Best Blogs of 2013

Source: society6.com via Val on Pinterest

Blogs give all of us a way to consume the media that we love when we want it. It has become the main way that I get my news, information and new perspective and I am sure that blogs influence you in some way as well. I try to consume media as much as possible. So, when I am reading my daily blog feeds through feedly, these are the 35 best blogs that are speaking to me in 2013.

Leadership:

This is the main focus of my blog, so I try to learn from the best leadership blogs out there.

Here are the leadership blogs that are making the biggest impact on me right now:

1. JonAcuff.com

This is my favorite blog so far for this year. His book Start has motivated me more than any book ever has and he talks about conquering fears, which I want to focus on at this point in my life. When you need a kick in your pants to step out and take a leap of faith, Jon is happy to do just that with his blog.

2. MichaelHyatt.com

Michael Hyatt previously was the CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishing, so he knows a lot about becoming an Author. He wrote another of my favorite books of this year, Platform, and writes an awesome blog on being intentional with leadership. Recently he has opened Platform University and it is getting rave reviews from everyone that I have heard from. I could almost put Michael in every category on this list, as he writes about all of these subjects. But, I could definitely say he is an expert in every single area. Truly amazing! He shares his wisdom openly and I love learning from what he has to offer.

3. SethGodin.com

Seth Godin has been a resource for me for as long as I can remember. He writes a blog that makes you think about how you lead and has published 20 books. My favorite aspect of Seth’s blog is his ability to convey his message precisely through shorter posts. I don’t have time to read a novel everyday on a blog, but I do want to read something that is clear, to the point and easy to read. Short blog posts are the way to go for a busier paced life.

4. JohnMaxwell.com

If you know anything about leadership, then you have heard this name. He is the author of over 60 books and has a message that inspires you to become better at leading others. His most well-known book, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, has been changing the way leaders think for years. He has also started the John Maxwell Company, which continues to develop and inspires others. Follow his blog for daily inspiration in your email inbox.

5. lysaterkeurst.com

Her blog says she focuses on leadership for women, but it definitely inspires everyone who reads her blog. I love how she ties her personal stories into her online presence and that is something that everyone can learn from. Lysa has a faith that penetrates every part of her story and it shows. I love how her faith guides her and is so big, she can’t help but share it. She is the author of Made to Crave and heads up Proverbs 31 Ministries along with the She Speaks Conference. As you can see, she is a very busy person, but she takes the time to bring her readers along and I appreciate that.

6. 99u.com

This is a blog that is created by a bunch of different authors, but each person has something to give. What I appreciate with this blog is the different uses of media. It has videos if I can fit those in. It has blog posts, it shares podcasts and has great content every single day that blows me away. One of my newest additions to my blog roll, but quickly has become one of my favorites.

7. RonEdmondson.com

This isn’t just another leadership blog. It has great articles that are straight to the point and easy to consume. I appreciate this direct approach and it talks about topics that can be used in everyday leadership.

8. churchleaders.com

The title says it all. A faith-based view of leadership. I enjoy reading the articles that have this spin. I also like finding out more about church leaders that I have admired from afar and read their books. This website gives you an up close and personal view of your favorite Christian leaders. It has interesting daily blog posts along the Christian leadership subject line, too.

9. fastcompany.com/mba

I love the 30 second videos on this website. It gives you views of different CEO’s on basic leadership questions and it shows you their opinions on some out of the box topics as well. The main thing that appeals to me is the quick to watch videos that are informative from people that I admire in a short amount of time.

10. bigthink.com

Great posts and videos that make you stop for a minute and listen. I have come across a lot of information on this site that gives me inspiration on topics that I write and talk about. An online “thinktank” that is just sitting there and available to be used.

11. climbur.com

This is the only paid website that I have listed, but it is only $4/month. Yep, $4 per month. That is what 1 coffee costs and it is such valuable information. Maybe even more valuable than coffee… Coffee is really good. If innovation is your thing, then you should sign up right now and start receiving updates in your email immediately.

12. leadershipnow.com

This is a site that will change the way you view leadership. It isn’t just for a few select people, but it is for everyone. If you care anything about leadership, then this is a site that you will get lost in by clicking on all of the different sidebar tabs.

13.  forbes.com

Forbes of course is a business blog, but you don’t have to own a business to find this site useful. Yes, it focuses on business, but it has practical life leadership tips and great quotes that apply in other areas of life. It just has so much to offer.

Spirituality:

When you have something as big as faith in your life, it has to affect what you say and what you write, too. These blogs have helped change my outlook on life and shown me just how important the things that I dwell upon really are.

Here are the faith-based blogs that influence my writing in big ways:

14. relevantmagazine.com

Relevant gives me faith-based posts from writers that I follow, keeps me up to date on happenings, fun stories and a magazine. You can’t get much better than Relevant when it comes to media. A quality product from a quality company.

15. JosephPrince.com

This the the pastor that I listen to the most. He is just so positive and has a way of looking at the Bible in a way that I have never heard preached before. Joseph teaches a positive message that encompasses the good news. Through this, he inspires me to have a more personal relationship with God.

