There will come a time, if you truly want to take your blog to the next level, that you will need to make a financial investment in your blog. As with any business, it is necessary to invest some money in order to help you get a better return. Even if you don’t intend to make money blogging, a good looking, well run blog is a matter of pride. It is a reflection of you after all, and you put a lot of time and effort into it. Here are the best ways to invest in your blog.
The Best Ways to Invest in Your Blog
Buy your own domain name
Probably the least expensive investment that you will make in your blog, it will also have the most impact. If you head over to Domain.com right now, you can purchase yourblogname.com for just $9.99 a year. Whether you already are blogging on a free server, or if you’re ready to start your blog from scratch, your domain name will be the image you present to the world.
Go self hosted
If you appreciate freedom of expression, or if you really want to make a business with your blog, you will need to go self hosted. Most free blogging websites like WordPress.com or Blogger, have policies that limit your ability to offer advertising, sell services, or offer sponsored posts. Your options are also limited with regards to plugins and other theme add-ons. When you pay for self hosting, you have complete freedom to do whatever you wish to do with your blog. It truly is yours.
Getting started with self hosting is easier and less expensive than you might think. You can start with packages that cost from $5 to $10 per month, and most web hosts make it simple to transfer your information to their servers. I have been with Hostgator since I first went self hosted and I’ve been very happy with them. I have had virtually no down time, they are responsive when I ask for assistance, and they made it easy for me when I recently upgraded my hosting package.
Hostgator has recently introduced dedicated WordPress Hosting, which has a lot of features designed specifically for WordPress users, including a Minimalist Control Panel plus:
- A WordPress Cloud Interface focused on usability, minimizing the complexities of traditional web hosting
- Auto-backup with one-click restores; configurable for full or snapshot backups
- One-click scalability to handle traffic spikes and increased capacity requirements
- Easy access to all your email accounts
HostGator has made WordPress a breeze! Optimized WP Packages for as low as $9.95 a month!
There are other good options for self hosting available, including Bluehost and Dreamhost.
Protect yourself
Several years ago, shortly after I went self hosted, my site got hacked. All of a sudden weird things were happening and when people came to my site, Google warned them away, saying that it was dangerous. Not a good thing when you’re trying to bring more people to your blog.
Through a Facebook group I was in, I was referred to Ryan Sullivan and WP Site Care. Within an hour, Ryan had fixed my problem, cleaned my files and got me up and running again. He didn’t charge me for any of this, but I decided right then and there that I needed someone to protect my website. There are several different packages, but I pay $29 per month for 24/7 security monitoring, daily cloud backups, WordPress, theme, and plugin updates, access to WordPress tutorial videos, and realtime activity tracking. Best of all, if I’m concerned about anything that’s going on, I can send an email, and get a quick response, telling me either not to worry, or that they already fixed the problem.
That is peace of mind and totally worth the price to me.
Buy a theme
Once you are self hosted, it is time to invest in a theme of your own. While free themes are available with both Blogger and WordPress, well, they look like it. They are cookie cutter themes that pretty much look like many others out there. If you are working hard to make your blog the best it can be, you need to have a beautiful theme that reflects your style.
There are many choices out there. So many, in fact, that your most difficult decision will probably be choosing just one. I have the Beautiful Pro Theme, which is a child theme of the Genesis Framework. You need to purchase both, but if you change child themes later on, you will not have to purchase Genesis again. I purchased both through StudioPress.com.
The best way to pick a theme? Take a look at some of your favorite blogs and get an idea of what is out there. That’s what I did (check Carla’s blog, it may look a little familiar).
I also purchased Genesis Design Palette Pro. It gives me the freedom to change colors, fonts, backgrounds, margins, and padding without knowing anything about CSS or html.
Buy some tools of the trade
Depending on what you blog about, there are some tools that can help. A DSLR camera is a must if you’re blogging about food. You can get a good, entry level camera for $500-$700. I have the T2i version of this camera: Canon EOS Rebel T5 Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm IS II + EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Bundle
Of course, having a good camera is pointless if you don’t know how to use it, so a few photography lessons might be in order. Then you need to edit those pictures. Photoshop is always an option. It is available for $9.99 a month. If you haven’t learned to use it yet, try PicMonkey or Canva. Both have free versions. For $33 per year you can upgrade PicMonkey, which gives you more design options and a lot of new fonts. Canva just introduced Canva for Work for $9.99 a month.
If your lighting is poor, it might be wise to invest in a light tent and some good lights. This one, a Lighting Kit Set
Extras
These are a few more things that, while not a top priority, will be useful as you grow your blog.
Professional Design
Unless you’re proficient in html and CSS, if you really want to personalize your blog you will need someone to help you. I have heard from several bloggers that Pretty Darn Cute Design does an exceptional job for a good price.
