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Kara’s Design Recommendations

Hey guys!! I get a lot of frequent questions about what resources and tools I use to design or grow my blog with. I wanted to take a minute to set up a page so that I could easily point anyone with questions in the right direction. I have tried a lot of things, I've spent a lot of money on a LOT of different resources. Some were helpful and some weren't. These are my top recommendations, and most of these links are affiliate links. This in no way changes my opinion on the product or service, these are simply the things I use and love the most  ? Enjoy! 

Use the tabs to select which area of resources you are looking for!

  • DESIGN
  • BLOGGING
  • COURSES/EDUCATION

the complete blogger template toolkit

Over 220+ done-for-you professionally design canva templates made for bloggers.

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the product creators ultimate toolbox

If you're wanting to design a product to sell, this is exactly what you need! I have over 300+ pages of product templates, templates to help you launch and sell it and SO many other tools so you can create an launch a successful product every single time! 

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canva 2.0 quickstart

My free mini-course on the basics of designing in Canva

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font bundles

Great for finding premium fonts if you are in need of your own brand font to help your designs stand out and become recognizable to your brand

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creative market

Great for finding fonts, clip art, and other design elements to help your graphics stand out! Often has ahhhh-mazing discounts on bundles!

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my ecover maker

This is the tool I use to make 3D e-covers for my digital products-- it's my absolute favorite resource for making your products look like real workbooks!

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depositphotos

This is my preferred stock photo source. I use and love their stock photo selection-- it's the best bang for my buck!

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canva

This is my favorite online design platform that is easy to use and makes it super easy to create everything from social media graphics to full digital products!

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thrive leads

Thrive leads is what I use to create eye-catching and visually appealing, high converting opt-in forms. Their drag and drop program is super easy to use!

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leadpages

LeadPages is what I use to easily design landing pages, sales pages, and pages like this one. Again, their drag and drop program is easy to use and has amazing page-building capabilities!

GO THERE NOW!

renderforest

This is a tool I use to great fun typography videos (animated text). I think this is a fun option for promotions and advertising if you aren't a fan of being on camera. 

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Lumen5

This site is amazing. You can quickly turn your blog posts into video in just minutes- great for social media and generating traffic from facebook and youtube!

GO THERE NOW!

convertkit

This is the email service provider I use and love. I REALLY love the ability to tag and segment my list and build funnels for automation. 

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leadpages

I use LeadPages for all of my landing pages on Simplifying DIY Design, it's so easy and I can use them with Teachable by uploading the html into the teachable sales page! Between designing opt in forms, landing pages, sales pages, and pages like this one- they are one of my favorite resources!

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elementor

Elementor is my recommendation if you can't afford LeadPages yet. This is a free plugin (it has a paid option too but it's significantly cheaper than LeadPages) and can be used to create all the same pages as LeadPages can. It's super easy to use and my product Confident Funnels can provide you templates to use with the Elementor Plugin as well.

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sendowl

My preferred program for selling digital products. This allows your product to be automatically delivered to your readers when they purchase it AND it automatically deposits the money in your paypal.. plus you can set up your own affiliate program-- win, win, win!

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teachable

My perferred course building platform. You can sign up for free and create a free mini-ecourse while you grow your list, and then start creating bigger courses for upsells. It's easy to use and your users will find it easy too. 

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interact

This program lets you create lead-generating quizzes which can help you funnel people into different offerings based on their skill level or personality type.

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trello

Trello is the lifeblood of my business! I can organize and step out my goals, I can organize my projects, track my to-dos, and so much more.. plus it's FREE!

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recurpost

Let's you automate your facebook page. You just upload the posts you want to be published and it cycles them. 

GO THERE NOW!

grammerly

Checks your spelling and grammar in any text field you type in (even canva, emails, blog posts, and more)

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paypal

I love paypal. I REALLY love my business debit card that comes with my business paypal account (let's me pay with paypal at the store of online when theres no paypal option!)

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list love

My abosolute FAVORITE course for list building and email marketing. This strategy gets me over 1000+ subscribers per month after only 7 months since launch!

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the product creators ultimate toolbox

My course on creating and launching a product which includes TEMPLATE for every single step of the way. I also show you how to SCALE your products and sell them on autopilot through email funnels.

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mentored membership

Kims mentored membership program isn't open for enrollment all the time but I scooped it up the second she opened it and it's been the best money I spend each month. She offers live training and each month is themed to a specific part of blogging plus challenges to motivate you to actually implement. She offers deep dive info for every level of blogger from beginner to advanced. 

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12 week blog growth strategy

This is THE strategy I use to break down my 12 week goals into actionable, attainable steps. I've been able to get more done in 12 weeks than I ever thought possible!

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date your list

The best resource out there on nailing your avatar. Teaches you exactly how to nurture your relationship with your readers and walks you through what to write in those emails. 

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core affiliate strategy

I make a full time income from digital products and affiliates. This is the strategy that got me started with affiliates and walks you through how to start making money right away. 

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10-hour time block

Those mommas trying to blog out there NEED this!! Even better? It was created by someone who built a 6 figure blog while her kids were toddlers AND running and at-home daycare. She gets it.

GO THERE NOW!

Certified graphic designer + full time blogger that specializes in marketing through jump-off-the-screen designs! Templates are my JAM and my passion is to create design tools and systems that you can use to implement your way to success in your digital business!Read More!

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