So why is cloud storage for bloggers different than for anyone else?
Well, it’s not really different.
But bloggers typically approach the whole idea of storing data with a little bit different perspective than casual internet users
That’s because they are usually running a business online, not just browsing and socializing.
What is cloud storage?
Basically, and to keep things really simple, cloud storage is just a way to store your data off of your website.
Data like photos, videos and downloaded files (like PDF’s) take up a lot of space on your computer.
That slows it down.
It could even crash your computer.
That’s not nice for anybody, but especially if you’re running your business online.
You could have to run out in the middle of the night to make a big investment for a new computer – although I always have fun getting a new laptop :).
But even worse, you could lose all your documents if they’re not backed up properly.
And there goes your business!
Gotta start all over.
And even if they are backed up properly, who wants to deal with the confusing and time draining task of restoring backed-up stuff?
The solution is to store your stuff on a cloud server instead of (or, in addition to) your computer’s hard drive.
Once your data is “in the cloud,” you can access it from anywhere.
Not just your personal computer.
And you can do it quickly and easily.
Download when you want, upload anything, anytime… it’s such a blessing for bloggers.
Cloud storage for bloggers
So, if you’re a blogger like me, you’re probably looking for some specific things in cloud storage.
Things like this…
Simplicity
We bloggers are usually solopreneurs.
And when you’re a solopreneur, you want (need) things to be really clear and simple.
You probably don’t have technical advisors or departments to help you run your blog.
Instead, you struggle through the process yourself.
So you want a cloud storage plan that is simple and easy to implement.
Affordable plan
You want the best, but of course, you also want it to be affordable.
Nobody wants to spend a ton of money on this data storage thing.
I know I don’t.
Reliability
You also want to be able to depend on your cloud storage.
If you’re at a hotel and want to access a blog post you wrote last year, you want it to be on your cloud storage service or device.
Need to send an ebook you wrote to one of your clients?
You want to just be able to grab it from the cloud and send it along.
Automatic backup
Now, you should understand something that a lot of bloggers get tripped up on.
Cloud storage is not cloud backup.
Cloud backup is a service that will automatically back up your files as they are created and updated.
Cloud storage is a way to store file that you manually put there.
So, let’s say you create a 3 part video series on your computer.
If you don’t manually transfer it to your cloud storage, then it won’t be there when you want it.
But if you have a cloud backup service, it will automatically be “in the cloud” anytime you need to have it restored.
Bloggers usually want, and need, both storage and backup.
I always suggest you have both.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Have a good cloud backup service, so that if you drop your computer out of a helicopter and into a lake, you can easily back up all your files to your new computer – which you will need :).
But the restore is cumbersome, to say the least.
You will want your 3 part video series and other critical elements of your business on cloud storage, too.
That way you can
- get those big files off your computer and into the cloud
- have quick and easy access to them at a moment’s notice
- share them with anyone you want, anytime.
Free cloud storage
Most of the top cloud storage services offer free storage for a very limited amount of space.
Once you get past a certain number of gigabytes, you have to start paying a monthly fee.
If you are looking for free cloud storage, then check out the different services available.
See how much you can store for free before you need to start paying.
Cloud storage providers and pricing
I’m not going to give you a list of cloud storage providers and their pricing plans.
They are readily found with a quick Google search.
I will just mention some of the bigger and more popular ones…
- Google Drive
- iDrive
- DropBox
- Box
- Sync
- OneDrive
- Amazon Drive
There are many others, too.
They all have different price points.
I won’t give you those because they change so often.
Generally speaking, you can get a very small free plan with most of them.
You can then upgrade to a higher (but still pretty small) level of storage for a few dollars a month.
But bloggers running a business on the internet will usually need one of the more professional storage plans.
This usually runs in the neighborhood of $10 a month and up.
Best Cloud Storage for Bloggers in 2021
So what is the best cloud storage strategy?
Find a good solid cloud storage that makes it easy for you to share files.
If you’re running your blogging business the right way, you should have a pretty regular need to share files… ebooks, videos etc.
You share them with your email list, your clients, on social media and so forth.
If you’re not sharing content, you’re probably not running your business the right way.
My Favorite cloud storage solution (no monthly fees)
Now here’s a great little cloud storage app I recently purchased and immediately started using.
The first thing I loved about it was that it had NO monthly fee during it’s rollout launch (which ends soon).
Now that’s an especially big deal because, if you buy it during this launch period, it requires no monthly payments for lifetime, not just for some short intro trial period.
Click the above image for my affiliate link. If you buy from my affiliate link I may earn a commission, which in no way effects your price. (Thanks for supporting this blog when you buy from my affiliate link.)
And with a very affordable upgrade, you can get unlimited… yes, unlimited… storage.
No more worry about whether or not I should save this video or that ebook.
I don’t have to be concerned about going “past my limit” because there is none.
Secure and cheap cloud storage solution
So here’s the deal.
Gone are the days where cloud storage was some geeky thing for tech junkies.
Everyone should have their important and bulky data in the cloud.
Especially bloggers trying to run an online business with just a computer and an internet connection.
InstaDrive gives you a professional edge.
