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12/31/14

Surprising Tools to Grow Your Blog Now

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There’s no time like the present to start a fun new hobby like blogging so I wanted to take some time to share the benefits I’ve gained from blogging this past year because 2015 could be the year you are ready to start or grow your blog too!

I have found a creative outlet, a community of super awesome people to share life with, and even a little bit of side income through opportunities to work with brands, all in 2014 – my first full year of blogging.

If you’ve been thinking about starting a blog and just need that last little push to do it, this one’s for you!  Or if you know someone that describes, you might want to do them a favor and send this along as a friendly kick in the pants they’ve been needing  😉  Sometimes we all just need that one thing that finally gets us to take the leap and go for it.

I have spent literally hundreds, if not thousands of hours over the last year learning the ‘tricks of the trade’ in this field, not because I had to – but because I fell in love with all things blogging right from the start.  I found myself fascinated with learning all the ins and outs – (I would never have guessed just a few years ago this would be me), but I honestly loved learning all about what works well for people and what doesn’t when it comes to blogging.  The only downside of all that research is it takes huge chunks of time out of your days.  So consider the below list of resources I’ve used to grow my traffic, my social media following, and build my email list to be like your own cheat sheet for what can work well for you too!  Because who doesn’t like saving time, right??  🙂

Surprising tools to help you grow your blog today!

I joined Elite Blog Academy towards the end of this year and I am SO glad I did! If you’re ready to take your blog to the next level OR start your blog off on the RIGHT foot and save yourself HUNDREDS of hours of time, give this info a read!

           

 

 

 

 

The Building A Framework book is an outstanding, all-encompassing ebook that I have found to include everything you could ever hope to learn about blogging, all in one book, and more!

Building a Framework: Everything I Learned My First Year of Blogging | JustAGirlAndHerBlog.com

 

 

 

 

 

Ok so you probably know or at least could have guessed that blogging is not a free hobby or profession. There are lots of costs associated with running a blog – everything from hosting to theme and framework purchase (if you’re on WordPress), to resources like time and equipment costs.  One way that many bloggers choose to defray costs is through working with affiliates like Amazon Associates and shareasale.com, as well as networks like Clever Girls and Moms Affiliate, (and more). I recently did my first sponsored post through an amazing Social Good network called The Mission List and a few months back I was hired for a small sum to help Moms Affiliate spread the word about what turned out to be one of my favorite books I’ve ever read.  What a blessing – I would have gladly paid someone else for the privilege of reading it!  If you missed my review of The Hardest Peace book, definitely check it out – you’ll be forever changed by this incredible book!

I switched from Blogger to WordPress right around this blog’s one year blogiversary.  It turned out to be crazy time-consuming but definitely one of the best blogging decisions I could have made. SheLivesFree.com is now running on the Genesis Framework and the Sprinkle Theme from Restored316.  I love this company and couldn’t recommend working with it’s sweet owner highly enough.  I even bought the Sprinkle Branding Bundle with plans to create cohesive branding across social media.

Restored 316 Feminine WordPress Theme Design using the Genesis Framework

I started using the TailWind app about a month ago to schedule pins and measure results on Pinterest. I love that I can easily create multiple pins with a single click with the Chrome browser extension I installed.  TailWind lets you choose specific dates and times to pin, or simply add to a queue that’s hooked up to one of your pre-set schedules. I signed up for the free trial before deciding this ultimate Pinterest set & forget it streamlining was absolutely worth the small monthly fee.

Update – As much as I still love TailWind, I have now found a new love that performs even better yielding double the results. BoardBooster is the best scheduling tool I’ve ever encountered and it has doubled my Pinterest traffic since I’ve started using it!  Here is my referral link where you can sign up for a free trial to see what you think:  BoardBooster FREE trial

Another tool I have recently discovered that’s made a huge difference in my productivity as a blogger is Boomerang for Gmail.  I seriously could not overstate what a difference this handy-dandy resource has been for increasing my organization and efficiency since I started using it.  Who would have thought emailing would be such a huge part of being a blogger?  Not. Even. Kidding.  {Insert crazy face emoticon}  But really – whether it’s interacting with brands and networks, answering unsolicited (or solicited) inquiries, collaborating with other bloggers, or so much more – bloggers need to utilize email often.  Enter Boomerang!

This super easy tool provides you the luxury of scheduling emails to return when you can actually answer them.  No more forwarding our own self emails for fear of forgetting them when they inevitably slip through the cracks of your overloaded inbox.  You can actually choose the day and time you’d like the email to return based on the content of the email itself.  Sanity saver right there!  😉

With Facebook changes imminent that will cause reach to nosedive even further, I am so glad I started building my email list in the last couple months.  I’ve got a long ways to go, but so far there are two main tools I have used to do this. One is KingSumo Giveaways and the other is the MailMunch plugin for WordPress.  I’d definitely recommend you checking them out if you plan to grow an email list!