Other Miscellaneous Tools
An editorial calendar is a great way to plan and schedule your blog posts. Co-Schedule has a lot of bells and whistles that might make it your perfect choice. It is also an easy way to schedule your social sharing. The pricing starts at around $15 per month.
I pay around $10 a month for Hootsuite (there is also a free version). One thing I love about it is the Chrome extensions which make it easy to schedule my social sharing with several accounts.
Buffer is another option that has both free and paid versions. It recently added Pinterest sharing.
I just started using Board Booster to schedule Pinterest. I’m loving it so far. My repins have more than tripled since I started using it. You get your first 100 or so free to try it out (I actually had about 300+ pins before they asked for any money), then there are plans starting at $5 a month. Other options include Tailwind and Viralwoot, both of which let you try them out before you have to purchase a package.
These tools will help you create a blog that is both beautiful and professional. You will find that it is not difficult to quickly find a return on your investment.
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase using my links I will make a small amount of money which helps me pay for some of the above blogging tools.
I know many of my readers are bloggers. What tools do you use that are worth an investment in your blog?
My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!
Inspire Me Monday with Janice
Anything Goes with Marilyn
Bonnie, the Pin Junkie
Tip Tuesday with Debbie in Shape
Wednesday Wisdom with Nanna’s Wisdom
The Blog Booster Party with Kathleen
I actually just invested in a BLOG AUDIT – a behind the scenes CLEAN UP and it was worth EVERY LITTLE PENNY – which honestly, it wasn’t even really expensive at all, but 1000000% necessary! I was told so many things I had no idea about. My site was about to explode – ha! And it was running on a 45 second load time 😮 — But we got it down to 3 seconds! HOLY CRAP! 😉 #worthit
Great idea! I’ll add your idea (with credit 🙂 ) when I update. 45 seconds. Wow!
Such great advice Debbie! Once again you’ve nailed it. I agree with and am doing most of these things and now I’m going to check out Blog Audit that GiGi mentioned. Tailwind has really helped me as well.
Thanks Lisa. I want to check that audit too! I’ve heard good things about Tailwind. I need to try it too, though I do like Board Booster.
I did the blog audit – it did point out a few things that I could easily fix. And congrats Grandma! 🙂
here it really is as simple (to say :-)) as time.
not a tool
best investment Ive made.
good tips — I get so busy with life and just making content that sometimes the “details” don’t get attending to properly
I need to get a lighting kit after I’m finally done moving all over the country! :O That blog audit thing Gigi mentioned sounds awesome too!
Wow these are really great and practical tips. I totally agree that there are some things worth investing in. I haven’t made the leap to self-hosting yet – maybe some day!
Great tips. I want to invest in a blog design (as we all know) but right now my life is still too crazy for me to focus on it. And it annoys the crap out of me that it is taking so long for me to get there!
Great advice!!! Will double check that I am doing all of these!
Investing in a blog design made all the difference ! I don’t have a nice camera and I will probably invest in one at some point. I’m not 100% happy with my pictures and even if I edit them, I can’t get the results I want!
Right now, I’m pretty happy with my blog and the design. I really tweaked what Blogger offers (I use the Awesome platform) because I didn’t want my blog to look like everyone else’s. What I’m seeing now on other blogs is a trend towards clean lines, white background…I am thinking about a revamp, but not for a while. One thing I wish I could do on Blogger is tweak my sidebar…I’d like to put my badges side by side and make them smaller. In order to do that, I have to play with the HTML code. I had a near disaster last weekend trying to do that, so I’m going to live with it for a while.
As always, I love your expertise! And I love hosting my own domain. Silly me for waiting so long! Thanks for all your encouragement. And Congrats on baby Emma!!!
I started using CoSchedule last year & it has changed my blogging life. I also started using Tailwind a few months ago. I’m not sure about it. I have seen some re-pins but not as much as I would have expected for a paid service. I should check into Board Booster.
Buffer’s Pinterest scheduling has gotten much better since release.
I also love Tailwind, but Buffer is great.
And what do you think about Hootsuite’s IG scheduling so far?
Thank you very much for sharing this post on #TipTuesday.
Congratulations grandma!! So exciting-enjoy. Thanks for all the tips I am really liking this series. I use WP site care too and love it.
Great tips.. I’m going to be going self hosted very soon. I’m waiting for some downtime where I can really sit and explore my options. Hostgator is definitely up there.
CONGRATS on becoming a grandma!!! Seriously awesome tips! I have/am doing a lot of what you suggest and just started with Ahalogy so hopefully that will help with my re-pins! Pinning this post for later for future reference and to share 🙂
Hi Debbie another excellent article with great tips for bloggers. I am learning so much. I agree with buying a theme although at the moment I am still using one I downloaded for free. I’m also looking at the editorial calendar. Thanks for sharing great ideas with us at #WednesdaysWisdom and see you next week.
great tips! pinned!
