is a Columbus, Ohio-based copywriter and content strategist that focuses on service-based businesses.
Over the last few years, copywriting and content creation have evolved from a blinking cursor and a brain to a multitude of free copywriting tools. These digital tools combined with thoughtful strategy and research allow us to produce intentional content that connects with our audience. As a small business or entrepreneur, the good news is that you have a vast array of resources at your disposal to amplify your content creation process and supercharge your creativity. The bad news is that there is an overwhelming amount of digital tools out there – especially for those who aren’t in the weeds of marketing tech.
To help you understand which ones can best support content creation, we’ll explore some of the essential free copywriting tools that pack the greatest punch. We’ll also dive into how to harness the power of technology so you can create better content faster.
Before we dig into our must-have digital resources for content creation, let’s talk about why your content matters as a business. Utilizing the power of high-quality content to drive your digital marketing tactics is the foundation of effective marketing. Compelling and engaging content has the potential to captivate audiences, drive website traffic, and foster meaningful connections. Ultimately, all of these support a thriving business.
To sum it up, intentional, consistent content creation is the backbone of a successful online presence. It helps businesses establish credibility, boost brand awareness, and convert leads into loyal clients. Don’t underestimate the impact your content can have. For many businesses, it’s the driving force behind a strong digital marketing strategy that can set you apart from the competition.
Alright without further ado, let’s talk about some of the must-have digital tools you need to lean into if you’re creating content.
First, keyword and SEO tools – an oldie but a goodie. Keywords are an essential element to help your content shine in the vast sea of information on the internet. To use them effectively, you need to leverage keyword research tools. One free SEO copywriting tool to help you generate keywords for long-form content like blogs is Ahrefs. Some SEO tools (unfortunately not free) that larger businesses and enterprises often use are Semrush and Moz.
SEO tools are your guiding lights, illuminating the most relevant keywords and providing insights into search volume, competition, and trends. With their help, you can optimize your content and skyrocket your search rankings, attracting more views and potential customers to your digital doorstep.
Even the most skilled wordsmiths need a little assistance now and then. Enter grammar and spelling checkers like Grammarly, the bee’s knees (I swear I’m cool) of error-free writing. Tools like this will catch your typos, grammar slip-ups, and even suggest alternate words to spice up your sentences. Similarly, AI-powered writing companions are another trusted tool to help you rephrase awkward sentences, fine-tune your tone, and generate alternative copy. These tools not only save time but also polish your writing to perfection. Some free copywriting tools I like to use are WordTune and QuillBot.
Content planning involves juggling multiple projects, deadlines, ideas, and marketing platforms. To keep everything organized and on track, content calendar tools like Airtable come to the rescue. If you’re not familiar with Airtable, it’s like Excel on steroids but somehow more intuitive and aesthetically appealing. Tools like this enable efficient planning, scheduling, and collaboration with your team, ensuring that your content is published like clockwork. Pair that with built-in scheduling tools for social media platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn, and you’ve got yourself a winning strategy for proactive content distribution.
Furthermore, note-taking and organization tools also play a huge role in proactive planning. For medium-sized businesses and larger organizations, collaborative tools like Miro streamline communication and project management. For entrepreneurs and small businesses, even the most basic digital tools like the notes application on your phone and Evernote deliver a centralized space to help you organize your thoughts. Planning and organization tools are secret weapons for capturing ideas and conducting in-depth research while maintaining a clutter-free workspace.
As a growing business producing content, your credibility is on the line with any content you’re publishing in the world. That’s where online research tools and fact-checking resources come in handy. With these digital tools, you can gather reliable data and information to support your claims, ensuring accuracy and credibility. And to maintain integrity in your content, you can also leverage AI detectors to identify any accidental plagiarism and ensure that your content remains original and authentic.
Beyond the words used as part of your digital marketing content, the visual representation is equally important. Graphic design tools like Canva empower even the non-designers among us to create captivating visuals that enhance our messages. User-friendly design tools like this even provide access to stock photos and graphic templates, allowing you to enhance the quality of your imagery. And when it comes to engaging and shareable content, infographic and visual storytelling tools like reels are also great resources. They transform data and narratives into compelling visuals that captivate your audience.
Data-driven decisions are a foundational pillar of a solid digital marketing strategy. Website analytics tools like Google Analytics enable you to monitor website traffic, user behavior, and other invaluable insights. A/B testing tools can also help you optimize your copy, content, and conversions by experimenting with different variations to find what resonates best with your audience. For example, a subject line test is a simple approach to help you understand what resonates with your clients. Lastly, let’s not overlook social media analytics tools. These types of tools allow you to track engagement, reach, and the impact of your social media campaigns.
As a bonus, many social platforms have free analytics tools built into them. These are ideal to help you get an idea of your reach, impressions, and the general performance of your marketing. For example, Instagram for Business and LinkedIn both have analytic capabilities built into them – neato right? (okay I’m done).
Content creation is rarely a solo endeavor. That’s where project management platforms like Slack and Teams come into play, fostering seamless collaboration and real-time communication with your team (no matter where you’re located). You can share files, assign tasks, and keep everyone in the loop, ensuring a smooth workflow. File sharing and version control tools add another layer of efficiency, allowing you to maintain the integrity of your work and easily collaborate on documents. Plus, when it’s time for real-time discussions and feedback, communication tools provide a platform for instant collaboration and brainstorming sessions.
The landscape of content creation and digital marketing demands that we embrace technology to elevate our marketing content. By leveraging intentionally-created tools, you can create content to bolster your brand with credibility. Yet, it’s key to remember that these tools are not a replacement for thoughtful writing and a solid content strategy. But when used strategically, they can enhance your productivity, elevate the quality of your work, and unlock your creative potential. Embrace the digital revolution, stay adaptable, and let these digital resources become a tool to help you work smarter.
What other digital marketing tools are must-haves for you or your business? Let me know in the comments!
And (insert shameless plug) if you’re looking for a content strategist and copywriter to help you plan your digital strategy, write your content, and put a thoughtful marketing plan into action – I’m here for me. Contact me to get started.
Lindsay Ivancic is a Cleveland, Ohio-based freelance copywriter and content marketing manager, specializing in copywriting and content strategy for small businesses.