Recommended Tools
Tools I Have Used to Run My Blog
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I’ve personally used and believe will add value to your blogging journey. Thanks for supporting my blog!
Hi! ?
When I first started blogging, I felt pretty lost trying to figure out which tools I needed. There were so many options, and everyone seemed to have different opinions about what worked best. Trust me, I’ve been exactly where you are right now!
I want to share my experience with the tools I currently use and have used in the past. Think of this as advice from a friend who’s learned what actually worked for me.
My Blogging Tools Journey
Hosting Evolution
Starting with Bluehost
What It Is: Bluehost is a popular hosting provider that’s officially recommended by WordPress.org.
My Experience:
- Easy WordPress installation
- Beginner-friendly control panel
- Includes a free domain for the first year
- Good for learning WordPress basics
New to blogging?
Start your WordPress blog with Bluehost’s beginner-friendly hosting.
Upgrading to WPX (My Current Host)
Leveling Up with WPX Hosting
As my blog grew, I needed something more powerful. WPX Hosting transformed my blog’s performance in these ways:
- ⚡ Lightning-fast loading times
- ?️ Enhanced security features
- ? Outstanding customer support
- ? Free site migrations
- ? Daily backups included
Email Marketing Evolution
Starting with MailChimp
What It Is: MailChimp is a well-known email marketing platform that’s great for beginners.
My Experience:
- Generous free plan (up to 2,000 subscribers)
- User-friendly email builder
- Good template selection
- Basic automation features
Just starting your email list?
Try MailChimp’s free plan to get started with email marketing.
Growing with ConvertKit (My Current Choice)
Growing with ConvertKit
When my blog became more serious, I switched to ConvertKit. Here’s what made it worth the upgrade:
- ? Better subscriber targeting
- ? Advanced automation workflows
- ? Professional landing pages
- ? Improved email deliverability
- ? Easy digital product sales
What It Is: WPX is a premium WordPress hosting provider that specializes in speed and reliability for growing blogs. It’s been a game-changer for my site’s performance.
Why I Love WPX Hosting:
- Lightning-fast loading times that keep my readers happy
- Expert support team that responds within minutes
- Free site migrations that make switching hosts painless
- Daily backups included for peace of mind
- Free SSL certificates
- DDoS protection and robust security features
Ready to seriously improve your blog’s performance?
Try WPX Hosting risk-free with their money-back guarantee.
Email Marketing Tools – Growing Your Audience
ConvertKit – The Best for Bloggers
What It Is: ConvertKit is built specifically for creators like us, and it’s transformed how I connect with my audience.
Why ConvertKit Is Essential:
- Powerful automation features that save time
- Easy subscriber segmentation for targeted content
- Professional landing page builder included
- Clean, modern email templates
- Visual automation builder that makes sense
- Excellent deliverability rates
Ready to level up your email marketing?
Try ConvertKit’s creator-focused features free for 14 days.
Making Smart Tool Choices
Key Factors in Choosing Blog Tools
For Hosting:
- Speed and performance optimization
- Quality of customer support
- Backup and security features
- Scalability for growth
- Value for money
For Email Marketing:
- Ease of use
- Automation capabilities
- Deliverability rates
- Growth features
- Integration options
My Recommendations
Based on my experience, the combination of WPX Hosting and ConvertKit provides everything you need for a successful blog. These tools have been crucial in growing my blog and providing a better experience for my readers.
Remember: While these tools require an investment, they pay for themselves through improved performance, better reader experience, and increased conversions.
Remember: The tools mentioned in this post include affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I appreciate your support!
The AI Chapter: My Experience with AI Writing Assistants
Let me share another game-changing part of my blogging journey – discovering and working with AI writing assistants. Like many bloggers, I was skeptical at first, but these tools have transformed how I create content.
The Jasper Days
My early journey into AI writing began with Jasper. I was excited but nervous – would this really help my writing process? Here’s what I discovered:
- The templates were a nice starting point
- It helped break through writer’s block
- But something felt missing in the content’s depth
“While Jasper did speed up my writing process, I found myself spending a lot of time editing and rewriting to add the personal touch my readers expect.”
Want to try Jasper?
It might be the right fit for your basic content needs.
The ChatGPT Revolution
Then came ChatGPT, and like everyone else, I was blown away. It felt more natural, more conversational, and frankly, more helpful. My experience with it was eye-opening:
- The conversations felt more natural
- It was great for brainstorming ideas
- The price point was much more reasonable
“ChatGPT showed me what AI could really do. It wasn’t just about generating content anymore – it was like having a writing partner to bounce ideas off of.”
Want to try CHATGPT?
It might be the right fit for your basic content needs.
Finding My Perfect Match with Claude
And then I discovered Claude. If ChatGPT was a revolution, Claude was a revelation. Here’s why Claude became my go-to AI assistant:
- The depth of understanding is incredible
- Responses feel thoughtful and well-researched
- It maintains my writing voice consistently
- The ability to admit when it’s unsure builds trust
“What I love most about Claude is how it feels like a true collaboration. It doesn’t just give me content – it helps me think through ideas and improve my own writing.”
Want to try CLAUDE AI?
It might be the right fit for your basic content needs.
My Daily Workflow with Claude
Here’s how Claude has become an essential part of my blogging process:
Morning Brainstorming:
I start by discussing topic ideas with Claude, exploring different angles and perspectives I might not have considered.
Content Development:
Once I have a direction, Claude helps me create detailed outlines and expand on key points, always keeping my audience in mind.
Refinement:
I use Claude to polish my writing, suggest improvements, and ensure my content is both engaging and informative.
What I’ve Learned About Working with AI
- Be clear with your instructions – AI works best when you’re specific
- Use AI as a collaborator, not a replacement for your voice
- Always add your personal experiences and insights
- Take time to verify facts and claims
- Keep your brand voice consistent
Investment Perspective
When it comes to pricing:
- Jasper starts at $39/month – a bit steep for beginners
- ChatGPT Plus is $20/month – more reasonable
- Claude is currently $20/month
As of this writing, I cannot not guarantee these prices will stay the same…things change and so may these prices in the future.
Looking Back on My AI Journey
Each AI tool taught me something valuable, but Claude has become my trusted partner in content creation. It’s not just about having an AI assistant – it’s about having one that truly understands your needs and helps you grow as a writer.
Remember, AI tools are just that – tools. I am telling you NOW…don’t just create content with these tools and insert them into your blog…that is a recipe for failure! The magic happens when you combine their capabilities with your unique voice and experiences. That’s when your content truly stands out and your audience will get to know, like and trust YOU! ?
