Growth – Bloggingtips.com https://bloggingtips.com Start, Grow, and Monetize a Blog Wed, 12 Oct 2022 20:20:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Best Grammarly Alternatives: 9+ Options [Ranked & Reviewed] https://bloggingtips.com/grammarly-alternatives/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=grammarly-alternatives https://bloggingtips.com/grammarly-alternatives/#respond Wed, 12 Oct 2022 19:58:17 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=100737 Read more]]> One of the most crucial aspects of writing a blog is perfecting your copywriting skills.

The best blogs require error-free copy that entices readers and removes distractions caused by errors.

However, if you struggle with wording or frequent typos, you might benefit from an AI editing tool.

Grammarly is one of the most popular AI writing tools available.

It helps clarify and polish your content in minutes.

Still, it’s not for everyone.

So, if you’ve been on the hunt for Grammarly alternatives, check out the options below.

The Best Grammarly Alternatives at a Glance

Are you looking to read and run?

You’re in luck.

Here’s a brief roundup of our top picks for Grammarly alternatives.

What is the Best Alternative to Grammarly?

WhiteSmoke is our top pick for a Grammarly substitute.

It provides similar features, including spotting writing mistakes and an intuitive interface.

However, it also offers a variety of writing templates, which you won’t find with Grammarly.

What is the Best Free Alternative to Grammarly?

The best free alternative to Grammarly is ProWritingAid.

This online grammar checker has a robust free app and editor that truly surpasses Grammarly’s free option.

It has similar integrations and a reputation to back up its tools.

An Overview of Grammarly

Grammarly is a valuable tool many writers use to create a smooth, simple copy.

It’s an excellent tool for all types of writers, from bloggers to authors in any niche or genre.

What is Grammarly?

Grammarly is an AI writing tool that proofreads and edits documents.

You can use Grammarly to locate typos, clarify content, and make your writing more concise.

It has an easy-to-use interface that neatly outlines feedback.

Simply copy and paste or upload your content, and Grammarly will run a check automatically.

Where Does Grammarly Excel?

One of Grammarly’s best features is the ability to change its settings for content and voice.

For example, if you’re writing an academic piece, Grammarly will ensure your writing has a professional tone.

Similarly, a conversational piece will get more leeway in terms of language use.

You can also make adjustments to match your audience’s knowledge and expectations.

Where Does Grammarly Fall Short?

No grammar check is perfect.

Each has its downsides, and our Grammarly review will tell you Grammarly is no exception.

Its main issue is that the free version is pretty bare-bones. In addition, sometimes its suggestions simply don’t make sense.

However, those issues are why it’s important to reread your work before submitting it.

Best Grammarly Alternatives: Our Top 3 Options [Ranked & Reviewed]

If Grammarly doesn’t quite live up to your expectations, or you want to explore alternative options, check out our top three picks for substitutes.

We chose WhiteSmoke, Quillbot, and WordTune as the best alternate choices.

Take a look at our breakdown of each tool below.

WhiteSmoke: Our Pick 

Whitesmoke is an English writing editor that provides grammar, spelling, and editing for short- and long-form content.

Like the grammar checker in Microsoft Word, WhiteSmoke checks your writing on your computer and online.

If you’re ready to learn more, this section will outline the critical difference between WhiteSmoke and Grammarly.  

Key Features of WhiteSmoke

Whitesmoke has an extensive list of features, which is why it’s our top pick for Grammarly alternatives.

Some of its key features include:

  • Web extension for spell checks online
  • Desktop and web versions
  • Statistical Machine Translation technology
  • Plagiarism checker
  • Style and punctuation checkers

In addition to the above features, WhiteSmoke offers affordable plans and a simple interface that makes content editing easy.

Grammarly vs. WhiteSmoke: How They Compare

The main leg-up Grammarly has on WhiteSmoke is that it’ll check longer pieces of content, whereas WhiteSmoke is quite limited.

However, WhiteSmoke provides similar features to Grammarly that help edit and perfect written content.

In that sense, they’re quite similar.

In addition, WhiteSmoke is much more cost-effective than Grammarly.

At the time of this writing, WhiteSmoke was only $60 per year.

On the other hand, Grammarly currently costs $144 per year.

Although Grammarly has a free version, it’s pretty limited compared to its paid plans.

Why Is WhiteSmoke a Great Alternative to Grammarly?

WhiteSmoke is a great alternative to Grammarly because its paid plan stacks up nicely with Grammarly’s.

In addition, it’s more cost-effective and provides most of the same services.

Also, if you’re new to editing tools, it’s an excellent way to get your feet wet using a robust, user-friendly editing aid.

Pros of WhiteSmoke

WhiteSmoke has some excellent features that put it on par with Grammarly.

Here are a few pros that make this writing tool stand out even more.

  • Multiple versions: Desktop and web versions and a web extension provide grammar assistance everywhere you write.
  • Translating tool: Proper translation ensures your English writing is free from common errors that result from words and phrases being lost in translation.
  • Well priced: Plans start at $5, making it significantly less costly than Grammarly annually.
  • Plagiarism checker: WhiteSmoke’s plagiarism checker is an essential tool for academic or college writers.

Cons of WhiteSmoke

All writing aids will have their downsides, and WhiteSmoke is no exception.

Here are a few of the main cons of WhiteSmoke.

Be sure to consider them carefully when choosing your tool.

  • Style selector: The style selector in WhiteSmoke isn’t as robust as the one Grammarly offers.
  • Low character limit: Whitesmoke has a limit of only 10,000 characters per session, which is only about 2,000 words.
  • No free version: Unlike Grammarly, WhiteSmoke doesn’t offer a free version or trial. All its plans are paid, so you’ll have to commit to a plan if you want to test the product.

WhiteSmoke Pricing

WhiteSmoke offers three paid plans for the same set of tools.

Each option is available with annual or tri-annual pricing.

However, you’ll receive a discount if you choose to pay every three years.

WhiteSmoke’s prices and plans are as follows:

  • Web Only: $5 per month ($3.47 every three years)
  • Premium: $6.66 per month ($5.55 every three years)
  • Business: $11.50 per month ($8.82 every three years)

Can You Try WhiteSmoke for Free?

Unfortunately, WhiteSmoke doesn’t offer a free trial or free plan.

However, it has a money-back guarantee that allows you to get a refund if you’re unsatisfied.

Simply send customer support an email, and they’ll get your cancellation taken care of.  

An important thing to note about WhiteSmoke’s return policy is its time restrictions.

All daily and monthly plans are only eligible for a refund within 48 hours of purchase, and that’s only if there’s a technical issue.

Licenses have a one-week refund policy, and any product with a validity of more than 31 days can be refunded within that 31-day period.

You can read the specifics on WhiteSmoke’s cancellation page.

Conclusion: Should You Choose WhiteSmoke Over Grammarly?

All in all, WhiteSmoke is a solid choice for an AI writing aid.

WhiteSmoke is an ideal alternative to Grammarly if you need essential AI editing services.

However, not everyone needs a tool with all the bells and whistles.

If you fall into that category, WhiteSmoke will be an excellent option.

Quillbot: Runner-Up 

Quillbot is an online paraphrasing and editing tool that takes chunks of text and trims them down.

It also includes similar features to Grammarly, such as grammar, spelling, and plagiarism checkers.

Keep reading to learn how Quillbot stacks up to Grammarly.

Key Features of Quillbot

Quillbot is a deceptively simple online writing tool. It includes a lot of valuable features in a sleek, intuitive interface.

When you sign up for Quillbot, you’ll get the following key features:

  • Paraphrasing tool for briefer content
  • Plagiarism checker
  • Grammar and spell checking
  • Chrome and Word extensions
  • Research tools

All the tools listed above are contained within a simple interface that makes navigating Quillbot a breeze.

Grammarly vs. Quillbot: How They Compare

Grammarly and Quillbot each offer many of the same tools and even have a similar interface.

Both tools let you review and learn from your errors while helping you write high-quality content.

Not only that, but they each offer web extensions for Chrome to make web copy easier.

However, where Quillbot stands out is with its Word extension.

Simply add the extension to Microsoft Word, and Quillbot will be able to help you write.

Quillbot is also cheaper than Grammarly when you pay for the service annually.

Why Is Quillbot a Great Alternative to Grammarly?

Quillbot is an excellent alternative because it’s visually very similar and offers all the basics you’ll need.

If you’re making the switch from Grammarly to Quillbot, you’ll be able to adjust instantly due to the similarities.

And, of course, if you need to repurpose your content, the paraphrasing tool is crucial.

Pros of Quillbot

Quillbot is a useful tool that has a lot to offer. Here are a few of Quillbot’s best features.

  • Paraphrasing tool: Quilbot’s paraphrasing tool makes it easy to shorten content when brevity is your goal.
  • Citation generator: Citations are an integral part of research papers, but they take time to write. Quillbot creates them for you in seconds.
  • Fair pricing: Quillbot’s pricing is pretty budget-friendly compared to its competitors.
  • Multiple extensions: Not only does Quillbot have a Chrome extension, but it also has an extension for Microsoft Word.

Cons of Quillbot

Despite its superb features, Quillbot has a few cons.

Take a look at the following drawbacks to see if Quillbot is right for you.

  • Limited word counts: The paid version of Quillbot has a word count limit. You can only submit 10,000 words at a time for review to Quillbot.
  • Not as advanced as Grammarly: Quillbot lacks true writing assistant capabilities, making it functional for academic work but not so much for creative writing.
  • Spell checker inaccuracies: Quillbot’s spell checker tends to have more inaccuracies than its competitors. This drawback might lead to more extensive proofreading before you submit your content.

Quillbot Pricing

Quillbot only offers two plans. Its paid plan offers a limited selection of tools.

Its premium plan provides access to all of Quillbot’s tools. Its prices are as follows:

  • Annual: $8.33 per month ($99.95 per year)
  • Semi-Annual: $13.33 per month ($159.90 per year)
  • Monthly: $19.95 per month ($239.40 per year)

Can You Try Quillbot for Free?

You can use Quillbot’s free plan as much as you need.

However, you’ll only be able to paraphrase and edit the text in small chunks.

You’ll need to pony up for the paid version to get the full suite of tools.

Fortunately, Quillbot offers a 3-day money-back guarantee on its Premium plan.

If you’re unsatisfied or want to try another product, Quillbot will give you a full refund if you reach out within 72 hours.

Conclusion: Should You Choose Quillbot Over Grammarly?

Quillbot is worth a shot if you’re considering editing or repurposing old content, which is common on social media.

It also provides a plagiarism checker, making it easy for academic writers to avoid plagiarism issues.

So, if you want something to help with academic writing or short-form content, Quillbot is a great choice.

WordTune: Budget Pick 

WordTune is an editor, summarizer, and spell checker you can use as an extension or through the website.

WordTune is best known for its sentence rewriter, but it’s a powerful tool for writers who need some help putting their ideas into words.

Key Features of WordTune

WordTune offers several features that make it a great writing tool.

Specifically, you’ll be able to benefit from these features when using the service:

  • Paraphrasing and summarizing tools
  • Casual and formal tone options
  • Multiple extension options
  • Microsoft integration for use within Word
  • Content expansion to increase word counts

Grammarly vs. WordTune: How They Compare

Grammarly is a comprehensive tool that offers many of the same tools as WordTune.

However, Grammarly’s tool suite is more extensive than WordTune.

It provides more options for a wider variety of writing styles and tones.

However, WordTune won’t dig into your budget as much as Grammarly, which is why we feel it’s one of the best grammar checkers for users on a budget.

Its paraphrasing and extender tools make finetuning your content a breeze, and its sentence paraphrasing and extending tools allow you to create content that’s the perfect length.

Why Is WordTune a Great Alternative to Grammarly?

WordTune is a good Grammarly alternative because it offers many of the same tools for a lower price.

As a result, it’s perfect for content creators and other creative writers who want to ensure an easy, casual tone without the risk of sounding stiff.

WordTune is also a solid choice for freelance writers who need to meet specific word counts.

If you’re a writer who struggles with sentence length or structure, WordTune will ensure you’re getting your point across.

Pros of WordTune

WordTune has a range of features that have made it a popular choice among writers and businesses of all types.

Here’s a rundown of WordTune’s most notable pros and how they can help.

  • Sentence extender: A sentence extender is a tool that helps writers increase word counts without rambling or sounding too wordy.
  • Microsoft Word integration: WordTune’s Word integration allows Word users to check their content in real-time without pasting it into a browser or editor.
  • Cost-effective: WordTune offers plans that are less costly than Grammarly.

Cons of WordTune

WordTune doesn’t have many cons, but you should still take note of the following issues before making your purchase.

  • Better for casual tones: WordTune is better at creating casual-sounding content instead of formal.
  • Less effective spell checking: WordTune’s spell checker isn’t as good as Grammarly’s. It’s known to miss errors or provide inaccurate suggestions on occasion.
  • No plagiarism checker: WordTune doesn’t offer a plagiarism checker, which can make it difficult for academic writers to create researched content.

WordTune Pricing

WordTune offers three plans. It has a free plan that provides the basics, and Premium and Teams plans to suit individuals and groups.

Each paid plan provides a discount if you purchase a yearly plan instead of a monthly one.

  • Premium: $9.99 per month
  • Premium for Teams: Custom pricing

Can You Try WordTune for Free?

WordTune offers a free version you can test to see how you like the service.

However, the free plan is very limited.

Depending on your needs and writing niche, you might not get a good feel for everything WordTune can do.

There’s no option for a refund, so if you’re unsure if you want to keep the service, sign up for one month before committing to a yearly plan.

Conclusion: Should You Choose WordTune Over Grammarly?

WordTune is a suitable alternative to Grammarly that offers more trimmed-down features.

If you only need the basics without an extensive collection of writing tools, WordTune should be perfect.

It’s beneficial for users who mainly need to rephrase or repurpose content.

The Best Free Grammarly Options

The options listed above are some of the best grammar checkers you can find online.

However, you’ll need a paid plan to get the most out of each tool.

Fortunately, there are well-rounded free writing aids you can test out that won’t cost you a penny.

ProWritingAid

ProWritingAid is a high-powered free tool that writers turn to when they want to pick through their writing with a fine-toothed comb.

It provides insight into all aspects of writing.

In addition, you’ll have a grammar and spell checker, a detailed editor, and extensive resources to help improve your writing.

Why is ProWritingAid a Great Option?

Like Grammarly, ProWritingAid is designed for writers in all niches. Some of ProWritingAid’s best features are:

  • Distraction-free editing interface
  • Multiple integrations
  • Feedback on consistency
  • Detailed suggestions

ProWritingAid offers integrations for Chrome, Word, Safari, and more.

Its paid plan provides more options, of course, but it’s one of the best free writing aids on the market.

Drawback to ProWritingAid

Although ProWritingAid has a wealth of tools, it has some drawbacks.

The main disadvantage is the learning curve.

The editor has a lot to offer, but it can take some time to understand what each tool does. It also only offers one paid plan for all users.

Ginger

Ginger is an online writing aid available for Chrome, macOS, iOS, and Android.

It helps writers by checking grammar, paraphrasing, and providing plagiarism protection on all content.

It’s perfect for users who want to focus on polishing up their work by removing grammar and punctuation mistakes.

Why is Ginger a Great Option?

When comparing free online writing tools, Ginger has plenty going for it.

Specifically, Ginger provides the following features:

  • Multiple integrations and add-ins
  • Downloadable interface
  • Mobile applications

These features and many others are why you should consider giving Ginger a try.

Drawbacks to Ginger

The main drawback to Ginger is the free plan’s functionality.

It doesn’t offer much compared to other tools if you don’t pay for a paid plan.

Still, it provides a good picture of what Ginger can do for you and your writing.

Even better, its paid plans are affordable.

So, if you decide to take the next step and get a paid plan, you won’t have to spend much.

Notable Mentions: Other Alternatives to Grammarly

After testing several products, we found several options that worked well but offered less than our top choices.

We thought the following options were worth mentioning because they offer unique features and are inexpensive.

The main difference is that the options listed here don’t offer the same scope of feedback as the rest.

Hemingway App

The Hemingway Editor is a writing tool that helps writers edit their content for readability.

You can opt to use the Hemingway app on your desktop or use the web version.

It’s the ideal solution if you want to ensure you’re writing at a certain level.

For example, if you want to take content with a sixth-grade reading level down to a fourth-grade level, Hemingway can help.

Why is the Hemingway Editor a Great Option?

Hemingway is a great choice for writers who need to ensure their content is readable at all levels.

You’ll get feedback on sentence readability, passive voice, and adverbs.

In addition, Hemingway will suggest simpler alternatives.

Combining these features will help you write content that suits your audience perfectly.

Drawbacks to the Hemingway Editor

The Hemingway Editor offers very basic editing feedback.

In addition, it doesn’t provide grammar checks like the other options discussed in this article.

You also can’t save content online like you can in Grammarly and other apps.

Readable

Similar to Hemingway, Readable gives writers a tool to test their text’s readability.

It’s an online writing aid that provides essential editing services through the website.

The free tool on Readble’s site is limited, but the paid plans are affordable and well-stocked.

Why is Readable a Great Option?

Readable is a good choice for writers who want something more valuable than Hemingway, but more pared down than Grammarly or ProWritingAid.

It offers grade-level determinations based on multiple indexes and grammar and readability feedback.

Drawbacks to Readable

Readable has a few drawbacks you should bear in mind.

First, you can’t save multiple versions of the same content.

Instead, you must copy and paste each version into a new document.

Second, it doesn’t provide extensions like other aids.

Finally, despite using multiple reading level indexes, Readable doesn’t offer significant feedback in other areas, like grammar or spelling.

Sapling

Sapling is an online editor and messaging assistant that provides feedback for businesses and other customer-facing entities.

Its purpose is to help organizations interact with their clients and each other more clearly and professionally.

Why is Sapling a Great Option?

Businesses like Sapling because it’s designed for their needs.

It offers autocorrect options, conversational insights, and unlimited use on domains with paid plans.

In addition, its enterprise plan is robust enough to handle high business demands.

Another great feature is that you can add Sapling to Chrome, Word, Docs, and Outlook on all plans, including the free option.

Drawbacks to Sapling

The main drawback to Sapling is that you need to install the Sapling add-on to be able to use the web version.

So, if you were hoping to check Sapling out before committing, you won’t be able to.

Also, since it’s designed more for automated responses, you might not be satisfied if you’re looking for personalized options.

Even More Options To Check Out

If you want to expand your research a bit, take a look at these other options we found.

Each provides similar features to those listed above but with fewer features.

PaperRater

PaperRater is an online spelling and grammar checker that’s free for anyone to use.

All you have to do is go to the website and paste your text into the editor.

It also provides style suggestions to help smooth out your content.

PaperRater also runs plagiarism checks, which are invaluable in academic writing.

This writing tool is an excellent choice for high school or college students who need to run basic grammar checks without paying for a more comprehensive service.

Slick Write

Slick Write is another writing tool geared toward high school and college-level content.

When using Slick Write, you can either upload your documents or paste your work into the online editor.

Slick Write is available in the web browser and a web extension.

Chrome and Firefox users can install the add-on and have real-time functionality as they work.

What’s best is that you can use the built-in checklist to customize what the editor looks for.

Reverso

If you need translation services combined with editing help, Reverso is precisely what you’re looking for.

It provides a comprehensive suite of tools and will translate content to and from eighteen languages.

Reverso’s writing aid includes a vocabulary booster, synonym and analogy tool, and spell checker.

