Not another “best tools” list. I show proof, not just claims.
Every tool below is something I actually use, right now, to run WP Blogging 101.
- Real proof: screenshots, real dates, links to full reviews
- Real history: what I dropped, and why
- No sponsored placements: nothing here because someone paid for it
If a tool disappears from this page, I stopped using it. If something’s added, it earned its spot.
The Blogging Toolkit
WP Blogging 101 runs on WordPress. Everything below (hosting, theme, plugins, tools) plugs into it.
WordPress Hosting
WordPress is 100% free. But to start a blog on it, you will need a domain name and web hosting service.
- A domain name is the name of your website/blog like wpblogging101.com.
- Web hosting is like a home of your website, where all your website files e.g. images, videos, and content are stored.
At WP Blogging 101, I use Cloudways. Fast, simple, reliable, and I’ve been on it since June 2021.
- Full review: Cloudways review
- Trial: FREE 3-day trial, then plans start at $10/mo
- Alternatives: Liquid Web or WP Engine for managed hosting
- Beginners tip: Cloudways is a bit pricier. Go for Bluehost or Hostinger if you’re just starting out
Static files (images, fonts, plugin assets) are delivered through BunnyCDN, on top of Cloudways hosting.
Not just a claim: check any page source right now and you’ll see assets loading from a Bunny Pull Zone (wpblogging101.b-cdn.net), not directly from this server. Full setup and promo codes: BunnyCDN Promo Code.
I also run Hostinger for another site of mine, so that beginner recommendation above is backed by real, current use. Read full Hostinger review article.
Domain registrar’s changed too, separate from hosting.
- 2019: Registered on GoDaddy
- December 2024: Transferred to Namecheap, where it’s registered now
This is public WHOIS record data, verifiable through any historical WHOIS lookup tool.
WordPress Theme
WP Blogging 101 runs on GeneratePress (with GP Premium).
- 2019: Started on GeneratePress
- July 2022: Switched to Kadence, solid theme, just more features than a blog really needs
- Early 2025: Back to GeneratePress for the speed
- The whole time: Never canceled GP Premium, even while running Kadence. It’s renewed every year since 2019, so I’m locked into an old, lower price.
Full breakdown: GeneratePress review.
WordPress Plugins
This is the actual active plugin list on WP Blogging 101, pulled straight from the site, not a copied list.
- Rank Math SEO PRO (review): all-in-one SEO plugin, been using it since January 2020.
- WP Rocket: caching and speed plugin, handles page load performance.
- ShortPixel: compresses images to keep the site fast.
- Redis Object Cache: server-side caching layer, works alongside WP Rocket for backend speed.
- UpdraftPlus: automatic site backups.
Beyond that, WP Blogging 101 runs on a set of custom-built tools handling coupons, affiliate links, and site templates. They’re built in-house, so there’s nothing to install or recommend there.
Other Tools
Only one external tool makes the cut here: Canva, which I use regularly for graphics, banners, and social images.
That’s the real list. Nothing padded, nothing hidden.
This page gets updated as things actually change, not written once and forgotten. Currently accurate for 2026 – 2027.
Questions about anything here? Reach me on the contact page.
