Cover Image - 5 Content Writing Tools to Save the World

5 Content Writing Tools to Save the World

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Just in case, you’re having a thought; coffee is not one of those content writing tools.

OK, being a content writer, I get these questions often –

“How to get myself better at content writing?” “How to improve my writing?” “Do you use any tools for writing?” “What are the tools that you use for content writing?”

Yes, I use tools to keep my writing “perfect”. Oh, I know perfection is an illusion, and this is what I mean when I say I aim for perfection –

"If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it." - Elmore Leonard

I like to give a voice to my writing. You should feel as if I am talking to you. (And if you don’t feel like that, do tell me in the comments section.) 😉

Now, coming to the tools. No matter how experienced you’re, you can make mistakes. After all, that’s what makes us human. We love to try things, experiment with ideas (well, I do) and sometimes fail (make mistakes). The tools are there to catch those mistakes and get you better results.

But I would like to make one thing clear here. Content writing tools are not always right. Only the boss is always right, and they’re not your boss. They’re your assistants. They are there to suggest you corrections and improvements, but it should be your decision whether to implement those or not. 😊

"Writing isn't about using big words to impress. It's about using simple words in an impressive way." - Sierra Bailey

The content writing tools have their limitations. So, don’t rely on software. Those tools are mere pieces of code which don’t understand the complexities of writing. It’s you who understands the language and your audience.

There still is a room for improvement, but here are the few content writing tools that make the work a bit easier.

Portent's Title Generator

Portent - tools used in content writing
People’s attention span is short, and the first thing they see is the title of the amazing article you have written. So having an attractive title is a crucial step in the process of content creation.

While I don’t use title generators often, I used Portent for this article. Sometimes you know, you need to have fun and Portent did just the right job. Not only does it creates catchy titles but also has an appealing interface to work with. You can keep generating new ones until you find something that matches with what you want to write.

Ubersuggest Keyword Tool

Ubersuggest - tools used in content writing
Having appropriate keywords in the content is the need of the hour. Those keywords are what help the needy to come to your article. Ubersuggest is one of the content writing tools for SEO purposes, to get the search engines to find and rank your article in results.

If you’re in need of a host of keywords to include in your SEO article, Ubersuggest can be your tool of choice. Not only does it list related keywords, but also generates hundreds of ideas to use as keywords or further keyword research.

Hemingway Editor

Hemingway - tools used in content writing
Next in the list of free online content writing tools is the Hemingway Editor. It’s an easy to use readability checker with a minimal interface. It’s a text editor which refines your writing and to be honest, does quite an excellent job.

The Hemingway Editor emphasises using simple and short sentences. It also suggests making your articles have a strong impression by using as less adverbs as possible. The thing is to use strong verbs instead. Another thing which it takes care of is to minimise the use of passive voice. Why?

In passive voice sentences, the focus is on the work done, but in active voice sentences, the focus is on who is doing the work. It does make a better impression. So, go through the suggestions and make the edits wherever you think – yes, I should change this to make my article better. 😎

OneLook Thesaurus

Onelook - tools used in content writing
Among the content writing tools that I use, OneLook is my favourite. It works like a standard thesaurus by listing a hundred related words (maybe more) for your query. But there’s more. You can get related words even when you enter a phrase. It works like a reverse dictionary by pointing you to the words which may better suit the context (and content).

So, say bye to repetitions. They affect the flow and readability of the articles, and thus, synonyms serve the purpose. You can also access the thesaurus through the OneLook dictionary portal. The instructions and tips are right there in the front along with only the search box.

Grammarly

Grammarly - tools used in content writing
And of course, you shouldn’t forget grammar and spelling mistakes. Those mistakes can turn readers away from your content and also, you.

“Your grammar is a reflection of your image. Good or bad, you have made an impression. And like all impressions, you are in total control.” - Jeffrey Gitomer

You know about Grammarly or at least heard about it, right? Well, Grammarly is a free grammar and spelling checker, and probably, the best. It can spot contextual mistakes which you may have missed trying to concentrate on the flow. And, it is like a proofreader software, when you go for the paid version.

Grammarly Pro suggests word substitutes (synonyms) and also, correction in sentence structures. But like other content writing tools, take those suggestions with a pinch of salt. It’s software after all and not human.

Canva Photo Editor

Canva - tools used in content writing
OK, this one is a bonus. Although Canva is not a content writing software, it helps you in better presentation of content. All the above-mentioned tools used in content writing are free to use, and so is Canva. It has a paid version too, but for most of the time, the free version accomplishes the task.

“Design is the silent ambassador of your brand.” - Paul Rand

As per a study by the Content Marketing Institute, 55% of Content Marketers say that creating visuals for their content is one of their priorities.

Content Marketing Priorities Graph

In addition to your content being informative, it should be visually pleasing. While the writers know how to present the words, creating a graphic design is challenging for them. Playing with colours, images and fonts aren’t their things. However, I am not asking you to be a graphics designer but getting hands-on with the elements is quite helpful. And this is where Canva comes into play.

Check my guide on How to create stunning cover images using Canva?

It has loads of templates available for social media posts to brochures and cover images to email headers. You can also use its tools to create charts and infographics to present your data to the readers. So, among the other content writing tools, Canva has no less of importance.

Tell me in the comments which other tools you find useful during your work.

And now, I would like to end this article with another quote –

"Just write every day of your life. Read intensely. Then see what happens. Most of my friends who are put on that diet have very pleasant careers." - Ray Bradbury

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