Combined, these tools are perfect for non-native speakers who need to flawlessly translate written content.

Other Alternative Roundups (Similar to Grammarly)

A fully stocked writing aid is crucial to improving your content writing.

However, there are a few other tools you should check out, too.

Whether you’re creating academic pieces or blog posts, the tools in the following roundups will be invaluable.

  • Copyscape Alternatives: Copyscape is a plagiarism checker that scans content and gives writers a plagiarism score. Our roundup of Copyscape alternatives will help you choose the right plagiarism tool for your type of content.
  • Jasper Alternatives: When you struggle to come up with content to write, AI content creators can help. Jasper is one of the most popular options, but we’ve created a roundup of Jasper alternatives you can use to get through your writer’s block.
  • Anyword Alternatives: Another popular AI copywriting tool is Anyword. It’s an AI writing solution for businesses who want to perfect ad copy and generate customer personas. If you need a tool that’ll help you create ad copy aimed at your customers, check out our roundup of Anyword alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you still curious about how a grammar check can work for you?

Here are the answers to a few common questions.

What is the best free grammar checker?

The best free grammar checker is ProWritingAid, but that could change from one writer to the next.

However, we feel Grammarly and WhiteSmoke tie for the best online grammar checkers.

Each provides a wealth of tools that ensure your content will shine.

Why is Grammarly so expensive?

One of Grammarly’s major drawbacks is its cost.

It has one of the highest costs for grammar checkers.

However, you get an extensive list of tools and access to professional editors if you need extra help.

If you want to try out Grammarly, you can use a Grammarly discount to save some money.

Wrapping Up

Grammar checkers and writing aids are excellent tools for writers who want to improve their skills and minimize writing time.

We feel WhiteSmoke is the best alternative to Grammarly due to its robustness and ease of use.

However, all of the options in this article are certain to meet your needs, so feel free to try them out and see which one is best for you.

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Copywriting: Definition, Types & Best Practices For 2022 https://bloggingtips.com/copywriting/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=copywriting https://bloggingtips.com/copywriting/#respond Wed, 12 Oct 2022 19:23:57 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=100736 Read more]]> If you’re looking at a career change, you might have considered entering the wonderful world of copywriting.

Copywriting probably sounds like a dream come true with many opportunities, plenty of needs, and a flexible schedule.

But before you make any life-changing decisions, you should stop and ask yourself: what is copywriting?

Do you really understand enough about the subject to make it your career?

Fortunately, you can learn all you need to know about copywriting here!

What Is Copywriting?

Copywriting is a specific type of writing that serves the world of advertising, marketing, sales, and other business-oriented fields.

Copywriting is any written content that has the express purpose of:

  • Raising brand awareness
  • Persuading an individual to action
  • Motivating sales
  • Initiating some direct response

Copywriting is used most often for marketing.

Difference Between Copywriting and Content Writing

There are many different types of content and content writing that some people might confuse with copywriting.

It’s essential to make a distinction between copywriting and content writing.

Copywriting aims to initiate some direct response from the consumer, such as the purchase of a product.

Content writing is broader, potentially covering any writing from website landing pages to magazine articles.

What Is the Purpose of Copywriting?

The purpose of copywriting is to get an individual or a group to take a specific action based on the information provided through the copy.

An excellent example is a carefully worded advertisement for a business that inspires an individual to check out the company and become a customer.

Copywriting’s primary purpose is to persuade an individual or a group to act.

Why Is Copywriting Important?

Copywriting plays a vital role in advertising and marketing for businesses.

One of the critical ways that certain brands communicate about themselves is through copywriting.  

Brands need copywriting because it’s an effective and efficient way to communicate to the public and raise awareness about their products, services, and other features.

Benefits of Copywriting

Copywriting serves as a great boon to businesses of various kinds.

There are some undeniable benefits of copywriting that are worth considering:

  • Copywriting can help drive sales
  • Copywriters can help companies to find their voice
  • Copywriting can increase search engine rankings
  • Copywriting gives your business a professional look
  • Copywriters can help you find new markets and sales avenues

Common Types of Copywriting

There are different kinds of copywriting content, from copywriting for blogs to SEO or social media copywriting.

Copywriting never takes one elemental form.

It can apply to different fields and take shape in various forms and varieties.

Let’s look at some basic types of copywriting that often appear on the market.

1. Copywriting for Blogs

Just like copywriting, there are many different types of blog content that you can explore.

Blogs are sometimes informational, and sometimes they have the intended purpose of making a sale.

Copywriting for blogs is intended to inspire sales, generate revenue, or garner more traffic for the blog host.

2. Marketing Copywriting

Have you ever heard that content is king?

Well, when it comes to marketing copywriting, that has more accurate than ever before.

The content you produce for marketing is an essential element of your entire business structure.

Marketing copywriting is one of the most common types of copywriting.

Marketing copywriting aims to generate revenue, sales, and awareness for your business, product, or service.

3. Public Relations Copywriting

Copywriting and public relations are not identical fields.

Although they have many similarities, some critical differences set them apart.

That being said, copywriting for public relations is integral to keeping up with the public and ensuring your business has a presence worldwide.

Public relations copywriting boosts the face of your business, service, or product.

What Types of Copywriting Are Most Popular?

There are many different types of copywriting that are increasingly popular.

In a world increasingly dependent on digital content, copywriting is more in demand than ever.

The most popular types of copywriting include:

  • Brand copywriting
  • Website copywriting
  • SEO copywriting
  • Blog copywriting
  • Email copywriting
  • Sales copywriting
  • Script copywriting (for videos)

Examples of Copywriting

There are a lot of great copywriting examples that you could point to for a better idea of what your copywriting should look like as a finished product.

Let’s take a quick look at three copywriting examples that communicate effectively and are worth remembering when it’s time to create your content.

1. Moosejaw

Check out this excellent copywriting example from Moosejaw for a better understanding of what good copywriting looks like.

This particular copywriting example is a great one to reference because it hits a few copywriting basics that are worth noting:

  • It’s short and to the point
  • There’s no fluff to speak of
  • It adds humor in a tasteful way
  • It incorporates graphics effectively

2. Trello

Check out the Trello website for another example of great copywriting.

Trello communicates effectively, incorporates essential visual elements, and tells the reader precisely what they are.

The main reason Trello serves as a great example is its website copy’s precise, concise nature.

It tells you what you need to know to use the product and how using the product can benefit you long-term.  

3. Duluth Trading Company

If you’ve never heard of Duluth Trading Company, check out their excellent website copy and learn from some of the best in the business.

The copy from Duluth Trading is suitable for a few reasons:

  • It communicates meaningfully to a specific demographic
  • It translates the company’s voice into every piece of copy
  • It focuses on things that are important to all communities

Copywriting Ideas & Inspiration

If you need some effective strategies for writing content or you’re looking for inspiration for your own copywriting, there are plenty of places to look.

Where To Find Ideas & Inspiration for Copywriting

The first step is checking out your favorite websites.

Examine their copy as a copywriter instead of a consumer to see where it ranks.

You can also do a generic search for excellent copywriting examples to find plenty of ideas and inspiration.

How Do I Get Into Copywriting?

Getting into copywriting is easy, especially with online tools and resources.

There are a few practical methods for getting into copywriting:

  • Take an online class from an expert
  • Examine copywriting examples
  • Begin marketing yourself to small local businesses

You should always begin by asking your friends if they need free copywriting to give you practice, experience, and the beginnings of a portfolio.

How To Start Copywriting

Copywriting consists of essential habits that can vary depending on your work style or personality.

Here is a quick overview of the process of copywriting.

  • Step 1: Research your topic
  • Step 2: Organize the information
  • Step 3: Write the copy
  • Step 4: Edit your work
  • Step 5: Review and Finalize

How To Start Copywriting

There are plenty of topics to write about when you start copywriting.

With these simple steps, you can get started on your copywriting journey and have the hang of it in no time.

Step 1: Research Your Topic

When you start copywriting, researching your topic is the first and most important thing to do.

You want good sources, plenty of accurate information, and different perspectives to sort through on your topic.

Step 2: Organize the Information

Take all the information you carefully researched and organize it sensibly.

The order of things will depend on your topic and your project.

Step 3: Write the Copy

Now you sit down to write the copy. You don’t have to worry about editing as you go.

You simply want to get all your thoughts and ideas down on paper in an organized fashion.

Step 4: Edit Your Work

Once you have your piece written, you can begin editing.

Start with big issues, like content in continuity or misapplied research.

Work your way down to smaller issues, like grammar and spelling.

You can always use an online grammar tool to make this process go much faster and to ensure accuracy.

Step 5: Review and Finalize

Your copy is tentatively complete once you get to the last step.

Reviewing it will determine if your copy is ready to send out or if it needs a few more edits and revisions.

Copywriting Best Practices

Let’s look at three best practices you should always remember when you’re ready to write your copy.

1. Avoid Fluff

Filling your content with unnecessary words is a sure way to lose the interest of your audience.

In addition to losing your audience’s attention, adding fluff or filler content will hurt your long-term SEO aspirations.

Make sure every sentence is compelling, meaningful, and concise.

2. Add Facts

You should absolutely include facts and figures in your copywriting whenever possible!

Adding appropriately sourced and relevant facts lend credibility to your copy.

Facts and figures prove to be invaluable regarding your relationship with the audience.

3. Always Listen

Make sure you’re in tune with the things your audience is communicating.

Listen to what they want to learn and what speaks to them.

This will improve your copy and your effectiveness as a copywriter.

Copywriting Tools To Save Time and Money

Tools for copywriting will help you save time and money in the long run, two essential resources you should always preserve when possible.  

What Is a Copywriting Tool?

Good copywriting tools include more than simple explanations on how to write a blog post.

Copywriting tools provide you with critical resources that improve your writing.

A great example of a copywriting tool is a writing assistant that helps you check your grammar, spelling, tone, and style.  

Our Favorite Copywriting Tools

Let’s look at some of the best copywriting tools available to you as a copywriter.

1. Jasper

Jasper.ai is ranked as one of the best copywriting tools that you can find.

It can help you curate original content faster than other content producers on the market and guarantees that your content will be accurate.

You’ll love Jasper.ai for its ease of use and original content.

2. AI Writing Software

AI Writing Software helps you generate content, saving time and improving the quality of your copywriting.

If you’re struggling to find inspiration for a topic, try using AI writing software to jumpstart the copywriting process.

You can find many software options to fit your budget and style.

3. Blog Post Template

Consider using a Blog Post Template to give yourself an easy way to follow a certain style or tone.

Templates are a great way to take some of the stress out of copywriting.

Blog post templates give you automatic access to the organizational part of copywriting.

Other Related Content Types To Check Out

Other content types are similar to copywriting yet have different structures or purposes.

  • Branded Content: An advertiser usually funds branded content to build brand awareness. Branded content links the brand with content that shares the brand value to create greater awareness and increase audience reach.
  • Social Media Content: Social media content consists of anything you might share on a social media platform, like Facebook or Twitter. Social media content is usually informational, humorous, or designed to produce empathy with an audience.  
  • Quality Content: Quality content is content that adds value to the reader without extra pomp and circumstance. Quality content is generally straight to the point, with an industry focus that captures the reader’s attention.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s take a quick look at some frequently asked questions concerning copywriting.

What qualifications do I need to be a copywriter?

You can start copywriting without qualifications if you have a lead on someone who needs a copy.

You can also practice creating your copy and using it as a portfolio to show potential clients.

Is copywriting hard to learn?

Copywriting is not hard to learn, but it does take a lot of practice and dedication to best practices.

Wrapping Up

Copywriting is a piece of writing, usually geared toward advertising or marketing, that is meant to compel an individual or group to take action.

Copywriting is an increasingly popular field, offering many opportunities for flexibility and personal autonomy.

The next time you’re browsing your favorite website or doing some online shopping, keep an eye out for the copywriting that those websites employ. You might just learn a thing or two.

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Branded Content: Definition, Types & Best Practices For 2022 https://bloggingtips.com/branded-content/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=branded-content https://bloggingtips.com/branded-content/#respond Wed, 12 Oct 2022 18:30:23 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=100724 Read more]]> There are all kinds of side hustles and non-conventional ways to earn a living these days.

With the online world constantly expanding, these opportunities are only growing.

So, where does branded content fit into this picture? Whether you’re a small business owner looking to increase your brand’s awareness or a writer looking for a new way to earn cash, branded content is worth checking out.

Let’s learn more about branded content!

What Is Branded Content?

There are so many different types of content on the Internet these days that it can seem impossible to keep them all straight.

Branded content sets itself apart by serving a specific purpose.

Branded content comes from an advertiser with the express purpose of building awareness for a particular brand.

Difference Between Branded Content and Sponsored Content

There is one key difference between branded content and sponsored content.

Although they have similar purposes and look nearly identical, their origins and audiences are different.  

Branded content is always produced in-house to reach the brand’s audience.

Sponsored content is created with an editorial team and reaches the publisher’s audience.

What Is the Purpose of Branded Content?

Branded content is critical to any content strategy.

Branded content engages the brand’s audience and builds awareness through positive interactions.

It should leave a good impression on the audience and encourage them to tell others about the experience.

Why Is Branded Content Important?

Perhaps you’ve heard someone tell you that content is king, and the more content you have, the better off you’ll be in the business world.

The truth is brands need branded content because branded content helps them:

  • Build a relationship with their audience
  • Maintain a good name in the business world
  • Generate engagement and customer loyalty

Benefits of Branded Content

Branded content has proven benefits.

Some studies show that 61% of consumers say they’re more likely to buy from brands that create their custom content.

With such a high percentage of buyers more likely to buy when branded content is involved, the primary benefit of branded content seems to be that it increases visibility and sales for a business, product, or service.

Common Types of Branded Content

There are plenty of things to write about when it comes to branded content.

It can take the shape of various content and mediums, including blog posts and podcasts.

Let’s look at the common types of branded content.

1. Blog Posts

You might stumble upon different types of blog content, but one of the most common forms of blog posts is branded content.

Blog posts are an easy and effective way for businesses to communicate, explain, inform, and encourage a customer base.

2. Infographics

One highly effective means of engaging with a customer base is through infographics.

This form of branded content allows customers the chance to understand visually, which is generally more appealing than reading walls of text.

Infographics are a great way to create interactive experiences with customers and draw them in with genuine interest.

3. Podcasts

Podcasts are not a recent development.

However, their popularity has spiked recently, especially for people looking for new channels to consume news.

Because they are highly accessible and often free, podcasts are an excellent way for brands to engage with customers and bring in new potential clients by covering fun and exciting topics.  

4. Webinars and Other Videos

Brands that use webinars, video shorts, and other types of videos to engage with their clientele benefit from the fact that people will almost always choose to watch videos that interest them rather than pick another medium.  

What Types of Branded Content Are Most Popular?

There are a few main types of branded content, each serving a specific purpose for the brand that produces it.

The first type serves a utility purpose, explaining something about using a product that the reader didn’t know before.

It can also take an educational bent, explaining the history behind something.

Another kind of branded content serves an inspirational purpose, explaining some story or event in detail to keep the consumer’s attention.

Finally, there’s a form of branded content intended to entertain, often as a challenge sponsored by the brand.

Examples of Branded Content

Each type of branded content shows up in various mediums across the internet.

Let’s take a quick look at three solid examples of thoughtful, interesting, and engaging branded content.

Educational Branded Content

One key way brands engage with current customers and bring in new consumers is through educational resources explaining aspects of their products or services.

This example shows how a deeper explanation of a specific product or service can get consumers interested enough to visit the brand for themselves.  

Inspirational Branded Content

Look at this article about a prodigy photographer sponsored by a camera company.

It tells the tale of a young man with skills and abilities that others his age lack.

The article serves as a great example of branded content because of the way it tells a human story that centers around a usable product.

EntertainmentBranded Content

Check out this branded content video that features a unique challenge with well-known influencers and sponsors by a movie that was coming out at the time.

This example is excellent branded content because it combines humor, recognizable faces, and a little bit of a shock factor that often draws people in.  

Where To Find Ideas & Inspiration for Branded Content

If you’re looking for ways to get into branded content, you might be curious about finding inspiration and ideas for where to begin.

Coming up with ideas on your own can be difficult and time-consuming.

Sometimes it’s worthwhile to look elsewhere for ideas.

You can use anything from resources on how to write a blog post to idea lists available online to get your creative juices flowing.

How Do I Get Branded Content?

If you’re wondering about getting access to branded content, that all depends on what you’re willing to spend and what products you want to promote.

You can hire specialists to create branded content for you or try it yourself.

You can also work with creators who might be willing to use your product and feature it themselves.

Process of Creating Branded Content

Creating branded content requires you to follow a few simple steps.

Let’s take a quick look at those steps now.

  1. Define your brand and audience
  2. Strategize your content
  3. Brainstorm for the best ideas
  4. Create authentic materials
  5. Review for storytelling
  6. Remember your audience and check for audience fit

How To Create Branded Content

Let’s take a more in-depth look at creating branded content to see how you can start making your own branded content right away.

1. Define Your Brand and Audience

While this step might seem obvious, it’s the first one because it’s the most critical step on your branded content journey.

To create compelling branded content, you must know what you’re selling and who you are selling to or engaging with; you’ll start on the right track if you take the time to define your brand and identify your audience.

Without a set audience, you’re not likely to be able to catch attention and your attempt at creating a brand will fail.

2. Strategize

Bring others in to help you create a branding strategy you can follow throughout your branded content adventure.

Use this time to determine your content campaign’s what, when, where, and why. You can use your strategy as a blueprint to guide the rest of your time.

A strategy also works as a plan so you don’t have to keep tabs on the next steps.

3. Brainstorm

Make ideas for content.

List everything that comes to mind without hesitation, even outrageous ideas.

You can always root out the bad ideas later.

It’s a good idea to look at examples of branded content during this stage.

Seeing what others have done will help you know what to do to engage your audience.

If your niche is relatively new, look at similar content, even if it’s not exactly what you are trying to create.

4. Create Authentic Materials

Now it’s time to start creating, but be aware of how you go about it.

You want to ensure that your content is authentic to the definitions you began with at step one.

Ensure that the materials you create align with who you are, what your product or service does, and what your audience wants to see.

Avoid copying successful content creators.

Not only will this detract from your personal appeal, but it may also put off potential consumers who may feel cheated.

5. Review for Storytelling

Examine your created content for storytelling.

Telling a story with your content is one of the key ways that you’ll engage with your audience and help them connect with your content.

If your content is not telling a story, it will be very hard for your audience to identify with it.

You need to tell your story, rather than simply educate or entertain.

6. Remember Your Audience

Before you publish your content, remember your audience.

Does your content communicate with your intended audience?

Does it solve a problem for them or provide a needed service?

Without a set audience, you’ll fail because of the high competitiveness of branded content online.

Best Practices for Branded Content

Now that you know a little bit more about creating branded content, you might wonder if there are any universal standards to follow.

You can always adhere to a few standard best practices when creating branded content to ensure that you make the best message possible for your product.

1. Show

You might have heard the expression that you should always show in your content instead of telling.

It’s true for any writing or creating, especially for branded content.

You want your content to communicate with your audience, not simply state facts or figures.

Use engaging language and avoid passive attitudes.

2. Use Characters

Using characters that can identify as or personify your brand and your core values is a great way to engage with consumers.

Characters are personable, relatable, and easily accessible to people of all ages and demographics.

It’s advantageous if you use real people!

3. Be Honest

Your consumer base wants to know who you are.

They want to know they can trust you and feel good about working with you.

