You don’t need more tools — you need the right ones.
Running a book blog looks effortless on the front end, but behind the scenes there are graphics to make, pins to schedule, SEO to tidy up, and reviews to format so they’re actually readable. I don’t use 100 different apps — I use a small set of tools that makes it easier to stay consistent, even on weeks when I’m busy with work projects or family. Here’s what I reach for most.
This post is especially helpful if you’re a book blogger who wants a simple, repeatable workflow without juggling a dozen platforms.
Behind the Blog | Tips & Tools Sunday Series
This Sunday Series pulls back the curtain on the systems, tools, and workflows I use to keep Forever Book Lover running smoothly — from designing Pinterest pins to managing SEO and staying consistent behind the scenes.
Whether you’re a fellow book blogger or just curious how it all comes together, these posts are designed to be practical, approachable, and easy to apply.
Series Posts:
This post focuses on the tools themselves; future posts go deeper into strategy and workflow.
1. Canva for all my graphics
No surprise here — I use
I use Canva for Pinterest pins, blog graphics, recipe cards, and clean banners that match my site. I keep my colors, fonts, and templates saved so creating a fresh pin takes minutes — not an hour.
Canva to create Pinterest pins, blog graphics, recipe cards, and those softer neutral banners that match my site. I keep my colors, fonts, and templates saved so making a new pin for a book review only takes a few minutes.
Because I have Canva Pro, I also use the “Share → Schedule” option to push pins straight to Pinterest. That’s a lifesaver on days I want things to run without me babysitting them.
If you want to see exactly how I build my pins — from layout choices to text hierarchy — I walk through my full process here: How I Design Pinterest Pins in Canva .
2. Pinterest (with a simple schedule)
I keep Pinterest very manageable: one fresh pin midday for a new post, and an evening pin or repin (7–8 pm) for something that performed well before. That routine is easy to stick with and keeps my boards active.
You can follow along here: Forever Book Lover on Pinterest .
I share what’s currently working for me — including timing, pin types, and consistency — in this post: Pinterest Tips for Book Bloggers (What’s Working for Me Right Now) .
3. Blogger’s built-in formatting (but cleaner)
I still like writing in Blogger, but I use my own reusable sections — intro, book info, review, CTAs — so everything stays consistent. Having those blocks saved means I’m not rebuilding every single post from scratch.
4. A simple tracking sheet for SEO + updates
Because I’m slowly refreshing older posts for SEO (search engine optimization) — updating labels, alt text, schema, and removing old banners — I like to note which posts I’ve updated and when. It doesn’t have to be fancy — even a small Google Sheet with columns for “Post,” “Updated,” “Internal Links Added,” and “Reindex?” works.
If SEO feels overwhelming, I break it down into a simple, repeatable checklist here: Easy SEO Checklist for Book Review Posts .
What I Don’t Use (and Why)
There are plenty of blogging tools I’ve tried over the years, but I’ve learned that more tools don’t equal better results. If something adds friction, complexity, or pressure, it doesn’t stay in my workflow.
One thing I’ve learned over time is that most bloggers don’t need better tools — they need fewer decisions. When your setup is simple, you actually finish posts, publish consistently, and leave room for growth instead of burnout.
Occasionally, I’ll use light planning or formatting support to organize scattered notes or think through structure when I’m juggling multiple drafts — but everything is still written, reviewed, and finalized by me before publishing.
Pro tip: If a tool requires constant setup, maintenance, or guilt to justify its cost, it’s probably not supporting your creativity — it’s draining it.
5. My “blog tools” corner at home
This isn’t software, but it matters: a phone stand, good lighting, and a neutral background make it easier to take quick photos for Pinterest or a blog post. I like tools I can grab fast and put away fast — no studio setup required.
6. Amazon + Bookshop for outbound links
Since I’m an Amazon and Bookshop affiliate, I link to those for the books I review. I keep the links handy so I can drop them right after the review (with my disclosure) instead of hunting each time.
These are the only two platforms I use consistently, which keeps my linking simple and transparent for readers.
Affiliate tools I reach for when I’m short on time
I don’t keep a permanent setup for blog photos. I rely on a few grab-and-go tools that make it easy to create clean visuals for Pinterest or a post without turning it into a whole production.
- Phone or tablet stand – for quick overhead shots without balancing books on stacks
- Neutral photo backdrop – keeps photos consistent even when lighting isn’t perfect
- My Bookshop storefront – where I group books I’ve reviewed and recommend
I keep this list intentionally short — if a tool doesn’t save me time, it doesn’t stay.
If you want more behind-the-scenes posts like this — tools, workflows, and cozy systems that actually stick — that’s exactly what I share next.
This setup works best if you want a calm, sustainable blogging routine. If you love testing new tools every week or chasing constant tweaks, this approach may feel too simple — and that’s okay.
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