Resources

As you guys know, I am big on product reviews! I find it's important to support the companies I love and inform you of the one's that I don't. I always want to be completely honest with you guys and that's why I decided to create a resource page!

This page is dedicated to all of the products, tools, and services that I use on a regular basis. Because I personally use them and believe in them, I want to recommend them to all of you too!

No matter what business you're in or why you you choose to read my blog, I can guarantee there is something on this list for you :)

* Please note that this page does contain affiliate links and said links will be marked with a '*'. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may earn compensation. However, that will not add any additional fee to your purchase. For more information, you can read my disclosure policy here. *

Blogging
Domain Name: Google Domains
Personally, I've tried a couple of resources, but Google Domain is definitely my favorite! I currently have two websites and both domains cost me $12 each, and that's for the entire year!

Blog Platform: Blogger
I've tried every website and platform out there and ultimately, I like Blogger the best. It's easy to use and you can always transfer platforms later on. Plus, it's free!

Template: ThemeXpose
It took a lot of searching to find a template I liked, but I finally found one! Well, two actually. I have downloaded the templates for both of my websites through this company for free! I then added a little bit of coding magic and they look just the way I want them to!

Email Marketing: ConvertKit *
I finally made the switch from MailChimp to ConvertKit and I wish I had done it forever ago! It has so many awesome features that many of the other email marketing websites don't offer. In fact, my subscribers are able to pick and choose which type of emails they'd like to receive based on their interests!

Social Media
Post Scheduling: Hootsuite *
Honestly, I had no idea that scheduling social media posts was a thing, but now I understand why it is. Creating content and posting it throughout the day every day can be very time consuming. So, now I use Hootsuite to schedule an entire month's posts at a time. Originally, I just used their free version, but I ended up upgrading to take advantage of bulk scheduling! And guess what?! If you use my link above, you can get a 30-day free trial!

Pinterest Program: BoardBooster *
If you read my post, "How I Tripled My Pinterest Following in 10 Days," then you know that one of the biggest contributors was scheduling my Pinterest pins. And guess what?! BoardBooster does more than that too! They have programs to schedule pins, repin old pins, delete pins with broken links, and quite a few other programs too. And better yet, they offer a free month trial! Just use my link above to get it :)

Photography + Design
Laptop: Macbook Pro *
Honestly, I switch between this laptop and my iMac desktop computer, but there's really no difference. I have always loved Apple products and I don't think I'd ever switch back.

Camera: Nikon DSLR *
I have always been a Nikon fan and my D3200 is my favorite camera so far. I use it for almost all of my photography and when I'm not, I'm using my iPhone *. However, I definitely recommend getting a DSLR if you're looking into upping your photography game! Plus, Best Buy has a great bundle option for the D3300 * as well!

Lenses: Nikon DSLR Lenses *
While originally my lenses were purchased for portrait photography, I do have two lenses that I like specifically for product/prop photography. My go to is the 18-55mm * kit lens as well as the 55-200mm * zoom lens. I wouldn't trade them for the world!

Tripod: Vanguard Espod CX 234AP *
It took a while for me to find the right tripod, but eventually I did! I loved that this one expanded a lot, especially since I'm short and can't always get the best angles. Plus, it has a level on it! Due to my chronic illnesses and shaking, a tripod is a must for me and I love this one! And if you sign up for Amazon prime, you can get free 2-day shipping. Want to test it out without the full commitment? Here * is a link for a free 30-day trial :)

Editing Software: Creative Cloud *
In 7th grade I took a Photoshop class and I haven't looked back since. I have been using PS for as long as I can remember, whether it was the free trials, the student edition, or Creative Cloud; PS is my go to editing software. I use it for editing, graphic design work, and so much more. Plus, Creative Cloud has different packages that include a variety of their other programs too. If you are going to invest in anything for your blog or business, make sure you invest in this!

Education
Membership: Blog Boss Babe *
Blog Boss Babe is a website and community dedicated to helping bloggers succeed. Helene, from Helene in Between, has created a wonderful website full of resources, videos, tutorials, and more. I have learned so much from this group and I continue to meet awesome bloggers along the way!

Business Operations
Business Cards: Vistaprint
I have used a variety of printing companies and I will always come back to Vistaprint. In fact, I've been using them for the last 6 years! I always find great deals, because they're almost always running a sale! Plus, I've always gotten a 20% off coupon with each purchase, which I then use on the next order I place!

Storefront: Storenvy
Before I started this blog, I opened an online handmade business, Charmed by Simplicity, and I used Storenvy. Well, since I liked it so much, I decided to open up a second shop, the Perfectly Ambitious Shop. While many people think of Etsy first, I actually chose Storenvy for three reasons: 1. The first 500 product listings are free 2. The product listings don't expire and 3. There are no hidden fees.

Traffic Reports: Google Analytics
When I heard that brands and businesses only want blog stats from Google Analytics, I knew I needed to sign up! So, now I use them for all of my blog information: page views, traffic sources, demographics and more!

What resources would you add to this list? Let me know in the comments!

* Please note that this page does contain affiliate links and said links will be marked with a '*'. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may earn compensation. However, that will not add any additional fee to your purchase. For more information, you can read my disclosure policy here. *