Got deadlines? Need to write well and fast? Here are some top online tools to make life for content writers a little bit easier:
Google Drive
Google Drive is the new name for Google’s suite of free office apps (formerly Google Docs). Similar to Microsoft Office Suite — but with fewer features — Google Drive includes 5 GB of free storage per user. So even if you don’t write directly in Google Drive, you can use it to archive just about any kind of web doc you can imagine. To share a file, just type the recipient’s email address and add a note (optional).
Evernote
Evernote helps you “put everything in one place.” That is, you can create and store text documents, pictures, and audio snips using just one app, and these files are synced across all of your devices so you’re never without. Evernote operates on the metaphor of notes and notebooks rather than the more standard files and folders typical of other apps. Users can email notes to the app, tag those notes so they get placed in the correct notebook, scan in written notes, and even merge notes together if thoughts on a topic end up scattered across several notes. In addition, when you use Google Chrome, you can search Evernote every time you search the Web—just in case you may have already collected the info you need, and forgotten.
Google Search Operators
Google’s advanced search operators are so useful that anyone doing online research should to take the time to learn a few. For example, you can search for local news stories by going to Google News and typing in your search term followed by “location:” and a place name. Typing “related:” followed by a URL shows other pages that Google believes are similar to the given URL, which makes it a good operator for finding competitor sites. And “site:” is great for searching your term on just one website or within, say, just .gov websites.
Scoop.it
Scoop.It is a content curation tool with built-in social sharing. Create a topic and description, then enter relevant keywords. Scoop.It returns the latest content related to your topic. You can then “re-scoop” an article, curate articles from around the web, or even create a new scoop—just write, publish and share. Sharing isn’t required, though. You can use Scoop.It as a place to simply follow the latest stories from the industries you cover most.
WordPress
WordPress has long been recognized as one of the best blogging platforms available. With tons of professional-grade templates to choose from, it’s easy to create a great-looking blog or website. Promote your writing business, showcase your work and get that next assignment. There can be a bit of a learning curve for new users, but it’s worth it.
It’s never been so easy to do so much online, and these tools are just the tip of the iceberg. Go explore!
Norene G is a freelance writer available on WriterAccess, a marketplace where clients and expert writers connect for assignments.
