There is always a first time for everything. A word that best describes the ‘first time’ for anything is beginning. Most people associate beginnings with uncertainty and confusion.
You may probably be feeling the same way. But there’s no need to worry. This article will provide you with insights into the best writers’ tools to use as a beginner in online writing.
Online writing has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. This can be majorly attributed to the ever-expanding network connectivity and the flexibility in the nature of the job.
A key component in online writing is a writer’s toolbox. Just as a rifle is important to a soldier at war, so are writers’ tools to an online writer. These tools ensure that an online writer’s work is client-focused, error-free, appealing and of high-quality standards.
Here are the four best writers’ tools for beginners in online writing:
1. Google Docs
This is a web-based application that can be used to create, edit and share documents online.
Cost implications for acquiring the tool? This tool is free and can be downloaded from the Google app store, Playstore or Apple Store.
Most online writers prefer Google Docs as their main tool for authoring because of its unique online correspondence capabilities. Collaborative authors from different geographical locations are able to edit, access and create documents remotely in real-time.
Another unique capability that Google Docs possesses is online storage. The user’s data is stored online, thus minimizing the risk of data loss.
Are the documents created in Google Docs shareable? Totally! The application has a share functionality, which presents the author with the ability to share documents via a shareable link or email address.
Imagine having an application that does all that right in the palm of your hand?
You can find a link to download Google Docs here.
2. Grammarly
She has come home with a banquet of flowers.
Is there anything wrong with the statement? It is very likely that the first time you read the statement something felt a bit off. The author has used the word banquet instead of bouquet.
Did this force you to read the statement a second and third time? For most of you, the answer may be yes!
One of the basic requirements for commercial writing is error-free work. The best tool for checking these errors is Grammarly.
Grammarly is an online grammar checker that helps a reader proofread and detect grammatical errors in their work. This tool ensures that text is free from punctuation, spelling and writing style errors.
Grammarly not only checks for grammatical errors but also ensures the sentences used in a particular text are concise, thus reducing redundancy and wordy sentences.
In addition to grammatical-error detection capabilities, Grammarly also detects plagiarism work. According to scanmyessay.com, plagiarism is defined as intentionally using another person’s writings or works and pretending it is your own.
The plagiarism checker will ensure work is authentic and any instance of work that is not entirely original is correctly cited.
Cost implication? The software is free and downloadable from Google Store, Playstore and App Store. Alternatively, it can be embedded as an extension in web browsers like Google Chrome.
How do I use Grammarly?
Copy and paste the text from your document to the text area of the software. Alternatively, import a document from your PC by clicking on the icon of the upper left corner, then selecting the upload functionality. The text will appear in the text area of the software.
The software auto-generates a report highlighting sections of the text with grammatical errors and provides the correct phrase or word to be used in place of the incorrectly used text.
If you are looking for an application to make proof-reading faster and more efficient, look no further! Grammarly will take care of all your needs.
You can find a link to download Grammarly here.
3. Capitalize My Title
Is a title that important? Why is there so much emphasis given to the selection of titles?
The first thing any reader comes across in an article is the title. The more captivating a title, the higher the likelihood of a reader clicking on it.
That actually explains why newspapers and online journals coin the most attractive titles to persuade both active and passive audiences to click on their sites.
That’s where Capitalize My Title comes in. This tool automates the capitalization of article titles and ensures they are in line with the four main capitalization standards: APA style, Chicago style, MLA style and AP style.
Cost implication? The software is a free online tool.
How do I use Capitalize My Title?
Copy and paste the title of your article or document into the text box in the software and press the enter button.
After a few seconds, the software automatically capitalizes the title depending on the capitalization standard selected. The app also provides the author with an option to check the grammatical correctness of the capitalized title.
Click here to redirect to Capitalize My Title.
4. Evernote
Online writing is characterized by a lot of research where most authors traverse multiple web pages and websites in search of information relevant to their subject matter.
Evernote helps authors to capture, store and organize this information systematically.
Look at it as a daily notebook where you scribble day-to-day activities, write your to-do list, note down ideas, etc. The only difference is that Evernote is an online notebook.
This online tool serves across all operating systems, thus making it accessible to all kinds of users.
Why do you need to use Evernote as a writer’s tool? Just imagine the numerous web pages you will come across during your research. How will you be able to keep tabs without losing track of any page?
Evernote has a built-in feature that enables a user to clip content from the web and save them for future use and referral.
An author can also correspond with other users by sharing notes and notebooks.
How many times do you find yourself forgetting something? It’s bound to happen, especially with the pressure that comes with online writing. Evernote has a reminder functionality that helps a user keep track of upcoming activities and deadlines.
In a nutshell, Evernote would be the ideal software for any beginner in online writing to aid in planning and keeping track of your listed activities.
Invest in Your Education
If you are a beginner copywriter you have a lot to learn. You may be a great writer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you know how to write good copy.
To help with the steep learning curve it is important to invest in a suitable SEO Copywriting course that will help jumpstart your online career and you a great copywriter salary.
Platforms such as Small Revolution offer a myriad of courses to help you on your way to freelancing success.