It allows you to operate with your very own cloud storage.
And it’s got pretty much everything you could think of.
Click the above image for my affiliate link. If you buy from my affiliate link I may earn a commission, which in no way effects your price. (Thanks for supporting this blog when you buy from my affiliate link.)
This includes your ability to
- store, share and even back up unlimited files (with the low-cost upgrade plan)
- do automatic backups of any files you want
- simply drag and drop files to the cloud
- preview files
- share files
- even share private links to your data
Share private links to your data
Now, let me tell you quickly about this feature.
Bloggers are in the business of creating content, right?
So you write an ebook.
Or a blog post.
Even a video, image or training course.
With InstaDrive, you can share private links to any of these things.
Think how easy it is to send a link to an ebook in your next email.
Or to a video you did.
But not only that.
You can even password protect those links, or set an expiration date/time for them.
So, yes.. I think you can see where this is going… you can create ebooks, training courses, videos… and sell them right on your blog.
Just send people a private link after they purchase.
How easy is that?
No need to upload your course or videos to a paid platform, figure out how to do a sales page or any other other techie stuff.
Just send a link to it and people can get it for a limited time, or with a private password code.
This is incredibly powerful for bloggers who really want to build their business, and monetize their blog.
Click the above image for my affiliate link. If you buy from my affiliate link I may earn a commission, which in no way effects your price. (Thanks for supporting this blog when you buy from my affiliate link.)
So that’s it.
Get in on this great opportunity to get unlimited data storage in the cloud, for a low one-time fee.
Join the 21st century – before it’s half over :).
Let me know what you think.
Leave me a comment below.
-Donna
PS: Please share this article to your social sites.
I have visited so many blogs regarding blog writing tips but this is my first time when I visit your blog. It’s a really good piece of information, it makes easier things for me. really create my path to write content.
Hi Deeksha,
Welcome to my blog. It is so good to know you find this a good piece of information. I try to make things easier for my readers to apply themselves.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Do your online prospects trust you?
Twitter: uvaissiddiqui
January 21, 2021 at 12:27 am #
Informative post as usual. Honestly, I never heard or read about any of these business proposal applications before.
Like you rightly said, Word doc has been the default for many people and businesses. I think that has now changed going forward.
Hi Uvais,
When it comes to cloud storage, I have tons of information and videos that I don’t want to lose. I used to use Google, but they are in the middle of changes and will start charging soon. What I like about this particular one is that it is a one time fee and I don’t have to do any accounting every month. Plus it has more to offer than other cloud storages.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Best Cloud Storage for Bloggers in 2021
Good Piece of information. Keep up the good work.I follow your blog religiously. This is my favourite
Hi Hazel,
Thank you for letting me know that you follow my blog. Its great to hear from you in the comment. I’m glad this is your favorite blog post.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Best Cloud Storage for Bloggers in 2021
Evening Donna,
This is my first time visiting your blog and for someone new to blogging like me, it’s a breath of fresh air. I love how easy your blog is to read, I mean.. you’ve made the subject of file storage engaging. That’s a gift in itself! I really the real-world scenarios you’ve presented of how useful cloud storage can be for my business. I currently store all my online business files on an external hard drive but it’s a much lighter option having my blogging data in the cloud, accessible from anywhere.
I’m literally a new-born into this blogging world, so I’m really happy to have found your site Donna. Thank you!
Jules 🙂
Jules Massey recently posted.. The Power of Choice
Hi Jules,
Happy you made it here. I’ve been blogging now for 10 years so content comes very easy to me. When I was new, it was so difficult until I learned the marketing part of it all. Indeed, I have hired many “coaches” along the way from simple blogging to marketing my own products and services, to affiliate products too.
All you need to do as a new blogger is be consistent and patient. Visit other blogs like you have here and reciprocity kicks in. In no time you will build a good readership.
I used to have my files and videos on my external hard drive. But when I got a new computer, it was not compatible. So I stored everything in the cloud. I used to use Google, but they will soon be charging a monthly fee. This is why I chose to store all my stuff on the above. Easy Peasy
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..How blogging gives you freedom
Twitter: marquitaherald
January 18, 2021 at 2:16 pm #
Very informative Donna! I don’t have a lot of large files so Google docs have worked fine for me up to now, but I agree it’s always good to know what our options are, especially knowing that Google plans to begin charging in the future. Thanks, and Happy New Year my friend!
Marquita Herald recently posted..12 Rules to Guide You on the Path to a New Beginning
Hi Marquita,
I used to store my files on Google too. But when it came to using my phone, I was out of luck.
Yes Google plans to begin charging folks. To me its not a matter of money, but having one less thing to do paying a one time low price for this storage and not thinking about it for a year. 🙂
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..How blogging gives you freedom
Among the list you mentioned above, which is the best, what is your opinion?
Hi Tanvir,
I used to use Google, but it didn’t hold so many videos I do. On my phone it holds less. This is why I found Instadrive to be the best.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..How blogging gives you freedom
Twitter: SpiritofYes
January 15, 2021 at 12:49 pm #
This is an informative post for bloggers. There’s often a misunderstanding of the difference between cloud storage and cloud backup that you’ve done a great job of explaining here.
