I have been in this line of work for over two decades. And I say that in order to make 2 points: (1) I have used, tested and reviewed a helluva lot of tools, and (2) I see right through shiny objects and hypey launches and make it part of my job to help my students and readers avoid wasting money as they build their blogs and businesses.
This page contains my top, official recommendations for various tools that are necessary for pretty much all online businesses.
A Word On Affiliate Links And My Promises To You
You're smart, so you know how this business works. Yes, many of the links on this page are affiliate links. That means I will earn a commission if you choose to purchase any of these tools through my link. And you have my sincere thanks if you do that. But, also know this...
I take my reputation with my recommendations seriously. I only recommend what I have used and vetted personally. Most of the tools on this page are tools I am using actively to run my own business. But, not only that...
If I recommend a tool and you buy it based on my recommendation, I am there to support you. In some cases, I have bonus training inside the LAB portal I will hook you up with. In many cases, people email me for help and I'm happy to provide an additional layer of support over top what the provider does themselves. So, when you buy through one of these affiliate links, you're also locking in the resources of the Blog Marketing Academy to help iron out any confusions and support issues that you encounter as you use the tool.
TOP Recommendation
Thrive Themes - My Top Recommendation
After testing numerous themes and platforms, I proudly stand behind my firm recommendation of Thrive Themes. Most specifically, I recommend that you look strongly at using Thrive Theme Builder and Thrive Architect.
This entire site is running on the this exact combination. It enables you to easily and quickly build almost any high-conversion blog layout you want - without ever having to learn to code or deal with the geeky stuff.
My strongest recommendation is the Thrive Themes Membership. Currently, that is the only way to gain access to Thrive Theme Builder. You also get access to every other plugin they offer. They update very frequently and it is an incredibly good value for you if you're trying to maximize return on investment as you build and grow your business. My full Thrive Themes Review is here.
Thrive Themes Bonus Training
Look over my shoulder while I show you some of the in's and out's of Thrive Themes tools, best practices, and some nifty tricks. You will also have a direct line to me to ask any question you want about Thrive so that I can be an additional line of support for you as you use these tools.
Access to this course is FREE as a bonus if you purchase Thrive Themes via our affiliate link. Click here to learn more.
Web Hosting
Top Web Hosting Recommendations
Building a blog-based business means you'll be using WordPress. And, having a host built around WordPress is recommended. I have tried many options, including WPEngine. But, then I found WPX Hosting. You can read my full story of switching to WPX Hosting here.
WPX Hosting is incredibly fast. It has all the capability you would want. But, more importantly, in my 20 years in this business, I have never experienced faster technical support than I have with WPX Hosting. When I have had to contact them via live chat, I usually have somebody chatting with me in less than 30 seconds. And these are not morons who parrot off scripts to you and have no idea how hosting works. They're support people know their platform, and they know WordPress. They're actually helpful.
WPX Hosting is quite affordable for WordPress-specific hosting, however if you don't feel you're ready for that, my backup recommendation is most definitely Siteground. I have used Siteground in the past. They have a great platform and they are a solid company. While their support is not as fast as WPX, it is VERY solid and this company has a strong reputation for their support.
How To Choose The Right Web Hosting. This is my official guide on how to shop for a host - as well as some companies I would stay away from. A lot of bloggers recommend Bluehost or Hostgator and... not me. I'll tell you why.
TOP EMAIL LIST HOSTS
Top Email List Host Recommendations
There are many good, solid options out there for hosting your email list. And my official recommendation has evolved over the years. Today, the solution that I think represents the best option for my students is ConvertKit.
I believe ConvertKit currently represents the best balance of ease of use combined with marketing automation capability that will be needed to build real, automated sales funnels and fully implement the Blog Monetization Model.
These 2 companies are also awesome. I've used both. And you can't go wrong with either one:
Aweber
I personally used Aweber for YEARS. They are a solid company with a stellar reputation. Everything integrates with it. And they've made a number of solid improvements to keep up with the times. If you don't need a full marketing automation platform for your email marketing, then Aweber is where I recommend you go.
