Perfecting Pinterest – by Sophia Lee – hands down one of the best purchases I’ve made for my business
Ready Set Blog for Traffic – by Elna Cain
Pursue Your Passion from Home – by Pine and Prospect Home
Pinteresting 2.0 – by Blogging like you mean it (and from the same author is Affiliate Marketing for Bloggers which I have not taken yet but plan to, soon!)
Fast Track to Passive Income – by The Fast Track Girl (this is about making digital products and selling them on Etsy. I plan on doing this as an add-on to my blog)
Farmhouse on Boone’s Blogging Course – I have not taken this course as of yet but it’s my next bigger course purchase either this year or beginning of 2023.
Project Management Tool
Trello – this is the only one I have personal experience with but I am on the hunt for new ones to try.
File Storage
I use Dropbox for my file storage. I like to save my documents and images in Dropbox. Currently, I’m using their free option.
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