There are certain pages that should be on every blog. This can either because people expect them, or it’s very helpful to them. Do you want to know one of the most important pages you should have on your site? It’s a recommended resources (or recommended tools if you prefer) page.
Why Do You Need a Resources Page?
A recommended resource page is a page on your site that lists all the resources and tools that you use to run your business or use within your niche. That includes software, tools, services, products, and more. Why do you want this page? Because there is a good chance that your audience will want to know what you use, and why. If you like them, there is a good chance that they will too. In fact, you’ll find that if you don’t have a resources page, you’ll often get asked what products you use and recommend. So by posting this page, you’ll save yourself of having to answer the same questions over and over again.
And want to know one of the best reasons you want to have this page on your site, besides to be helpful to your audience? It’s simple. Because whenever possible, you’ll use an affiliate link. This means that whenever someone goes to your resources page, and buys one of the resources that you use, you’ll get paid.
Why You Need to Put What You Use (Not What You Don’t)
Now, I shouldn’t have to say this…but I will. Make sure you’re only putting things on this page that you actually use (or used to use) and actually like! The only way around that is if you mention that you aren’t using them yourself. If you know of an awesome company but you’re already using a similar one, you can say that.
The last thing you want to do is fill this page with companies that you don’t use and wouldn’t recommend. People who read your page and buy those tools will be very upset if they end up with a bad experience. But, when you recommend a product or service that you love? They might be useful for someone who is reading your page! Let’s look at what should be on your resources pages and how to make it helpful for anyone who looks at it.
How to Create Your Resources Page
Let’s start with the basics. How do you create a resources page? You go to “Pages”, “Add New”, and you’re set. You should call it something like “Recommended Resources”, or “Tools I Use”. You want to make it very easy for someone to realize that the page will show them the products that you like and use, so make sure the name is obvious. You’ll also want to put a link to this page either on your sidebar or in a menu at the top of your website so that it’s easy to find.
What to Do with Your Resources Page
OK, so now you have a page that says resources. What should you put on it, and how can you make it more helpful to your audience?
First of all, what should you put on this list? Go through and look at the products you use within your niche (and business.) What things do you like a lot? If you like it, it should go on the list. What are things you’re paying monthly or yearly for? Don’t forget about those things as well.
What’s next? Now that you have a list, go through them. For each item you list, give a short review about it – What is it, and why do you like this resource? What are you using it for? Is there something in particular that they should know about it? Is this a must have for everyone in the niche, or something that only a few people will need? Be as helpful as you can.
Make sure you include a link to the product or service. What good is it if you talk about how wonderful something is, if they can’t easily get to it? Plus, if you don’t include a link and someone does a search on a search engine, they might click on the wrong product by mistake. There’s another great reason to link to the product. If you’re an affiliate of the product, you can include your affiliate link. Then you’ll get paid if someone buys the product. Of course, even if they don’t have an affiliate program (or you’re not an affiliate of it), you should still include a link to the product if you find it helpful. Make sure that each link opens in a new window, so that they aren’t taken away from your website.
Now, sort your list into categories. Make it easy for your audience to find what they’re looking for by organizing your resources into categories. Make sure you use words that your audience would use to search for that resource.
When you’re writing out your list and descriptions, make sure that you’re honest. Be completely transparent as well. If you have not used the item, explain how you know that it’s good for them and it’s something that you’d recommend. If you have used it, explain why you recommend it. If there are drawbacks or things you wish worked better, state it. The more honest you are, the better, and the more people will appreciate (and trust) you!
Here’s what my recommended tools page looks like. Hopefully this can help you figure out what types of things you should put on yours, and what it could look like.
When to Update Your Resources Page?
When you change the tools or products that you’re using, make sure you change your resources page as well. Explain on the page why you changed something if you can. Feel free to add new things to your list as well as you find new products and services to use.
If you forget about your resources page for a while, one day you might go to it and find that it’s not useful at all. What could have happened? Companies might have since gone out of business. You may not use some of the products anymore, and worse, you may not like some of what’s in your list anymore. So every so often, make sure you go to your resources page and see if there is anything you would like to update or change.
A resources page can be very helpful for your audience, as well as you. So make sure you create a page that’s great for everyone!
Enjoy,
