The Blogging Toolbox

This is an ever-changing list of tools, websites, plugins and resources that I have used myself or mentioned in my articles. Please note that a few of these links are affiliates which means I will earn a small commission if you buy the item at no extra cost to you. These small sales are how I keep the site up and running and so your support is appreciated.

SEO Tools

• SEOmoz – The best SEO tool on the net. SEO recommendations, social media monitoring, much more.
• Market Samurai – Keyword research, SEO analysis, back link finder.
• Google Traffic Estimator – A great way to get a feel of how much traffic is available.
• Backlink Checker – Find out who is linking to your blog.

Email marketing and subscriber management

• Aweber – Email subscriber service for bloggers. Find out why I switched.

Reliable blog hosting and cloud backups

• Blue Host – My favorite host for one click WordPress installs and 24/7 support. Read my blog host review about them.
• JustCloud – Free cloud (online) backup for all your backup needs.

Plugins

• Pop Up Domination – Plugin to radically increase email subscribers.
• Google Sitemap Generator – Make sitemaps for better SEO.

Photos and design

• Killer eCover Scripts – Beautiful and easy eBook covers like mine.
• Dreamstime – Beautiful royalty free images cheap.
• Photodropper – Insert Flickr photos into your posts automatically.
• Cassette – These guys did the new Blog Tyrant logo text. Amazing!

WordPress themes

• Thesis Theme – Easy to use beautiful WordPress themes.
• Studiopress Themes – Super customizable theme framework by Copyblogger that will change how you think about WordPress templates.
• Tyrant Themes – Yep, this is happening.

Podcasting and videos

• Audacity – Easy to use podcast/music editor.
• Audio Technica USB Mic – A beautiful mic that plugs right into your PC.
• Camtasia – Record your screen and edit the videos.
• BRS Screen Recorder – A cheaper and easier to use screen recording software.

Surveys and Statistics

• Survey Monkey – My favorite way to survey my email subscribers.
• Google Analytics – Massive stats all for free.