When you have a brand built on family values, let your audience know.

If you love your community and industriousness, use that to connect with your audience.

Branded Content Tools To Save Time and Money

One of the best things you can do to create branded content is to invest in tools and resources that will save you time and money.

Spending a little money on tools that ultimately free your time and make your life easier is a great way to expedite content creation.

What Is Branded Content Tool?

Branded content tools are anything that helps you create, manage, produce, refine, or publish your content.

Tools might include anything from an online grammar tool to an idea-generating website that inspires ideas and gets your content flowing.  

Our Favorite Branded Content Tools

There are many options out there for tools you can use to refine your process and make content production more efficient.

Here are some of our favorite branded content tools you can check out for yourself!

1. Brand Story Generator

Brand story generators will help you brainstorm ideas and write unique content that fits your message and brand goals.

It’s easy to waste time coming up with ideas; brand story generators can help.  

2. Professional Instagram Accounts

Professional Instagram Accounts allow for branded content and help you create it! You can access a vast world of ideas that might not be available otherwise.

3. Podcast Software

Podcast Software is an excellent tool for anyone looking to get into podcasts or looking to expand the podcast they already have.

Other Related Content Types to Check Out

Lots of content resembles branded content, with slight differences that are worth noting:

  • Social Media Content: social media content appears on social media platforms. It can be branded content or not, depending on the context.
  • Ultimate Guides: ultimate guides give lots of information condensed in one place. They provide answers without necessarily associating with any brands.
  • Blog Post Template: if you need a sure way to create great blogs every time, you can do that with a template that helps guide you through the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now that you know more about branded content let’s take a quick look at some frequently asked questions.

What is branded content on social media?

Any post on social media that features a third-party product is considered branded content.

What is TikTok branded content?

Any content that promotes goods or services on TikTok is considered branded content.

Wrapping Up

Branded content is a crucial piece of marketing or advertising for any brand looking to build its client base and a good reputation within an industry.

You can engage with your audience deeper when you invest in branded content, and you can simultaneously increase your brand awareness.

Branded content can take many forms across various media.

You can always find branded content that fits your needs.

Why not get started today?  

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Best Ahrefs Alternatives: 9+ Options [Ranked & Reviewed] https://bloggingtips.com/ahrefs-alternatives/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ahrefs-alternatives https://bloggingtips.com/ahrefs-alternatives/#respond Wed, 12 Oct 2022 17:00:17 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=100697 Read more]]> Do you want to improve your blog’s position in search results?

Before you invest in a tool, look at some Ahrefs alternatives.

Ahrefs may have all the features you need, but you might not like the interface.

What’s more, it could be too expensive for you.

Fortunately, you can still research SEO metrics and track your progress.

Read on to learn about the best Ahrefs alternatives to help select the best tool for your business.

The Best Ahrefs Alternatives at a Glance

Search engine optimization (SEO) is an essential part of starting or growing a blog or website.

If you want to do it the right way, you may have considered using Ahrefs. However, it’s expensive, and some alternatives might meet your needs better.

What Is the Best Alternative to Ahrefs?

Semrush is the best alternative to Ahrefs. It has many of the same features, so you can get similar results from both tools.

What Is the Best Free Alternative to Ahrefs?

Ubersuggest is the best free alternative to Ahrefs.

It gives you data on keywords to help you optimize your blog posts and cover the best topics.

If you want even more features, there’s a paid version.

An Overview of Ahrefs

Ahrefs is one of the most popular SEO and keyword research platforms.

It provides you with tons of data and insight into how to rank higher on search engines to get more traffic.

What Is Ahrefs?

Ahrefs is an excellent platform you can use to do SEO research for your blog.

The tool can help you audit your website to see how you can improve it.

You also get to learn about your competitors so you can rank higher than them and get more people to your website.

Where Does Ahrefs Excel?

Ahrefs is excellent at analyzing websites, both yours and your competitors.

It’s easy to use and understand what you see on your dashboard.

Plus, you can use Ahrefs Webmaster Tools for free to get limited access to some of its premium features.

Where Does Ahrefs Fall Short?

Unfortunately, the Ahrefs customer support team can take a while to respond, and it isn’t always helpful.

They may also upcharge you without warning, and some of the data isn’t the most accurate.

Of course, the high price is another turn-off for many Ahrefs review writers.

Best Ahrefs Alternatives: Our Top 3 Options [Ranked & Reviewed]

Whether you need basic data or enterprise-level SEO information, you want to choose the best tool for you.

In some cases, Ahrefs is the perfect choice.

However, bloggers and business owners should look into some Ahrefs alternatives.

Even if you love Ahrefs, you never know when you’ll want a change.

Whether you want extra features or to save some money, other tools can work just as well.

And if you’re new to SEO tools, you can compare your options before committing to one.

Consider everything from the features to the pricing and the interface of the various tools.

Then, you’ll be able to select the platform you like the best.

Semrush: Our Pick

Semrush is a fantastic alternative to Ahrefs, thanks to many of its features.

You can use it to do SEO research, competitor research, and prepare pay-per-click (PPC) ad campaigns.

It’s also useful for general content marketing and social media content.

While it’s not identical to Ahrefs, it’s probably the closest alternative on the market.

If you find Ahrefs isn’t for you, try Semrush next to see if it suits your needs.

Key Features of Semrush

Before you invest in Semrush, consider some of its best features.

The tool offers more than these key things, but they’re a good place to start.

Consider how you can make the most of the following:

  • SEO: Semrush offers SEO audits and backlink trackers, and it can help you find millions of keywords to use.
  • Content Marketing: Use the tool to learn how to create SEO content and improve your existing content to rank higher in search results.
  • Market Research: Get data on any website’s traffic and learn how your competitors promote their websites.
  • Advertising: Choose better PPC keywords and optimize your ads to make the most of your advertising budget.
  • Agency Solutions: If you have an agency, use Semrush to manage your clients’ reports and share progress with them.

Ahrefs vs. Semrush: How They Compare

Semrush and Ahrefs are two of the most popular premium SEO platforms.

You can use either tool to research keywords and review your competitors’ strategies.

While Ahrefs focuses on SEO, Semrush offers other digital marketing tools, such as those for social media and content marketing to help you grow your business online.

Why Is Semrush a Great Alternative to Ahrefs?

Semrush is an amazing Ahrefs alternative due to its range of features.

It includes many of the same things you can get with an Ahrefs subscription.

However, you get even more tools to use for your digital marketing campaigns.

While Semrush costs a bit more, the price increase can be well worth it.

Pros of Semrush

  • Free Version: If you want to try Semrush, you don’t have to pay right away to use some of the features, though there are limits.
  • Comprehensive Tools: You can use Semrush for more than just SEO, so you can grow your entire business.
  • Easy To Set Up: When you first use Semrush, the tool doesn’t take long to set up, so you can start tracking SEO and other data.

Cons of Semrush

  • Expensive: Aside from the free version, all the premium plans cost a lot of money, even with the annual payment discount.
  • Feature Changes: Semrush will occasionally change the available tools, so you might lose something you rely on.
  • Login Limits: If you have a team, you can’t all log into your Semrush account at once, so you need to coordinate with each other.

Semrush Pricing

Here’s a breakdown of Semrush pricing:

  • Free: $0 with limited access to analytics reports and other features
  • Pro: $119.95 per month or $99.95 per month with annual billing
  • Guru: $229.95 per month or $191.62 per month with annual billing
  • Business: $449.95 per month or $374.95 per month with annual billing

Can You Try Semrush for Free?

You can test try Semrush for free with their free trial to see if you like all the premium features.

If you need more time to decide if the tool is right for you, use the free version.

While it has some limits, you can use it for as long as you like before upgrading.

Conclusion: Should You Choose Semrush Over Ahrefs?

You should choose Semrush over Ahrefs if you want a more comprehensive digital marketing tool.

Semrush comes with everything from SEO data to advertising tools to help you grow.

On the other hand, you should choose Ahrefs if you want to save a bit of money.

Ahrefs is also better if you want to stick to SEO strategies.

Moz Pro: Runner-Up

Moz Pro is yet another excellent tool to help you do SEO research.

You can figure out what keywords are getting you the most traffic so you can choose similar keywords to target.

The tool also helps you stay on top of SEO rankings.

Use Moz Pro to audit your site or find and fix SEO issues.

You can even find opportunities to get backlinks to help build your SEO credibility.

Key Features of Moz Pro

If you want to use Moz Pro, you should know about some of the major features.

Then, you can determine if the tool suits your needs.

Here are some functions that you can enjoy if you use Moz Pro:

  • Keyword Explorer: Learn what keywords get searches and aren’t too difficult to rank for, and track those keywords over time.
  • Rank Tracking: See how far up in search results you rank for specific keywords and learn how you can improve.
  • Site Crawl: Discover issues with your site that keep search engines from ranking pages and posts.
  • Link Explorer: Learn where to get more backlinks and stay ahead of what your competitors do to get those links.
  • Custom Reports: Drag and drop elements into reports that you can view as PDFs and share with your team or clients.

Ahrefs vs. Moz Pro: How They Compare

Ahrefs and Moz Pro are very similar and have almost the same set of features.

You can audit your site, find keywords, and look for backlinks.

Moz Pro offers more custom reports than Ahrefs, and it has a long free trial for you to test all the features.

Why Is Moz Pro a Great Alternative to Ahrefs?

Moz Pro has many of the same features as Ahrefs.

It also has some unique functions, from reports to on-page optimization.

It’s an excellent tool if you want to grow your blog but don’t like the interface of Ahrefs.

Pros of Moz Pro

  • Easy To Use: Moz Pro is great for beginners and advanced SEO professionals who need to track a lot of data.
  • Comprehensive Tool: You don’t need to use multiple tools to get all the SEO metrics you want to monitor.
  • Website Crawling: It can detect duplicate content, so you can take care of any websites that are copying you and affecting your rankings.

Cons of Moz Pro

  • Expensive: Moz Pro costs just as much as Ahrefs for its most basic plan, and its higher tiers cost even more.
  • Poor Customer Service: They only offer customer support through email, and it’s not the most helpful.
  • Not for International Use: The keyword tool works for US data but not internationally, so it’s not ideal.

Moz Pro Pricing

Here’s a breakdown of Moz Pro’s pricing:

  • Standard: $99 per month or $79 per month with annual billing
  • Medium: $179 per month or $143 per month with annual billing
  • Large: $299 per month or $239 per month with annual billing
  • Premium: $599 per month or $479 per month with annual billing

Can You Try Moz Pro for Free?

You can try Moz Pro for 30 days with a free trial.

The trial is for the Medium plan, but they don’t offer trials for the other tiers.

Sadly, you do need to enter a credit card, so you’ll want to track your calendar if you want to cancel before they bill you.

Conclusion: Should You Choose Moz Pro Over Ahrefs?

You should choose Moz Pro over Ahrefs if you prefer the interface and functions.

However, you should choose Ahrefs if you prefer its dashboard.

The features are almost identical between the two platforms.

SE Ranking: Budget Pick

SE Ranking is another amazing SEO tool, though it’s not as popular as some.

You can use it to track your rankings and find organic and paid keywords to use.

It can audit your website to find top-performing keywords and monitor backlinks.

The tool monitors your website or that of your competitors.

Then, you can learn what you need to do to stay near the top of search results.

Key Features of SE Ranking

One of the most significant aspects of Ahrefs alternatives is the features.

Consider what you can get from using SE Ranking.

That can help you decide if this tool is the ideal option for your content.

  • Keyword Rank Tracking: Learn where you’re ranking for different keywords and track the data by country or city.
  • Competitive Research: Learn what keywords your competitors use for SEO and PPC marketing campaigns.
  • Website Audit: Learn about on-page and off-page issues and how to fix them to improve your rankings.
  • Backlink Monitoring: Find and monitor backlinks to your website and learn about the value of each link.
  • Marketing Plan: Create an SEO checklist and custom goals to help market your business online.

Ahrefs vs. SE Ranking: How They Compare

Ahrefs and SE Ranking have many of the same features to help you with SEO.

You can audit your site and find the right keywords to use.

However, the interface of each platform differs, so one might be easier for you than the other.

If possible, try both tools at the same time to get the best comparison.

Why Is SE Ranking a Great Alternative to Ahrefs?

SE Ranking is a suitable alternative to Ahrefs because it’s more affordable.

You still get a lot of excellent features but don’t have to pay as much.

If you want to start using SEO tools, this is a good place to start, and you can switch to Ahrefs later if you choose.

However, you can upgrade your SE Ranking plan for more features if you prefer.

Pros of SE Ranking

  • Affordable: Compared to similar tools, SE Ranking is very affordable whether you pay monthly or yearly.
  • Tutorials and Lessons: You can use tutorials from the platform to learn how to make the most of your account.
  • User-Friendly: The dashboard is easy to use for the most part, so you can get used to it quickly.

Cons of SE Ranking

  • Complicated Navigation: Some of the navigation isn’t the most intuitive, so getting from page to page takes practice.
  • Not the Most Accurate: You might need to cross-check some data with other SEO tools to ensure the numbers are correct.
  • Overwhelming: For a beginner, some pages can be overwhelming since they show a lot of data.

SE Ranking Pricing

SE Ranking’s pricing is as follows:

  • Essential: $23.52 to $49 per month, depending on billing frequency and rankings check frequency
  • Pro: $52.32 to $109 per month, depending on billing frequency and rankings check frequency
  • Business: $114.72 to $239 per month, depending on billing frequency and rankings check frequency

Can You Try SE Ranking for Free?

You can try SE Ranking with their two-week free trial.

The tool won’t ask for your credit card, so you can test the premium features with no risk.

If you want to continue after the trial, you can add your card details to pay for a plan.

Conclusion: Should You Choose SE Ranking Over Ahrefs?

You should choose SE Ranking over Ahrefs if you’re on a tight budget.

The plans are very flexible based on how often you plan to use the tool.

However, Ahrefs doesn’t have strict usage limits, so it can be a high-quality option if you have the funds.

The Best Free Ahrefs Options

Maybe you like the idea of Ahrefs and its alternatives, but you don’t have any money.

If you want to keep your costs low, you should look at some free tools.

Then, you can still research keywords and other SEO data.

These tools may not be as comprehensive, but they’re useful if you want to save money.

Consider the following free tools before you invest in Ahrefs or another expensive platform.

And even if you do pay, you can use these to supplement your SEO research.

Ubersuggest

Ubersuggest is a free tool that can give you a lot of insight into keywords.

You start by entering a keyword or domain.

If you enter your domain, you can see some of the SEO data on your site, or you can search for a keyword to learn more about its stats.

Why Is Ubersuggest a Great Option?

Ubersuggest is an excellent option because you can use it for free without an account.

If you want more data, you can start a seven-day free trial.

Then, you can get more information and more daily searches to help with SEO.

Drawbacks to Ubersuggest

The free version only gives you three daily searches.

If you want a full report, you need to pay $29 to $99 per month for a paid plan.

At that point, you may want to use a more comprehensive platform so you can get even more data.

Google Trends

Another free tool to use is Google Trends.

You can search for a keyword or topic, and it will show you the amount of interest over the past year.

Compare multiple topics to help decide between niches or keywords to use, and learn about related keywords.

Why Is Google Trends a Great Option?

Google Trends is an excellent option because it’s free to use.

You can search for as many different topics as you want and compare and contrast your options.

The results also show you what other topics are gaining popularity that you can write about on your blog.

Drawbacks to Google Trends

Unfortunately, Google Trends only tracks keywords.

You can’t connect your website, though you can do so with Google Analytics or Google Search Console.

Also, you can’t easily export the data to save for later, but you can come back to the Google Trends page.

Notable Mentions: Other Alternatives to Ahrefs

Maybe you don’t need free SEO tools, but you still want other options.

Fortunately, you can find a ton of Ahrefs alternatives.

If the most popular alternatives don’t meet your needs, don’t stop there.

Some tools in this category have fewer features than Ahrefs.

They can also be more affordable or better for beginners.

Be sure to think about what you need from an SEO program and if affordable, basic tools might work well.

Consider the following tools to help decide which one to use for your blog or business.

You can use them alone or with each other.

LongTailPro

LongTailPro is an excellent tool for finding keywords for your website.

You can start with a keyword search for free, so you can try it before you sign up.

Of course, to get even more benefits, you’ll want to create an account and choose a paid plan.

Why Is LongTailPro a Great Option?

LongTailPro is an excellent choice because it’s affordable and focuses on keywords.

Other tools offer more data, but that can be overwhelming.

If you just want to find keywords to use in your blog posts, this tool is perfect and can help you save money.

Drawbacks to LongTailPro

You won’t get as many features with this tool as Ahrefs.

As you advance your SEO knowledge, you might choose to switch tools.

But that can be difficult, and you may lose your data.

LongTailPro can work for now, but it’s not necessarily the best tool to use long-term.

Serpstat

Another alternative to try is Serpstat.

It has a few plans you can choose from to get enough data and usage for your business.

You can enter a keyword, domain, or URL to get insight into how certain pages rank in search and in what country they perform the best.

Why Is Serpstat a Great Option?

Serpstat is a suitable option thanks to its full suite of SEO tools.

You can research keywords, track your competitors, and audit your site.

It also tracks the rankings of your various blog posts, and you can use the tool with a team.

The platform isn’t the most well-known, but you can still get a lot out of it.

Drawbacks to Serpstat

Serpstat isn’t as common as Ahrefs, and it can also experience glitches.

The tool can be slow, which users find frustrating.

And if you ever need help, customer support isn’t very helpful or understanding of your issues.

Finally, some of the data isn’t up to date, and that could hurt your SEO rankings if you rely on the tool.

BuzzSumo

BuzzSumo claims to be a content marketing tool that can help you find content ideas.

It lets you search for keywords for free from the home page.

You can even create a free account for some basic searches, but you’ll need to pay if you want more searches or advanced insights.

Why Is BuzzSumo a Great Option?

BuzzSumo is an amazing option because you can use it for free.

While the plan has limits, the paid plans offer more features and aren’t the most expensive.

You can get a lot out of the free version if you space out your SEO research over time.

Drawbacks to BuzzSumo

Many of the premium plans are quite expensive.

It can also be hard to filter out certain results when you’re doing keyword research.

Another downside is that it’s more literal and less semantic, so it doesn’t understand how some people use search engines.

Even More Options To Check Out

Maybe you’ve gone through all of the Ahrefs alternatives so far.

You’ve done the free trials or even paid for a month of a tool or two.

But you’ve found that the tools aren’t perfect for you and your workflow.

Learn more about the following options.

Majestic

Majestic is the perfect tool if you want to focus on backlinks as part of your SEO strategy.

While you can’t use it to research keywords, you can learn a lot about your site.

It’s also useful for learning about your competitors and their backlinks.

Then, you can decide where to get more backlinks to gain more authority.

That can help you get more organic traffic.

Mangools

You can use Mangools to find keywords, monitor search engine rankings, and more.

It’s easy to use and has a support team that understands SEO.

So if you ever have any questions, you can get the help you need.

The tool is affordable, and you can save even more with annual payments.

Compared to other cheap tools, this one has a lot of excellent features.

Monitor Backlinks

As the name suggests, you use Monitor Backlinks to track links to your site.

It can tell you about good and bad backlinks.

Bad links can harm your SEO rankings, so you can contact the owners of those sites and ask to remove the links to your blog.

You can manage one domain or more, so it’s great for bloggers and agencies.

Sadly, it doesn’t offer many other SEO features that Ahrefs has, so it’s not perfect.

