There are many resources available to bloggers. Here is a list that I plan to continuously update as I experiment with what works and what doesn’t. I tend to like the companies/bloggers that give back when you recommend them, since that’s helpful for everyone, but its only helpful if the company is worth recommending.
My mom actually has a blog that she started after listening to Pat Flynn from the Smart Passive Income and suggested I give it a go. Sometimes I think my mom is more with the times than I am 😉 Here are the resources I use and why I like them.
HOSTING
Bluehost Tech Support: They are super helpful on the phone. I have had a lot of wordpress questions (still do!) and they always try their best to help or point me in the right direction. To me, their tech support is their #1 selling point. Even if I have a website question that isn’t about their hosting service, they care about helping me.
Unlimited subdomains and email addresses: I have 1 domain: Vanilla Plum Media . Underneath that domain, I don’t have to pay any extra for as many subdomains or email addresses I want. This way, if I want to develop any other ideas and interests, its only a couple clicks away.
Affiliate program: Bluehost has the best associate program that I’ve seen. Click on the link here and I make a little dough for my recipes. If you start a blog, join Bluehost and add a link, you make dough too. Win-win…win!
BLOG PLATFORM
WordPress
I use WordPress for my blog and have really enjoyed using it. It’s free to use, unless you pick a theme that costs money. Many bloggers decide to pay for a theme to add a unique element to their site.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Pinterest: I am just starting to use Pinterest for this website, but I am told it is one of the most important tool for foodbloggers to build traffic. I haven’t seen much traffic from there yet, but I will let you know when I do! Click here to add my pinterest boards. I follow back!
Foodgawker: This website is super helpful, since it is a great traffic driver and I’m learning a lot about food photography. If you want a really informative book, check out Lindsey’s photography tips. She has a lot of great information! Click here to visit Pinch of Yum. Otherwise…
Here’s what I’ve learned so far about Foodgawker photography:
1. Make sure there is color in your picture.
Do you want to leap through the photograph and eat it? Perfect. White backgrounds really help.
2. Make sure there is enough light.
Shadows should be minimal. Only use natural light, not flash.
3. Overhead shots are most accepted so far.
I have seen a lot of 45 degree angle pictures accepted as well, but so far mine have all been from above.
4. Edit.
Study Foodgawker and see what gets accepted.
Amazon Affiliates
Free 2 day delivery (or really cheap for next day): Nuff said. My husband and I are part of Amazon Prime. Click here to look into it. It’s the best! Especially if you don’t particularly like shopping.
Brands I love: I can shop and compare the best products and quality, with the best reviews and value. Many times, I will buy a product (like my favorite Navitas brand) at Whole Foods and find a better price or at least more convenience through Amazon. Therefore, I use Amazon almost exclusively at this point for everything but fresh produce.
Affiliate program: I have linked ingredients that I use on each of my recipes. These links are affiliate links. Therefore, if you purchase the item linked, I get credit for sending you over to Amazon without costing anything to you, but I make a few pennies on the dollar. Please note I will not be sending you there unless its a product I like and use.
Subscription Services
Feedburner: I actually started using this after reading Olena at iFoodreal. This is what I used when I first started. It is very basic, but a great way to get used to how RSS works.
Mail Chimp: This is what I use now and I love it!
Google Adsense
This is a free way to make money through affiliate advertising.
Creating Backlinks
Backlinks are crucial when building credibility to your site. Here are a few sources that create valuable backlinks:
Bloggers with a lot of helpful advice
