12 Tools That Make You a More Productive Blogger
There is a general rule of thumb that states a blog with quite aggressive content and SEO strategies will take at least 4-6 months to become profitable on any minor scale. Keep in mind this is with continued and consistent effort as well as significant investment of time (and money).
How long does it take for a non-aggressive – but consistent – approach? At least a year, and sometimes up to two. You get back what you put into it, and it should be clear by now that a successful blog takes time and energy to pull off.
Your best bet is to do blogging in your off time, which means increasing productivity so that it doesn’t disrupt your day to day. You are beginning a massive undertaking, and once it grows, it will only become even more of a time drain.
These tools can lessen the strain, give you more time, and improve your results with less work. What could be better?
Organizing Ideas and Writing Process
1. Trello
Trello is technically workable for a single user, but it is much better for teams who want to stay organized. However, it is an incredibly versatile tool, which is why it is on this list.
You create cards that act as project heads, then add checklists, deadlines, files, links and more. They can be assigned to people, or opened up to the public (This is a great idea if you want to engage your readers into your brainstorming and writing processes). This is a great tool to prepare your team for unified conversations which have become so essential ever since Covid became part of our lives.
2. MyBlogU Idea Database
MyBlogU Idea Database is essentially an influencer marketing platform for bloggers. It lets you collect ideas from real people on any topic you intend to write about.
But not only that: It’s also free writing productivity tool letting you save content ideas for later and setting reminders not to forget to write the article or do your research.
3. TeamViz
You have to be able to manage your time, and to stay on task. That isn’t always easy, especially when you are tired and run down. TeamViz can help.
It is a productivity tool built around the Pomodoro technique, which has been proven again and again to increase focus and help people better manage and complete projects.
What is Pomodoro? It is working on something for blocks of time, taking a break, then working again. Simple, but effective.
There are lots of other plugins for business websites if you feel like looking at alternatives.
4. Evernote
Evernote has become one of the most beloved and utilized productivity and organization tools on the web.
You can grab clips, links, full pages, collect data, share information, and a lot more: All while organizing it by tags, folders, projects, and a host of other helpful ways. It even works for teams, plus syncs across all devices.
Alternative tool: Memonic is a pretty great, simple alternative that has all the best features of Evernote, but none of the unnecessary frills that can make it a bit cumbersome for some users. Clip what you need, save it, share it publicly or with a group, and even print it out more efficiently so you save on waste.
Writing and Editing
5. Text Optimizer
Text Optimizer is a cool tool that lets you identify related topics and concepts behind any search query.
The tool grabs your target keyword, performs a Google search and extracts search snippets to apply semantic analysis. This way it allows you to create a very relevant content Google will fall in love with.
6. Hemingway App
Hemingway App is a tool near and dear to my heart, both as a blogger and as a hobbyist writer. It creates a clear, easy to use word processor free of distractions. The idea behind it is the “you write drunk, edit sober” quote by Hemingway.
The app encourages you to get out your first draft and avoid getting hung up on edits. You write faster, and end up with a more complete first draft. This is very helpful for bloggers who get too hung up on vocabulary choices, or sentence length.
Once you are done writing, the app also helps you proof read and rethink your sentence structure to improve readability. For that, switch from “Write” yo “Edit” mode.
Alternative tool: ZenWriter is another good writing tool to consider. This is a distraction-free zone to write your posts, create books, or anything else you need to write. It focuses on creating a calm environment where you can let your mind relax. It is perfect if you feel creatively tapped. Rather than bombarding you with ideas, it just lets you settle your thoughts so the creativity already within you can find its way out.
7. WebCEO
As writers, we can no longer ignore SEO as we want our content to drive clicks and conversions.
WebCEO is your ultimate optimization suite that includes lots of helpful features and resources. I love their SEO Ranking Reports allowing me to keep an eye on my content performance.
WordPress SEO is doable if you organize things well, and WebCEO is the best way to do that.
Further reading: How page title and description tags help in SEO
8. Writer’s Block Busterb
Struggling with a case of writer’s block? Just feel strained and burned out? Knock it out of your head and get working again with this handy little block buster called Writer’s Block Buster.
Get help with common writing issues, and be inspired by both fiction and nonfiction. Check out helpful tutorials to keep you from getting blocked next time, or to help you over a hurdle.
9. Grammarly
Have trouble with your grammar? Write too quickly, so you miss mistakes? Is English your second language and you want a bit of extra assistance checking for problems?
Grammarly claims to catch up to ten times more mistakes than other word processors, and gives you tips along the way. Even experienced bloggers and writers can learn some things from this tool.
I am using there cool browser plugin (both for FireFox and Google Chrome) which I find awesome!
Visual Content
10. Canva
Sometimes you need visual content, but unfortunately it can be very time consuming to create your own. Stock sites don’t really do it most the time, and hiring a graphic or web designer can be very costly.
Make your own using Canva, an incredible generator that handles multiple kinds of content. You can make professional grade images, graphics, and more in a guided process that is easy for anyone to follow.
11. Namify
Namify is a great tool that helps you generate a business name. But additionally, it also helps you define or change your visual identity because it generates a free logo for any business name you choose.
And yes, the tool is free!
12. Haiku Deck
Haiku Deck is a great place to create visual slideshows and presentations that convey an idea better than text alone.
It makes a great tool for creating visual quotes, inspirational decks, etc.
It also makes for a good content re-packaging option, so you get more from your posts.
Naturally, creating a presentation is not the only way to re-packaging content
Have a tool to go on the list? Let us know in the comments!
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Ann Smarty
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