Dear 2015 Makayla, I wish you researched more. Love, 2016 Makayla.

Isn't this something we all wish? We wish that we would've delved into the world wide web and applied ourselves to the research that would have inevitably made our lives easier, sooner. Whether you've found online tools, services or photo editing tools, it's never too early to start creating bookmarked folders filled with sites that will jumpstart or fire up your blogging journey.

Over time, I'm glad that I've researched and found the sites that I will be sharing with y'all today. These are generally known websites, but ones that I (of course) had no clue about until later down the line. This website has grown tremendously with the help of these sites, and I could only wish the same for you if you are starting out or continuing your blogging ventures. With that said, let's do this!

1. Grammarly

Grammarly HAD to be #1 because of how crucial it is, as bloggers, for our grammar and punctuation to be as 'on point' as possible. We don't necessarily have to be writing ninjas, but anything nearest to this point would be great considering how widespread our information can become in a short amount of time. So, take some of that pressure, to be a 'perfect writer,' off of your shoulders and let Grammarly act as a FREE proofreading tool when you're drafting those difficult blog posts. (Did I mention that you can get their proofreading tool free?)

I swear this website is my favorite, and something that I was more than willing to invest in once I experienced its power for the first month. If you're interested in Grammarly, click on the banner below to learn more!

2. Canva

Canva has quickly and easily become my favorite photo editing tool, simply because of how user-friendly this site is for creating Pinterest graphics and YouTube thumbnails! I love how obvious all of the symbols are, and how helpful Canva is with providing the best sizes and layouts for whatever image you're trying to create or edit. If you're interested in Canva, Click Here to edit your first image and get a feel for this tool.

3. PicMonkey

Coming in hot for second place when it comes to photo editing tools is PicMonkey! This was the website that I first started editing My YouTube Channels thumbnails with after learning my way around each editing tool quickly and without much trouble. Although it's not the most user-friendly in comparison to Canva, the amount of customization that can be done on this site is impressive, to say the least, especially considering that the general overlays and custom tools available for a small monthly fee (no longer free *cries softly*). If you want to give PicMonkey a try, Click Here!

4. Google Analytics

If you're about to start a blog, or are currently a blogger and don't know about this incredible analytics tool - welcome to stats heaven. This site helps you figure out your audience like never before, with ease. You can really get down to the nitty-gritty about what your audience likes, on what days and in what areas of your website. I use this tool to determine how my audience reacts to different changes on my website and which days, weeks or months changed in terms of views or activity. Check this site out Here if you're interested!

5. Bit.ly

Bitly is amazing. Even if you've never heard of this website, I'm sure you've seen a Bitly link before at least once after roaming around the internet. Whenever you want to shorten up a link, instead of having something long and ugly with multiple numbers, letters, and symbols - all you need to do is enter the long link into their website and they instantly create a pretty version that's social media friendly.

These work best for Twitter and Instagram when tweeting or placing a long link into your bio. Not IF but WHEN you want to use this handy tool because I'm positive you will want to, Check It Out Here.

6. Tailwind

Tailwind has been my 'ride or die' Pinterest tool for a good two months now. The amount of time I've saved, after allowing Tailwind to manage my Pins through their customized calendar management tool, is incredible. As bloggers, we really need to start relinquishing some of that extra weight on our shoulders from extra websites, social media accounts, and general responsibilities in order to reach our full potential. 

If you haven't heard of Tailwind, I highly suggest you click the banner below to learn more and introduce yourself to the world of wonder that this online Pinterest Management tool introduces you to. 

7. Google Trends

Google Trends is a new discovery for me, personally, and I'm positive that it will fit nicely in my Google 'toolbelt.'  I never knew this existed aside from the well-known Google Keywords tool that I used on a daily basis for my new blog posts or YouTube tags. I wouldn't say that this website has changed my life, but it sure has helped me release relevant posts or videos that relate to popular and trending topics that the general viewer / reader might want to learn more about. If you're interested, visit their website Here. 

8. Gumroad

Gumroad, oh Gumroad. Here's my short tale of woe when it comes to my previous issues with selling my first digital product. I spent days on Woocommerce to sell my product through my website, didn't work. Pushed the launch date back. Set up an 'Easy Digital Downloads' account to sell my product through my website, didn't work. Pushed my launch date back. I cried myself to sleep and gave up, which, obviously, pushed my launch date back. End of story. 

Just kidding guys! I ended up finding this incredible site through desperate Google searches late at night for online shops and landing pages for bloggers. Once I found Gumroad, I was able to upload my Dorm Room Essentials Checklist Bundle within minutes after creating an account. If you want to sell any type of product, physical or digital, I highly suggest that you create an account and at least give this website a try. Check it out Here for yourself. 

9. Sniply

Sniply, alongside Google Trends, is a relevantly new find that I thoroughly enjoy! Imagine this...You share a link to another website, and once your reader decides to click on that link, there is a tiny popup in the corner of the screen reminding them to subscribe to your website or re-visit the post once the reader is done on the site they clicked on. How incredible is that? If you visit their website Here, they have a handy video that explains it better. So, do yourself a favor and check it out! 

10. Creative Market

Creative Market is one of my favorite places to go for blog mockups and image layouts, customized fonts or other decorative images for this website. When I first started I enjoyed shopping for beautiful floral mockups like This One, along with fonts packages like This Black Diamond Bundle. 

If you're wanting to invest in beautiful blog photos and fonts that are yours to use legally, check this website out Here and explore their many collections. 

Well, that's about it for this list of helpful websites! I hope you were able to benefit from these recommendations and save some that you didn't know about beforehand to help you out in the future. Comment down below with some of YOUR favorite blogging sites, and Share / Pin this post to help others that may need this information. 

Happy Blogging and Live Intentionally, my friends. 

- Miss Lynn