Blogging Day 31 | Best Blogging Resources and Tools

I could write post about what a great month it’s been and how we’ve all learned so much. Because it has been, and I’ve learned a ton. Look around. Things are looking really great around here, right?

But then I thought that a list of blogging resources and tools might be even more useful. It might be an even better way to finish this month off, to say thanks for reading, to give you more to read and enjoy and apply to your own blog. So, ta-da!

The Very Best Blogging Resources and Tools

• The SITS Girls. The site is a wellspring of blogging information. Plus, check out their forums and discussion boards for ideas and support from other bloggers with the same concerns and questions.
• ProBlogger. When you’re ready to make money and be professional in your blogging, then Problogger is a great spot to look for advice and answers. Search their archives, look for freelance gigs on the job boards, and follow Darren Rowse on social media to see how it’s done.
• WordPress.org. As a self-hosted WordPress blogger, this is the first place I turn when I have theme, coding, update, or dashboard issues. It’s a must use resource that I’d be lost without. Check out the Support section first, and don’t be afraid to ask questions in the Forums. Everyone is super helpful and supportive, even if you’re not sure what you’re talking about.
• Kludgy Mom’s 600 Brilliant Blog Post Ideas. Really the name says it all, but when you’re stuck and don’t know what to write about next, Gigi from Kludgy Mom totally has your back.And while you’re there, check out her Blogging Tips too for fonts, ideas, and commiseration.
• w3Schools. This one is new to me, but it’s quickly becoming a favorite. Go here to look for real-world examples of CSS or HTML code if you’re stuck with a line or two you’re not quite sure about.
• Flickr Creative Commons. Ashley mentioned this in her post, but I think it’s worth repeating. I always try to use my own photos or imagery, but if I just can’t, then the Creative Commons has a pic that I like and feel good about using. Every blog post needs a picture for social media and aesthetics, this is an invaluable resource. Paired with PicMonkey, you’re on your way to some lovely, pinnable images.
• Feedly. This app lets me keep up with all my favorite blogs. I can read them all in one place an comment where I want to. I can easily stay current with what’s going on in the blogosphere without wasting time.
• Hootsuite. There’s no way I could keep up in a real time way with all my social media. But Hootsuite helps to schedule social media updates and posts. Blogging is hard enough, make it easier on yourself.
• Copyblogger. With articles, ebooks, seminars, and forums, Copyblogger is all about teaching you how to rock online content to make it effective, memorable, and successful.
• Google. Really. I use AdWords to help me plan my keywords for SEO. I use Google Analytics to track who visits my site when and from where. Alerts let me know when my site or I am mentioned anywhere on the Internet. I use a the Google Calendar to help keep my editorial calendar organized into the future. Plus, I search for solutions all the time.
• Stat Counter. With a simple installation, you can have a real-time traffic tracker that’s simple and straight forward. When Google Analytics is too much, Stat Counter is much more manageable.

So these are some of my tools. Which ones do you use? Which resources or tools did I miss. I’ll be keeping this list updated, and I’m excited to learn what resources you rely on.