Other Alternative Roundups (Similar to Ahrefs)

If you want to learn about even more tools, consider these Ahrefs alternatives.

Considering all your options can help you select the best tool to help you reach your blogging and business goals.

  • Semrush Alternatives: Semrush is another fantastic SEO tool, and there are just as many Semrush alternatives on the market. Check out a roundup of these products if you don’t like Ahrefs.
  • Clearscope Alternatives: Clearscope is an SEO writing tool, so it’s not a direct comparison. If you want more help with keywords and blog writing, check out alternatives to Clearscope.
  • Ubersuggest Alternatives: Ubersuggest is a free alternative to Ahrefs, so consider some other alternatives to the tool if you want to save money. Then, you can get the best deal and do SEO research.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing from the best Ahrefs alternatives is a big decision.

Consider the following questions to help make your choice.

Is there a free version of Ahrefs?

Ahrefs offers Ahrefs Webmaster Tools for free.

You can use it to monitor your SEO health, check for backlinks, and review keywords that bring you the most traffic.

That way, you can improve your rankings.

Is Semrush better than Ahrefs?

Semrush is better for Ahrefs in that it’s more comprehensive.

However, that can be overwhelming to beginners, and it’s more expensive.

Try both tools for yourself to see which you prefer to use.

Wrapping Up

Ahrefs is an excellent SEO tool for many blogs and websites.

However, it’s not cheap, and it doesn’t have as many features as some competitors.

If you want to get the best results from SEO for your website, look at Ahrefs alternatives.

You might still decide to use Ahrefs, but you’ll do so knowing it’s the best choice for you.

Then, you won’t waste a ton of time or money on various tools that don’t work.

To help start your search, consider Semrush, Moz Pro, and SE Ranking.

After that, you can move on to free tools or other affordable options.

Once you go through a few free trials, compare the platforms.

Think about how you work best to help select the tool you’ll use in the future.

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Case Study: Definition, Types & Best Practices For 2022 https://bloggingtips.com/case-study/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=case-study https://bloggingtips.com/case-study/#respond Tue, 11 Oct 2022 22:05:27 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=100561 Read more]]> Case studies can be a complex topic for many readers, but many researchers may find them informative and helpful.

A case study can explain and examine why something happens, how people or animals behave, and how the natural world reacts to specific situations or developments.

Read on to learn more about what case studies are and how to write one.

What Is a Case Study?

A case study is an examination of any one topic that uses scientific methods to come to a conclusion within a real-world context.

Case studies are one of many types of content and cover complicated or complex situations, including groups, communities, and individual people.

Difference Between a Case Study and Testimonial

A case study is different from a testimonial since it will have scientific evidence and information.

Case studies are often replicable, and the results should be easy to reproduce for readers who want firsthand accounts of the claim.

What Is the Purpose of Case Studies?

The purpose of a case study is to explain something, demonstrate how something works, or use scientific evidence to support a claim.

For example, someone may use data collected through observation and experimentation on a specific group of people to make a claim in a case study.

Case studies may help others understand challenging concepts and how they apply to your life.

Why Are Case Studies Important?

Case studies can explain how or why people or animals act.

For example, a case study on the effects of artificial dyes on dogs might explain why canines that consistently eat these dyes are more sickly or hypersensitive than their dye-free counterparts.

This information can help people make more informed decisions about a dog’s health, life, and wellness.

Benefits of Case Studies

There are many benefits to case studies.

In particular, they can expand on an idea or speculation and help people live healthier, understand the world, and make better choices.

That also makes case studies some of the most effective types of blog content

Common Types of Case Studies

There are many case study types, from health and wellness to animals, pets, and science.

Some may try to explain the relationship between two things, while others may explore why something exists.

1. Descriptive Case Studies

Descriptive case studies focus on the small details of a topic.

These case studies often home in on a niche question many may not ask and aim to expand on the topic with as much detail as possible.

2. Explanatory Case Studies

Explanatory case studies usually revolve around why things happen or how things happen.

They will seek to explain an already existing condition.

A researcher may not need to do much more than observe when crafting an explanatory case study.

Moreover, such a case study may need little intervention from scientists and researchers.

3. Exploratory Case Studies

Exploratory case studies answer what is happening and who is making it happen.

An exploratory case study looks at capturing data and includes plenty of firsthand information from participants in the study.

This type of case study may explore Earth science topics, often asking what happens to the Earth when another condition is added.

4. Intrinsic Case Studies

An intrinsic case study will discuss specific instances or news events.

It might also focus on an organization, person, or group in which researchers will dive deep into who they are, why they are crucial, and what they’ve done to garner interest.

What Types of Case Studies Are Most Popular?

Intrinsic case studies are the most popular, but exploratory and explanatory case studies follow closely behind.

They often generate the most interest since they address why something is happening, how something happens, and what has happened.

Examples of Case Studies

There are thousands of examples of iconic case studies that you have probably already heard of and are familiar with, but you may not realize they are case studies.

1. Descriptive Case Study

One example of a descriptive case study would be a precise, highly detailed examination of the Watergate scandal’s aftermath.

A descriptive case study would dive into every minor detail, ask rigorous questions, and meticulously analyze propositions within the study.

2. Explanatory Case Study

Explanatory case studies usually focus on explaining how or why.

For instance, an explanatory case study might delve into why a type of minivan has high crash rates.

3. Exploratory Case Study

An example of an exploratory case study could be the impact of a pet dog on alleviating human PTSD symptoms.

This case study would focus on detailing why a dog is introduced to someone with PTSD and what happens when that occurs, it would then examine the results of this interpersonal relationship.

4. Intrinsic Case study

Intrinsic case studies are the most common since they examine something that has happened, with a person, group, or organization at the front and center of the story.

For instance, Jean Piaget developed theories on cognitive development by observing his children.

Where To Find Ideas & Inspiration for Case Studies

Inspiration for a case study can be found anywhere.

Even a single question can lead you to a more comprehensive case study.

Asking why, how, what, and who are ideal questions to find a good case study for your blog, podcast, or social media platform.

Brainstorming inspiration for your next case study can be simple when you look around with a critical eye.

Consider keeping a log of your questions as one of your strategy types for content creation.

How Do I Get Case Studies

You can view case studies online to get inspiration from others.

Some of the most reliable resources for case studies are Harvard, Stanford, and other accredited institutions.

Process of Writing a Case Study

The process of writing a case study will start with a question and end with a list of data or results you can use to back up your claim.

Content is King so you’ll need to back up claims with data and authoritative sources.

1. Ask a Question

Figuring out what to write about can be challenging, but a case study usually starts with some kind of question.

Start by asking yourself prompts to guide the focus of your case study.

2. Decide Your Case Study Type

Decide what type of case study you want to follow.

For instance, will your case study benefit from a methodic descriptive approach or will it need to be exploratory as a precursor to more thorough research or investigation?

3. Research

A credible case study needs to be supported by authoritative research.

You’ll need to back up your claims to ensure you address the focus of your case factually and accurately.

4. Produce Results

Record all results from your research, such as testimonials, firsthand accounts, and physical evidence from replicable scientific experimentation.

How To Write a Case Study

Writing a case study will mean addressing questions, compiling data, creating graphics, and backing up your claims.

1. Collect and Compile Data

The first step when writing a case study is to compile all the data you have collected.

That may include interviews, scientific experimentation, and other evidence.

2. Choose Your Format

Consider which format may be the best for your case study. Some of the best options are blog posts, podcasts, or videos.

Learning how to write a blog post may help you broaden your range and enable you to reach a larger audience with your findings.

3. Create Infographics

Create graphics, tables, and other visual content that can showcase your results and data.

Visual delivery of information can make complex topics more engaging and digestible.

4. Make Your Claim and Back It Up

You’ll need to clearly articulate your position and back it up with logic tied to your scientific evidence or interviews.

Best Practices for Case Studies

There are some things you can do to boost how well your case study comes out and encourage readers to the content.

These best practices and tips for blogging can help draw in readers.

Be Specific

When you write your case study, you’ll need to focus on offering specific information.

Taking this approach might involve paying attention to the small details in your topic, but it will also apply to any numerical values in your case study.

Try not to round up or down when discussing numbers, and use specific dates wherever it’s applicable in your piece, such as addressing the time and date of an event.

Stay Succinct

Of course, you’ll want to be specific with your information.

However, you need to avoid veering off-topic or including fluff or other auxiliary information.

Instead, hone in on what you’re discussing and be succinct.

Consider carefully what information your case study needs to ensure you are adding precise and valuable information.

Offer Content in Multiple Formats

You’ll want to offer your case study in a variety of formats to ensure that it gets to the widest possible audience.

If applicable, consider sharing your case study through blog posts, videos, or social media platforms.

Case Study Tools To Save Time and Money

Several tools exist to help check your grammar and even develop content for your case study.

What Is a Case Study Tool?

A case study tool is anything that could enhance your work, such as identifying issues with your formatting and punctuation.

Other tools are driven by machine-learning AI, which can generate new content for your case study.

Our Favorite Case Study Tools

Read on to learn which of these tools could benefit your case study and give you all the support you want to give it a professional tone.

Whether you are looking for the best format, writing software, or grammar-proofing technology, these suggestions can be valuable aids for your case study writing.

1. Blog Formats

Blog format may be the best suited to showcasing a case study.

They are ideal for most case studies, especially those that use numerical value and explain why or how something happens.

However, some case studies will benefit from having a different format.

2. AI Writing Software

AI writing software can be the perfect companion to your case writing.

These tools use machine learning to power their AI.

You input keywords into an AI writing software tool, which then generates content ideas and more to help you develop your work.

Some AI writing software tools might be able to predict what experiments you’ve run and what you are about to type, making them perfect for assisting with clarity.

3. Grammar Checkers

Grammar checkers will ensure that your writing is clean, clear, and makes sense.

These kinds of programs are optimized to deliver a final product that has the highest quality content possible.

Grammar checkers will pick up on typos, poor syntax, and incorrect sentence structure.

Other Related Content Types To Check Out

Consider these other types of content you can use to give additional depth to your case study and make your work more professional, thorough, and engaging:

  • Evergreen Content: Offers consistently new and fresh content. As the name suggests, evergreen content is not dated and is constantly relevant.
  • Quality Content: Anything laden with value, which has application to several types of case studies.
  • Infographic: A graphical-based visual component used to make data, statistics, and complex information easier to digest.

Frequently Asked Questions

These questions may come up often when explaining what a case study is and how they apply to the world.

How would you explain a case study to a child?

Explaining a case study to a child may be challenging, but it can be easily addressed as an explanation of why or how something happens.

What is another word for a case study?

Other terms for the phrase ‘case study’ may include recording or research.

These phrases have similar meanings, although the term “case study” will be broader.

Wrapping Up

Writing a case study may be challenging, but there are some ways to make it easier and help you share your case study with the world.

Make sure you research your claim and ensure that you compare your work to that of other case studies from reputable sources on the internet.

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User-Generated Content: Definition, Types and Best Practices For 2022 https://bloggingtips.com/user-generated-content/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=user-generated-content https://bloggingtips.com/user-generated-content/#respond Tue, 11 Oct 2022 11:34:34 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=100414 Read more]]> As a consumer, brand, and business person, you know the benefit of user-generated content.

Whether it’s an unboxing video or customer review, user-generated content, or UGC, is a crucial part of a brand’s content strategy.

In many cases, it’s what elevates a brand to the next level.

But what’s the best type of UGC for your brand?

More importantly, how do you implement it?

Furthermore, do you even need it?

Keep reading to find out.

What is User-Generated Content?

User-generated content is digital content created by content creators for brands.

Online influencers, everyday consumers, and other brands can and do create user-generated content that helps brands promote their products.

Difference Between User-Generated Content and Branded Content

There’s a big difference between branded content and user-generated content.

Branded content is sponsored by a company, while user-generated content isn’t.

For example, a photo of an influencer drinking a Pepsi would be user-generated.

On the other hand, a sponsored advertisement would be posted by Pepsi and have the little “Sponsored” tag.

What is the Purpose of User-Generated Content?

User-generated content is designed to engage viewers and draw in new traffic.

Whether you’re an influencer or a brand, content is king.

UGC should be a key feature of your digital marketing campaign.

Why is User-Generated Content Important?

When asking why user-generated content is important, you should take a step back and view UGC from the consumer’s perspective.

In a time when written reviews are in every corner of the web, videos and images speak a thousand words.

Visual content shows the product in the real world instead of behind filters or video edits.

Benefits of User-Generated Content

A user will see two main benefits each time they post brand-related content.

First, it helps build their online following.

Second, it increases their chances of free products from their chosen brand or a similar one.

Brands benefit from UGC because consumers will see their products in use.

This allows brands to use UGC to demonstrate the truth behind product claims they may have made.

It also boosts interaction around the brand and a specific product.

Common Types of User-Generated Content

User-generated content comes in all forms, but the three most common types of content are social media content, forum content, and reviews or testimonials.

Each of these has its own levels of importance for brands and consumers.

image showing a man sitting at a computer and writing a review - for how to write a review post on bloggingtips.com

It’s also worth noting that each type of user-generated content will have a different impact depending on your industry or product.

So, when you start developing a user-generated content strategy, consider each option carefully before choosing which best suits your brand.

  • Social Media Content: Social media content is likely the most well-known type of user-generated content available. Influencers will do unboxings, test out products, or give a video overview of the product and its features. Consumers typically put a lot of trust in social media UGC.
  • Reviews and Testimonials: Another popular type of user-generated content is customer reviews. Product and business reviews help businesses expand their digital footprint while helping consumers make informed choices.
  • Forum Content: Forums like Reddit or Quora are popular places for users to discuss products. Consumers can share experiences, answer questions, and gain more information about a product before purchasing.
  • Case Studies: Case studies allow brands to examine real-world use cases by existing customers. Case studies typically involve entities or individuals as opposed to physical products. They’re also a bit more intricate than standard UGC.

What Types of User-Generated Content Are Most Popular?

With nearly 147 million people on social media daily, it’s no surprise that it’s the most popular place for user-generated content.

For example, as of this writing, the hashtag #productreview has more than one billion views on TikTok.

That number highlights precisely how crucial user-generated content is to consumers.

Reviews and testimonials are the next most popular type of user-generated content.

Many users consult dozens, if not hundreds of reviews before making a purchase.

From Amazon to Goodreads, reviews are an invaluable source of information users tap into before spending money.

Examples of User-Generated Content

Examples of user-generated content are abundant online.

In some cases, UGC is generated by users from the ground up. In others, a brand might kickstart a UGC campaign with a hashtag, then let the content snowball. Here are a few quick examples.

1. Apple #ShotOniPhone

In early 2022, Apple launched its #ShotOniPhone campaign.

This campaign encouraged users to flood social media with images taken on their new iPhone 13s.

The purpose was to show off the iPhone’s high-tech camera.

In April, Apple announced several winners.

As of this writing, the hashtag appears on more than 26 million posts on Instagram.  

2. National Geographic #WanderlustContest

In 2015, National Geographic launched its #WanderlustContest.

The social media-based contest was intended to showcase amateur photographers with Nat-Geo-style images.

National Geographic often hosts photography contests, but this was the first focused on UGC.

3. Calvin Klein #MyCalvins

As a throwback to the 80s-era branding, Calvin Klein kicked off the #MyCalvins campaign in 2021.

Users were encouraged to share their CK style on Instagram for a chance to grace Calvin Klein’s social page.

Where to Find Ideas & Inspiration for User-Generated Content

Coming up with ideas for user-generated content might seem like a hassle, but you’d be surprised at how easy it can be.

Once you find an idea, developing ways to expand it will be easy.

How Do I Get User-Generated Content?

Acquiring user-generated content involves turning your consumers into brand advocates.

In some cases, you’ll barely need to put out any effort.

For example, big brands like Apple won’t need to do much courting.

However, smaller companies and startups will have a bit of legwork.

First, determine which social networks work best for your brand.

TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are the biggies, but each has pros and cons.

Once you’ve chosen a platform, start seeking out users who already enjoy your product.

As you find users, share their posts, stitch their videos, and give them callouts.

These actions will help boost brand loyalty and increase UGC and engagement.

Process of Collecting User-Generated Content

Curating the best user-generated content takes time and skill. If you’re a newer brand, you’ll need to add a great deal of patience to that list.

Regardless of your brand’s status, you should follow these steps.

  1. Choose your platform
  2. Audit existing content
  3. Identify trends
  4. Develop a campaign strategy
  5. Make contact

How to Collect User-Generated Content

Now, let’s discuss the steps to collecting user-generated content in more detail.

Each step could vary from brand to brand, but the overarching rules are the same.

vector graphic showing a handful of the best survey software logos on computer screens

1. Choose Your Platform

The first step in gaining quality UGC is choosing the right platform.

Short-form social content is typically best for UGC because the hashtags that accompany it are a valuable feature.

However, it’s not as simple as simply picking TikTok over Instagram and being done.

Demographics across social platforms vary wildly, so you’ll need to find out where your base is.

2. Audit Existing Content

Next, take a look at your brand’s current footprint. Your footprint includes all mentions, ads, and posts about your product or brand.

This audit will give you a feel for who knows about your product and which demographics you need to tap.

As you perform your audit, take note of who seems most interested in your brand and build from there.

3. Identify Trends

When looking for user-generated content, you need to ensure you have your finger on the pulse of social media.

Social media trends include hashtags, vernacular, and user activity, and they come and go weekly.

You need to know what those trends are and how to ride each into the next.  

4. Develop a Campaign Strategy

Your campaign strategy will take form once you’ve identified trends and your online presence.

A good digital strategy will include influencer outreach, a solid social media presence, and often a giveaway or contest.

5. Make Contact

The final step to gathering user-generated content is to make contact with creators.

There are a few ways you can do this.

The simplest is to reach out via email or direct message to discuss some type of collaboration.

However, some brands or companies will send users a free product in exchange for an honest review.

Best Practices for User-Generated Content

Keep the following best practices in mind as you gather user-generated content for your marketing plan.

Adhering to best practices is an easy way to ensure your plans are effective and, most importantly, not annoying to your base.

1. Be Authentic

A crucial part of your social media presence involves authenticity.

Most consumers are more likely to trust a content creator’s review than one provided by a brand.

For that reason, UGC is crucial to ensuring consumer acceptance.

2. Be Trustworthy

In the real world, people ask people they know for recommendations.

However, approximately 80% of users now consult UGC when purchasing decisions.

Encouraging user-generated content and backing it up in practice will go a long way in proving yourself trustworthy.

3. Have Attainable Goals

Your UGC goals might vary a bit from your standard business goals, but they must be attainable.

Some common goals relating to user-generated content would be to increase engagement, collaborate with influencers, or launch a UGC-fueled contest.  

4. Be Entertaining

Social media is often about short quips and quick responses.

As a brand, you need to perfect the brief, witty response.

The perfect example is Xbox UK’s response to a teen who built the entire universe in Minecraft.

Xbox Tweeted the user-generated content with a witty sentence, then let users explore the product.

User-Generated Content Tools to Save Time and Money

In a perfect world, user-generated content would be free.

Fortunately, in many cases, it is. However, you can invest in a few tools to ensure your UGC is top-notch.

vector graphic showing an illustration of the best types of blog content

What is a User-Generated Content Tool?

User-generated content tools simplify curating content, especially when you can’t think of things to write about.

These tools will help you expand your reach and boost engagement more efficiently than from the ground up.

