Tools I Use to Run My Blog
Hosting • Themes • SEO • Email • Design
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Quick note: I only recommend blogging tools I use (or have used long enough to trust). Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. If you find this page helpful, using those links helps keep Digital Web Verse running—thank you!
🔔 Updated monthly. Before you buy anything, check the Blogging Deals page—hosts and tools change prices often.
How to use this page
If you’re new, start with Hosting → WordPress Essentials → Design → Email. If you’re optimizing, jump to the category you need. I’ve kept the blurbs short, what’s best for, and a simple “Get it” link.
Also handy:
- 📄 WordPress Blog Setup Guide
- 🧰 Best WordPress Themes for Bloggers
- 🔎 Web Hosting Comparison
- 💸 Blogging Deals (Updated Monthly)
Hosting (speed, uptime, support)
HostGator – Easy for beginners, reliable support, one-click WordPress. Good balance of price/performance. → Get HostGator
Bluehost – Clean UI, beginner-friendly onboarding, solid WordPress integration. → Get Bluehost
Namecheap Shared Hosting – Affordable entry point with decent performance; great if you’re testing an idea on a budget. → Get Namecheap Shared
Not sure which one to pick? Read my Hosting Comparison.
WordPress Essentials (theme, SEO, monetization)
Astra (Theme) – Lightweight, fast, and flexible. Works perfectly with Spectra blocks and Starter Templates. → Get Astra
RankMath (SEO) – On-page SEO, schema, redirects, 404 monitor—clean UI and powerful features without bloat. → Get RankMath
Ad Inserter – Precise control of where ads/CTAs appear (above/below headings, after paragraphs, conditional logic). → Get Ad Inserter
Set up resources:
Design & Assets (graphics, templates, videos)
Envato Market – Themes, plugins, graphics, fonts; huge marketplace for everything creative. → Browse Envato Market
Placeit (by Envato) – Instant mockups, logos, thumbnails; perfect for quick visuals without a designer. → Try Placeit
InVideo – Simple video creation for promos, explainers, and social clips. Useful for turning posts into short videos. → Try InVideo
Designs.ai – All‑in‑one branding/creative tools; handy for quick graphics and video variations. → Try Designs.ai
Related read: Best Blogging Tools
Email & Funnels (list building without headache)
Systeme.io – Landing pages, forms, automation, sequences, basic checkout—simple to set up and beginner-friendly. → Get Systeme.io
Helpful resources:
- 📧 How to Build an Email List
- 📥 Freebie: Beginner Blogger Checklist
Scheduling & Productivity
Tailwind – Schedule pins/posts, create variations, and keep a consistent cadence without manual posting. → Get Tailwind
Utilities & Security
NordVPN – Keep logins safe on public Wi‑Fi, test geo‑specific SERPs, and manage multiple accounts securely. → Get NordVPN
Video & Social Clips
When I need quick tutorials or promotional clips, I use InVideo (with templates and text-to-video features) and drop them into posts or on social media. → Try InVideo
Deals (don’t pay full price)
I track discounts on hosting, themes, SEO, and AI tools here: → Blogging Deals (Updated Monthly)
Also, watch AppSumo for lifetime deals that make sense for bloggers: → AppSumo Picks
FAQs (quick answers)
Do affiliate links make products cost more? No. You pay the same price (often less if there’s a promo). I may earn a small commission for the referral.
Can you start with free tools? Yes. You can launch with a free theme and minimal plugins. Paid tools mainly save time, add features you’ll likely need, and reduce tech headaches.
Which host should a complete beginner choose? Pick the one you feel comfortable using today. If price is a concern, start with Namecheap Shared. If you want the smoothest onboarding, Bluehost and HostGator are both beginner‑friendly. You can always migrate later.
One more thing: If you used any of these links, thank you. It genuinely helps me keep creating step‑by‑step guides without plastering the site with intrusive ads.