I 100% agree with investing in your own hosted website!! These were fantastic tips and I wish I would have read them a few years ago when I created my website!! 🙂
I have definitely noticed more activity with Pinterest, repins and followers since joining Board Booster, but I need to check my stats to see how much of an increase. Buffer schedules Pinterest posts? I need to check this out… By the way, Congratulations on the new grandbaby, Debbie! #TipTuesday
Such fantastic & helpful posts Debbie!!!! You are helping so many. Some of this is just not possible for me… what is a little bit of money is a lot to others… and not even sure about blogging. Time will tell… 🙂 I have these all saved just in case though! 😉
Your new granddaughter is beautiful!!!!!
Congratulations on the new grand daughter!!! Nothing better than little girls so much fun for grandmoms!! I went to Instagram to see here, she is beautiful!!! Love her headband!!!
I am coming over from Blog Booster party, thanks for this post, it is great info and I keep getting notices about Pinterest Board Booster, I will be checking that out.
I just followed all your social media and I would love to have you join me to share your blog on my Friday Features, just click on my name it will take you to the party.
Such great suggestions! Your hacking story is rather alarming! I need to look into that and appreciate the warning. Thanks for putting the list together and giving us a nudge.
I have done many of these things. A good camera and some lessons are on the list soon. I try to balance the expenses with potential to make money- it is difficult to spend a lot before you make money. I’ve decided to invest ALL the money I make back into my business for now.
I have invested in my site quite a bit lately and it is so worth every penny I’ve spent. I know I need to do and audit of my site so that’s the next big thing for me to get done. Thanks for sharing these great tips over at Friday Blog Booster!
Thanks Debbie, everyone is enjoying your tips. We love you sharing them on Fridays Blog Booster Party #21
Kathleen
I love these posts. I am at the point where I really want to update my theme. I recently changed it actually and I am not happy with it all. It doesn’t really have the look I’m going for sadly. I really wish there was a scheduling thing for Instagram!
Excellent post Debbie. I have pinned and shared. This is something I need to look into in better detail.
Thanks for sharing
Visiting from SITS 🙂
Love these ideas! I’m a broke writer right now, but it’s at least something to work towards, while I survive off of Ramen noodles and self-pity.
Thanks for the tips, Debbie. And congrats on your new grand daughter!
I really look forward to the time, I can buy my domain name.
And I want a “Real” camera so bad!!
Oops, forgot to say, Here from Inspire Me Monday!
Thanks for the ideas! Found you via AnthingGoes. 🙂
Congratulations Debbie on the arrival of your granddaughter! Thanks also for another informative blog. I’m learning so much from you so am very appreciative. Thanks for sharing this information with us at #AnythingGoes link up. Enjoy your grandchildren!
First and foremost, congrats on your new grandbaby! How exciting!!
Secondly, thank you so much for these tips. I currently use the free version of Hoot Suite, and a free trial of Tailwind, but I’m trying to figure out exactly what works the best for me. Thank you for sharing so many options!
Great tips! There is definitely quite a bit to invest in to have a professional looking blog, but some things are nice to haves and can be added over time.
Woot you did it again, the most clicked on Fridays Blog Booster Party #21. Congratulations and you will be featured on Friday.
Kathleen
Great tips, Debbie, and congrats on becoming a gramma! I bought my own domain name, but I still use the free version of wordpress for my blog. I have a consulting website that is self-hosted on WP, It is a lot of work just to maintain that. I wanted to add, as a blog investment, is an inlinkz account. I host The Leisure Link (restarts mid-September) and it is worth it to get the blog out there.
Great tips for bloggers. I shared on SM and pinned to my Tips on Blogging board. 🙂
Congratulations Debbie this post was in my top two picks for this week at #AnythingGoes linkup. See you next week!
Hi Debbie!
1. Thank you for coming to the Inspire Me Monday Linky party last week!
2. Thank you so much for leaving my link here so others can come to the Linky Prty! I truly appreciate it!
3. Congratulations! You won the Inspire Me Monday Linky part for most Inspirational post! Yay!
Excellent tips! I found a couple things I need to do. Pinning and sharing. I use the paid version of Pic Monkey which I love. I use the free version of Hootsuite and am currently testing Tailwind. I may go ahead and get the paid version of Tailwind too. Thanks!
Congrats, Grandma!
I was *just* discussing buffer with my husband tonight. He thought it would just seem aggravating to people to keep seeing posts from us. But he came around. I’ll probably by a paid account with them We also own our domain.
Also, what commenting system are you using? Its pulling my userpic from somewhere and I can’t figure out where. I need to change it as that one is for my old site.