Blogging Tools

Over the years, I’ve tested countless tools to streamline my workflow, boost traffic, and grow my business. Here are my go-to blogging tools that make running Simply Stacie so much easier!

This post contains affiliate links.

Social Media Management

  • Smarterqueue: 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. Bonus: Use my link to get an extended 30-day free trial!
  • Fanpage Karma: 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.
  • Tailwind: My must-have for scheduling Pinterest pins and Instagram posts. I also love using Smartbio to add clickable links to my recipes on Instagram.
  • Grocer’s List: This tool allows me to DM Instagram users who want recipe links and also helps grow my email list.

Email Marketing

  • Kit: 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!
  • EmailTru: I’ve worked with Matt for years, and thanks to his expertise, my email list growth has skyrocketed.
  • Convertpro: I used this for email pop-ups to grow my list.
  • Broadcast Boost: 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.

SEO & Website Optimization

  • Semrush: My go-to for keyword research and tracking how my posts are performing in search results.
  • Keysearch: A budget-friendly alternative to SEMrush! I started using it based on a recommendation from my SEO consultant.
  • Clariti: I use this daily to tackle blogging tasks like fixing broken links, updating old posts, and organizing my categories.
  • Carl Ross at UKU: Carl’s SEO audit helped me fix a ton of technical issues on my site. Highly recommend!
  • The Blog Fixer: I’ve used several of their services to improve my site’s performance and SEO.
  • Siftr: The ultimate SEO newsletter for food bloggers. It keeps me updated on all things search-related!
  • Serprobot: Carl Ross recommended this tool, and I use it to track my keyword rankings.
  • WP Rocket: Grayson recommended this plugin to make my website faster.

E-commerce & Monetization

  • Shopify: My online store is built on Shopify, where I sell ebooks and printables.
  • Wise: 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.
  • Raptive: My amazing ad network! Their publisher support is top-notch, and they offer great perks.
  • AppSumo: This site is a goldmine for deals on blogging and social media tools. I always check for new offers!
  • Benable: Create shareable lists with your favorite products and earn a commission.

Design, Photography & Graphics

  • SmugMug: I use SmugMug to store my RAW files and showcase my photography portfolio.
  • Pretty Focused: This food photography course transformed my photography skills.
  • Pixel Me Designs: Laura has designed two of my blog designs, and she’s truly the best!
  • Little Dot Creates: Hui has been designing my Facebook and Pinterest graphics for years. She does beautiful work!
  • Printful: My go-to for branded hoodies. They’re high-quality, super comfy, and I’ve bought so many!
  • Canva: My go-to for creating Pinterest pins, Facebook graphics, and even my ebooks for sale.
  • Picmonkey: My main graphics program for everything! I’ve been using it for years.

WordPress & Blogging Essentials

  • Hubbub: The plugin I use for social sharing buttons and the Save This Recipe feature.
  • WP Recipe Maker: My favorite recipe card plugin!
  • Bigscoots: The best hosting service I’ve ever used. Great support and much more affordable than my previous hosts.
  • Google Workspace: I host my email here instead of through my web host for better security and organization.
  • iMark Interactive: Grayson has helped me so much over the years with fixing technical issues and answering all my blogging questions—big or small.
  • Dropbox: My go-to for storing and sharing images when collaborating with brands.

Organization & Productivity

  • Airtable: My blogging brain in spreadsheet form! It keeps all my data and projects organized.
    Asana: The ultimate daily planner. My entire team uses it, and I can’t live without it!
  • Loom: I use this to make quick training videos for my team.
  • InShot: The app I use to create all my reels and video content.

Branding Strategy & Events

  • Phil Pallen Collective: I got a brand audit from Phil last year, and it was game-changing! It helped me refine my brand direction.
  • Tastemaker Conference: A major food blogging conference! I attended the 2025 Las Vegas event and had a fantastic time.