I hadn’t heard of this product before now, but will look into it for my own use (because hey, you can never have enough storage, right?) so thank you for a good read!
Barbara Jemmott recently posted.. Top 5 reasons your business needs a blog
Hi Barb,
Indeed there is plenty of storage here at a one time price. Google is going to charge within a few months. Look into it and see if its for you. I’m working well with it these days.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Best Cloud Storage for Bloggers in 2021
Twitter: ErikaMohssenBey
January 15, 2021 at 11:34 am #
Hi Donna,
Yes, it is a good idea to think about cloud storage as a blogger.
I did not pay much attention to this, but you explain very well why it is important to have cloud storage.
Often we forget about these crucial things, thank you for reminding us.
Erika
Erika Mohssen-Beyk recently posted.. 7 Tips On How To Find Your True Self And Be Authentic
Hi Erika,
I got interested in cloud storage because I was using Google and their prices will be in effect soon. But more than that, I had so much trouble with storage on my phone, it prompted me to find a better solution.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..How blogging gives you freedom
Twitter: janverhoeff
January 15, 2021 at 10:05 am #
I tend to use a variety of options because of different applications. I do like Google docs for many options and have coauthored a few books on that platform as well. Great discussion.
Hi Jan,
Good to know you use a variety of options. The one thing we don’t want to lose especially for business is our videos and articles.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..How blogging gives you freedom
Hello Donna,
I appreciate your effort on this article. my question why we spend money on instadrive if we have the free option of GoogleDrive ?
Hi Muzammil,
Good question. Google will be charging a fee soon. I think it will start in March. I rather pay a one time flat rate than to pay a monthly fee. It frees up my mind. Because I have tons of videos and photos, it doesn’t work well on my phone. I had to clean up my Google Photos and videos several weeks ago. I had to find a better platform that will hold all my work.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Best Cloud Storage for Bloggers in 2021
Wow!!! It was a great blog with so much information about the Best Cloud storage for bloggers.
I am also planning to start the blog. Thanks for sharing all this.
Hi Rahul,
If you are planning to start a blog, just make sure you have a plan whereby you can monetize it. It will take some time for people to notice you and read your blog, so be patient, but consistent in writing content. Go to other blogs and comment as you did here, and people will get to know you.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Best Cloud Storage for Bloggers in 2021
Twitter: Lisapats
January 18, 2021 at 11:31 am #
Thank you, Donna. I’ve been wondering what to do since Google will be changing their drive and storage for photos. I knew I had some time so I put it on the back burner. I also saved your email in regards to it. I’m so glad to have an option from a trusted source now! I’m also happy to hear this works well with your phone. Thank you so much Donna, I hope you area well and make it a great day!
Lisa Sicard recently posted..How To Prepare If You Get a Facebook Ban on a Facebook Business Page
Hi Lisa,
As Google will be changing and charging, I had to snoop around and see what was available for all the things I needed. I have so many videos that I don’t want to lose them. I like storing things on the cloud vs. an external drive. It is so easy to do.
This is why I found this product, tried it and had to spread the news! It works for me so I just figured maybe others can benefit from it.
The best thing I like about it is that its intuitive and I don’t have to go on a huge learning curve. Its also a one time fee which alleviates monthly bills.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..How blogging gives you freedom
Twitter: Astutecopyblog
January 13, 2021 at 6:46 am #
Hi Donna,
Happy new year!
Thanks for another thought provoking blog post. You’re so right about not putting all our eggs in one basket – as bloggers we need both backup and storage.
At the moment I use Amazon Web Services (AWS) for storing my ebooks and pdf files that I use for my lead magnet. It’s cheap an has the Amazon name behind it. But it’s not free. I get a monthly invoice.
If I wanted to change my cloud provider, I would definitely give InstaDrive a try, especially with the prospect of a low one time payment.
Thanks for sharing. Off to tweet about it 🙂
Best,
Pedro
Pedro Okoro recently posted.. How To Start Your Dropshipping Business Using Fiverr
Hi Pedro,
Good to know you have your storage on Amazon. The one thing you don’t want to lose is your ebooks and pdf files for your lead magnet. Cloud storage is so important for bloggers and marketers right now. Google cloud storage is free as I write but will be charging within a few months.
I like InstaDrive because its a one time payment and its secure.
Thanks for stopping by,
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..How blogging gives you freedom
Twitter: ryanbiddulph
January 12, 2021 at 7:02 pm #
InstaDrive sounds like a helpful solution, Donna. I used – and use Google Drive – quite a bit but when we began traveling in July of 2020, I literally inherited a brand new, unused laptop and decided to use my Chromebook less and less. But I also know the future is in the cloud; InstaDrive, Google Drive and more premium solutions are the future of storage as we move from tangible to a more virtual environment.
Ryan
Ryan Biddulph recently posted… 5 Habits of Pro Bloggers
Hi Ryan,
I was using Google for a while, but recently found out that within a few months they will charge on a monthly basis. I looked around for alternatives, and found this. Its working so great and has more options for me to get organized.
Thanks for dropping by,
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..How blogging gives you freedom