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As I’ve said before, it is possible to launch a successful freelance blogging business with very little financial outlay at all. However, if you are willing to spend a little money you may find the journey that more stress-free and successful.
With that in mind, I have compiled a list of my favorite resources below that can help you on the path to successful freelance blogging. I use (or have used) them all and recommend them wholeheartedly.
Please note that I will make a commission if you sign up for any of the premium products below through my link. You will not pay any more (and may in fact get a discount) by doing so.
How to Blog
- Start a Blog that Matters. If could only make one recommendation to a new blogger, Start a Blog that Matters would be it. And I don’t say that lightly — I learned more from this course in a few short weeks than I had in the previous six months. I cannot praise it highly enough. Now here’s the really incredible part: this course used to sell for $97, but you now get it as part of a Fizzle membership. The first month will set you back just $1 and there are no tie-ins.
Domains and Hosting
- Westhost. The best domains and hosting service I have come across (and I have tried a lot). Westhost offer a 60 day money back guarantee, free backups and awesome 24/7 support from guys that really know what they’re talking about. And after transferring from my previous provider, I found that my blog’s load speed increased by 10%. If you’d like to learn more about my experiences with Westhost then click here.
Building a Blog or Website
- WordPress. In my opinion, the best content management system for bloggers (and for the vast majority of websites in general). You can start blogging with WordPress at no cost by clicking here, but I would strongly recommend that you invest in a self-hosted site (the WordPress software is free, but a domain and hosting will set you back a few bucks).
WordPress Themes
- StudioPress. Once you’ve installed WordPress you’ll need to choose a theme, and my number one recommendation is the line of themes offered by StudioPress. This very site runs on a version of their flagship Genesis theme and I couldn’t be happier with it.
List Building
- AWeber. There are a few email list services around but I consider AWeber to be the standout winner. They have the best features and a one month trial will only set you back $1.
Image Sourcing
- Compfight. My go-to resource for blog post images — I probably use this 90% of the time. Compfight is actually a search engine for the enormous Flickr database.
- Google Advanced Image Search. A far greater selection of images, but the quality and relevance is often questionable. Still, a great secondary source of images.
- Stock.XCHNG. My favorite free stock images site.
- Icon Finder. If you’re looking for an icon, this is the place to go over all others.
Invoicing and Billing
- Freshbooks: my service of choice when it comes to pain-free invoicing. Bill all of your clients, check reports to see how much money you’re making, keep track of late payers, and much more. Free to try!