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As blogging is growing in popularity as a hobby and as a viable career path, technology is advancing and giving you more tools and resources to enhance your blogging experience and to be able to develop your blog into a business for yourself. Of course, over time all bloggers essentials that they use will alter and all bloggers pay extra attention to different aspects on their blog for example photography and graphics.
When I first started blogging I used different tools and resources to what I use today. Not all apps, resources and tools will work for each blogger because you are running your individual blogs and you all have different visions, this is why it is a good idea to trial a variety and see what works best for you and your budget. I have found a few favourites for me that help me create the best posts I can and to develop my blog as much as I can.
Here are 5 of my top essentials:
1. Camera
I have a Canon camera as well as an iPhone it depends what photographs I am taking as to which one I will use. In my blog I do use a lot of stock images which I can tell you I wish I knew about when I first started my blog, it saves so much time and can really be effective for a blog post. However, if I am working on a product review or an AD I will take my own images of the product of service. I love being able to get creative with flat lays and coming up with different photographic ideas for the brand. It is your chance to show a brand your creative side and build positive relationships with those brands so you can work together in the future. If you do not like to take photographs or are not in a position to do so, stock images can be your best friend and I will be talking more about them later.
2. A notebook
Now I always have a notebook on the go. I am the type of blogger who likes to draft out blog posts, write down ideas and play around with blog titles, so having notebooks to be able to keep all that information in one place helps me stay organised with my blog. With a world that is very technology heavy I enjoy putting pen to paper and writing. I like to use a notebook to work on my blogging schedule that helps me plan content ahead of time so I always avoid the dreaded bloggers burn out. I will always have a notebook handy so that when blogging ideas come to me, I can jot them down and not forget them!
3. Canva app
This app is vital app for me in creating blog graphics for each of my blog posts as well as making pins for my Pinterest boards. If you are struggling with pin ideas they have templates and even photographs you can use if you do not feel confident in taking the photographs. This app can save a blogger so much time especially if you are working full time and blogging is a hobby. There are a variety of templates for all social media platforms and plenty of text options. There is a pro version that you can pay for, but the free version is the one I use and I am finding just as effective right now.
Photo by Jess Bailey on Unsplash
4. Social media platforms
Having a social media account on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram allows me to share my blog posts and content on a variety of platforms and therefore reaches a bigger audience. Reaching a bigger audience then increases your chances for more blog traffic and engagement on each of your blog posts. Having multiple social media channels can also allow you to build connections with other bloggers, make lasting friendships and learn from one another. I have made some great friends through blogging and the blogging community is very supportive.
5. Unsplash
Unsplash is an app that has free stock images that you can use for blog posts and other blog graphics, as long as you are sure to credit the original creator to stay authentic to your audience. Like i said previously using stock images can help you save a lot of time instead of trying to create the perfect image yourself. If you your blog is a hobby and you are working in another job, using stock images can help you stay on track with your time schedule and still have effective and appealing blog graphics for your audience.
My phone which is mainly where I blog from, but occasionally my Mac computer. I use my phone mainly to take pictures for my blog too, but I have a compact camera.
My notebook where I like to start writing my draft posts too as well as making other notes associated with my blog, or blogging in some way.
And I use a paper schedule, so I can see what blog posts I have ready scheduled at a glance, away from my phone, as well as little odd reminders.
Our list is a bit similar except that I use more phone than my camera now lol. And having a notebook to jot down ideas is a must. I actually plan to use my iPad for idea bank but a small notebook is much more convenient to have.
I don’t have a blog planner because I use the editorial calendar plugin and google sheets to keep track on what to post and when to schedule them.
Would love to see more of you blogging props x I’ve been experimenting with duvet, blanket, books and even bought fake flowers lol.
Yes fake flowers and books are great, candles are also great. Thank you for reading and commenting! Xx
🙂 Lauren, you appear to be a well-organized blogger.
There are a lot of bloggers who do not use planners and of course, there are some that do (Everyone should have a planner).
Also, you are fortunate to have a camera like that.
Do enjoy the rest of your day!
Thank you for your kind comment
🙂 You are most welcome!
I’m not a photographer for my blog, but I do intend to start. Some nice little props can be collected from cheapy places like Bargain books and even charity shops, so I’ll have to step up my game!
Definitely. Poundland is also really great for faux flowers and little pretty things x
All of my work is on my phone. If I had more essential I would forget things and go crazy. I am not the best at photography but would like to take my own photos some day
Haha! That’s fair enough. Yeah that would be good 😊
Those are all of my essentials, too!! I use my phone camera, however. What camera is it that you use?
