101 Of The Best Sites Online Right Now (Part 1)
Haven't you always wanted to have 101 really amazing websites all in one place? Welcome to 101 Of The Best Sites Online Right Now.
This five part series will reveal the digital marketing, blogging and social media experts that can completely transform the way you create for your website. Whether you've been blogging for a few years or a few months, or you've not got a website yet, it doesn't matter. I've spent my time picking websites that I know will be of benefit to you. So let's get on with it, shall we?
This series will go through websites in five groups, with twenty or twenty-one sites in each so you've got time to look through and bookmark each one. These are websites that have all helped me someway in my journey which is why I'm including them for you. Please feel free to share this first chapter with friends who might find these websites useful too.
So, for numbers one to twenty, let's welcome the first group!
This is the perfect website to kick off the 101 series with as it embraces creativity. A Little Opulent, known as ALO for short, is a lifestyle magazine run by two bloggers, Jen & Rebecca, alongside a host of different contributors. This website includes so many great categories, including culture & entertainment, art & design, and lifestyle. We come across new websites every day, but this is truly unique. The writers blog about their interests. And they’re not just writers. The contributors include photographers, designers, illustrators and many more. To me, it’s bringing normality together in unison with creativity and creating something amazing.
They’re currently undergoing maintenance for a few months, which means they’re only going to come back bigger and better. So take this quiet time to go all the way back through their archives and enjoy the amazing content on offer.
Three Of Their Best Posts:
Where They Are On Social Media:
Erica's outlook is that we already have great content ideas inside of us. We just need help getting them out there. Her blog definitely reflects this purpose. Instead of giving advice, Erica strives to have a discussion with her readers about struggles we might face during our online journey and how we can overcome fear. She even includes worksheets and so many different resources. Erica also offers content coaching services, where she helps you maximise your creativity in order to bring out the best ideas that are inside you. She describes it as a “deep process that helps you move from uncertainty to clarity.” Erica’s words may not give you the specific yes or no answer, but she’ll definitely help you unlock your creativity to get there.
What Erica says:
“I believe that we each have a distinct combination of knowledge, strengths, experiences, wisdom, and passions that we need to share with the world. Someone out there (a lot of someones, actually) needs to hear what each of us has to say.
But so often as creatives, we lack the confidence in ourselves and our message, and we overlook just how much we have to offer. Or we know that we have something valuable to offer, but just have no idea how to actually get it out there, clearly and consistently.
With content coaching, I help creative entrepreneurs explore all their ideas and shape them into a meaningful message they can’t wait to share. Once the clarity of a core message and voice are in place, we create a plan for consistently sharing meaningful content. And then I provide tools and guides that help them organize their content and their ideas, write and stay unstuck, edit their own writing, and publish with confidence long after we’re done together.
It’s all about gaining clarity about the big picture, and then committing to consistent action, all while sharing something that feels and sounds like you. Because your story matters!”
Three Of Her Best Posts:
- Dealing With Fear (Resources & A Worksheet)
- Find Common Themes in Your Ideas
- Keep It Together (Or Don’t)
Where She Is On Social Media:
Amber, the woman behind Ember & March, celebrates creativity in all forms. Her aim is to build a space where creative minds can come together to be inspired. Whether you need inspiration for blogging, design, goal setting or any other type of creativity, you can find it here. But not only does she write helpful posts about the industry, she also documents her life so you can seek inspiration through that too. Plus, she does a really great link round up every week that always gives you amazing new blogs to discover.
Three Of Her Best Posts:
Where She Is On Social Media:
This website is like your most perfect online magazine. It’s got everything, from beauty, fashion, recipes and DIY. But the reason it’s included in this series is because it also features some great content on technology and blogging. They have tips and useful tools that are easy to understand and that you can start putting into practice today. The founder, Kate is a famous blogger herself, so you know you’re getting good advice from the right people. And I guarantee you’ll be drooling over their images all day.
This is a site that completely embodies the essence of creativity.
Three Of Their Best Posts:
Where They Are On Social Media:
Not only does Angel have a great name, she has an even better website. She says that people are her biggest inspiration for her blog and that's clear to see. Each piece of content is crafted purely with her reader in mind. Through her blog, Angel gives you steps that you can put into practice. But she also writes in a way where you can open yourself to creativity and fit these scenarios around your own life. And definitely check her weekly round ups - she always finds great reads.
Three Of Her Best Posts:
- On Working From Home: Part Two
- Let's Talk Business: Behind The Scenes
- Blogging 101: Conquering Your Blog With Intention
Where She Is On Social Media:
I can't even remember when I first started reading Sophie's blog, but I know I've been reading it for a while. I know I can rely on her for short, detailed and straight to the point content. She's got her own business called Oh My Clumsy Heart, where she sells gorgeous handmade jewelry; so you're guaranteed to be confident in trusting her words. But what’s special is how she uses her own experiences, what she’s learnt and the processes she’s created for herself, to inspire and encourage her own readers’ creativity.
