This page contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only list tools I personally use or have tested.
AI Writing Tools
Claude by Anthropic — My #1 writing tool. Best for long-form articles that sound human. Free tier is generous enough to start. → Try Claude free: claude.ai
ChatGPT by OpenAI — Best for research, outlines, and SEO keyword analysis. Use it daily alongside Claude. → Try ChatGPT free: chat.openai.com
Jasper AI — Best dedicated AI writing tool for content businesses. 30% recurring affiliate commission makes this my top recommended paid tool. → Try Jasper free [ADD YOUR AFFILIATE LINK HERE]
Writesonic — Best value AI writing tool. Solid Article Writer feature, generous free plan. → Try Writesonic free [ADD YOUR AFFILIATE LINK HERE]
Copy.ai — Best for short-form content — ads, emails, social posts. → Try Copy.ai free [ADD YOUR AFFILIATE LINK HERE]
SEO Tools
Rank Math SEO — The WordPress SEO plugin running this site. Free version beats most paid alternatives. → Get Rank Math free: rankmath.com
Google Search Console — Free tool I check every week. Essential for tracking impressions, clicks, and ranking keywords. → Access free: search.google.com/search-console
Ubersuggest — Free keyword research tool. Good for finding article ideas with real search volume before writing. → Try free: neilpatel.com/ubersuggest
Website & Hosting
Hostinger — Where AI Arena is hosted. Fast, affordable, great uptime. Plans from $2.99/month. → Get Hostinger [ADD YOUR AFFILIATE LINK HERE]
Astra Theme — The WordPress theme running this site. Lightweight and fast loading. → Get Astra free: wpastra.com
LiteSpeed Cache — Free WordPress plugin for site speed. Essential for Google Core Web Vitals score. → Install free: wordpress.org/plugins/litespeed-cache
Video & Content Creation
Filmora — My video editor for YouTube content. Clean interface, beginner friendly, affordable. → Try Filmora [ADD YOUR AFFILIATE LINK HERE]
Canva — Free design tool for YouTube thumbnails, blog images, and social media graphics. Use it every day. → Try Canva free: canva.com
OBS Studio — Free screen recording software for YouTube videos. Professional quality, completely free. → Download free: obsproject.com
Research & Productivity
Perplexity AI — Best AI search engine with cited sources. Use for research before writing articles. → Try free: perplexity.ai
Notion — Where I manage my content pipeline and article drafts. Free plan is excellent. → Try free: notion.so
Google Analytics — Free traffic tracking. Connect to your site from day one. → Access free: analytics.google.com
Affiliate Programs I Recommend Joining
If you’re building a blog in the AI or online business niche, these affiliate programs pay well:
- Jasper — 30% recurring commission
- Writesonic — 30% recurring commission
- Hostinger — $60–$150 per referral
- Canva Pro — Up to $36 per referral
- Filmora — 30% per sale