16. JoyceMeyer.org

When I first heard Joyce when I was younger, I didn’t care for her delivery. It seemed harsh. Or maybe it was just too early in the morning. So, when people told me to check her out after she wrote Battlefield of the Mind, I was skeptical. But, after reading that book, my mind has changed again about her message. I get something out of each time I hear her perspective and recommend her blog to anyone who wants a daily devotional in their life.

Writing/Blogging:

Since my passions include writing and blogging I have to pay attention to the media that I produce. This is because the content is one of the most important aspects of having a blog, if not the most important.

Here are the sites that help me develop my thoughts into words:

17. Goinswriter.com

Jeff is a great writer who puts writing into terms that anyone can understand. He also focuses on story, which is really important to convey as you write. He also loves to give away his secrets, which I can really appreciate. He convinces me that anyone can be a writer, even me.

18. problogger.net

Darren’s content sets the blogging industry standard. If you blog, you need to follow his site.

19. writetodone.com

This site has everything you need to know about writing. It is the most detailed writing site I have come across. If you take writing seriously, pay attention as you read this one.

Marriage:

This is another subject that I write on. It ties into your everyday life, because if your relationships aren’t where they should be, then it affects every other area of life. Let all of those that are married say, “Amen!” Start reading these blogs about marriage and begin learning.

Here are the main relationship blogs that I learn from:

20. square1ministries.com

This faith-based marriage site is well put together and is put together by people in the marriage counseling field that I respect.

21. startmarriageright.com

A great site that reminds me that every other couple goes through the same things that my marriage does. It relates to the reader and shares great tips for every couple.

22. engagedmarriage.com

I love Dustin’s perpective on real life. The main thing I appreciate from this site is all of the different detailed resources that are offered.

Social Media:

Everyone has a story that they need to share and a big way of doing it these days is through social media.

So, here are the social media sites that I read to not only keep up on social media, but they help put an online/social media marketing plan together when I share things online:

23. ChrisBrogan.com

The one thing that I appreciate about Chris is how humble he is. Most people with his kind of success would have huge heads. This just isn’t the case with him. He has written really good books and has gotten a lot of attention, yet he stays grounded.

24. socialfresh.com

To find out anything new with social media, you need to be following this blog. It gives detailed articles on the latest things, so you don’t miss a beat.

25. socialmediaexaminer.com

This site keeps you up to date with social media as well, but gives you a strategy as well. It assists you in developing a marketing plan to help propel you along in the social media world.

26. hubspot.com

You may have heard of hubspot already because of the social media tools they develop, but their blog is top-notch as well. I read this one for online marketing done right as well, but I really love their take on SEO criteria that search engines take. They know a lot about it due to tying it in with the ranking tools they have on the market.

27. ignitesocialmedia.com

Another social media site that has their own take on things. This is the main one that I use to find new social media tools. They really know their stuff over at ignite. Where some other social media companies will tell you to market through gimmicks, they will tell you what to use and how to use it correctly.

28. socialbrite.org

This site tells you how to develop your story and how to tell your story online. A very useful site that shows you how to keep the “SOCIAL” in social media. They will take you from conception to final product through one site. I can appreciate learning what I need to know all in one place.

Life Improvement:

I want more time in every day and I know that you do, too. We all want our time to be more valuable than it is right now. So, I decided a long time ago that I need to learn from those that know more than I do in every area of life and I need to do this on a daily basis. This is where life improvement blogs come in.

Here are the different sites that I consume to help put everything together:

29. fourhourworkweek.com

Tim has become one of my favorite bloggers very quickly. His advice helps increase productivity and shows you how to take your life back. Tim also challenges you to accomplish more and to take on new dreams. He directs you on how to live life how you have always wanted. His books and posts always leave me wanting more.

30. lifehack.org

This site will show you in what ways you can improve your life.

31. zenhabits.net

Leo will show you what habits you need to create to improve your life. Let me say that I love this site! My favorite material is his new eBook on contentment. We could all use more in our lives, so that we can enjoy the day to day more. Go check out his site now!

Creativity:

Leadership, inspiration and creativity all go hand in hand. This is why I need to read about being more creativity and seeing things that bring creativity out of me.

Here are the sites that inspire me to become more creative:

32. pictorymag.com

Photos have a way of bringing me in and inspiring me. The more I look at photos, I start to pick up on a story and I love that. And this isn’t just any photo site. If you care anything about photography, then take a look at this site and I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

33. twistedsifter.com

This site is all about beautiful photos and it gives you a background story, but whoa are these amazing pictures!

34. fastcodesign.com

Fast company does a great job with their design website as it shows you innovation at it’s best. And innovation sparks creativity. It doesn’t even have to be in your field of expertise. Innovation always inspires and we all need more of that.

35. john.do / wpdaily.co

Formerly known as tentblogger. Formerly known as human3rror. I’ve been following him for awhile. He does startups. And webdesign. And He knows apps. And blogging for profit. And everything else. He is crazy good at what he does, so soak up everything he puts out if you care about any of the subjects above. He also coaches and he has been through a scary career change before and those stories are always inspirational to hear when others follow their dreams.

I hope you have enjoyed discovering some of the best blogs of 2013 in the categories that I read and write about the most. I believe that adding these blogs to your reading plan will help grow you in each specified area.

So, what are some blogs that stick out as gems to you? Leave the names of your favorite blogs in the comment section below. (And yes, I give you permission to talk about your own blog, too.)