I loved your post Bournemouthgirl
My blog essentials are a lot the same as yours
Sorry pressed the wrong button, your post inspires me thanks so much xox
Thank you for reading and commenting
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My planner is an essential too, I have to write things down so that I don’t forget them all the time! It’s great for scheduling too x
Kayleigh zara 🥀 http://www.kayleighzaraa.com
Definitely! Xx
Hi, great post. I love how you plan and use props for photos x
Thank you! X
This is a great list, Lauren! My essentials are the same as yours 🙂 I always love seeing your planner, it’s so neat and pretty, those stickers are so cute and colourful too #plannergoals. I also love that blogging means we have an excuse to buy more pretty notebooks to help us stay organised (yayy!). I agree, blog prop shopping is the best kind of shopping, it is so much fun to find new and creative things for photos. I love your postcard and paper collection, it is so bright, happy and colourful! 😀 Thanks for sharing your essentials, fab post as always! <3 xxx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
My notebook and planner are absolutely essential! I don’t know how I’d function without them. And of course a camera. These ‘essentials’ can be a bit addictive though 😂 x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Yeah they can haha! Thank you reading and commenting xx
This was a great post lovely, I also love to use a planner and notebook to plan and write out posts x
Just makes me feel more organised and if I ever lost the typing I have a hardcopy x
Your so right. We all do have different essentials as bloggers and it’s really interesting to see what blogger loves what!
I love your camera by the way. I have a Nikon.
Also I couldn’t cope without my happy planner.
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Love, Alexa
http://AlexaJade.co.uk
I have commented on your post, but it says it was spam, so maybe check your spam folder. Aww thank you, you have a happy planner too, which one? Xx
Really love your post! I am really just dipping my toe into blogging and your essentials have helped me see some things I need to start with. 🙂
These are some very important must haves for a blogger. I have the same habit of writing down my post in a note book and then typing from my laptop. I use a mobile that is especially for taking my blog photos and social media. As for props I have collected a lot of them through hehehe. I need to get organized though. Love post Lauren.
Via | http://glossnglitters.com
I mostly use my phone, computer, and tarot cards. But I love the idea of using props in photography!
Can you link your blog x
I did use props for my Glossybox unboxing posts but don’t use them as much now – I think it depends on the post. I like to use a notebook too to keep me on track.
Yeah I do in some but not all too. Thank you for reading and commenting
All of these things explain why you are successful. You have found what works for you. I kind of fly by the seat of my pants and blog as ideas pop into my mind. I know this is not the best way to go, but it works for me. I write directly onto the computer and mostly use stock photos as I don’t have a very good camera and my subjects vary quite a bit.
Exactly you have to do what works best for you. Stock photos are good too especially if you don’t have the camera. I like the way you write your posts and your pictures are always great!
Thanks, it’s tough at times finding a pic that fits.
Definitely. X
Photography props are my go-to essentials for my blogging images along with my camera and my computer. And, don’t forget – good lighting.
Good lighting is also important!
Love this! Our essentials are a bit different, I would say mine has to be Canva, Unsplash (for royalty free pictures) and my notes app. I love getting tips from fellow bloggers. Thanks for sharing!
Awesome thank you for sharing your essentials x
My first and foremost thing that I always have is a notebook. This may sound weird but I do not have a phone and, since I love making notes, having pen and paper on hand to write something down is essential. I usually transcribe to text later.
I like to write anyway so using it for blogging really helps! X
Great Post. Love it 😊😀
Thank you!
Thank you for reading and commenting xx
Thank you
It is so important to have a calendar to try and plan out your time. I love bullet journals and say nice things have great products!! X
This camera isn’t too expensive but was a gift otherwise I would still be using my iPhone X xx
Great list of essentials! I have similar things on my list as well! I like how you decorated your notebook! I think photo props are an essential (like yourself, any reason to shop for me is a green light! haha!) I bought a planner but realized I work better with just doodling everything in a single notebook. It’s proof that everyone works differently and has different preferences. I love that. Thanks for sharing your essentials doll! 😀
xx, Des | https://www.itsbetterinheels.com/
Thank you for reading and sharing your planner experience xx
I love that “I’d rather be blogging sticker” on your notebook. 💗
Our lists are very similar, although I tend to use my phone more than my camera now. Especially when I’m out and about, and see something that could make a good featured image. I need to get some more blog photo props though!
Aww thank you! 😊. Yeah I need more props. X
Great blog and quite useful for a newcomer like me!
I hope they help 😊