Our Favorite User-Generated Content Tools

Our favorite user-generated content tools include blogging and social media tools, as well as content templates.

1. Blogging Tools

Blogging tools will help you create all types of blog content without the hassle of coding or designing.

Tools you might consider are keyword research tools, infographic generators, or stock photo sites.

Each has a learning curve, of course, but they’ll make your blog more appealing to users.

2. Social Media Tools

Social media tools take the pain out of crafting your online presence.

Post schedulers, graphic design programs, and content generators are just a few examples.

These tools will help you create and publish professional posts that engage your audience.

3. User-Generated Content Template

Blog post templates provide a baseline for your posts.

Instead of spending an hour figuring out how to write a blog post, a template will lay it out for you.

All you’ll need to do is fill in your images and content, and you’ll be all set.

Other Related Content Types to Check Out

In addition to user-generated content, here are a few other content types to check out.

  • Curated Content: Content you gather from other brands and share on your own accounts is called curated content.
  • Sponsored Content: When you and another brand join forces to promote each other’s brands, that’s called sponsored content.
  • Blog Post Template: Blog post templates help you organize website and blog content in a streamlined manner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still confused about user-generated content?

Here are a few common questions.

Are there user-generated content agencies?

Yes, user-generated content agencies exist.

These agencies collaborate with influencers and prominent content creators to promote your content and boost conversions.

What are the best user-generated content jobs?

The most common user-generated content jobs are social media engagement coordinators.

Other titles include social media specialists, content partnerships managers, and content creators.

Wrapping Up

User-generated content is an integral part of any robust marketing campaign.

Gathering content will help you build an excellent reputation among consumers and long-term relationships with creators and influencers.

Most importantly, you’ll gain organic, honest reviews about your products you can use to back up each claim you make.

In doing so, you’ll highlight your brand’s trustworthiness and authenticity, which are invaluable to consumers.

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Allegory: Definition, How It Works and Examples In Writing https://bloggingtips.com/allegory/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=allegory https://bloggingtips.com/allegory/#respond Tue, 11 Oct 2022 11:04:32 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=100366 Read more]]> Allegories are literary devices that can be impactful and immersive.

Many famous stories are complex allegories that say one thing but mean another.

As a writer, knowing what an allegory is and how to utilize it can help enhance your writing and tackle challenging topics.

This article will explore how allegory is used, explain the different types of allegory, and showcase several famous examples.

What Is an Allegory?

An allegory delivers its message via storytelling, instead of explaining the lesson or message directly.

Essentially, an allegory stands for a concealed idea, usually a moral or lesson.

Most allegories are in literature, but they can also be visual art and music.

Also Known As:

  • Apologue
  • Emblem
  • Fable
  • Myth
  • Moral
  • Symbolization
  • Tale
  • Typification  
  • Parable
  • Extended metaphor

Simple Definition: How to Explain an Allegory to a Child

Simply put, an allegory is a story with characters and events that represent real ideas or situations.

Why Is an Allegory Used?

Allegories simplify large and complex ideas or help shift perspective.

Sometimes perspective on a topic is skewed by personal factors and environmental effects.

But when translated into an allegory, it’s easier to look at the topic through an impartial lens.

Types of Allegories

There are four main types of allegories, each of which stems from Medieval literature, itself derived from the Bible and the classics.

  • Anagogical Allegories: An anagogical allegory focuses on how one story can relate to the future or the past. Anagogical allegories often act as prophecies based on past events.
  • Literal Allegories: Literal allegories are the simplest type, as the interpretation of events in a story is for historical purposes and does not contain a hidden meaning or lesson.
  • Moral Allegories: One of the most frequently used forms of allegory. Moral allegories are one of the most common types, as they use a story to tell the reader how they should act and what code of moral ethics they should follow.
  • Present (Typology) Allegories: A present or typological allegory deals with the spiritual meaning of a piece and uses more symbols and complex analogies to convey its message. Present allegories are often the hardest to understand and interpret, whereas literal allegories are usually the easiest.

How Do You Identify an Allegory?

To identify an allegory, look for motifs and themes, specifically moral ones that run throughout the story.

There may also be references to clue you into what symbols mean and who or what they represent.

How Do You Use an Allegory In a Sentence?

You can’t technically accomplish a complete allegory in a single sentence.

But an allegory is like an extended metaphor.

An example of a short allegory is the common saying concerning teaching a man to fish rather than gifting him a fish.

That conveys the idea that helping someone be self-sufficient is better than sustaining them yourself.

What Is the Most Popular Example of an Allegory?

It’s debatable what the most well-known example of an allegory is.

However, George Orwell’s novel Animal Farm is a powerful allegory for the Russian Revolution of 1917.

The short novel uses animals on a farm to represent the various individuals involved in this period of Russian history.

Other Famous Examples of Allegories

Some allegories transcend time and seem to be always relevant.

1. The Bible

Many people interpret the Bible as an allegory.

One of the most popular examples is the story of Cain and Abel, which teaches about the severity of our actions.

2. Platos’ Allegory of the Cave

Plato’s Allegory of the Cave is a short tale of men chained to a wall in a dark cave who believe the fire behind them is the sun until they are finally free and venture outside.

This allegory conveys the nature of knowledge versus belief.

3. Aesop’s Fables

Aesop’s Fables feature tales like The Tortoise and the Hare, an allegory communicating that working carefully will yield more success than rushing.

Other Modern Examples of Allegories

Below are nine prime examples of modern allegories used in literature and films.

Examples of Allegories in Literature

The famous works of literature below have a deep allegory behind the story.

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

This novel is an allegory for Christian and Puritan beliefs or their hypocrisy.

It suggests those who sin are not always the worst, and those who persecute sinners are often sinners themselves.

Moby Dick by Herman Melville

The allegorical meaning of Moby Dick is hotly debated, as it’s a layered story.

But one of the most common interpretations is that Captain Ahab’s pursuit of the whale is an allegory for the foolishness of men chasing what they can never have.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

The central theme of this novel is the struggle between the descent into savagery and the climb toward civilization.

Golding questions the authentic civility of humans and whether or not they will fall into chaos and violence when left to their own devices.

Examples of Allegories in Movies

Like literature, movies convey a story, but the characters and plot points often symbolize hidden concepts.

The Matrix

Many assume The Matrix concerns technology, but the movie is a transgender allegory.

Neo’s struggle between the digital self and the authentic self represents gender affirmation.

Don’t Look Up

Don’t Look Up is an allegory for humanity’s inaction concerning climate change.

The devastating meteor hurtling toward Earth is ignored and dismissed by governments and the general population, capturing the disbelief people have in science.

The Truman Show

The Truman Show delivers the same message as Plato’s Allegory of the Cave!

Truman believes his studio setting is the real world.

When he begins to question his reality and search for the truth, leading him to finally exit the studio, he is allegorically leaving the cave he was chained to.

Examples of Allegories for Children

Aesop’s Fables are accessible and effective, but modern kid movies are often allegories.

Inside Out

Inside Out is one of the most literal examples of an allegory, as human emotions, memories, and ideas take physical form as characters.

Through the characters’ journey, children learn that change is often challenging but positive.

Wall-E

Wall-E has several layers of allegorical narratives.

Alone on the earth, the main protagonist can be seen as the biblical Adam, eventually joined by another robot called Eve!

The film also tackles climate change and the future of humanity.

Zootopia

Zootopia tackles issues like equality and societal expectations of determined groups.

Zootopians assume predators are dangerous and prey is weak, rather than seeing individuals for who they are.

Notable Writers Who Used Allegories

You can find allegories in movies, TV shows, and visual art.

But literature is where the allegory flourishes and many famous writers utilized this among other literary devices.

Below are three iconic writers who loved to use allegories to discuss heavy topics and offer a unique perspective on a controversial topic.

1. George Orwell

As mentioned, Orwell’s Animal Farm is one of the most notable allegories in history.

His use of animals within a farm setting allows him to explore the argument that most governments are, by nature, corrupt.

But he utilizes allegories in most of his work, including 1984, The Road to Wigan Pier, and Coming Up for Air.

Most of his allegories concern politics, censorship, and freedom.

2. Edmund Spenser

Edmund Spenser was a prominent literary figure who lived in the 1500s.

He wrote famous allegories like The Faerie Queene and Amoretti.

His allegories were typically veiled critiques of those in power.

Some scholars have interpreted The Faerie Queene to be an allegory of the concept of allegory itself.

3. Mary Shelley

Mary Shelley authored iconic works like Frankenstein’s Monster and Mathilda.

She uses allegories to communicate queer topics, political issues, and concerns about the ethical implications of scientific and technological progress.

What Is the Opposite of an Allegory?

The opposite of an allegory is something nonfigurative or nonmetaphorical.

Super literal stories that say precisely what they mean are the opposing concept of an allegory.

Allegory Vs. Metaphor

Allegories and metaphors are very similar.

The main difference is that allegories are a complete narrative with a hidden meaning, while a metaphor is a single sentence or short segment equating two things that seem unrelated.

For this reason, you can’t “use an allegory in a sentence” as an allegory requires a comprehensive story, unlike a metaphor.

Other Related Literary Devices to Know

Any type of writer you are can benefit from the use of literary devices.

Several kinds of literary devices have similar applications to the allegory:

  • Logos: The term logos as a literary device refers to the presence of logic and reasoning to execute a persuasive and informed opinion in writing or rhetoric.
  • Theme: A theme is the central point and subject of the piece. Themes typically recur throughout a work of literature or film, giving the story an underlying meaning.
  • Antithesis: An antithesis is a contradictory idea that can reverse something previously mentioned. Persuasive writing will often use an antithesis to further prove their thesis by contrast.
  • Soliloquy: A soliloquy, a popular literary device used by writers like Shakespeare, involves a character delivering a lengthy speech directed at seemingly no one. Soliloquies can be recited to the self or despite the presence of an audience.
  • Anaphora: An anaphora is a literary device that helps emphasize a concept, where repetitive words and phrases are at the beginning of sentences and clauses near each other. It’s common in poetry.

Writing Tools To Help You Out

If you want some tips for writing, check out these writing tools!

1. Writing Helpers

Helpers for writing things can edit, structure, and even complete pieces for you.

They aren’t as comprehensive as AI writing software, as you need to contribute something for the writing helper to work on.

These tools can assist writers in adjusting their tone or boosting their vocabulary.

2. AI Writing Software

AI writing software can write whole articles and stories for you!

This software has extensive applications and can help people who need to produce quality content for their blogs or website.

The AI software can even help you brainstorm things to write about.

3. Grammar Checkers

Grammar checking tools are brilliant devices for writers who need a little guidance with the technical side of writing.

Even if you have an excellent grasp of grammar, it’s always beneficial to have software that can double-check your work.

These tools can aid you, whether the issue is something simple like a comma out of place or something more complex like sentence structure.

4. Content Creators

Content creators usually know how to write a blog post!

If you have a blog or website and need content, you can recruit content creators to develop engaging blog posts for you.

Many content creators will ghostwrite blog posts, copy, and similar types of content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Allegory is a versatile literary device, so you might still have plenty of thoughts about its use.

Below are frequently asked questions with more examples of allegories.

Is the Three Little Pigs an allegory?

The Three Little Pigs has been interpreted as an allegory for failure.

However, some scholars have given the children’s fable modern interpretations, giving it an underlying allegorical meaning to reflect their analysis of the Three Little Pigs.

How is the Lorax an allegory?

Dr. Seuss wrote the Lorax as an allegory about uncontrolled greed and consumerism having a damaging impact on the environment.

The story shows how corporate manufacturing and massive industries are destroying the planet for profit.

Wrapping Up

Allegories will always be used in storytelling to convey heavy topics using lighter concepts.

The Russian Revolution was so complex that many could not understand it until Orwell used the structure of a farm and its animals to critique and explain the reality.

The use of allegory as a potent literary device results in iconic stories but also makes significant and intricate concepts more accessible to the average person.

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Social Media Content: Definition, Types & Best Practices For 2022 https://bloggingtips.com/social-media-content/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=social-media-content https://bloggingtips.com/social-media-content/#respond Mon, 10 Oct 2022 21:22:14 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=100138 Read more]]> Having a blog or website isn’t enough without social media content.

Having a presence on social media platforms is a way to increase awareness of your online brand.

You can use graphics and videos to grab attention and engage with your followers.

Social media content is an effective way to market your website, but you want to ensure you’re using it correctly.

What Is Social Media Content?

Social media content encompasses anything you post on social media platforms.

Posting a photo and caption on Instagram or Facebook is social media content.

While the definition sounds straightforward, you’ll get the most out of social media content with a social media strategy.

What Is the Difference Between Social Media Content and Blog Content?

There are many types of blog content, just as there are for social media.

But the main difference is that blog content is long form.

You’re writing an informative post for your audience to spend time reading.

Social media content is more like marketing, where you’re grabbing your followers’ attention and directing them to your blog or site with sound bites, engaging multimedia, or catchy captions.

What Is the Purpose of Social Media Content?

The purpose of social media content is to present your brand or website as a cohesive entity.

You want to use the same colors and personality as on your blog or online store.

Social media profiles are a natural extension of your company, so they need to be recognizably “you” to grow your audience and increase revenue.

Why Is Social Media Content Important?

Social media content is essential because it’s a chance to engage with your audience.

Instead of hoping your static website is enough to make sales, social media is more proactive.

You’re reaching people on outlets like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, and more.

On these platforms, you can let your brand’s personality truly shine.

Benefits of Social Media Content

Social media content lets you expand your reach and interact directly with people on multiple platforms.

You can use those outlets for advertising, building customer loyalty, and spreading information about your products and services.

Common Types of Social Media Content

There are many types of content to use online, but you want to focus on those most suited to social media.

Most platforms have designs that encourage users to scroll through their newsfeeds and timelines, so you need content that will grab their attention.

Unsurprisingly, some of the most effective are visual:

  • Images: Images are the most common social media content. They include photographs, branded graphics, and illustrated quotes.
  • Videos: They’re engaging because they auto-play as users scroll, so the action demands attention. You can explain a concept or show off a product in video format.
  • Infographics: These images share data and statistics about something relative to your brand or blog. The visuals are clear, eye-catching, and easy to understand.
  • Interactive Graphics: These graphics are a hybrid between an image and a video, often involving animation to highlight key aspects.

What Types of Social Media Content Are Most Popular?

Engaging materials like videos and interactive graphics are the most popular social media content.

Viewers stop to watch the footage play out instead of skimming right past a static image.

It helps to know the best times to post on social media, so you can maximize your audience reach and give your content a good chance of being seen.

Examples of Social Media Content

Before you can develop a strong content strategy for your brand, you should check out examples of social media content.

Moz helps users understand what type of content to share on what platforms, along with how to analyze the results.

Infographics

Canva showcases different types of infographics so you understand the general layout.

The goal is to share detailed information engagingly.

Canva includes templates so you can input the data and quickly create a stunning, factual graphic to share.

Infographics are an effective way to illustrate statistics and key information.

They make data more accessible and are highly shareable, ensuring they’re a popular choice for marketers, non-profit organizations, and businesses.

Images

Images don’t have to be selfies.

They could be a product, a photograph of your team, a glimpse of office life—anything that might resonate with your audience.

Many images add graphical elements and text to provide interactivity or additional context.

Instagram is particularly well-suited for images.

In fact, the platform’s design makes a great choice for using image themes to help your content stand out.

You could play around with posting only specific colors, use the “checkerboard” approach, or experiment with “moods.”

Adobe has examples of images that could give you ideas for sharing your brand personality.

Videos

There’s no need to hire an award-winning director to create social media videos—you can do it yourself with countless apps and tools.

Animoto is one of the top programs that simplifies video creation.

They have templates for Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram video content, along with examples to help you come up with content ideas.

Where To Find Ideas & Inspiration for Social Media Content

It takes a lot of work to constantly create engaging social media content to maintain your audience.

Instead of getting burned out, consider keeping a list of your ideas, scheduled posts, and upcoming sales or collaborations.

Remember, Content is King, so you don’t want to share boring posts on social media.

Look at other profiles in your niche to see what they post. You can get inspiration from these brands without needing to copy their content.

How Do I Get Social Media Content?

One of the best ways to generate fresh, relevant social media content is to conduct keyword research.

Online tools help you see what users search for so you can craft relevant content that will appear in the results.

This method is a proven way to organically increase your traffic.

You can also find information about trends or ask your audience what they want to see.

Process of Creating Social Media Content

It might sound like social media content is anything you post online, whether it’s a photo, video, or graphic.

But there is a strategy behind social media, so you want to follow the right process:

  • Step One: Pinpoint Your Goals
  • Step Two: Target Your Audience
  • Step Three: Create the Right Content
  • Step Four: Analyze the Data

How To Create Social Media Content

Following these four steps to create social media content make the process more manageable and purposeful.

Step One: Pinpoint Your Goals

Social media content is a great way to showcase your brand, but you want to have a purpose in mind.

When you pinpoint your goals before posting, you’ll get the most out of each element you share.

Knowing your goals can also help you find things to write about because you’re working towards specific outcomes.

Step Two: Target Your Audience

Once you know what you’re working toward, you’ll have a better idea of your audience.

You can use the right visuals and language that will draw them in and encourage them to spend time on your page.

You can streamline the goals from step one, so you’re aligning your content with what your audience wants and needs.

Step Three: Create the Right Content

If you’re a fitness influencer targeting active women, you don’t want to constantly post static content—they’ll engage more with videos.

However, people posting recipes don’t want to use videos or animations when their audience needs time to see the measurements and ingredients.

Creating relevant content leads to better engagement rates.

Step Four: Analyze the Data

Analyzing data might not seem like it fits in with creating social media content, but it does because it impacts what you’ll design in the future.

If you’re posting static images and getting great engagement, you might not feel the need to change course.

But if you’re not getting results from one method, you’ll know to experiment to get the outcome you want.

Best Practices for Social Media Content

Just as there are tips for blogging, there are best practices for social media content.

1. Try Something New

Even if your image posts perform well, take time to try something new.

If you have a new product, film a short video to show it from all angles and entice your followers to buy it.

Share data in a vivid infographic instead of writing out a longer blog post with the same content.

You might find that a different format helps you go viral and attract more followers.

2. Make a Plan

It’s tough to keep generating engaging content day after day, but being active on social media can really elevate your brand and traffic.

Make a plan for posts so you’re not scrambling to create something new at the last minute.

Schedule regular content, special announcements, sales, and other unique ideas, so you know what’s coming next.

3. Track Your Performance

Tracking your performance helps you see what works and what you should avoid.

Your audience might never watch your videos, but you get hundreds of likes on interactive graphics.

Knowing your engagement on social media will show you how to spend time and effort on content creation.

Social Media Content Tools To Save Time and Money

Using tools for social media can help streamline your process.

You’ll save time and money by automating some aspects of posting and engaging online.

What Is a Social Media Content Tool?

A social media content tool is a way to keep your content scheduled and organized.

You can easily design posts and write content to engage with your followers.

Our Favorite Social Media Content Tools

These are a few of our favorite social media content tools.

Whether you’re writing a blog post or designing an infographic, these products can help you.

1. Social Media Calendar

A social media calendar is a way to plan out your posts in the weeks and months to come.

It keeps you organized and gives you a big picture of what you’re sharing online.

You can see patterns and understand when to promote a sale or big event to get the most engagement.

2. Graphic Design Software

You don’t have to be an artist to create stunning social media content.

Graphic design software includes templates for specific social media formats and design elements and text you can add to photos.

You can export the files as images and post them to your social media profiles.

