Resources

I have so many resources stuck in my head. Often times I take those resources for granted because they are apart of my daily life. I often get questions asked about what I use and how I use those resources.

Here are some key resources to get you going in the areas of blogging, entrepreneurship and podcasting.

Blog Platforms to Use

  • WordPress.org – I’ve been using WordPress since I discovered it. I was originally on blogger but the free and paid theme templates are amazing on WordPress. WordPress.org allows you to fully customize
  • WordPress.com – free hosting platform that allows you to focus on content
  • Tumblr – hosted option that focuses on repost ability
  • Blogger – free option owned by google
  • Medium – free option created by Twitter co-founder Evan Williams that focuses on contributions

Web Hosting Companies Available

  • BlueHost- Blue host is the people’s choice. They have plans starting at $5.99 (currently running a special for $2.95). I’ve used Hostgator and GoDaddy as well.

Register your Business/Accounting

  • Legal Zoom– Incredibly low prices to start and run your business properly
  • Legal Zoom for LLC – We are a LLC company and that is what we suggest to most budding entrepreneurs. Sole Proprietorship is incredibly risky.
  • Freshbooks- Online cloud accounting. Run it like a business not like a hustle

Writing Apps

  • Scrivner – I use Scrivner to write my books and ebooks.
  • Desk Pm– An independent writing app that I absolutely love.
  • Evernote– I am an avid user! Without Evernote I would have no organization.
  • Day One- Day one is my journal app when my moleskine is unavailable.

Blog Themes and Design

  • Themeforest– The easiest way to get your blog up and running is to buy a good template. Themeforest is my place of choice for that.
  • 99 Designs– If you want to succeed online you need great branding and designs. 99 Designs offers some of the best designs for the lowest price points.

Email Marketing Tools

  • Aweber– They are a bit expensive if you are just starting out
  • Mailchimp– I’ve used Mailchimp for years. They are great for a email list under 1000.
  • Active Campaign– Everyone is switching over. It’s definitely worth a tour. The set up I hear isn’t great but it’s worth it.

WordPress Plugins

  • Warfare– Has become an industry standard for social sharing on blogs
  • Yoast- Is a great tool for SEO (search engine optimization)
  • Instagram Slider Widget– Put your Instagram profile on your side bar.
  • SumoMe– The best wordpress plugin to capture email addresses
  • Smart Podcast Player- A great podcast player to display each or all episodes (Created by Pat Flynn)

Editorial Calendar and Scheduling

  • Buffer – Don’t overwhelm yourself with posting to Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and all of the social media networkings. Buffer is great for scheduling your social media interaction and following the analytics.
  • Co-Schedule – Market your social media post the smart way.

Podcasting Equipment

  • Call Recorder– I prefer to use the Skype version so that I can edit each vocal separately
  • Blue Yeti – I use the Blue Yeti and I absolutely love the sound quality, the ability to mute yourself and volume adjustment on the microphone.
  • Skype– You can use FaceTime but Skype is the most universal and best option for podcasting when interviewing.
  • GarageBand or Logic for Mac users- We use Logic to edit our podcast. We started with Garageband but needed the ability to edit on a greater scale.
  • Headphones- The biggest mistake you can make is using Apple Headphones for podcasting. I suggest over the ear headphones. Here is a good article to look into multiple opinions between $75-100.

Podcast Hosting

  • ZenCast-Is a new company that we use to host our podcast. I absolutely adore the customer service.
  • Buzzsprout- Great introductory free pricing and amazing customer service.
  • Libsyn– Used by many. I personally don’t like the UI

Testing Systems

  • Google Analytics- Free website tracking. If you have trouble setting it up Google’s customer service is amazing.

Disclosure:  Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase.  I have experience with all of these companies, and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because I want you to pay for them.  If you have questions about any of the products please feel free to connect with me.

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Get in touch with Christina Faith !

I'd love to connect with you 

  • Philadelphia, PA
  • (267) 270-5147
  • ChristinaFaith@gmail.com
  • www.ChristinaFaith.com

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