Elevate Your Writing Game: Top Resources for Freelance Content Writers
Are you ready to take your content creation skills to the next level?
Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your craft, having access to the right resources can make a world of difference.
Today, I'm sharing the content writing tools I use to make sure every piece I create is the best it can be (hello happy clients, higher pay cheques, and better results ;)
1. Create Better Content
I might be biased, but this content writing resource is an accumulation of my 10 years of writing experience—so it’s a good’un!
It’s jam-packed with practical tips, techniques, and strategies to help you write captivating content that engages readers and drives results. You can literally watch over my shoulder as I bring a piece to life using the same method I use to create £1,000 pieces for the likes of Shopify, Hotjar, and CoSchedule.
Start creating better content TODAY!
Here’s everything you get:
👉 My Content Ideas Playbook spotlights over 20 ways to come up with topics that will seriously impress your boss, clients, and your nan
👉 My Content Research Playbook that delves into my semi-legendary content research process (a.k.a. the thing that sets my writing apart from everyone else's)
👉 The Simple SEO Guide that shows you exactly how to optimise your content from the start without keyword stuffing (yuck!)
👉 My unique outlining process where you can watch over my shoulder as I turn research into a cohesive outline that clients will love
👉 The Trust Building Checklist that highlights three key things every piece needs and how you can make sure you're including them
👉 My Interesting Intros and Kick-Ass Conclusions training to relieve blank page syndrome and make sure you're starting and finishing your pieces on a high
👉 My in-depth editing checklist that makes sure you're turning in slick, polished pieces every single time
👉 My post-publish promotion checklist that shows you how to repurpose every piece into multiple promotional assets
Ready? Access the workshop here.
2. Grammarly
No list of content writing resources would be complete without mentioning Grammarly.
This powerful online writing assistant helps you eliminate grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors in your writing. It also provides suggestions for improving sentence structure, clarity, and conciseness.
Grammarly integrates seamlessly with various platforms, including G-Docs and Microsoft Word, ensuring that your writing is error-free across the board. I’ve used it for years and, while it can be temperamental at times, it helps me clock any typos or oversights before I hit send.
3. Hemingway Editor
Want to make your writing clear, concise, and easy to read? Hemingway Editor is a great tool for keeping you in check when it comes to passive sentences (guilty!) and long-winded phrases.
You can use it on your desktop, and it highlights complex sentences, excessive adverbs, and other readability issues in your text. By simplifying your prose, you'll create content that is more accessible to a wider audience.
The Hemingway Editor also provides a readability grade and suggestions for improvement, making it a valuable resource for freelance writers aiming to enhance the overall quality of their work.
4. Thesaurus.com
Sometimes finding the right word can be a challenge. Even as a seasoned pro, I get stuck trying to find the exact word I’m looking for. And, nine times out of 10, I’ve got the Thesaurus open, ready to swoop in and help me out.
This online thesaurus provides synonyms, antonyms, and related words to help you diversify your vocabulary and avoid repetitive language.
It's an excellent resource for freelance content writers who want to add depth and nuance to their writing while keeping readers engaged. Remember, a well-chosen synonym can make all the difference in capturing the essence of your ideas.
5. CoSchedule Headline Analyzer
I once had a client that revolutionised the way I write headlines.
They asked me to come up with 20-30 different headlines for every piece I wrote. The idea was that, as I moved through the list, my creative juices would start flowing and I’d start to get better results.
I now try and come up with at least 5 different headline options for client pieces, which I then plug into CoSchedule’s Headline Analyzer to see how effective they are. The result is better headlines that people actually want to click.
6. AP Stylebook
I’m a stickler for the Oxford comma, which is why it’s jarring when a client asks me to use AP style when writing (because, if you don’t already know, the Oxford comma is persona non-gratis in this style).
For freelance writers who work in journalism, public relations, or other areas that follow Associated Press (AP) style, the AP Stylebook is an essential resource.
It provides guidelines for consistent writing style, grammar, punctuation, and usage. The AP Stylebook helps you ensure your content adheres to industry standards and maintains a professional and polished quality. Whether you're writing news articles, press releases, or other journalistic pieces, having access to the latest edition of the AP Stylebook can be a valuable reference tool.
Level up your content writing game with these resources
As content writers, we’re constantly competing with other writers to secure clients and deliver the best work we can. These content writing tools will ensure you’re creating accurate, juicy, engaging content every single time so you can impress your clients, charge more, and deliver better results.
Happy writing!