3. Grammar Checkers

Whether you’re writing a photo caption or a blog post, grammar checkers ensure you’re posting your most polished work.

You don’t want a typo to turn away a customer or for your audience to stumble over a confusing sentence.

These tools help you sound clear in your written content.

Other Related Content Types To Check Out

There’s no limit to the type of social media content you can share online.

Check out these other related types and see how they inspire you.

  • Infographics: Infographics are an engaging way to share information that might otherwise be wordy or difficult to understand.
  • Case Studies: Case studies share information about groups of people regarding their lifestyles, interests, online patterns, and more.
  • Interactive Posts: Interactive posts feature images and information in an engaging way, using animation to liven up a previously-static image.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you need more information about social media content, check out the answers to these questions.

What is a social media content calendar?

A social media content calendar helps you map out your posts.

You can input information about holiday posts, sales, big events, or weekly themes.

Instead of forgetting a day’s post, you’ll have a calendar to remind you.

What kind of content should I create for social media?

You can create any kind of content for social media—images, videos, infographics, and interactive visuals.

Look at other influencers in your niche and think of what your audience will engage with most.

Wrapping Up

There’s no limit to what you can create and share on social media.

Finding the right outlet for your social media content helps you organically grow your audience and make more sales or passive income on a monetized blog.

Following the tips above can help you create, post, and analyze social media content to give your followers what they want.

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Evergreen Content: Definition, Types & Best Practices For 2022 https://bloggingtips.com/evergreen-content/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=evergreen-content https://bloggingtips.com/evergreen-content/#respond Mon, 10 Oct 2022 20:10:50 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=100134 Read more]]> Evergreen content is one of the pillars of modern inbound marketing techniques.

Although it doesn’t have the same quick return as traditional advertising, evergreen content’s ability to keep earning money over time makes it a viable long-term strategy for increasing revenue.

Read on to learn more about evergreen content and how it can work for you.

An Overview of Evergreen Content

Here are the basic things to know about evergreen content.

What Is Evergreen Content?

The adage on the internet is that content is king, and nowhere is that more true than evergreen content.

As the name suggests, evergreen content remains perpetually relevant to audiences, or at least for a long time.

Difference Between Evergreen Content and Trending Topics

Evergreen content is always relevant.

Trending topics are shorter-term content with expected end dates for performance.

Some companies (like news organizations) focus almost entirely on trending topics, while regular companies usually have a mix of trending and evergreen material to help reach both audiences.

What Is the Purpose of Evergreen Content?

The primary purpose of evergreen content is to increase revenue by pulling in consistent traffic over time.

For example, let’s say that every piece of evergreen content a company publishes increases its revenue by $50 a week by attracting traffic, and it publishes one article each weekday.

In one week, the company will be up $250 per week in ongoing revenue.

In a month, they’ll be up $1000 per week, or $4000 a month.

Simple math tells us they could increase revenue by $48,000 per year at this rate.

Why Is Evergreen Content Important?

Evergreen content is important because it’s one of the best ways for companies to reach audiences that ignore traditional outbound advertising.

Further, evergreen content’s proven reliability for increasing profits over time makes it an attractive option for companies looking at new ways to advertise and expand.

Benefits of Evergreen Content

Evergreen content has several advantages for companies.

There’s an entire online writing industry that can help create it on request, and its performance as an ongoing revenue source means it quickly pays for itself.

Common Types of Evergreen Content

Here are some of the most common types of evergreen content that companies produce.

1. Blog Posts

Blogs are the most common way companies and individuals produce evergreen content.

Blogs are a great way to connect with readers and provide timely, helpful information that wouldn’t fit elsewhere on your site.

There are countless types of blog content, but when done well, they can drive traffic to your products or services, reinforce your brand presence, and help build you as an authority in your field.

2. Video Content

Video is one of the more expensive types of content, but provides engagement on a completely different level than blog posts if shared widely.

Videos are particularly good for showing things that aren’t easy to do with text, such as how to use certain products.

A few video topics that are likely to stay evergreen for a long time are history, cooking, and of course, entertainment.

3. Social Media Posts

Social media posts aren’t quite as evergreen as other options unless they’re highly sharable and keep getting passed around.

However, they can help link to true evergreen content like blog posts.

That’s right, it’s marketing for your marketing.

Done well, however, this can drive a lot of traffic.

4. Ultimate Guides

Ultimate guides (like what you’re reading now) are in-depth looks at a specific topic designed to help the reader master them.

Most readers prefer short content, but anyone who bothers to read through long-form content is probably serious about learning, and therefore someone likely to stick around.

What Types of Evergreen Content Are Most Popular?

Blog posts are easily the most popular form of evergreen content.

A little creativity can give you plenty of things to write about, and as long as you focus on high-quality content, every blog post essentially becomes a landing page that brings steady traffic to your website.

Examples of Evergreen Content

Here are some examples of evergreen content on the web.

Moz: How to Identify and Refresh Outdated Content

Moz has an outstandingly relevant blog post for inbound marketing.

Even evergreen content can occasionally fade out of what’s most relevant, so finding and tweaking that content to make it relevant again can help ensure its continued performance.

Wikipedia Articles

Encyclopedia-type sites like Wikipedia have plenty of evergreen content, and you may recall that Wikipedia is one of the most-visited websites in the world.

While you’re probably not making a wiki yourself, the point here is that robustly informative content works for attracting readers.

However, it’s important to note that anyone can alter a Wikipedia page and may include inaccurate information in those edits.

While these are usually quickly resolved, the content may be incorrect for a time.

Home-Buying Checklist

Rocket Mortgage, a lending company, has a great home-buying checklist with evergreen content.

The details of the list don’t change much over time, and when they do, the page is easy to update.

It’s also content relevant to many people, important enough that others care to research it, and capable of driving traffic by converting some people into customers.

Evergreen Content Ideas & Inspiration

Here are some things to think about when you’re looking for evergreen content ideas.

Where To Find Ideas & Inspiration for Evergreen Content

There are many places to find ideas for evergreen content, and the more ideas you have, the better off you will be.

You can look at industry news and recent trends, get feedback from customers, or consider different use cases for products or services.

Online idea generators can also spit out titles and topics to work with, though you may have to pay for these generators.

Inspiration can strike anywhere, so don’t be afraid to experiment with ideas.

How Do I Get Evergreen Content?

You need two things to get evergreen content: a topic and somebody to create the content.

You can write the content yourself, or hire someone to complete it for you.

You can conduct keyword research to see what topics are most relevant to your audience, then use those as inspiration when writing out your instructions.

How To Create Evergreen Content

Creating evergreen content isn’t hard.

You’re already most of the way there if you know how to write a blog post, and if you don’t, you can easily hire someone to do it for you.

Process of Creating Evergreen Content

To create evergreen content, all you have to do is follow these simple steps.

  • Figure Out What Content Attracts Customers: Some customers like videos, others like how-to guides, checklists, or expert advice. Do some research and find out what overall types of content your audience likes.
  • Pick A Content Format: Decide how you want to convey the content. Most companies do blogs, so that’s a safe default, but formats like videos can help you stand out.
  • Research Topics: Research specific topics that are relevant to your company. Make sure to pick content that
  • Make The Content: Finally, it’s time to make the content. You can do this in-house or hire it out.

How To Create Evergreen Content

Here’s a little more detail on how to create evergreen content.

1. Figure Out What Content Attracts Customers

Audiences like different things, so it’s important to test several types of content to see what works best.

Take a look at what your competitors do, paying particular attention to formatting types instead of subject matter.

Also, consider your budget and what you can invest in this.

2. Pick a Content Format

Once you know what customers like, it’s time to pick a format.

Consider the timetables, cost, and expected return for each option.

Remember, it’s okay to use several formats for different types of content.

You don’t have to pick one and stay with that forever.

3. Research Topics

Use our tricks for inspiration to research topics that match the format and style your customers are looking for.

Try to create a long list of topics because the more evergreen content you have, the better.

4. Make The Content

Finally, make your content. Don’t forget to utilize some strategies for content to maximize its performance.

If you’re not good at this yourself, and many business people aren’t, hire an expert to do this for you.

Best Practices for Evergreen Content

Here are some best practices for content marketing and tips for blogging more effectively.

Ask Why Readers Should Care

Why should anyone read your content? What makes it valuable to them and worth spending time on?

There are plenty of ways to write content, but your material should always focus on giving value to the reader.

That’s what convinces people to convert into customers.

This will also draw more attention to your content from companies if you want to earn sponsorship deals from companies in the future.

Make It Scannable

Did you notice how few of the sections in this article are more than one or two paragraphs long?

That makes it easy for you to scan the headings and find specific content instead of digging through pages upon pages of solid text.

You can get the basic information just by reading the headings, while these text sections provide more detail.

Ensure It’s Evergreen

Make sure you understand the difference between things that are likely to change and things that aren’t.

Evergreen content provides a higher ROI the longer it stays up attracting traffic, so maximizing that is key to getting more revenue.

Making sure you have an evergreen niche can help with this.

Evergreen Content Tools To Save Time and Money

Here are some writing tools to help you produce evergreen content more efficiently.

What Is an Evergreen Content Tool?

Evergreen content tools are anything that can help quicken or automate the process of creating evergreen content.

These can include keyword generators and AI tools.

Our Favorite Evergreen Content Tools

Here are some of our favorite tools for making evergreen content.

1. AI Writing Tools

AI writing tools can help analyze topics, identify relevant headers, and suggest ways to approach content.

They’re not good enough to be a reliable substitute for human writers, but they can reduce the amount of time you need to spend researching and planning content.

2. GPT-3

GPT-3 is a natural language-learning model that helps create human-sounding text.

This is a good way to smooth things over if you’re not good at writing and don’t want to hire a human for it, but it relies on having some content to work with.

You will have to make edits and add in some of your own text after GPT-3 writes for you, but it provides an excellent base to work with.

3. Paraphrasing Tools

Paraphrasing tools can help you rephrase things so you aren’t simply copying and pasting from competitors on the web.

This can be helpful when you want to create similar content but need to avoid plagiarism.

However, like the other tools, this still isn’t as good as having a human writer who can incorporate more original ideas into your content.

Other Related Content Types To Check Out

Here are some other terms related to evergreen content.

  • Copywriting: Copywriting is the process of creating blogs and other written material, especially for marketing purposes. This is the heart of most inbound marketing strategies.
  • Quality Content: Quality content is high-performing material with few structural or grammatical mistakes. AI is still bad at making this because most readers will notice flaws in computer-generated text, so human writers are still the best way to get quality content.
  • Longform Content: Longform content includes material that’s longer than average for the internet. Although not as widely appealing, it tends to attract people who are more likely to convert, making it a valuable part of inbound marketing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people have about evergreen content.

How do you identify evergreen content?

You can identify evergreen content by looking for anything that isn’t time-sensitive.

For example, blog posts discussing seasonal bargains for shirts aren’t evergreen, but blog posts that describe how to pick appropriately-sized clothes without trying them on are.

As long as you don’t include information that can date your content to a specific time, it is considered evergreen.

What is an evergreen project?

An evergreen project is a marketing campaign focusing on creating evergreen content.

Evergreen content isn’t too valuable if you only make one or two blog posts.

It’s the snowball effect of having many pieces of content all at once that provides real value for businesses.

Wrapping Up

Evergreen content is the heart of modern marketing. Particularly high-performing content can improve revenue by hundreds of dollars a day (meaning over 100% ROI overnight), but even on the lower end, building up a steady amount of evergreen content can provide long-lasting cash flows to companies.

Evergreen content adds up over time, so if you haven’t already started making this, get started as soon as you can.

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Where to Submit Blogs? XX Sites That You Can Share Your Content https://bloggingtips.com/submit-blog/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=submit-blog https://bloggingtips.com/submit-blog/#respond Mon, 10 Oct 2022 12:31:51 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=100104 Read more]]> Sharing your passion, opinions, or anything else online can be scary, especially when you’re first starting a blog.

If you’re interested in creating a blog but aren’t sure if you’ll get enough website visitors, submitting your blog posts to other sites is a great option.

There are hundreds of websites out there that allow you to share your blog posts as a guest blogger.

Sharing your blog posts helps get your name out there for your blog or for whenever you’re ready to start one.

If you’re interested in submitting your blogs but aren’t sure where to look or why you should be doing it, here are all the answers you’re looking for.

What Is Blog Submission?

Blog submissions are a way to publish content relevant to a particular topic in an effort to have repeat visitors.

When you’re sharing blog posts, people are more likely to continue to return to a site seeking more information on said topic.

Several websites allow bloggers to share their posts with them to increase their exposure.

In turn, the submission website and the original writer will gain return visitors.

What Are Blog Submission Sites?

Blog submission sites are precisely what they sound like.

They’re websites that allow people to submit their blogs for publication on their site.

Usually, this is in the form of a guest post, but it has to be on a topic they’re looking for or goes along with what they currently publish on their website.

Submitting your blogs to these sites is some of the best options for promoting a blog.

They’ll help you gain exposure quicker than just hoping more people will come across your blog, regardless of the niche.  

These websites will submit websites to Google based on the backlinking, which will bring you a lot more readers to your blog.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Blog Submission Site

There are advantages and disadvantages to almost everything, and submitting your blog to a blog submission site is no exception.

Advantages of Blog Submission Sites

Luckily, there are more advantages to submitting your blog to other sites than there are disadvantages.

Here are the three main benefits.

1. Backlinks

A considerable advantage of submitting your blog to other sites is backlinking.

Backlinks are when another website page links to a page on your website.

The advantage of backlinks is that search engines take it as almost like a “stamp of approval.”

When you have backlinks, you’ll rank higher on search engines, driving more traffic to your site.

2. Increased Exposure

Secondly, you’ll gain more exposure when you submit blog posts to various websites.

With increased exposure, you’ll encourage others to visit your website, read other blog posts, and earn more passive income if your website is monetized.

Most people want their blogs to get exposure, no matter their writing.

If you want to drive more traffic to your site, you’ll want to consider submitting blog posts to various websites to grow your blog organically.

3. Increased DA

Domain authority (DA) is critical when running a website. When you have a higher DA, people are more likely to trust you and continue reading your posts.

One of the best ways to increase your DA is by submitting your blogs to other blogs that have a high DA.

When others read your posts on other sites that have a high DA, your DA will increase solely by association.

Blogs and websites with a higher domain authority are considered more trustworthy among those on the internet.

Disadvantages of Blog Submission Sites

So, what are the disadvantages of submitting your blog posts?

We only have one crucial for everyone to consider before doing so.

Spamming

The most significant disadvantage of submitting your blog to others is spamming.

When you share your blog with another site, they can link to whatever they want to within your post.

This can include them linking irrelevant content and spamming your readers.

Most websites with a high DA won’t do this because they’re credible and don’t want to ruin that.

But it does happen sometimes, so it’s worth being aware of before you submit your blog to just any website.

Where Can You Submit Your Blog?

While hundreds of places to submit your blog exist, not all of them will benefit your niche.

There are websites for entertainment, finance, and everything in between.

Knowing which websites fit your niche can help you choose a website.

Here are the websites we think are some of the best options that are worth your time and offer various niche options.

1. The Huffington Post

Niche: Business, politics, entertainment, popular culture, etc.

DA: 152

Where to submit: Pitch Form

If you’ve spent time online, you’ve probably heard of or seen posts from The Huffington Post at least once.

They’re best known for being one of the leading news sources and other lifestyle posts online.

You’ll see current events, personal stories, wellness blogs, style guides, and entertainment blogs that people want to share with the world.

We chose this website as a great one to submit your blogs because they offer a variety of niches that almost everyone can fit into.

You can write about a personal story that’s relevant to the world at the time, your favorite seasonal items, an opinion blog about a celebrity, and more with The Huffington Post.

Unlike other websites, they are known to accept republished content if you want to share one blog post with another website and this one.

Some things to think about before you decide to pitch your blog to The Huffington Post are their guest blog guidelines.

They’re pretty standard but include that you can’t submit any plagiarized information and try to pass it off as your own.

How long it takes for your guest blog to be approved by the website will vary.

They get hundreds of submittals daily, so don’t be surprised if you don’t get an approval message immediately.

The best way to stand out is to use a catchy title, so your blog post stands out.

2. The Penny Hoarder

Niche: Finance, money, and blogging

DA: 1,432

Where to submit: [email protected] 

For those who love writing about finance, business, or anything revolving around money, The Penny Hoarder is a great website for which to write a guest blog.

This massively popular website is known for helping people better manage their money, save, and how to spend wisely.

If you have any helpful tips, you can submit listicles to assist others with your money-saving habits.

The kinds of blog posts they look for are anything that can help people keep more money in their pockets, save for retirement, vacations, etc.

You don’t have to be a finance major to submit your blog, but having some credentials in the niche might be beneficial since they post a lot of guest blogs.

They even have blogs and articles about different career paths and the type of money you could earn while working in that field.

Ultimately, if your blog provides new, engaging, and helpful content, they’re likely to approve your pitch.

If you’re considering submitting a blog post to The Penny Hoarder, be sure you’re using new content.

If they find out that you’re trying to submit a blog post that you’ve submitted to another website or used previously, you won’t be approved and likely won’t be for future posts.

You can draw inspiration from other posts you’ve done, but it needs to be new and unique.

3. Hubspot

Niche: Business, web design, SEO, marketing, etc.

DA: 519

Where to submit: [email protected] 

There’s a lot to learn about running a website. Whether it’s a blog, storefront, or educational website, learning how to market yourself correctly, increase your traffic, obtain a higher ROI, and utilize SEO, everyone needs to learn somewhere.

Submitting a guest blog to Hubspot is a great idea, if you’re keen on helping others grow their online presence.

The minds behind Hubspot set out to encourage and teach others how to convert more leads, increase sales, market properly, and offer other helpful business tactics.

While it’s helpful to have some experience in this niche, as long as you have new content to share that they deem beneficial to other website owners, there’s a good chance you’ll get your blog posted and approved.

Most blog posts on Hubspot lean more towards the formal side but bringing in your personal experience about how specific tips helped or did not help you can be very beneficial to other readers.

The general idea behind their blog posts is that they’ll be under a 20-minute read, easy to skim if they’re on the longer side, and detailed enough to offer guidance for their readers.

Just like the vast majority of other websites on our list, you won’t be able to submit republished content to Hubspot.

4. Thought Catalog

Niche: Lifestyle

DA: 2,525

Where to submit: Thought Catalog Submittal Form

Magazines are now obsolete, but Thought Catalog is one of the most prominent online magazines available.

Thought Catalog is geared more toward younger generations who want to get the latest style tips, read stories from others, learn about relationships, and much more.

One of the main reasons we love Thought Catalog when it comes to sharing your blog posts is that the niche is extensive.

You could submit a blog post about relationships one day and then one about your favorite movies on another.

The world is your oyster when submitting blog posts to this website.

Since the niche is so broad, you’ll likely get your blog approved faster since they allow for various topics.

As long as your blog is unique and provides something different and relevant to their website, you shouldn’t have too much of an issue.

Like The Huffington Post, you’ll be allowed to share republished content on Thought Catalog.

Using republished content on this website is excellent for getting more exposure without worrying about writing several blog posts at once.

Examples of blog posts Thought Catalog approved on their website include “An Open Letter to Anyone Turning 30 This Year,” “The Best Nordia Horror Movies,” and “The Toxic Thought That Could Ruin Every Zodiac Signs October.”

5. Investopedia

Niche: Business and Finance

DA: 803

Where to submit: Submittal Form

Investopedia is one of the most popular investing, finance, and business websites.

