Timo, what tools do you recommend for building a website?
I’m glad you asked!
There are a lot of tools I can recommend to you. But if I listed each of them, this list would be miles long!
I don't want to confuse you with too many options. So, I have included just the essential tools you need to build and run a website.
And yes, I'm using these tools right now on my websites.
Please note: This page contains affiliate links. I get a commission (at no cost to you) if you buy any of these tools through the links on this page.
Platforms
WordPress.org (self-hosted)
My top choice for building websites. Why? Because WordPress is free to download, it's easy to expand with plugins, and the user community is huge.
Web Hosting
SiteGround
FreelanceWriterWebsite.com is hosted with SiteGround. It has fast customer support, and the pricing isn't that bad either.
I love SiteGround!
WPX Hosting
Earlier I was hosting this website was with WPX Hosting. Like SiteGround, it also has fast, friendly, and professional customer support. All the sites I have hosted there loaded fast!
Domains
NameCheap
NameCheap is the only service I use to register domain names. I love returning to this domain registrar over and over again. Why? Because it's affordable pricing and excellent user experience.
Themes
GeneratePress + GeneratePress Premium
I'm running this website with GeneratePress and GeneratePress Premium.
So why do I love this combo?
First, GeneratePress is a lightweight theme, so my website loads fast.
Second, I can easily customize the look and feel of the website (not all the themes allow you to do this).
Finally, the price of the theme won't break the bank.
Did I convince you already? 🙂
StudioPress
I have used plenty of StudioPress themes in the past. For instance, my freelance writer website is running on top of the StudioPress theme.
StudioPress has plenty of themes to choose from. Also, you get excellent customer support if you run into issues.
Plugins
WP Forms Lite (the free version)
Want to create good-looking contact forms with just a few clicks? This is possible with WP Forms. And yes, I'm using this plugin on my website, too 🙂
Anti-Spam by CleanTalk (the premium version)
Are you getting tired of fighting the comment spam? I can hear you! Thanks to this plugin, my comment spam dropped to zero, so I can focus on real comments instead.
Grow by Mediavine (Social Pug (the free version)
Let your visitors market the quality-content you have created to their followers. I'm making this possible with the Grow social sharing plugin.
Yoast SEO (the free version)
Don't just write blog posts. Write SEO-optimized blog posts with the help of Yoast SEO. This tool tells you exactly how to tweak your content so that Google can rank you higher.
WordFence (the premium version)
I'm using WordFence to secure my WordPress website from malicious code and hacks. This plugin should be mandatory on every WordPress website.
This plugin is a premium one, and the cost for one website per year is 8 USD. I strongly suggest that you invest this small amount of money in your website security!
Limit Login Attempts Reloaded (the free version)
To tighten my website security, I also use Limit Login Attempts Reloaded on all my websites. This plugin helps to prevent unauthorized login attempts (either made by humans or bots) on your WordPress website.
Web Page Builders
Thrive Architect
This is the page builder I'm using on this blog. It makes creating good-looking web pages a breeze and saves my time.
Elementor
This tool is another page builder that I recommend. It has a big user community, and the plugin is extendible with add-ons.
Online Builders
Wix
Wix is the best online builder overall. It has lots of features and great drag-and-drop functionality. You can't go wrong with Wix.
Squarespace
Do you want to build a beautiful website? In that case, Squarespace is your choice.
Weebly
Weebly is also one of the biggest online builder platforms there is. What's even better, it's easy to use!
Keyword Research
KW Finder
I have used plenty of keyword research tools in the past, but this is the tool I have used extensively. Compared to the earlier keyword tool experiences, KWFinder is the easiest one I have ever used.
- KeySearch
Another great alternative for keyword research. It's also easy to use, and you can find long tail keywords easily.
- Ahrefs
Probably the most comprehensive tool for keyword research. It's also an expensive one (plans starting from $99/mo).
Email (AutoResponder) Service
ConvertKit
I use ConvertKit as my email autoresponder service (on my other website, Productive Superdad). It’s packed with great features for bloggers, like re-sending emails to those subscribers who didn’t open the email the first time, landing pages or convenient email editor.
Writing Tools
ProWriting Aid
I use this tool for making my (text) content tighter and easier to read. I love this app since it automatically suggests the edits I should make.
Grammarly
Grammarly is another application I use for editing the content on my websites. It’s great for catching typos and making my text more readable.