I’ve tested tons of blogging tools over the years—some were game-changers, while others… not so much. Running two food blogs takes a lot of moving pieces, and the right tools make all the difference. From social media scheduling to SEO, email marketi...
Sections
8
Social Media Management
Email Marketing
SEO & Website Optimization
E-commerce & Monetization
Design, Photography & Graphics
WordPress & Blogging Essentials
Social Media Management
Managing social media can feel like a full-time job, but these tools make it way easier.
This is my go-to tool for scheduling content across all my Facebook pages. It’s intuitive, easy to use, and a huge time-saver.
SmarterQueue
I use this to track viral content and see what’s performing well (or not!) on my Facebook pages. It’s great for keeping an eye on my own profiles and competitors.
Fanpage Karma
My must-have for scheduling Pinterest pins and Instagram posts. I also love using Smartbio to add clickable links to my recipes on Instagram.
Tailwind Social Media Management Tool
This tool allows me to DM Instagram users who want recipe links and also helps grow my email list.
Grocer's List
Email Marketing
Your email list is gold when it comes to blogging. It’s one of the best ways to connect with your audience and keep them coming back.
Helps me see what emails performed well in the past and lets me edit and reschedule them. It has much better stats than the Kit dashboard.
Broadcast Boost
I used this for email pop-ups to grow my list.
Convert Pro
This is the platform I use for email newsletters. It offers powerful features like subscriber tagging, automation sequences, and broadcasts. Plus, it has an ad program, and I usually earn enough from ads to cover the cost of the service!
Kit
I’ve worked with Matt for years, and thanks to his expertise, my email list growth has skyrocketed.
EmailTru
SEO & Website Optimization
SEO might sound complicated, but the right tools make it so much easier.
My go-to for keyword research and tracking how my posts are performing in search results.
Semrush
A budget-friendly alternative to SEMrush! I started using it based on a recommendation from my SEO consultant.
KeySearch
I use this daily to tackle blogging tasks like fixing broken links, updating old posts, and organizing my categories.
Clariti
Carl’s SEO audit helped me fix a ton of technical issues on my site. Highly recommend!
SEO Audit - Uku Digital
I’ve used several of their services to improve my site’s performance and SEO.
The Blog Fixer
The ultimate SEO newsletter for food bloggers. It keeps me updated on all things search-related!
Siftr Newsletter
Carl Ross recommended this tool, and I use it to track my keyword rankings.
Serprobot
Grayson recommended this plugin to make my website faster.
WP Rocket
E-commerce & Monetization
From selling digital products to earning ad revenue and managing payments, here’s what I rely on to turn my blog into a business.
My online store is built on Shopify, where I sell ebooks and printables.
Shopify
The best (and cheapest) way to send and receive payments internationally. I use it to get paid by Amazon and my ad network and to pay contractors.
Wise
My amazing ad network! Their publisher support is top-notch, and they offer great perks.
Raptive
This site is a goldmine for deals on blogging and social media tools. I always check for new offers!
AppSumo
Design, Photography & Graphics
Whether I’m editing photos, designing graphics, or printing branded merch, these are my must-have tools for all things creative.
I use SmugMug to store my RAW files and showcase my photography portfolio.
SmugMug
This food photography course transformed my photography skills.
Pretty Focused
Laura has designed two of my blog designs, and she’s truly the best!
Pixel Me Designs - Custom Wordpress and Blog Design
Hui has been designing my Facebook and Pinterest graphics for years. She does beautiful work!
Little Dot Creates
My go-to for branded hoodies. They’re high-quality, super comfy, and I’ve bought so many!
Printful
My go-to for creating Pinterest pins, Facebook graphics, and even my ebooks for sale.
Canva
My main graphics program for everything! I’ve been using it for years.
Picmonkey
WordPress & Blogging Essentials
A smooth-running blog starts with the right foundation. From hosting to recipe cards and plugins, these tools help me keep my site fast, functional, and reader-friendly.
The plugin I use for social sharing buttons and the Save This Recipe feature.
Hubbub
My favorite recipe card plugin!
WP Recipe Maker
The best hosting service I’ve ever used. Great support and much more affordable than my previous hosts.
BigScoots Managed WordPress Hosting
I host my email here instead of through my web host for better security and organization.
Google Workspace.
Grayson has helped me so much over the years with fixing technical issues and answering all my blogging questions—big or small.
iMark Interactive
My go-to for storing and sharing images when collaborating with brands.
Dropbox
Organization & Productivity
Running a blog means juggling a million different tasks, but these tools help me stay organized and on top of everything.
My blogging brain in spreadsheet form! It keeps all my data and projects organized.
Airtable
The ultimate daily planner. My entire team uses it, and I can’t live without it!
Asana
I use this to make quick training videos for my team.
Loom
The app I use to create all my reels and video content.
InShot - Video Editor & Maker
Branding Strategy & Events
A strong brand sets you apart, and investing in branding (and learning from others) is always worth it.
I got a brand audit from Phil last year, and it was game-changing! It helped me refine my brand direction.
Brand Audit
A major food blogging conference! I attended the 2025 Las Vegas event and had a fantastic time.