Founded in 1999, they’ve been a leader in the niche, teaching people how to manage their money better, invest wisely, and everything that has to do with making and saving money.

As the leading financial and educational institution, they allow people to submit guest blog posts as long as they go along with other posts and articles they already have on their site.

If you have experience saving and investing, then you’ll love submitting a blog here.

They don’t accept republished content, but if you fit into this niche, you shouldn’t have a problem coming up with new ideas and sharing your passion with the world.

You can write blog posts giving your review of certain banks, credit cards, which stocks someone should be following, and more.

They have a lot of blog posts geared towards cryptocurrency, so if you have a good understanding of that, you’ll want to take advantage of submitting a guest blog post to Investopedia.

6. Elite Daily

Niche: News, popular culture, entertainment, and lifestyle

DA: 4,574

Where to submit: Elite Daily Pitch Form

If you’re active on social media and online, you’ve seen posts from Elite Daily.

You’ll often see these as you’re scrolling through Instagram or Facebook, so you know they get quite a few views on their website and blog posts.

Being a widely recognized website is one of the main reasons we added Elite Daily to our list of the best sites to share your content on.

The other is that they offer a variety of niches, so you can dabble in several topics you’re passionate about.

This online news platform features blogs, listicles, and articles that fit into almost everyone’s everyday life.

You’ll see posts about love, dating, health, pop culture, entertainment from your favorite or least favorite celebs, and any breaking news.

Something that sets Elite Daily apart from the other websites on our list is that while you can choose only to submit one guest post for others, you’ll need to be approved as a contributing writer on Elite Daily.

Being a contributing writer at Elite Daily means you must submit at least one article draft per week unless specifically negotiated.

While this isn’t ideal for everyone, if you’re trying to make a name for yourself and grow your blog’s following, regularly contributing to a significant website like Elite Daily is a good idea.

If that sounds like a lot of commitment to you, keep in mind that they allow you to submit republished content.

It doesn’t always have to be brand new as long as it’s yours.

7. Daily Blog Tips

Niche: SEO, content marketing, and business

DA: 66,226

Where to submit: [email protected] 

When it comes to building a blog, there are a lot of websites people can learn from, but the main one is Daily Blog Tips.

It’s a professional blog that strives to help other bloggers learn the tips and tricks of the blogging trade to become more successful.

If you’ve been blogging for a bit or have tried a bunch of tips and want to share your experience, then you can submit a guest blog to Daily Blog Tips.

They cover everything from how to design your blog, choose your niche, promote, and eventually monetize your blog.

For those interested in submitting a guest blog to this website, you’ll probably want some experience in their niche.

This way, you have a higher likelihood of your blog post getting approved.

We love this website because if you submit a guest blog, Daily Blog Tips will share your post with other bloggers and interested people who are constantly visiting major websites that Daily Blog Tips has been featured on, like ProBlogger, Investopedia, and more.

A more well-known website means more exposure for your blog and a higher ROI.

8. Kissmetrics

Niche: Marketing, web analytics, and business

DA: 6,175

Where to submit: Kissmetrics Guest Post Submittal 

Getting exposure for your blog is only half the battle. Learning how to increase your website visitors is another way to succeed when running a blog.

With Kissmetrics, you can share all your helpful tips and tricks with your readers to do this.

Kissmetrics is website analytics, marketing, and business website that helps people transform their businesses by creating loyal customers, staying relevant within their niche, and more.

The blog on Kissmetrics focuses on sharing different tracking tools, SEO help, and other web analytics tools.

So, if you have a favorite and know a lot about it, you can share your experience with that tool and persuade others to give it a try.

They don’t accept republished content because this is a very technical website.

Although they’re a more specialized website, they don’t want you to write like you’re writing a research paper in school.

You can show expertise and transparency without talking like a robot to your readers.

9. The Muse

Niche: Job and career

DA: 4,056

Where to submit: [email protected] 

Do you have expertise or advice regarding job hunting and interviewing?

Then you might find it beneficial to submit a blog post to The Muse.

The Muse is an online resource for all things associated with job seeking.

You’ll find blogs on how to find specific jobs you’re qualified for, any jobs that are hiring, how to interview, and more.

They even offer advice on proper interview attire based on the type of job you’re applying for.

They have various ways for people to get in touch with hiring managers and companies to see if they’d be a good fit.

We love the coaching option on the website, so if you work or have worked in a particular line of work, offering advice can make your blog posts stand out from the rest of the submitted blogs.

You can’t submit republished content on their website, but if you used to work in specific fields or still do, you shouldn’t have an issue coming up with new ideas that can help you gain exposure for your blog through The Muse.

Conclusion: Is It Worth Submitting Your Blog?

Overall, it’s worth it for you to submit your blog to different websites.

They allow you to share your writing with larger audiences and grow your following, and backlinking will help you rank higher on search engines.

If you want to try submitting your blog, you can’t go wrong with the nine websites we’ve mentioned above.

They’re all great for different reasons, so you might have to consider which one or ones are the best option for your specific blog.

Whether you want to share financial tips, a personal story, or talk about your favorite seasonal items, there’s a website out there where you can share your blog posts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Finding out where you can submit your blog posts can feel overwhelming.

If you still have questions about where to submit blog posts, check out what other bloggers are asking.

Where can I write guest posts?

There are several places where you can write guest posts.

The best websites you can submit your blog to include The Huffington Post, HubSpot, The Penny Hoarder, and Investopedia.

If none of these are within your niche or interest you, there are plenty more online.

What is the difference between article submission and blog submission?

Blogs and articles are both ways to share information online with readers, but there is a simple difference between the two.

A blog post is more informal than article submission.

The format of a blog can be similar to article submission, but most people feel like they’re different.

Blogs feel more like you’re talking to a friend, whereas an article is more factual and usually requires further research on the specific topic.

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15+ Best Writing Helpers: Ranked and Reviewed [2022] https://bloggingtips.com/writing-helper/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=writing-helper https://bloggingtips.com/writing-helper/#respond Sun, 09 Oct 2022 23:06:39 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=99921 Read more]]> Social media posts, essays, resumes, and blog posts require effective writing skills.

Thankfully, we have writing helpers available to lighten the load and make us more effective communicators.

Tools like PaperHelp can take the stress out of writing at any level.

While its the best overall writing helper, it’s not the only one.

If you’re interested in writing helpers to refine your next paper, this guide should help you choose wisely.

An Overview of Writing Helpers

A writing helper sounds self-explanatory, but there’s more involved than you might think.

You have access to several tools that offer various services, but before we dive into them, it helps to have a general understanding.

What Is a Writing Helper?

Writer helpers are productivity tools that support writers with various tasks to create more polished products.

Some writing helper services include organizing, editing, and even completing the content based on your input.

Some writing helpers offer more services than others, like the Jasper writing assistant.

It uses artificial intelligence (AI) to read and create content in over two dozen languages.

Of course, that might be overkill for many writers.

However, you might choose a tool that helps you organize in the beginning and then edit and polish at the end.

Why Are Writing Helpers Important?

Writing helpers support individuals at all skill levels to improve their work and deliver polished, high-quality projects.

Additionally, writing helpers can save time and reduce anxiety for those who struggle with writing.

For example, some of these writing tools can identify and correct grammar issues in minutes so that you know you’re submitting a polished paper.

Do I Need a Writing Helper?

Anybody who writes can benefit from a writing helper.

While many platforms advertise to college students seeking essay help, the need for writing help extends to nearly every industry.

Experienced bloggers often list writing helpers among their favorite blogging tools because they improve the content and reduce the time spent on each post.

Even positions that don’t write often can benefit from writing assistants polishing up professional emails, resumes, and business proposals.

The Best Writing Helpers at a Glance

Are you running short on time and desperate for a quick solution?

Take a look at the top writing helpers and what sets them apart from the rest.

What Is the Best Writing Helper?

PaperHelp is the best writing helper overall.

The reliable service crafts custom content based on your parameters.

You get a unique, finished product within two weeks at a reasonable price.

Plus, the interface is easy to use and includes stellar customer service.

What Is the Best Free Writing Helper?

Reedsy Book Editor is the best free writing helper.

Though the platform caters to those writing books, it offers a range of organization and grammar support for anybody.

Plus, Reedsy committed to keeping the tool free forever.

Features To Look For in Writing Helpers

It’s not easy to choose a writing helper with so many platforms advertising and claiming to offer the best services.

Before you search for a tool, it helps to consider the following five criteria that can give one product an edge over another.

1. Quality of Service

Customer service matters, and some platforms deliver a higher caliber than others.

Make sure the writing helper provides accurate information and works with the language you need to write in.

If you plan to enlist full-service writing services, the platform should promise and deliver unique content, not spun or plagiarized material.

It also helps if they have professional writers on staff.

2. Types of Services

The writing helper should offer the tools you need to succeed.

If you need help coming up with things to write about, a platform that only offers editing services isn’t the best solution.

Of course, it’s possible to use more than one tool, like using Grammarly, Reedsy, and Hemmingway.

However, it might be more effective to choose a platform that handles everything in one place, like PaperHelp or ExpertWriting.

3. Turnaround Time

Depending on what service you need, the turnaround time on a project can make a difference.

PaperHelp’s two-week turnaround might be excessive for a blog post, but it’s perfectly reasonable for a term paper or whitepaper that requires more research.

Grammar or readability edits may not be as dire, but tools like Grammarly provide instant results.

Sending them out to a service would likely take longer, though you may get more accurate editing.

4. Reliability

Consistency is key when it comes to content and service.

A platform or service that meets deadlines every time and always delivers unique copy might be worth a premium price.

If reviews note that a site frequently delivers late content or pieces that didn’t pass plagiarism checks, it’s best to look elsewhere.

5. Price

What do you get for the price?

Some services make the premium price tag worth your while by offering quality support that gives you a reasonable return on your investment.

However, free tools can help you polish something up with minimal effort and no strain on your bottom line.

Best Writing Helpers: Our Top 3 Options [Ranked & Reviewed]

Three writing helpers stand out from the rest by offering high-quality services, excellent quality, and impeccable customer support.

PaperHelp: Our Pick

PaperHelp offers a wide range of services at various academic tiers, from high school up to graduate-level work.

The platform offers an extensive pool of writers from various disciplines to ensure you receive a quality response that follows all the instructions.

Users can outline their requirements, list sources, and request citations in a specific format.

It’s a completely customizable experience that delivers unique content that can pass plagiarism and grammar checks.

If you don’t want the writers to draft your entire paper, you can request editing and proofreading support instead.

PaperHelp also has staff on hand to handle calculations for high-level mathematics.

Key Features of PaperHelp

  • The free price quote feature allows you to get an estimate for your paper before committing to the service.
  • A custom approach means you get a unique paper based on your instructions across a range of options, including calculations if needed.
  • The loyalty program, referral program, and discount codes help users get price breaks.
  • Access 24/7 customer support and an extensive FAQ section.

Why Is PaperHelp a Great Solution?

PaperHelp offers comprehensive writing services to support academics at any stage in their careers.

You can get a paper in as little as three hours, meaning that the paper you forgot about may not be late after all.

Plus, if you don’t love the first draft, you can get a free revision.

Pros of PaperHelp

  • Multiple experience levels and services available
  • Loyalty and referral programs save users money
  • Up to three free revisions on a paper

Cons of PaperHelp

  • Occasional quality issues with custom niches
  • Can be expensive
  • May not help industries other than academia

PaperHelp vs Other Top Recommendations: How They Compare

Several sites tout plagiarism-free, unique content, secure payments, and anonymity but PaperHelp tops them with the range of services available and the perks.

PaperHelp offers more than essay writing, it’s a comprehensive platform with editing, rating, and revision services as well.

You can even submit your existing paper for a professional to grade it and provide feedback to help you improve.

Having a loyalty program to reward repeat customers with savings is nice, and a few other platforms offer something similar.

However, PaperHelp also built a referral program that provides additional incentives.

Additionally, PaperHelp has more attentive customer service with access to live chat 24/7.

Many similar services only communicate through email or online forms.

PaperHelp Pricing

Prices start at a base level per page depending on the academic tier.

Reducing the deadline time increases the price.

  • High school: $10 and up
  • Undergraduate: $13 and up
  • Bachelor: $19 and up
  • Professional $21 and up

Can You Try PaperHelp for Free?

No, PaperHelp does not have free options because the site employs professional writers who need compensation for their work.

The site notes that you receive several add-ons, like formatting, for free with every purchase.

Conclusion: Should You Choose PaperHelp?

As long as you can afford it, PaperHelp is worth the investment.

PaperHelp tops the list of writing helpers because of its comprehensive services, perks, and performance.

This highly-reviewed site boasts over four stars on average across three review sites, including TrustPilot and SiteJabber.

The user interface is easy to navigate and allows you to submit a custom request.

You get up to three free revisions with formatting included in the price.

Plus, you can choose a deadline that works for you, as little as three hours or as much as 20 days.

While there are some reports of quality issues, the overwhelming majority of users become repeat or regular customers.

When you’re on a deadline, overextended, or struggling with a course, it’s not easy to beat PaperHelp’s support.

ExpertWriting: Runner-Up

ExpertWriting is another paper writing service.

Clients can receive academic essays, contracts for proofreading and editing support, and more.

This platform also features business writing options, like business plans.

You can use the price estimate tool to get an idea about what your project will cost before ordering.

The user interface is intuitive and allows plenty of room to submit instructions and other guidance, like specific sources you need

ExpertWriting provides several free samples on the website to showcase previous work across a range of topics.

Key Features of ExpertWriting

  • They promise original work by professional writers delivered on time to your specifications.
  • Choose from a range of deadlines starting at three hours and capping out at 14 days.
  • You get one free revision within 10 days of delivery.
  • A paid subscription to the service comes with a 7% discount.

Why Is ExpertWriting a Great Solution?

ExpertWriting offers academic and business papers to meet almost any need.

You can select a general essay or hone in on something more specific, like a rhetorical analysis.

This platform offers some unique options, like business plans and multiple-choice questions.

Bloggers might appreciate the chance to offload some reviews, while anybody can take advantage of the proofreading option.

Pros of ExpertWriting

  • Wide range of paper types to accommodate any needs
  • Access to hundreds of professional writers with varying areas of expertise
  • 100% original, unique content

Cons of ExpertWriting

  • Can get expensive to customize
  • Some issues with quality and delivery times
  • Customer service response can be spotty

ExpertWriting vs Other Top Recommendations: How They Compare

ExpertWriting offers similar services to PaperHelp.

While it doesn’t quite measure up to the top pick, ExpertWriting offers more than other services.

The main reason that ExpertWriting falls to the second spot is a question of consistent quality.

Looking at reviews on key sites, like TrustPilot, it’s clear that ExpertWriting doesn’t fare as well as PaperHelp.

Notably, most users report solid returns and smooth sailing with customer support.

ExpertWriting boasts a 97.2% customer satisfaction rating on their website but that leaves a faction of unsatisfied clients.

The interesting thing is that there’s no middle-of-the-road reviews on ExpertWriting.

It’s either one-star or five-star ratings, suggesting that most users receive incredible service.

The dissatisfied clients cite abominable reports of horrible customer service.

Another point to consider is that ExpertWriting only includes one free revision with every purchase.

If they don’t get it right, you have to fork over more or handle it yourself.

ExpertWriting Pricing

ExpertWriting prices start at $10 for a high school essay of 275 words with a 14-day deadline.

Adjusting the academic level, type of project, and deadline will increase the base price.

Can You Try ExpertWriting for Free?

No, this platform offers no services.

The site offers discounts on initial orders and subscriptions and a referral bonus.

Unlike other sites, ExpertWriting doesn’t even address the free services question on the FAQs page.

Conclusion: Should You Choose ExpertWriting?

ExpertWriting is a viable option for anyone in a time crunch.

Most clients receive stellar pieces and outstanding customer service.

The user interface makes it easy to place an order and submit your unique specifications for a custom project.

Plus, there are ways to get discounts on papers, like the referral program.

Like any other service, there is a slim chance that you could receive a less-than-exemplary paper.

SpeedyPaper: Budget Pick

SpeedyPaper slides into the top three with some stellar reviews and a slightly lower price tag than the top two choices.

The site uses a similar arrangement as the top two services, including the price estimator and range of paper types.

This platform stands by the unique content pledge and claims to run every paper through multiple plagiarism checks.

Further, SpeedyPaper offers up to three revisions for every paper.

Prospective customers also have access to hundreds of free samples and a thesis statement generator as inspiration.

You can even access several discount codes and join the referral program to save more on future orders.

Key Features of SpeedyPaper

  • You get quick, reliable service that meets deadlines.
  • Specializes in niche and complicated papers, including dissertations and research papers.
  • The referral program can be lucrative for students who need extra cash.

Why Is SpeedyPaper a Great Solution?

SpeedyPaper lives up to its name with quick returns and a track record of timely deliveries.

The platform seems to tackle more complex assignments with gusto, even unusual requests if they have a specialist available.

The multi-level plagiarism detection system is a bonus that gives users peace of mind.

If you don’t feel comfortable having SpeedyPaper write your entire paper, you still have options.

Access some free samples for inspiration, plug your thoughts into the thesis generator, and write your paper.

You can always choose a grading or editing package to have them double-check your work.  

Pros of SpeedyPaper

  • Multiple plagiarism checks to ensure unique content
  • On-time delivery
  • Reliable, knowledgeable customer support available 24/7

Cons of SpeedyPaper

  • Aggressive sales tactics
  • No subscription service deals
  • Some issues with dry, boring writing

SpeedyPaper vs Other Top Recommendations: How They Compare

SpeedyPaper operates a similar system to PaperHelp and ExpertWriter.

It might do better with niche and complex papers than the top two, but it doesn’t offer as many customization options.

While SpeedyPaper doesn’t offer a three-hour deadline, it does seem to deliver on time more reliably than other platforms.

If you need something in a day or two, SpeedyPaper might be the best choice.

One of the main drawbacks of SpeedyPaper is the aggressive sales approach.

Unlike the other services, this one leans heavily on upselling every order.

SpeedyPaper Pricing

SpeedyPaper pricing starts at $9 per page for a high school essay with a 20-day deadline.

Altering the academic level, paper type, and deadline will increase the price per page.

Can You Try SpeedyPaper for Free?

There is no free trial with SpeedyPaper because the site notes that it has to pay its writers a fair wage.

You can access some free resources, like the thesis generator and blog with valuable insights.

Conclusion: Should You Choose SpeedyPaper?

If you can handle the pushiness and need some complex copy fast, SpeedyPaper could be a solid choice.

The quality rivals the top choices, and even exceeds expectations for more complicated requests.

You can also access some helpful tools for free, but expect pop-ups on every page.

Best Free Writing Helpers Options

The top choices offer a range of writing services with a heavy focus on delivering completed projects to meet student needs.

Not every student can afford to pay for that level of support but that doesn’t mean you can’t find free writing help to guide you through.

Reedsy Book Editor

Reedsy Book Editor focuses on authors writing books, but that doesn’t mean it can’t serve other purposes.

You can write anything in the tool and take advantage of the features to create a well-formatted piece.

This platform also allows for collaborative editing, making it ideal for group and team projects.

Reedsy tracks edits from each party and allows for comments and real-time feedback.

Why Is This a Great Option?

This platform offers many useful tools, including formatting and grammar checks.

You can upload a file to edit and format it perfectly.

Plus, Reedsy provides access to a marketplace of professionals.

