Blogging tools you need to take your blog to the next level.

AD. Perhaps you've been blogging for a short while and are looking to take your website to the next level? Maybe you're just staring out and you're needing as much information and inspiration as possible? This is the post for you! I'm looking at a variety of different blogging tools you can use to up your game and take your blog to the next level.

_{[Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash]}

Since going freelance with my blog last year I've definitely learnt a few tips and tricks along the way. Here's my list of essential blogging tools you need in your kit.

Blogging tools you need in your toolkit

Domain name

A domain names gives you and your blog instant credibility. Having a branded URL that matches your social handles reinforces your branding and makes it easier for readers and brands to remember your blog. Having your own domain name will also increase your search engine ranking, increasing visibility for you and your blog.

Consistent branding

Having consistent branding running through both your blog and your social presence will ultimately take your blog to the next level. You want your readers (and brands) to recognise your brand identity. Branding can be everything from the more obvious, corporate headshots to graphics and colour schemes or your tone of voice. Keeping consistency develops your blogs credibility and professionalism, but it can also convey a more human side to your business too.

Grammar checker

One thing I've always been notorious for is writing like I talk. It comes in handy when writing personal, relatable posts however when it comes to articles which need to be more informative, it can be my downfall. I've found using a grammar checker to be especially useful just to make sure my content is of the highest quality.

There are a number of grammar checkers out there which will help take your blog to the next level:

• Grammarly
• Wordtune
• Outwrite
• Quillbot

SEO plugins

SEO plugins can help fine tune your blog post using specific keywords or phrases that will help improve google search results. I use the Yoast SEO plug in on my wordpress website which is a really easy green light / red light function advising me how searchable my blog posts are. Using this blogging tool has really helped me tweak blog posts, old and new to make them as obtainable as possible.

_{[Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash]}

Key word planner

One of the best and most interesting blogging tools I've used to up my game this year is a keyword planner. Determining the best keyword(s) for your blog post is essential in making your blog post as searchable as possible. I use keysearch which helps me really define what it is my blog posts will focus in on. I'm able to compare keywords analysing the phrases search volume alongside competitive DA websites.

This has been one of the best blogging tools I've used to take my website to the next level. I'm a big analytics and administration nerd so I love delving into the nitty gritty with a great keyword planner.

Tech tools

If you're looking to expand your blogging business, perhaps you want to create a podcast or become a marketing coach. There may be specific tech tools you need to invest in. If you're starting a podcast for example, Movavi offer the function to record audio from PC and export in a variety of different formats. Movavi's easy to use software is available to download for free with paid options also available.

If you want to repurpose content, a tool like a Twitter video downloader could also be useful, enabling you to download videos directly from Twitter to share on your blog or other platforms.

Stock photos

For years I was hell bent on using purely my own photography on my blog. Turns out I'm not actually that good at taking photos. When I started using stock photos I felt like not only a weight had been lifted, but my blog looked better. It looked more professional and gave my website more of a business type look. Free stock photos are available across a number websites. Paid packages are also readily available.

If you're looking for free blogging tools you could take stock photos from the following sites:

• Unsplash
• Shutterstock
• Istock
• Pexels

^{[If you're using free stock images, do make sure to credit the creator]}

Canva

Canva is great for creating consistent branding. It's a free to use (although there is a paid package) online graphic design tool where you can create social media posts, infographics, social sharing buttons. You name it, canva is the place to create visual content, easily and professionally.

Google docs

My google docs is jam packed full of blog related media. I have everything from PR directories, to work spreadsheets to article drafts. One thing I found particularly useful however is the document templates. I've been able to create a really professional looking invoice using the google docs templates. This again follows my personal branding and rounds of.f the whole experience for my clients.

_{[Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash]}

Tweet scheduler

Why spend hours creating content online if you're not going to promote it? Or promote yourself? A great way to elevate your social media presence is by scheduling promotion, whether it be on twitter, pinterest or facebook. There are a number of different platforms available to do this, however the vast majority of them are to be paid for. As much as I'm for keeping costs down, I do feel this is something that is totally worth the investment. Scheduling websites take on the hard work and make one of the most mundane blogging jobs (who's with me) more manageable.

If you want to start scheduling promotion for yourself, the following websites will be particularly handy:

• Tweetdeck
• Buffer
• Hootsuite
• Social Bee

Since going full time with my blog I've invested not only money but a lot more time and dedication to my business. After being a hobby blogger for so many years, there was a great number of things I had to fine tune with my website. Using these blogging tools have definitely helped my up my game and turn my hobby into a career.

Tell me the blogging tools you couldn't be without?