Drip Email Marketing
Drip is an email marketing automation platform which doesn't make you go cross-eyed. The power and flexibility that Drip has is simply amazing. It integrates with everything, sports a beautiful graphical automation builder (called workflows), and forms the foundation of the email machine here at the Blog Marketing Academy.
OPTIN FORMS
Top List Building Tool Recommendation
I used Thrive Leads for a long time. But, I have now switched all of my optins to ConvertBox and I think this is a solution worthy of strong consideration. It is also unique right now because you can lock it in with a lifetime membership. This means you have the constantly improving capability of a fully-hosted option, but without the usual recurring fees.
ConvertBox is easy to use. And it is quickly developing to a platform that will blow all WordPress-specific options away. Imagine being able to customize the calls to action across your site based on WHO the person is and the information you know about them in your CRM. You can show optins to people not already on your list... and targeted offers to the people who are. And you don't need the expense of something like RightMessage or ConvertFlow. ConvertBox is taking them both head on.
ConvertBox is most definitely a strong tool for managing optin forms and calls to action. And with the availability of the lifetime plan, it represents one of the best investments out there for your business.
Shopping cart
Top Shopping Cart Recommendation
It can be complicated figuring out the best way to process orders and delivery on your site. But, there is one solution that I think is the best solution right now - especially considering that you can currently purchase it with a one-time, lifetime account without any recurring fees.
That solution is ThriveCart. (And no, this is not related to Thrive Themes). ThriveCart does... everything. You can use it to run as many products or subscriptions as you want. You can use it across multiple sites. There are no limits. All for one, single purchase. Yes, it has an initial investment to secure your account. But, once you have it, this software will form the ecommerce foundation for all of your online businesses.
I am not personally using ThriveCart at this time, but I wish I were. I have an account and have had one for over 2 years now. I have some infrastructure issues to attend to before I can fully switch to ThriveCart, but this is a move I am likely to make soon. I firmly believe in this software.
If you want a solid option for processing orders, managing delivery, and having every conversion-increasing strategy available in one package, ThriveCart is a solid investment. Right now, you can pay just once and lock it in forever. And having a solution like this to power all your sales in the future, without any recurring fees, is just a smart investment. Period.
Frequently Asked Questions
My top recommendation is Thrive Theme Builder, from Thrive Themes. This is a kind of "universal theme", where one solution can be molded into anything you want. And you don't need to know how to code to modify it... and you won't need to hire a developer.
I am personally using Theme Builder on this site. In almost all cases, I recommend Theme Builder to you, too. And I can help you mold it into whatever you like. To give you an idea, I was able to build this very site that you see here... without touching any code at all. And I know how to code just fine. 🙂
My own membership (THE LAB) is powered by MemberMouse. You can read my full review here. I like MemberMouse very much and it is one of the most powerful membership plugins for WordPress. That said, I do find myself getting frustrated with the slow speed of new enhancements and I believe the admin interface is behind the times.
I recently reviewed Wishlist Member and I think it is probably a better fit for most membership site owners. Especially if you combine it with ThriveCart.
I recommend WPX Hosting and SiteGround, in that order. Those are my top recommendations for web hosts. But, I have had people tell me they are already with another host, don't wish to move, and wonder if they'll be fine building their business where they're at.
If you are happy with the company you are using, then by all means... stay there. Most hosts will be fine. Not only that, you're not "stuck" anywhere. You can always decide to move your site to another host later. It's OK. 🙂
Not necessarily. Just because I endorse and support the tools on this page doesn't mean I think all alternatives suck. 🙂 Again, if you are happy with what you're using, that's what is most important.
Just shoot us an email and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Now, obviously, if you have purchased any of these tools through my links, that is better for business. And to show my appreciation, I always offer a higher level of support in that case, either privately via email, bonus training inside THE LAB, or other forms of support.