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Blog Freebies I Love

THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

What I’m saying is … I originally wrote this in December 2012 when I barely had a clue, but also! Lots has changed since then! So here I am in 2018 trying to a) save you from any errors that are most definitely here and b) scrambling to get this page updated so it might actually be useful for someone.

When I set up Sugar Dish Me I Googled (annnnd I actually just typed Goofled.) stuff until my brains hurt. I had a massive spiral notebook full of scribble scrabble and lists of notes, and notes about lists of stuff I needed to figure out. So this list probably won’t be your everything, but it’s a good place to start.

Let’s start with something super basic.

  • Google Analytics !! In my other job at Mediavine where I work as the Publisher Support Manager, part of my job is reviewing applications. I cannot tell you HOW MANY PEOPLE set up a website and never know to install Google analytics. Your CMS platform (WordPress, Blogger, SquareSpace, etc) will provide you with analytics, but those will never be as comprehensive as Google’s analytics.

This service is so comprehensive you’ll wonder how on earth it could be free. But it is. And I still learn new things it can do on the regular. If you get it all set up, you can go to Home ->RealTime -> Overview and you can see how many people are visiting your blog right that second! Weird, right? I know. You definitely need it, it’s totally free, and so if you don’t have it already, go get it.

Choose the style and layout of your icons, enter the url’s for each (example: Sugar Dish Me’s Facebook page url is https://www.facebook.com/sugardishme), and then copy the code and paste it to your blog (in WordPress you can use a text widget). Whaaaaat? Why did that take me a whole day to learn? Now everyone can follow you in all of your places (P.S. If anyone wants to teach me how to cleverly communicate via Twitter without feeling stupid or over-editing I am all ears).

  • Easy Recipe – – PAUSE. Caveat added February 2018: I am actually still using Easy Recipe on Sugar Dish Me, albeit the premium paid version. I have no idea if they offer a free version anymore, but here’s what you need to know about easy recipe: I love it. But it’s not a great choice anymore.

If you are blogging about food a recipe plugin is a serious must! They make things functional for your readers, first and foremost, but they also mark up your recipes in a way that tells Google, “YO! THIS IS RECIPE CONTENT!”. SEO (search engine optimization) is SO important. And the thing about Easy Recipe is that it actually doesn’t do this very well. I have other recommendations coming soon! In the meantime, ask a friend what they use and why.

For the first post I wrote to get you started with self-hosted blogging click HERE.

For the page that breaks down Sugar Dish Me and includes more helpful links click HERE.

For the Tasty Food Photography ebook follow the link below.
Click here to visit Pinch of Yum.

For questions leave a comment on this post!

The Foodie Affair

Sunday 6th of January 2013

Ok, totally excited to add Easy Recipe! Love all your changes and the new photos are looking spectacular. Going to buy that info from your link too :)

Heather

Sunday 6th of January 2013

Thanks so much, Sandra! Your sponsorship is soooo appreciated. I adore the Easy Recipe plugin... you'll love it!

Deanna

Monday 31st of December 2012

Ok, I understood about half of that. But I am totes going to get that recipe thing. If I can figure out how to put it in my new blog. It already took me about 6 hours just to get the basics set up. Baby steps...baby steps... I did get the photo book--THANK YOU! Now I just need to make time to take some pictures :-) Happy New Year Heather!

Heather

Wednesday 2nd of January 2013

Your new blog looks great! It can be completely time consuming, but I find the figuring out part both frustrating and totally rewarding. Your new blog is still hosted by wordpress.com, right? The recipe plugin will only work on wordpress.org, but it is REALLY easy to use and if you decide to migrate I highly recommend it. And they don't pay me a dime to say that! Excited to see your photos-- I really dig that book; thanks for purchasing through me! Hope you and your family have an awesome 2013!

free penny press

Sunday 30th of December 2012

Oh freebies.. I will definitely be making notes as my blog needs some refreshing!!

If I don't run into you tomorrow, have a wonderful new years and please tell all the goodies you will be indulging in!!

Rutabaga the Mercenary Researcher

Sunday 30th of December 2012

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM..................SWEEET STUFF

hopefuladdict

Sunday 30th of December 2012

By the way I am now officially caught up in blog land!!! YAY!!!! lol