Blogging Resources and Tech Tools for Success

It’s hard to believe I’ve been blogging since 2008 and make passive income from it to supplement my retirement. If you have a blog or want to start one, whether you are a Baby Boomer or an aspiring blogger of any age, I’ve created a list of blogging resources that I love and use.

You may want to bookmark these blogging resources for your reference as I update them frequently. Hopefully, it will help you avoid making the blogging mistakes I did when I first started out.

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links to brands that I have partnered with. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Please read my site Disclaimer and Privacy/Cookie policy if you have any questions.

Read more about starting a blog here. If you haven’t set one up yet, here is a step-by-step tutorial to install one online in minutes.

Blogging Resources – to get you started on the right foot

• WordPress.org: This is the self-hosted version of WordPress the #1 Blog platform out there today. It’s different than WordPress.com, (hosted by WordPress) which has several limitations. The software for WordPress.org is free to use as well but you will need to purchase a hosting account to install it. (This will cost you somewhere around $100 or less per year) You can then install WordPress using your hosting account’s one-click installation program. There are thousands of WordPress themes and plugins that can be integrated with self-hosted WordPress and they can perform practically any function you can imagine.
• GoDaddy – I buy all my domains at GoDaddy because they are affordable and reliable although I prefer Bluehost to host my websites.

Your hosting account

Bluehost: I always recommend Bluehost as a hosting account. In all the years I’ve been using it, I’ve been extremely satisfied. The interface is easy to use and they don’t clobber you with up-sells. Bluehost’s customer service has always outstanding for me.  If you have more than one website, I recommend the Bluehost Pro account otherwise you can start with the basic plan and upgrade if you get more traffic. There are more expensive and faster hosts but for most people, Bluehost is all you need.

I have provided step-by-step instructions on how to start a blog using Bluehost here. .

Email Marketing

• MailChimp: MailChimp is an effective email marketing service that’s free for the first 2000 people on your list. They offer opt-in forms, broadcast emails, and RSS campaigns. For a small monthly fee, you can also add an autoresponder. The only issue with MailChimp is that they don’t allow you to put affiliate links in your email, but they have a great sense of humor.

Videos and Screenshots

You can increase your reach and traffic when you make videos. If you aren’t afraid of being on camera, go for it. It’s fun.

• TechSmith – Two tools I don’t want to be without are Camtasia for making amazing videos and Snagit for creating screenshots, editing photos, and recording short videos. It’s the best software out there and it’s fairly simple to use. You can create videos in a snap using Camtasia and send them directly to YouTube, Vimeo, or save the file as soon as you’re finished editing.
• Zoom – Host webinars, record and download video and audio, host conferences, meetings, and one-on-ones with your clients using this easy-to-use software. I love this site!

Schedule Time with Clients

• OnceHub – I don’t know what I would do without my OnceHub online scheduler. Clients can book meetings with me at times that work for both of us. It integrates into my Google Calendar (as well as several other calendars) and also, my Zoom account. You can also create a link or button to put on your website or your email so clients can book you directly from there.

Getting Paid

• Paypal –  Whether you want to get paid (with a custom button) or you want to pay someone else, it’s essential to have a Paypal account. and it’s free to sign up. Be sure to upgrade to Premiere, which is also free.
• Freshbooks – This is a way to send out invoices that look professional if you are running a small business. You can easily set it up to match your company’s branding and it offers options to get paid. Send emails via email or snail mail. Freshbooks will also track expenses. It’s perfect for a business owner who wants cloud-based invoicing software that’s simple and attractive.
• Waveapp – This is another easy way for entrepreneurs to request money, send invoices, and pay someone else using their smartphone or computer. It will also import your banking information so you can keep track of your business expenses.
• Venmo – This is a very cool app to safely share payments on your phone. I’ve used it selling furniture, at garage sales, and even taco vendors. All you need to do is connect your bank account and you can send payments and transfer your money received instantly to approved merchants. You are given a profile address like @rebecca-olkowski and that’s all you need. No personal information is shared.
• Zellepay – This is another banking app. You can enroll on your online bank account like Chase or Wells Fargo. Then all you need is an email address or mobile number to transfer money into another person’s account or receive it yourself.

Images & Photos

• How to find free images for your blog – This is a good resource on where you can find images that are not copyright protected.
• Big Stock Photo – For licensed stock images I always go to Big Stock Photos. You can purchase a package of 25 images for $49 that you can use for blog posts or social media shares.
• Pixabay – Free images for bloggers.
• CanStockPhoto – Stock photography with no sign-up required at affordable rates.
• Fotosearch.com has an extensive collection of royalty-free stock photography, clipart, illustrations, and stock footage.
• MorgueFile – Also offers free images
• PicMonkey – Edit photos, resize them, and add text for free. I’ve been using this program forever for blog photos and to tweak my Instagram shots. Even though you can sign up and use it for free, I love the Pro version because it has so many great options.
• Canva – Create social media graphics using templates and images. It has a free version but the paid version gives you amazing options. I use their platform constantly and even had gorgeous business cards printed out and mailed to my home.
• GoGraph Stock Photography – low-cost stock photography.
• Burst – Free stock photos powered by Shopify that can be used for commercial websites.
• Unsplash – Truly stunning free images, attribution not necessary.
• Pikwizard – Over 100,000 Free images on this site including plenty with people. You can use their design wizard when you download to enhance your image.

