Jul 7, 2022
50+ Tools To Help You Become a Better Content Writer
Free & Premium Tools to Save You Some Time
If you’re a content writer — whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been at it for a while — then there are some essential tools that you need to know about.
There are a lot of different tools and applications that content writers can use to help them be more productive. However, not all of these tools are necessary, and some can be quite expensive.
In this blog post, I will share with you 55 free tools that every content writer should know about. From research to writing to editing and beyond, these tools will help make your writing process easier and more efficient.
So, what are you waiting for? Take your next step towards becoming a successful freelance writer.
Word Processors
Word processors like Microsoft Word or Google Docs offer basic features like spell check and grammar check that can help you avoid mistakes in your writing.
1. LibreOffice Writer
A free and open-source word processor that offers a variety of features, including a spell checker, thesaurus, and a wide range of templates.
2. Google Docs
A web-based word processor with real-time collaboration capabilities, meaning multiple people can work on a document at the same time.
3. Microsoft Word Online
The online version of Microsoft Word includes many of the same features as the desktop version, such as templates, tracked changes, and commenting.
Online Dictionaries
Online dictionaries can be a helpful resource when you come across a word you’re not familiar with.
1. Merriam-Webster Dictionary
One of the most popular dictionaries in the US, offering definitions, synonyms, and antonyms.
2. Oxford Dictionaries
A comprehensive online dictionary from one of the world’s leading publishers of language resources.
3. Dictionary.com
A user-friendly online dictionary with a simple search interface.
Plagiarism Checkers:
Plagiarism checkers can help you ensure that your work is original and not copied from another source.
1. Copyscape
A popular plagiarism checking tool that lets you enter a URL or paste in text to check for instances of plagiarism.
2. Turnitin
A plagiarism checking tool that is often used by schools and universities.
3. Quetext
Another plagiarism checker that allows you to find copied content in just a matter of minutes.
Self-Editing Tools:
Self-editing tools can help you identify and fix errors in your writing before you submit it to an editor or client.
1. ProWritingAid
A comprehensive editing tool that offers suggestions for improving grammar, style, and clarity in your writing.
2. Grammarly
A popular proofreading tool that can catch errors that you might miss.
3. Hemingway Editor
A tool that helps you make your writing clearer and simpler.
Research Tools:
Research tools can help you find the information you need to support your writing.
1. Google Scholar
A search engine that lets you find academic articles and other scholarly sources.
2. JSTOR
A digital library of academic journals, books, and primary sources.
3. PubMed
A database of medical research articles from the US National Library of Medicine.
Social Media Platforms:
Social media platforms can be a great way to connect with other writers and build an audience for your work.
1. Twitter
A microblogging platform that allows you to share short updates with your followers.
2. Facebook
The largest social networking site in the world, with billions of users.
3. LinkedIn
A social network for professionals, with groups and forums where you can connect with other writers.
Freelance Platforms:
Freelance platforms can be a great way to find writing work, as well as connect with potential clients.
1. Upwork
A freelancing platform that allows you to find short-term and long-term projects.
2. Fiverr
A marketplace for digital services, where you can offer your writing services starting at just $5.
3. PeoplePerHour
Another freelancing platform where you can find both short-term and long-term projects.
Writing Prompts:
If you’re looking for ideas for new pieces, writing prompts can be a great way to get started. Here are a few places to find writing prompts:
1. The Daily Prompt
A website that offers a new writing prompt every day.
2. Writer’s Digest
A magazine that publishes writing prompts on a regular basis.
3. Reddit
A social news site with a large number of writing-related subreddits, where you can find prompts and other writers to connect with.
Portfolio Sites:
If you want to showcase your work online, setting up a portfolio site is a great way to do it. Here are a few platforms you can use to create your own portfolio site:
1. WordPress
A popular platform for creating websites and blogs, with dozens of themes and plugins available to customize your site.
2. Wix
A website builder that allows you to create a custom portfolio site with no programming required.
3. Squarespace
Another website builder with beautiful templates and easy-to-use tools.
Tracking Tools
As a freelancer, it’s important to keep track of your projects, payments, and deadlines. These tools can help you do that:
1. Asana
A project management tool that allows you to create to-do lists, set deadlines, and track progress on your writing projects.
2. FreshBooks
An invoicing and accounting software that makes it easy to manage your finances.
3. Toggl
A time tracking tool that can help you see how much time you’re spending on each project.
Networking Groups:
Networking groups like Meetup or Freelance Writers Den can help you connect with other writers in your area. These groups can provide support and advice, as well as opportunities to collaborate on projects. They can also be a great way to find new clients and promote your work.
1. Meetup
A website that lets you find local groups for a variety of interests, including writing.
2. Freelance Writers Den
A membership-based community for freelance writers, with weekly group coaching calls and an extensive forum.
3. Scribophile
An online community for writers that offer critiques, workshops, and opportunities to connect with other writers.
Online Courses:
If you’re looking to improve your writing skills, there are a number of online courses you can take. Here are a few places to find online courses:
1. Udemy
A platform with thousands of online courses, including many on writing and publishing.
2. Skillshare
An online learning community with courses on a variety of topics, including writing, business, and design.
3. Coursera
A website that partners with universities to offer online courses, including many on writing and literature.
Virtual Assistants:
If you’re looking for help with administrative tasks, virtual assistants can be a great resource. Here are a couple of platforms to check out:
1. Fancy Hands
A platform that connects you with freelance virtual assistants.
2. Zirtual
An American company that provides virtual assistant services to businesses and individuals.
Project Management Tools:
As a freelancer, you’ll need to be able to manage your projects effectively. These tools can help:
1. Trello
A project management tool that allows you to create boards and cards to track tasks, deadlines, and progress.
2. Basecamp
A project management software that gives you a centralized place to manage all your projects.
3. Podio
A project management tool that lets you create custom workflows to track your projects.
Financial Planning Tools:
It’s important to be proactive about your finances. These tools can help you plan and budget for your freelance career:
1. You Need a Budget (YNAB)
A budgeting tool that helps you track your spending and save money.
2. Mint
A personal finance tool that provides an overview of your financial situation.
Tax Preparation Software:
If you’re a freelance writer, you’ll need to file your taxes as a self-employed individual. These tools can help you prepare and file your taxes:
1. TurboTax
A tax preparation software that helps you file your taxes online.
2. H&R Block
A tax preparation company that offers both online and in-person tax filing.
3. TaxACT
A tax preparation software that helps you file your taxes online.
Legal Resources:
As a freelancer, you’ll need to be familiar with the legal aspects of your work. These resources can help:
1. The Freelancers Union
A membership-based organization that offers resources and advocacy for freelance workers.
2. Nolo
A website with legal information and resources on a variety of topics, including business
Marketing Resources:
MailChimp and Hootsuite are two of the most popular marketing tools for small businesses. They both offer a variety of features that can help you promote your writing business, including email marketing, social media management, and analytics.
Business Resources:
Business resources like The Balance Small Business or Entrepreneur can help you with invoicing, bookkeeping, and other aspects of running a freelance writing business.
Writing software
There are a number of software programs designed specifically for writers. These tools can help you with everything from brainstorming to editing to publishing your work.
1. Scrivener
Writing software that helps you organize your ideas and structure your writing.
2. yWriter
Writing software that helps you plan and write novels.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, over 50 tools to help make you a better content writer. I hope you found this list helpful and that it gave you some new resources to explore.
If you’re looking for more tips on how to improve your writing skills, be sure to follow me on Medium. Also, on Twitter and Instagram where I share my latest findings and advice. And as always, if you have any questions or feedback about this post, please let me know in the comments below.