Enroll Now

Another exciting new option – The B2B Team has finally let the cat out of the bag!  They have finally revealed their big project, the video training course: Blogpreneur.  Let me tell you though, ONLY take this course if you are interested in taking your blog to the next level and creating something amazing – possibly LIFE-CHANGING.

This course will walk you through how to optimize your site, creating social media strategies that actually work and how to make money blogging. We’re not just talking a free meal here and there either. They have teamed up together to teach you how to truly make a living from your blog. And then make even more. They’ll show you how to get people to your site and how to make them stay so that your message can be heard!

Holly Homer, Becky Mansfield and Paula Rollo joined together to create this amazing resource for you and unlock the secrets of their success, just for you!  If you are feeling stuck, learn some close-kept secrets that WILL help you get unstuck and on your way to a career in blogging and social media.  If you are already earning with your blog or just starting out, this course can help you improve, optimize your site and get ready to make more money.

You’ll learn things like:

  • How to write for YOUR audience
  • What makes a post go viral
  • How to run your blog like a business
  • Science behind pinterest
  • Content strategies
  • How to monetize your Facebook page
  • Types of passive income
  • and so much more!

I am so excited to give you this chance to learn the secrets that have taken these three bloggers to making 6 figures a month in earnings, publishing more than a dozen books while balance our home and family lives as well.

Learn more about BlogPreneur Now!

Monetize your blog with Young Living

Last but not least is the very newest resource I’ve implemented to leverage my blog – my new Young Living business!  I consider this a way to grow and diversify income streams.  In fact Young Living bloggers actually refer to this as a ‘forever cookie’ – meaning potential affiliate income never disappears from the work you put into growing your business through your blog.  If this is something you decide to do as a blogger, you’ll want to read all about our Young Living blogging program  🙂  Be sure to comment or email me with any questions!

Surprising tools to help you grow your blog today!

These are just a few of my favorite resources I’ve used to grow my blog this past year.  I’m sure I’ll be sharing more in the future, but in the meantime – check out this roundup post of my blogging faves and for more resources bursting with blogging ideas, visit my three blogging Pinterest boards.  If you are currently blogging, what are your favorite tricks and tools?  I’m always looking for new ideas!

Follow Sybil Brun @ shelivesfree.com’s board BLOG BASICS on Pinterest.

Follow Sybil Brun @ shelivesfree.com’s board BLOG PICS on Pinterest.

Follow Sybil Brun @ shelivesfree.com’s board BLOG TOOLS on Pinterest.

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« Must Read Parenting Posts of 2014
Year in Review 2014 »

Comments

  1. Haovk says

    December 31, 2014 at 1:55 pm

    WordPress is a FABULOUS blogging platform. I’ve used WordPress off and on for the past, goodness, 10 years or so, and I love it oh so much. You can start out for free and build from there, and so many webhosts are WordPress friendly as well!
    Wishing you lots of awesome for 2015!!
    Haovk recently posted…#OneLittleWord 2015My Profile

    Reply
    • Sybil Brun says

      December 31, 2014 at 4:20 pm

      Oh Havok thank you so much! Wishing YOU lots of awesome in 2015 as well!
      Sybil Brun recently posted…New Year, New Blog: Killer Tools to Grow Your Blog NowMy Profile

      Reply
  2. Susannah says

    December 31, 2014 at 2:07 pm

    Isn’t blogging great??? Thanks for sharing these tools. I’ll have to look into them! <3
    Susannah recently posted…The Year of the BabyMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sybil Brun says

      December 31, 2014 at 4:21 pm

      Oh yes! It definitely opened up a whole new world of awesome for me 😉 Love hearing from other bloggers, thanks for stopping by!
      Sybil Brun recently posted…New Year, New Blog: Killer Tools to Grow Your Blog NowMy Profile

      Reply
  3. Kayty says

    January 1, 2015 at 11:29 am

    just started blogging in November so I’m definitely looking for ways to grow!
    Kayty recently posted…Eating Lobster for the LiebsterMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sybil Brun says

      January 2, 2015 at 11:45 am

      Awesome! Welcome to blogging Kayty 🙂
      Sybil Brun recently posted…New Year, New Blog: Killer Tools to Grow Your Blog NowMy Profile

      Reply
  4. Erica @ Coming Up Roses says

    January 1, 2015 at 2:07 pm

    What an awesome compilation! Thanks for sharing, girl 🙂 You’ve experienced and grown so much, you should definitely take part in my and my blogging bestie’s 2015 series, also aptly titled New Year, New Blog! Consider becoming a VIP, because it seems like it’d be right up y our alley and worth your while! (:
    http://cominguprosestheblog.com/introducing-new-year-new-blog-200-west-elm/

    cominguprosestheblog.com
    Erica @ Coming Up Roses recently posted…2014 in Review.My Profile