Three Of Her Best Posts:
Where She Is On Social Media:
Wonder Forest was the first blog I ever came across. Since then, my creativity has completely changed. Dana is a true creator, which means everything on her blog is done with the purpose of creativity. This is the perfect website for people starting their journeys in the online community, as she presents information in a minimal, easy to understand way. She creates tutorials on all aspects of life, from beauty to blogging. And her other website “I Can Build A Blog” is jam packed full of useful tutorials and easy step by step guides for making your blog the best it can be.
Three Of Her Best Posts:
Where She Is On Social Media:
The purpose of Organized Creatives is to help creative people in the modern world get organised and stay focused in an information-heavy society. Their aim is to help their community in this way so they can share their creativity. This is a site for all of you who say, “Where have the past three hours gone?!” This team of two provide organisational strategies in order for you to maximise your time and live intentionally. They ask questions and talk about projects that will really make you think.
They've also got a great free eBook for you to check out.
What They Say:
"Our mission is the help fellow creatives get organized so they can spend more time making (and less time on tasky things). We focus on tackling one thing at a time by providing easy to follow action steps and skipping the overwhelmed-and-stressed part."
Three Of Their Best Posts:
- Is Your Passion Project Still A Passion?
- How To Prioritise Your Daily To Do List
- A Plan Doesn’t Have To Be This Big, Complicated Thing
Where They Are On Social Media:
Robyn loves writing. She writes for a living, writes for entrepreneurs and writes about writing. You know those moments where you really need to write something but the words just won’t come to you? It seems that Robyn doesn't have any of those moments. Or if she does, she knows how to push past them. There’s a wealth of advice out there about blogging. But when it comes to it, the majority of us are copywriters.
Some just don’t realise this. Robyn will open up your eyes to being a creative copywriter for your website. Plus if you sign up to her newsletter, she’ll give you three personalised tips for free.
What Robyn says:
“robynpetrik.com is full of vibrant writing for awesome entrepreneurs. Filled with a mix of copywriting tips and advice on living the life you want, Robyn shares what she learns as a newer entrepreneur herself.”
Three Of Her Best Posts:
- Want More Powerful Copy? Change Just One Word
- 7 Ways To Keep Writing When You Feel Stuck
- 7 Tricks For Writing Attention Grabbing Tweets
Where She Is On Social Media:
Kelly’s website speaks for itself - she is one creative women. She strives to work with creative entrepreneurs who have unique things to offer. Her work is stunning and you know that if you work with Kelly, her attention will be focused on you. She uses her blog to showcase her latest design work and also provides branding and business tips which are all highly valuable. What’s great about her content is that it can be used by the pros and also by newcomers to the industry. She continues to share what she learns on her own journey.
What Kelly says:
"I get extremely frustrated when I see talented creatives having to work on 9 to 5 jobs they hate, simply because they don't know how to get started with their businesses or how to get clients. After almost 10 years helping other creatives through different services, I decided it was time to dedicate myself fully to the task of helping talented creative entrepreneurs build a kick-ass brand and make money doing what they love."
Three Of Her Best Posts:
- How Do I Get My Blog Noticed
- 5 Steps To Creating A Strong Brand Design You Will Love
- Action Plans: 5 Steps To Success
Where She Is On Social Media:
Many people know Emily through her podcast that she hosts alongside Kathleen Shannon called Being Boss (for those who haven’t heard this yet, go listen now). It’s one of my favourite podcasts to listen to. Emily strikes me as a person who is completely comfortable with who she is, which is so admirable. She’s also a creative whizz. Her blog is full of great content that will really help with all aspects of your creativity and tips that you can start implementing from today.
What Emily says:
"I create beautiful, functional brands and websites for creatives who want to build sustainable, profitable businesses, online and in their community. I design, develop and strategize to take creative businesses to their next level of success. My speciality is in seeing the big picture, knowing how each piece of your business fits together to create an entire image that appears to your dream customers - from your messaging and logo design, to your website and Instagram feed."
Three Of Her Best Posts:
Where She Is On Social Media:
We all hear the word “intentional” being talked about in this community. But I wonder if some are actually clear on what it implies. Jess teaches us about this word. And the way she does this is through her popular podcast, called The Lively Show. Every person she interviews on her podcast is there for a reason. They have done certain things and make decisions intentionally. Her story is inspiring and Jess will definitely help to open up your creativity.
Three Of Her Best Podcast Episodes:
- Walking Away From Success With Caroline Rector (Unfancy)
- Stopping the Glorification of Busy with Katie Richardson
- How To Stay On Track When Life Gets Busy
Where She Is On Social Media:
Alexandra’s website is such an amazing place. She’s a person you admire. Her belief is that we get one life and it’s never too late to make it count. If you need motivation or inspiration, this is the place to be. Alexandra’s blog focuses on the simple, everyday happenings that occur in life, with an emphasis on how you can make them count. She believes that we have the power to actively do things rather than be a bystander. Each post she writes is meaningful and will strike a chord with you somewhere. I couldn’t run out of good things to say about Alexandra’ site. Just read back through her archives and notice how your thoughts change.
