4 Must-Have Free Blogging Resources

If you are anything like I was when I began my blog, you have great content to share, but you also have a BUDGET! Matter of fact your budget is F-R-E-E! When I began my blogging journey, I was certain I was going to have to spend a dime somewhere. And to my surprise, I didn't! I found innovative tips and tricks and was able to get my blog up and running for absolutely free. And guess what? You can too!

Today I want to share with you four of the resources I have discovered that has provided me an opportunity to promote my content, have great graphics, keep my audience connected, and to also create an income stream. No matter your category or niche, each of these things aspects are necessary for having and maintaining a successful blog. So enough chit-chat, let's begin...

​1.) mailchimp

As a blogger, it is essential to not only to create content but to stay connected to your audience. It is easy for blogs to get lost in the world of the Internet, so a simple way to stay connected to your people is by creating an email list. MailChimp is a tool that allows for content creators like you, to create an email list for FREE!

No, you do not need a tech degree, and no you don't need to be super creative because MailChimp provides plenty of tutorials and templates to help you get started. If that does not sound simple, I do not know what does. I have linked some great resources below to help you get started with Mail Chimp!
​

Things to know

• Free up to first 2,000 subscribers​
• Can send 12,000 emails/month
• Ability to create & publish: email campaigns, landing pages, pop-up forums, & social media ads
• Live Chat & Email support for first 30 days only (Email Only)

​

2.) Pixabay/Pexels

It does not matter what type of blog you have; images are a must have as a blogger. Pictures make it easier for the readers to place themselves within the content of your blog. While your content may be insightful, visuals help to grasp your readers' attention. Being visually appealing to your audience, allows readers to connect with your content while remaining interested.
​
That is where websites like Pexels and Pixabay come into play! They allow you to find free images by completing a simple word search. Both websites are free of charge and copyright. Having sites like these helps you to take the guesswork out of whether or not your images need to be credited back to the original owner. Simple huh? Check out the resources below to help you make your site more visually appealing today. 

Things to know

• All images/videos are free of charge
• Copyright free images
• ​Unlimited downloads

3.) Google Adsense

So, this third resources gives you a way to make MONEY! Yes, blogging is a way to share insightful content, but who says no to free money? Google Adsense makes it simple. With Google's ads, you'll get automated ads that are targeted based on the content on your site. While you do not want to have a website saturated in ads, you do want to have them evenly distributed. 

When people click on the ads on your page, you get paid. All you do is place ads, and Google does the rest for you. Simple huh? The only catch is, there are strict rules with the Adsense community, and if you break them you risk losing the change to make money from ads altogether. I have placed some tips below to help you maximize your Google Adsense experience.

Things to know:

• ​You must have a Google Account
• You must apply and get approved by Google 
• Payment is based on variables including: traffic amount/type, available ads, content on site and ad positioning.
• Breaking the rules is a NO-NO

4.) Canva

My final, and favorite resource is the incredibly amazing Canva! Canva allows you to create designs for your blog, social media, business and more. Its simple, all you do is use the drag and drop feature, make a few edits and viola you created a graphic design! No graphic design experience needed. Canva has many pre-made designs as well as the option to create your own!

Canva also allows you to upload your images and load them onto their designs. When browsing the website do not be alarmed when you see templates associated with a cost. I can ensure you; there are plenty of free ones. A trick I found is that if you see a charge and you like the design try changing the image to one of your own, and it becomes free. I have linked some tips and tutorials below to help you get started.

Things to know:

• ​Creating an account is FREE!
• Ability to print designs-again for FREE!
• Designs you make are saved for free unlimited edits.​

And friends, those are my top 4 resources to help you get started in creating your blog for absolutely FREE! Many people never get started on great ideas because they do not have the financial means to do so! Do not allow money to stop you from getting started on your dreams! At Flourish In Purpose, we are focused on fulfilling our purpose by any means necessary. I hope these tips help you as much as they have helped me! Happy Blogging!

​Resources Mentioned In This Blog

Mail Chimp

• Website: https://mailchimp.com
• Tutorial: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ESgzrNn6Rc
• Newsletter Tutorial: youtu.be/eHnWUICHyck
• Opt-In Tutorial: youtu.be/9OYF9angmNE

Images

• Websites: ​
  • https://pixabay.com
  • https://www.pexels.com

Ads

• Signup:
  • ​https://www.google.com/adsense/start/get-started/#/?modal_active=none
• Ways to make $$$: 
  • ​https://www.reliablesoft.net/10-adsense-tips-for-maximizing-your-earnings/
    
    

Canva

• Website: ​
  • https://www.canva.com
• ​Canna Tutorials
  • ​https://www.canva.com/learn/tutorials/

Lets chat below! If you are a blogger! Tell me more about your blog and some of your favorite resources below!
​