OUR FAVORITE RESOURCES
This page is full of a growing list of recommendations on websites, services, and products, that we use and love, and we feel are top class resources for bloggers, business owners, entrepreneurs, and those aspiring to be…
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Online Business Components
This is a list of resources I use, starting from the ground, to creating an online business(es). Some are affiliate links (meaning I’ll receive a commission at no additional cost to you if you choose to make a purchase through the link) and some are not, regardless, they are all recommendations of my experience with my own websites, clients websites, and/or hundreds of hours of research.
Hosting – Bluehost!
I personally use and love Bluehost + WordPress for all my hosting needs! I started a while ago as a complete neewbie with Bluehost, had a TON of questions, made lots of mistakes, and needed a lot of help! I’ve always gotten great service, detailed answers to my questions, and have learned so much with them!
Choosing a Theme
I have used a couple themes now. My favorite and most used theme is Divi by Elegant Themes. I’m a visual person, I’m learning code but when it comes down to it, it’s like painting or drawing something to me. I want to visually see my every brush stroke as I take it. The Divi theme allows me to build on the front end visually without worrying much about the code on the back end! Plus it’s optimized for mobile, tablet and desktop views. This particular website also has Divi Child Theme Malina from Creative Market as well.
The Legalities
For my legal pages on all of our websites and those I work on for clients, I use Amira at A Self Guru.com! I used to work at a lawfirm (back in the day) and though I understand legalise, for the most part, I definitely don’t trust myself to write my own legal pages! I purchased her legal bundle to get started and was very impressed with the package that came with easy to follow instructions. She’s definitely earned my repeat business for any contracts,etc. I may need in the future!
Step-by-step
Starting a website or blog is a great way to add value to others, find your purpose and earn an income on the side…or even maybe a full time replacement! This post gives you the step-by-step in Phase A…a.k.a. getting started!
Graphics Resources
Canva – FREE – and has an app
Microsoft Word, Publisher, and PowerPoint – Yearly subscription (I use these to design some of my printables and freebies)
Picmonkey – Free trial – and has an app
Pic Collage – FREE and has an app
Presets for Lightroom mobile by Koloro – FREE App
Round Photo (Design Clippings) by addquick – FREE App
TextSwag, Typography generator by Zinila Nguyen – FREE App
Free Courses I’ve Taken
Pinterest Primer – by McKenzie Bean of MomsMakeCents.com
This is an email course over six days to help you set up your Pinterest Profile for business correctly and get you started! Just from setting up my profile and boards correctly without changing pins or pinning technique my new profile grew (and sustained) by over 900 monthly views.
5 Day Blogging BootCamp for Beginners at CreateAndGo.com
Alex and Lauren have it down to an artform for their blogs. This email course will define the basics for a beginner blogger. Hosting, Domain Names, Email Lists, etc. It definitely helped me learn the basic terminology and organization to what of the basic steps come when.
Business Resources
Adobe Scan – FREE App
I use this to scan documents and reciepts with my phone. I can then save, text, email, upload to Google Drive, and more.
Cash App by Square, Inc. – FREE app- to transer money and receive money.
I use this similarly to PayPal. It links directly to a debit card and I can send or request money from users that deposits straight to my account.
Dropbox – FREE version – and has an app
I use this similarly to Google Drive. I use this to share and collaberate with people that don’t have Google or some businesses in teh marketing industry I use during Project Coordination for my clients.
Trello – FREE – and has an app
I use this as a project management tool and can share items with others involved in the tasks, set deadlines, make notes, save links, and much more!
Zoom – FREE – and has an app
The free account gives you 45 minutes for each face-to-face web meeting. Great for team collaberations virtually or even recording a demonstration or class to share.