Three Of Her Best Posts:
Where She Is On Social Media:
Leo is the creative genius behind Zen Habits, which is all about finding simplicity in the chaos of our lives and creating amazing things for ourselves. This website has been going since 2007 and you can see why. A site like this may not give you specific methods for doing things or answers to all your questions. but what Zen Habits does do, is make you think. Whether it’s creating a space in your home that you love, or simply just remembering to breathe when things get tough, this site will inspire you every day. I couldn’t not include it in this series.
Three Of His Best Posts:
Where He Is On Social Media:
Hobby to Hot is a website that helps you to make the most of your hobby. It’s about helping you make a blogging transformation. But don’t worry - it’s not just another advice blog. Bonnie, the woman behind it, makes a point of offering actionable tips and advice. She covers the basics for beginners, like explaining what a +1 is, to delving into topics for more experienced bloggers, like why it’s okay to sell stuff on your blog. Hobby to Hot is a website you can visit, knowing you’ll always get something valuable out of it.
Three Of Their Best Posts:
- Define The Purpose of Your Blog
- Simple Introduction To Google Hangouts
- The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Best Domain Name
Where They Are On Social Media:
16. Freelance to Freedom Project
If you've ever dreamed of using your creative talents to become a freelancer or have your own business someday, the Freelance to Freedom Project is the website for you. Many of us dream about choosing our own hours and having true creative freedom in our work. Leah, the woman behind this project, can help you to make this possible. Just read her About Me story and you’ll want to never have a 9 to 5 job. What special is that it’s far from just a website. It’s an active community.
What Leah says:
"The Freelance To Freedom Project is not just a resource to help you start, build and grow your business, it's most importantly a community. In our private group, you can get real-time answers to your questions, support where you are struggling, new clients, accountability partners and mastermind buddies! Freelancing can get lonely, we're here to prevent that."
Three Of Her Best Posts:
- You Don’t Need To Have it All
- 5 Must-Have Skills If You Have A Website
- How To Start Planning When You’re Not A Planner
Where She Is On Social Media:
Megan truly knows why creativity is so important, which is the reason why she’s on this list. Simply just looking at her beautiful wallpapers that she creates for free will help you want to experiment more with your own creativity. Megan understands that we’re not all gifted in the same areas, which is why she designs to help match this alongside your creativity, and also to stay on top of it.
Her Best Posts:
Download her monthly wallpaper every month. Your desktop and phone will never have looked so pretty.
Where She Is On Social Media:
There are so many advice blogs out there that are all the same. So it’s really refreshing when you take a visit to Shanice’s website. Her aim is to help you become confident and inspired in your abilities and creativity. She’s an entrepreneur and shares through her blog what’s she learnt on her journey. Shanice also always shares great content and resources over on her Twitter profile.
Three Of Her Best Posts:
- 6 Things I Did On My Blogging Break
- Round Up: 6 Resources For Blog Post Ideas
- How To Deal With Negativity On Your Blog
Where She Is On Social Media:
What makes Danielle unique is that she combines business and blogging with the health industry in order for people to create a thriving and healthy lifestyle. She believes in us connecting with our true selves and leveraging what we’re passionate about. Her content is unique. Never before have I believed someone so much when they give advice about how to stay sane as a blogger. Plus, she posts such lovely inspirational quotes and always gathers together a great round up of links every week.
Three Of Her Best Posts:
- 7 Super-Simple Social Media Contest Ideas To Gain More Followers
- SEO Basics: What is a meta description? + How to write one
- One Change That Doubled my Blog Traffic
Where She Is On Social Media:
White Oak Creative is a website I’ve only just stumbled across recently, but boy was I adding it to this list. Lindsay works with people to create their online identities. This is such an important part of running a blog, arguably the most important. But it’s also one of the most difficult parts of your journey. Lindsay helps to overcome that and search into your creativity in order to build a presence that is an extension of you.
What Lindsay Says:
"I view my site as not only a portfolio of my work but also as a resource for anyone who wants to get the most out of their blog or website. I find that bloggers are highly motivated people, but sometimes they can feel overwhelmed or unsure about the technical components of their site. The goal of my site is to empower bloggers, to help them optimize their site to its fullest potential, and to answer any questions they might have regarding the design and technical elements of blogging."
Three Of Her Best Posts:
Where She Is On Social Media:
So there you have chapter one - creativity. Watch this space for the next part of twenty great sites, and if you have any recommendations, feel free to send them my way. And stay tuned to this series for a FREE bonus when it's completed!
Have you heard of some of these sites before? Will you be checking the others out? Let me know in the comments
Wondering how to be found online?