Resources that I use

• Website and Blog Host & Domain  SiteGround

• Website and Blog Theme: Divi by Elegant Themes

Learning and building my website and blog on WordPress.org has been a gigantic learning curve.

Have you seen the backend of WordPress.org?

Do you know how to write code?

Well, I don't know how to write code.

When I first looked the back end of WordPress. org, it felt like a jumble sale.

And yet, I built my website and blog myself!

In addition, I know how and keep learning how to maintain, change, and update.

Perseverance, hard work, determination, and online support are the key characteristics.

Support from the teams at SiteGround and Elegant Themes have helped me to get it off the ground.

I would also like to acknowledge

Tiffany at The Blogging Blueprint,

and Pete and Heather at It's a Lovely Life

for their courses and assistance with WordPress.org support and blogging know how.

1 SiteGround

SiteGround host my website/blog, and my domain.

In the settings, SiteGround will automatically update my website when there are WordPress updates.

I find their online support helpful and timely even though I am based in my timezone. You can log into chat. Then, when it's your turn, support will come online to help youThey have guided me in resolving issues that have arisen whilst I built my own WordPress.org website from scratch.

I added on at extra cost the SG Site Scanner which runs daily to detect malware and domain blacklist and receive the report weekly for peace of mind.

If you are looking for a host for your website/blog and domain, then check out SiteGround.

2 Elegant Themes

My website and blog theme are Divi by Elegant Themes.

Are you looking for a way to build your website and blog on the back end and the front end?

Then, look at Divi. With Divi I can build on both.

When I am using the front end, it is easy for me to see the changes.

Now, Divi has it own themes. The amazing part is you can add different pages of a layout pack onto your website. On my website I have the original child theme that started it. Now, I can update my travel and photograph blogs into separate menus using different layouts. Which means, you can continuously update individual pages on your blog and website.

So, for my travel blog, I am using the travel blog layout pack. You can download the pages you want to use. Once they are downloaded, the store in the library so you can reuse them again.  That's you can pick page layouts individually.

And, for my photography blog, I am using the Art Gallery layout pack. You can adapt each layout to your desires.

When you are creating new post and pages, you can pick a page or post that you already have on you website. Then, adapt it to your new post and page.

In addition, I have installed Bloom and Monarch. Bloom is an email opt-in plugin. And, Monarch is a social share and follow plugin.

I purchased the lifetime plan which gives ongoing support from Elegant Themes. Due to the time zone difference, I can leave a message, and they will respond by email and continue with instructions to resolve my queries. As, I am continually changing and maintaining the theme on my site.

And, I don't know how to write code. Recently, the support team showed me how to embed code into my website.

If you are looking for a theme builder for your wordpress.org blog/website, then check out Divi by Elegant Themes.

3 Avery WePrint

I use Avery WePrint to print labels and postcards.

Are you looking for a printer who prints in Australia?

Well, Avery WePrint prints your printing request from their online store at Castle Hill in Australia.

Surprisingly, I traveled to Sydney in 2019 for a DNA confererence. And, it was held in Castle Hill.

Avery WePrint have fast turnaround and shipping from there to Melbourne, Australia.

I plan on organising for Avery WePrint to print cards to add to my range of products.

2 Blogging Courses that I am enrolled in

• The Blogging Blueprint

• 5-Day Start a Money Making Blog Crash Course
• Blogging Blastoff
• Travel Blogging Fast Track

1 The Blogging Blueprint

Do you want to learn proven strategies for growing your blog?

Does any of this sound like you?

• Do you have dreams of becoming a full-time blogger, but don't know where to start?
• Are you tired of reading fluff articles that don't include any real strategies for growing your blog?
• Do you feel like no matter how hard you try, you can't get people to read or engage with your content?
• Does it feel like everyone else is achieving success with their blog, while you're still struggling?

I can tell you that you're not alone.

When I started my blog, I knew nothing about growing a successful blog.

The most important thing I've learned about blogging is that there is no magical technique that will grow your blog fast. There are, however, tried-and-true strategies that when implemented, will allow you to grow your blog the right way.

Enrolling in The Blogging Blueprint, I learned techniques for growing my blog, such as:

• Why you need to choose a niche and how to find yours
• How to write attention-grabbing content that goes viral
• How to get your content ranked in search engines like Google
• Practical strategies for growing your social media accounts
• How to use Pinterest to explode your blog's traffic
• The best way to make strategic connections with bloggers
• Proven ways to make money with your blog
• Plus much more!

Resource Content

In this course, there are 7 modules, over 35 lessons, worksheets to assist you, course bonuses, and an online support community where you can ask questions about blogging, get feedback on your blog, or ask questions about the course content.

Support

In The Blogging Blueprint, I have found Tiffany responds directly through email regarding my queries about the course. In the closed Facebook group, she and her community respond to matters about blogging and help with WordPress.org. I like that she is accessible and the way she has designed her blog. I find the actionable instructions in the course help to improve your blog and website.

If you have a feeling that "The Blogging Blueprint" could help you grow a successful blog, then you owe it to yourself to at least check it out!

2 5-Day Start a Money Making Blog Crash Course,  Blogging Blastoff, & Travel Blogging Fast Track are courses by Pete and Heather.

Where to Start

Are you wondering where to make a start? Well, you can start with their free 5-Day Start a Money Making Blog Crash Course. It guides you through to starting a blog.

Network with Bloggers

And, there are prompts for you to join their closed Facebook group. In their community, you can obtain online support, like receiving feedback on your logo.

Would you like to network with other bloggers? You can also join the free monthly 10k challenges to build your network with other bloggers. Especially, if you are beginning, relatively new to blogging, or growing your blog. It normally starts in the second week of the month.  So, start with the 5-Day Start a Money Making Blog Crash Course and join the Facebook group, to find out when the 10k challenge starts.

More Resources and  Suport for Blogging

Would you like to progress from there? Next, you can subscribe to the Blogging Blastoff, & Travel Blogging Fast Track courses depending on your blog niche. I purchased both as they came as a special promotion. Both have Facebook groups and you receive support via email.

And, you can work through the content at your own pace, or at the pace aligned with the opening of the courses.

If you want to align with the monthly openings for the Blogging Blastoff. They typically start at the beginning of the month with enrollments opening close to the end of the previous month. And, you can belong to its own dedicated Facebook group.

Would you like to learn travel blogging? In the Travel Blogging Fast Track, it specifically caters to travel blogging. It also has Facebook groups dedicated to this course. Do you want to learn about comped travel and ways to make money out of your travel blog? If you are ready to travel blog, then check out Travel Blogging Fast Track.

Make a Start

Do you just want to make a start? Then, join the free 5-Day Start a Money Making Blog Crash Course.  And, see where it takes you.