    Reply
    • Sybil Brun says

      January 2, 2015 at 11:45 am

      Sounds like fun – I’ll definitely check it out 🙂
      Sybil Brun recently posted…New Year, New Blog: Killer Tools to Grow Your Blog NowMy Profile

      Reply
  5. Julie Onos says

    January 2, 2015 at 10:14 am

    Thanks for sharing a great roundup of resources. So glad to hear of TailWind!
    Julie Onos recently posted…Fellowship Friday 52 & The WaitMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sybil Brun says

      January 2, 2015 at 11:46 am

      Glad I could help in some small way! Thanks for writing!
      Sybil Brun recently posted…New Year, New Blog: Killer Tools to Grow Your Blog NowMy Profile

      Reply
  6. Sarah Ann says

    January 9, 2015 at 2:29 pm

    Great tools, Sybil! It’s been a joy watching your blog grow and you totally deserve it! May 2015 bless you even more! This post full of fabulous content is featured this week at the Saturday Soiree & Social Media Share. I hope you’ll come back and join the fun!
    Sarah Ann recently posted…To the Discouraged & BrokenheartedMy Profile

    Reply
  7. Candace says

    January 10, 2015 at 5:48 pm

    So many great resources! Thanks, Sybil. I’ve been wanting to check out Elite Blog Academy. My biggest problem is consistency. I get overwhelmed and just have to step away for a while. This is going to be my year to get more serious about blogging :). Wishing you and yours a fabulous 2015!
    Candace recently posted…Why I’m Quitting ResolutionsMy Profile

    Reply
  8. Shannon @ Dinner from the Heart says

    February 28, 2015 at 2:22 pm

    I love Co-Schedule for keeping my blogging calendar going and keeping my content going out on a regular basis. It’s a set it and forget it kind of thing. I use ViralTag for pinterest scheduling and love it. It helped me grow my blog traffic about 6 times over. Great post and great information. Do you see very much money from your Young Living affiliate? I’ve loved them for about 7 years and my son works in their shipping dept. but I’ve never considered being an affiliate.
    Shannon @ Dinner from the Heart recently posted…Coconut Poke Cake – Tres Leches StyleMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sybil Brun says

      February 28, 2015 at 2:33 pm

      That’s great – the whole company is wonderful! And I sure do – feel free to email me or I can try to message you to answer any questions 🙂
      Sybil Brun recently posted…Ten Things You Didn’t Know About MeMy Profile

      Reply
  9. Christina says

    February 28, 2015 at 4:31 pm

    This is great. I’m a newbie so I am so glad I found this. Your stuff looks amazing. Just started following those pinterest boards too!

    Reply
    • Sybil Brun says

      February 28, 2015 at 10:43 pm

      Awe thanks Christina! Best wishes to you on your blogging journey!
      Sybil Brun recently posted…Ten Things You Didn’t Know About MeMy Profile

      Reply
  10. Bismah says

    February 28, 2015 at 4:44 pm

    Great tips! My site is in need of so much work right now so I am really grateful that I came across your post. Thank you for sharing!
    Bismah recently posted…Want to save money with your smartphone? Shop Gazelle.My Profile

    Reply
    • Sybil Brun says

      February 28, 2015 at 10:42 pm

      Glad you stopped by too! Pace yourself, give yourself grace, and you will do AWESOME 🙂
      Sybil Brun recently posted…Ten Things You Didn’t Know About MeMy Profile

      Reply
  11. Catherine Short says

    March 1, 2015 at 11:17 am

    i’ve been contemplating having an email/newsletter. I’m glad it’s been so successful for you!
    Catherine Short recently posted…Weekend Links / / Golden StatueMy Profile

    Reply
  12. Felecia Efriann says

    March 1, 2015 at 4:09 pm

    Such a great list of resources, thanks for sharing them. I always enjoy seeing how different people have been able to grow their blog. Congrats on all you have accomplished and all your hard work. Again thanks for sharing what you have done. 🙂
    Felecia Efriann recently posted…Deliberate Act of Kindness // Celebrate RVAMy Profile

    Reply
  13. Gwen says

    December 15, 2015 at 9:31 am

    Thank you so much for sharing this. These are great tools. I have been blogging for awhile but just a now and then thing. I am so excited to have time now to focus on it. These tools will be very helpful. Thanks again and have a great day!
    Gwen recently posted…Disney Finally Makes The BFG Into A Movie!My Profile

    Reply
  14. Rebecca says

    December 19, 2015 at 11:06 pm

    These are such amazing resources! Thank you so much for sharing – I will definitely be looking into these!
    Rebecca recently posted…Christmas Adventures in the Ancient CityMy Profile

    Reply
  15. Fillia says

    December 21, 2015 at 2:27 am

    Good resources. I definitely will come back to your blog. Im new blogger who want to grow my blog. This is very helpful 😊 Thanks for sharing
    Fillia recently posted…Overcome The Modern SirensMy Profile

    Reply

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  1. Faith Along the Way says:
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