Important for bloggers – Make sure to create a gravatar.com account and attach your headshot to your email. That way your photo will show up in comments, on guest posts, and in other places on the Internet rather than a blank or weird avatar. It adds a personal touch and is essential for branding. Sign up for free with your WordPress.com account credentials. (also important even if you use self-hosted WordPress) It helps to power some WordPress plugins like Jetpack and Akismet)

Affiliate marketing and ad networks

If you have an active blog and are getting traffic, you can promote products from other companies and earn an affiliate commission. It’s free to sign up for an affiliate program and you get paid when someone purchases a product you promote.

Affiliate networks

For more income and the ability to apply for companies you love to do business with, the affiliate programs below give you more options and income opportunities. These are some of my favorites.

• Amazon Associates – This is one of the easiest programs to get started with, especially for affiliate beginners. Join Amazon’s associate program using your Amazon login. You can add text links, or create ads and widgets. Just FYI, they have cut commissions substantially for affiliate marketers.
• Shareasale 
• Linkshare – by Rakuten
• Awin
• CJ Affiliate
• Impact

Expert blogging advice

• How to Start a Blog by Jon Morrow – I’ve been on Jon Morrow’s email list for years and he also has the latest advice and blogging resources to help you make the most of blogging. He has grown three blogs to a total of 200 million visitors and $50 million in revenue. And you thought blogging was only for hobbyists! LOL
• How to backup your WordPress site – There is nothing so frustrating as losing the work you did on your site because of a glitch. Here are some insights into how to best backup your site.
• How to create a membership site – Find out how to create a community on your blog and monetize it.
• How to increase your website traffic – Tips on how to bring more visitors to your site and build an audience.
• The best WordPress Themes for Blogs – Here are some other suggestions for WordPress themes from a very reputable source, QuickSprout.
• How to Speed up WordPress – The speed of your site makes all the difference in your success as a blogger.
• 40+ Genuine Places to Get Free Blog Content for Your Site  – This page has excellent resources for bloggers looking to add or repurpose their content

Tech-savvy tools for small business

Baby Boomers are running small businesses that they’ve had for decades or are pursuing new opportunities to supplement their retirement. Using online tools makes it easier and doesn’t use as much paper.

Cameras

Do you love taking photos? I sure do, but I don’t want to get a pain in the neck carrying heavy equipment. When I travel, I always take a light camera in addition to my smartphone to get the best photos I can without the weight.

• Canon PowerShot  – I’ve been using a Canon Powershot camera for several years now. I love it because it has an awesome zoom lens, is light enough to carry around when I’m traveling, and is affordable. Canon always makes great cameras. You can go more high-end with a larger camera like the Canon Rebel, with more bells and whistles,  but I like that the SX540 is the perfect solution, and easy to use for those of us who aren’t professional photographers.

Create Videos and Audio

I’ve been a voice actor for over 35 years so it’s a no-brainer that I’m interested in recording audio and shooting videos.

• Techsmith – I love using Camtasia to create videos and it’s improved so much through the years. You can add titles, transitions, annotations, audio and so much more. The best part is that you can send it straight to YouTube or Vimeo as soon as you’re done. They let you take a free trial before you purchase to see if you like it. I also use Snagit to do screenshots and quick recordings. You can edit your photos, add text, shapes, callouts, resize, overlays, you name it. I don’t know what I would do without either of them.
• Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone– This is what I use to record my voice-over auditions, and to do podcast interviews. It’s affordable and has excellent sound quality.

Smart Phones

Having fast Internet and a good smartphone is important for tech-savvy Boomers. You want the fastest available to avoid frustration.

• Verizon Wireless – I’ve been using Verizon for decades now. It always gets great coverage and the technology is second to none. They will work with you to make sure you get the best plan for your needs.
• Boost Mobile – Get 4 Lines at $25 line/mo. with Mobile Hotspot per line and unlimited Gigs. Plus: Unlimited Data, Talk & Text On All Lines When You Switch.
• T-Mobile – This company really caters to those of us who are over 55. Their Magenta 55+ and Magenta MAX 55+ plans offer 50% off the leading competitors’ basic unlimited plans and it’s available in all 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

Reading and listening to books

For those of you who love to read but don’t have room in your house for more books, enjoy your reading material on a device you can take anywhere.

• Kindle Oasis E-Reader – Graphite, 7″ High-Resolution Display (300 ppi), Waterproof, Built-In Audible, 8 GB, Wi-Fi – Includes Special Offers.

Protect your eyes while you work online

• Swanick Blue Light Glasses – If you’re a tech-savvy Boomer and use electronics all day it can affect how you sleep at night. But you can alieve this by wearing glasses that have blue-light protection. Swannies by Swanick are the most scientifically-validated blue blockers on the market. Try them and see.

Photos

• Amazon Prime Photo Storage – You can get unlimited photo backup for full-resolution images with your Amazon Prime Account and 5 GB for Videos. Plus, you get all the advantages of Amazon Prime for streaming, shipping, books, grocery delivery, and more.
• Canva – I create all my images for Pinterest and my blog using Canva. I’ve even designed my own business cards and had them shipped to me and they were perfect and high-quality. It’s easy to use and even people who aren’t that tech-savvy can use it. It’s also very creative.

Other cool stuff

• Phone Tripod, UBeesize Portable – Use it to hold your cell phone or GoPro for selfies.

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