If you don’t feel confident in your work or want a second opinion, head to the marketplace to access a range of experts.

Drawbacks to Reedsy Book Editor

Reedsy Book Editor is free and easy to use, but you still have to do all of the work unless you pay for services.

It’s also focused on creating books for publication through standard platforms, like Amazon Kindle.

While that’s not a bad thing, it may not have the formatting capabilities for an academic paper.

You can certainly find a similar tool for grammar and spell checks elsewhere.

Draft

Draft represents one frustrated individual’s frustrations with other writing helpers.

Instead of solving one issue, like grammar or readability, Draft wants to do everything in one place.

The features page on the website highlights several complaints about traditional platforms and how Draft fixes them.

For example, Draft links to several popular services, including Evernote and Tumblr.

Users can access, write, edit, and publish documents from anywhere.

Why Is This a Great Option?

Aside from being a free tool, Draft works for any writer.

It basically allows you to work on a project anytime, anywhere with access to various tools you might need to finish.

From creating presentations on your commute to commenting and editing a partner’s contributions, Draft makes writing easier and more efficient.

You can add videos or images to build a presentation, make a to-do list, or jot notes in a document for later use.

The platform even tracks analytics if you connect it with social media channels.

Drawbacks to Draft

The website leaves you wanting, even for a free platform.

Unlike other options, Draft takes minimal to the extreme by providing almost no information about the company.

It’s possible that the platform tries to do too much.

The effect is poor functionality for some features, like the auto-simplify.

Draft also struggles some with lag when you have large text blocks, which could be problematic for academic and business writers.

Notable Mentions: Other Writing Helpers To Check Out

The top paid and free options offer a range of writing support, but they aren’t your only choices.

If you don’t love anything yet, you may want to give these writing helpers a chance.

LibreOffice

LibreOffice is another open-source software solution that you can download and use for word processing.

It includes several tools to complete various tasks, including writing, spreadsheets, and presentations.

The writing feature includes standard tools, like autocorrect.

You can access templates to serve as starting points and add language extensions if you work internationally.

LibreOffice offers a comprehensive help center with various tools, including community and professional support.

If you can’t find the answer you seek in the online documentation session or internal Wiki, try the live chat or help feature.

Why Is This a Great Option?

LibreOffice isn’t just a writing helper, it offers access to a range of tools.

For example, you could build out a blog post and create graphics in one app.

This platform is also free and easy to use.

You get regular updates to keep things functional, secure, and fresh.

Users can make suggestions on ways to improve features or recommend new additions.

Plus, it’s possible to enter a certification program for LibreOffice and access professional support for other services.

Drawbacks to LibreOffice

You definitely get more than what you pay for with LibreOffice, but it’s still a basic word-processing tool.

Don’t expect the bells and whistles that a paid platform offers, and you still have to do the work.

While LibreOffice accepts various document types, you might experience formatting issues with some platforms, like Microsoft Word.

LibreOffice Pricing

LibreOffice is Open Source Software, meaning it’s permanently, completely free

Can You Try LibreOffice for Free?

Yes. You can test and use LibreOffice for free.

EssayPro

EssayPro connects you with professional writers who can write, refine, or edit your paper.

The site hires experienced writers with varying degree levels to provide writing services across a range of categories and topics.

Clients can create an order and select from available writers to complete the work.

The site also offers homework help in case you just need some questions answered or clarification on an issue.

Like other writing helpers, EssayPro features a price quote calculator, discount codes, and an educational blog.

Why Is This a Great Option?

This platform offers some unique services, like Physics Help, that you can’t find elsewhere.

One of the other unique features is that users can select their writers from a list of available professionals.

You can access reviews, see specialties, and know how many orders the writer has completed through EssayPro.

In addition to choosing the project type, academic level, and deadline, users can elect to contract for writing, rewriting, or editing services.

It’s also transparent with pricing for editing, rewriting, and proofreading services for those who prefer to do their own work.

Drawbacks to EssayPro

EssayPro doesn’t offer as many options as similar services.

Though it does have a “custom writing” selection that opens up more essay types, it isn’t as extensive as the other options.

There aren’t many reviews available compared to other options, so it’s not easy to see what other users think.

It’s not easy to commit to a paid order without knowing what to expect from an independent source.

Additionally, the customer support leaves you wanting.

The team isn’t as accessible with no phone support.

They claim to be available 24/76, but you can only send an email or reach out via the web chat that seems to be AI-based.

EssayPro Pricing

Pricing starts at $11 per page for writing, $5.70 per page for editing, and $3 per page for proofreading.

Can You Try EssayPro for Free?

No, EssayPro does not offer free trials.

The site offers a discount plan for bulk orders, up to 40% off.

GradeMiners

GradeMiners connects students with professional writers who have at least a Master’s degree.

All writers have at least three years of writing experience and deliver unique essays based on the user’s instructions.

The platform guarantees A+ quality work and reports that nine out of ten users increase their GPAs.

Interestingly, the site also features a disclaimer indicating that you should not submit the papers for credit and use them only for research purposes.

If you simply need help with something you wrote, the team can provide other supplementary services.

Hire the experts to handle editing, referencing, formatting, and even presentation design.

Why Is This a Great Option?

GradeMiners is an established company with a history of delivering solid service.

It’s widely regarded as a reliable essay writing service offering a range of other writing tools, like a citation generator.

The site offers several guarantees, including quality assurance, editing, and 100% confidentiality.

Customer service is one of the top reasons to choose GradeMiners.

Not only do you have 24/7 access to the support team, but you can also chat online with your writer to ensure they complete things to your specifications.

Drawbacks to GradeMiners

You might be wondering how GradeMiners didn’t rank higher on this list.

The truth is that there are a few notable drawbacks, including the price.

GradeMiners is one of the most expensive services with the highest base rate.

This site also seems to have some quality issues, namely missed deadlines and inconsistent essay quality.

You can input whatever deadline you want, like an hour or two, on any project you like, but that doesn’t mean the writer will deliver.

Granted, it’s possible to input a completely unrealistic request, but even reasonable timelines don’t always pan out.

It appears to come down to the writer you match with, and some aren’t as responsive as others.

GradeMiners Pricing

Pricing starts at $15.24 per page for a high school-level essay with a 20-day deadline.

Adjusting the type of paper, academic level, deadline, and length will increase the price.

Can You Try GradeMiners for Free?

GradeMiners does not have any free plans or trials.

However, the platform offers some features, like a title page and bibliography, for free with purchase.

Ommwriter

Ommwriter is a completely different type of writer helper.

This platform doesn’t offer grammar tools or write essays for you.

Instead, Ommwriter creates the ideal workspace to facilitate distraction-free, productive writing time.

This platform features a minimalistic design to encourage creativity and focus.

Using principles like color therapy, the platform helps you focus and complete your assignment.

Why Is This a Great Option?

Ommwriter creates the ideal ambiance to stimulate creativity and help you produce.

From soothing color schemes to peaceful soundtracks, it creates a space to block out the distractions that knock you off track.

Drawbacks to Ommwriter

The only drawback is that it doesn’t offer any other writing support, like grammar or spelling.

It could also use a little more variety in backgrounds, sounds, and fonts.

The keystroke sounds can also be a bit distracting.

Ommwriter Pricing

Ommwriter lets users decide the price with the minimum starting at $7.78.

Can You Try Ommwriter for Free?

You can do a free test of the software.

On the website, go to the menu and select “Experience Test” to sample the platform.

BestEssays.com

BestEssays.com is another writing helper that’s been around for a while.

The site offers several dozen paper types to choose from, and deadlines ranging from three hours to ten days.

At first glance, BestEssays.com looks a lot like the top three pics in this guide.

It covers a lot of the same bases and promises of original writing and confidentiality.

You get 24/7 support via live chat or by phone.

Why Is This a Great Option?

BestEssays.com does a lot of things right, or the platform wouldn’t have twenty-five years under its belt.

Users can select their writers based on ratings and short profiles.

Every order includes free title and reference pages, formatting, and revisions.

The site offers tiered discounts for repeat users as part of a loyalty program.

Additionally, first-time users can get a 15% discount on orders of $50 or more.

Drawbacks to BestEssays.com

This site is a bit smaller than its competitors, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

However, with fewer writers available and a lower customer satisfaction score (94 out of 100) BestEssays.com might not be the best option for everyone.

It’s not quite as easy to navigate the website for information and the interface can be buggy.

Plus, the base price per page is substantially higher than most of the other services.

BestEssays.com Pricing

The minimum price is $19.30 per page for a high school-level essay with a deadline of 10 days.

Increasing the academic level, decreasing the deadline, and selecting a custom subject area all increase the price.

Can You Try BestEssays.com for Free?

No, you cannot try BestEssays.com for free.

The service offers some free features with every purchase, like formatting and reference pages.

RushEssay.com

RushEssay.com is another writing helper that provides custom content from professional writers.

All writers have degrees with writing experience, and they meet deadlines.

Users can get a quote with the price estimator based on the paper type, subject area, number of pages, and academic level.

Deadlines range from as little as three hours up to 10 days.

Why Is This a Great Option?

RushEssay.com is another viable option for people in a time crunch.

Every order includes a free outline, title page, bibliography, formatting, and unlimited amendments.

The site guarantees unique content, anonymity, and 24/7 customer support.

Drawbacks to RushEssay.com

RushEssay.com simply isn’t as polished or complete as the other writing helpers.

The website doesn’t look as clean and it’s not as easy to navigate.

The biggest drawback is the pricing that comes in at the higher end of the spectrum.

Even though it claims to offer a lot of discounts, RushEssay.com doesn’t appear to deliver.

The loyalty program caps out at 17% after you roll through three other tiers.

RushEssay.com Pricing

The base price for a high school-level essay with a 10-day deadline starts at $20.99 per page.

Any adjustments to the subject matter, deadline, or academic level drive the price up.

Can You Try RushEssay.com for Free?

You cannot try RushEssay.com for free.

Even More Options To Check Out

We’re not done yet!

There are still a few more writer helpers to get you moving in the right direction with your next project.

College-Paper.org

College-Paper.org caters to college students who need support with coursework.

All writers have a Master’s or Ph.D. degree, but you can still choose from three quality levels.

Each tier tacks on additional perks, like more experienced writers or plagiarism checks.

You can reach the team online through live chat or by phone.

Prices start at $19.99 per page and there are some discounts.

There is some risk involved with using this site as it seems to have quality issues.

Plus, there’s no money-back guarantee that makes things feel shady at best.

ProEssayWriting.com

ProEssayWriting is yet another place to buy a completed essay.

The site promises optimal customer support, secure payments, anonymity, and “top-notch quality.”

Users can communicate with their writers using a chat feature to ensure they receive all of the necessary information.

You can have free revisions as long as you request them within 14 days.

Unfortunately, while first-time users can get a discount, the prices start at $19.99 and you have to spend at least $50 to get the savings.

Even worse, there appears to be a history of quality issues making this site a gamble.

Textmetrics

Textmetrics is a completely different type of writing helper.

The platform helps companies and organizations rework their copy to make it more SEO-friendly and inclusive.

This software uses AI algorithms to analyze copy and make suggestions to improve performance.

It can track keywords, audit copy, and deliver more professional-sounding content.

The drawback of this tool is that it only covers this one facet of writing.

If you need grammar checks or research, you have to get at least one more tool.

Textmetrics is more of an add-on at the end of the writing process.

ProWritingAid

ProWritingAid can address style, grammar, and spelling for anything you write.

It suggests improvements using AI technology and can check an entire document in seconds.

You can choose to use the free version or upgrade to one of three paid tiers.

The paid version starts at $20 per month and includes a 14-day money-back guarantee.

For an extra fee, you can add a plagiarism checker as well.

ProWritingAid is a powerful writing assistant, but if you’re in a bind it’s not going to do research for you.

Also, if you have a lengthy document, like a dissertation, it’s going to take longer than a few seconds to show your results.

Grammarly

Grammarly might be one of the most popular writing checkers available.

Create an account to access the basic grammar and spelling checker or pay to upgrade to a premium subscription for more features.

The platform addresses everything from tone to citations.

It’s easy to use and even the free plan can improve your writing projects.

Grammarly is not perfect by any means.

It doesn’t always get things right because the AI interface might not pick up on nuances.

Plus, the basic level only shows a fraction of the suggestions, and upgrading to the premium plan costs a lot.

Hemingway

If you don’t already have content marketing tools that address readability, this app may be a game-changer.

Hemingway analyzes writing for readability and provides a grade level based on the text’s complexity.

The free app works through any browser and provides suggestions for improving readability.

It’s easy to use, just copy and paste your text on the app and it highlights suggestions with notes on the sidebar.

Hemingway is useful for only one thing, meaning you need other tools to round out your writing.

While you get some minor grammar comments, like passive voice usage, is not comprehensive by any means.

Other Products Relevant To Writing Helpers

Are you looking for different writing support?

We’ve got a few more roundups to help you create a custom writing toolkit and send your content game to the next level.

  • Paraphrasing Tools: use these platforms to rewrite a sentence to sound cleaner without changing your meaning.
  • Content Creators: when you need a little help drawing out your ideas, turn to these content creators to get things moving.
  • Essay Typers: don’t miss another deadline with essay typers that can help you construct a legitimate essay fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have questions about writing helpers?

These common questions and answers might clear things up.

Where can I get help with writing an essay?

There are many resources to help with essay writing at varying degrees, including the platforms on this list.

Sites like PaperHelp can write or revise an essay for you, or you can use grammar checkers, like Grammarly to clean things up manually.

What is the Claro writing helper?

The Claro writing helper is now TextHelp.

The software helps writers craft essays and more to learn the process.

It helps plan and organize, edit, and create citations.

TextHelp is free for teachers to use, and there are other products under the umbrella that offer additional educational support, including mathematics and languages.

Wrapping Up

Investing in a writing helper can save you time and stress.

Whether you pay for a complete essay or need some editing help, there’s something out there for you.

The best option by far is PaperHelp because it’s the most comprehensive of the set.

You can get as much or as little support as you need from professionals for a reasonable price.

The quality and services top the rest in class with a range of options to meet your needs.

If you can’t quite swing the cost and just need a little guidance, Reedsy Book Editor is a free platform with several helpful features.

You can tweak formatting and grammar, move things around, and even hire a pro through their marketplace.

Have you used any of these services?

Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

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Listicles: Definition, Types & Best Practices For 2022 https://bloggingtips.com/listicle/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=listicle https://bloggingtips.com/listicle/#respond Sun, 09 Oct 2022 22:48:51 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=99920 Read more]]> The word listicle is a mash-up of the word list and article.

Listicles are a type of content that can go viral.

This type of content presents information in an easy-to-read format that viewers can quickly scan to absorb lots of information.

Continue reading to discover the different types of listicles, how to write them, and ways to incorporate listicles into your content strategy.

What Is a Listicle?

A listicle is an article or blog post that’s in list form.

Each item in a listicle typically includes a description with more information about why it’s worth being included on the list.

Difference Between Listicles and Roundup Posts

A roundup post and a listicle are similar because these types of content list things and include descriptive text for each item.

However, roundup posts feature expert advice, while listicles are generic lists.

For example, someone writing a roundup post about the best blogs would ask bloggers about their go-to inspirational websites and compile their answers into a list.

On the other hand, a listicle about the best blogging sites is written by the blogger based on their opinion or research.

What Is the Purpose of Listicles?

The purpose of a listicle is to compile related items or concepts and present them in an easy-to-read format.

Listicles are one of the best types of blog content to insert affiliate links into so that bloggers earn a commission from affiliate sales.

Why Are Listicles Important?

Listicles are important because they are easy for our brains to digest and offer a wide selection of similar options so users can compare products before making a purchase.

Listicles have many benefits to both the reader and the writer.

For the reader, listicles are easy to skim without missing pertinent information.

Listicles also offer choice and product information so readers make educated buying decisions.

For the writer, listicles allow several opportunities to make an affiliate sale from one blog post.

Common Types of Listicles

Some of the most popular types of listicles include the following:

  • Informational Listicles: These types of listicles present information in an easy-to-read list form. For example, 15 facts about the stock market or 23 fashion tips.
  • Recommendation Listicles: These types of listicles recommend products to readers. A recommendation listicle can include one product type, like the 12 best red lipsticks, or follow a theme, such as the 27 best Amazon finds.
  • Educational Listicles: Educational listicles feature a list of facts. Like flashcards, educational listicles quickly show the reader information as a heading, then go into details in the text.
  • How-To Listicles: How-to listicles outline the list of steps for doing something, like DIY home decor, how to write a blog post, and how to find a job.

What Types of Listicles Are Most Popular?

All types of listicles perform very well.

What makes a listicle more popular than others is the content inside.

Listicles are easy-to-read and can focus on lighter topics to gain popularity with wider audiences, like the 15 things all dog lovers do or the 37 funniest memes.

Or, a listicle goes viral because it provides useful information that broad audiences find interesting, like the 13 things you need to know about the food you eat or 12 things not to do on a date.

Examples of Listicles

Below, we’ll explain more about the different types of listicles and include examples for each.

1. Informational Listicles

Informational listicles present readers with a list of information that doesn’t look like a textbook.

Check out this listicle by Timeout about the best films of 2022.

This informational listicle by Timeout features the movie title as headings, an image from the film, and text underneath.

The text provides readers with a brief synopsis and reasons why they’ll enjoy the film.

Each heading is a link directing readers to other content on the Timeout site or sending readers to recommended product pages.

2. Recommendation Listicles

Recommendation listicles share a list of recommended products with readers.

For example, check out these best makeup dupes from the writers at Self.

In this listicle, readers will find affiliate links to the expensive brand name-product and the cheaper dupe product.

Each heading is a type of makeup, and the text under each heading comprehensively compares the dupe and name-brand products.

3. How-To Listicles

How-to listicles give step-by-step instructions on how to do something.

For a remarkable example of a how-to listicle, check out this post about how to do a smokey eye by Ipsy.

Readers will quickly spot the headers listing steps for how to apply products to recreate the iconic makeup look.

Under each header are detailed instructions.

What we love about this listicle is that it also includes an educational listicle after the how-to section.

The headers become the names of varying smokey eye looks, and the text underneath discusses the details between the different types, so readers walk away as smokey eye experts.

4. Listicle Content Ideas

If you’re wondering what topics to write about, listicles cover all types.

Writers often feature topics like health, beauty, finance, entertainment, and fun facts as listicles.

Remember, content is king.

When choosing content ideas, ensure that the listicle fits the blog’s niche.

For example, a writing blog is better suited for a listicle about the best WordPress plugins than a listicle with steps for how to catch a fish.

Where to Find Ideas & Inspiration for Listicles

Explore other listicles and articles online to find inspiration for content to include in your listicle.

Pinterest is a great place to find posts with ideas for listicle content.

Another easy way to find inspiration and ideas for listicles is to do keyword research for things people frequently search for on search engines.

How Do I Get Listicles?

Listicles are relatively easy to write compared to long-form blog posts, so bloggers will write listicles themselves or hire a guest writer or ghostwriter to produce listicles for their blog.

How To Write a Listicle

Below, we’ll go into more detail about every step of the listicle writing process.

Process of Writing a Listicle

Follow the steps below to write a fabulous listicle.

  • Step 1: Pick a listicle topic
  • Step 2: Do keyword research
  • Step 3: Create a numbered list
  • Step 4: Add text for each item
  • Step 5: Insert images

Step 1: Pick a Listicle Topic

The first step of writing a listicle is choosing a topic.

Keep your listicle themes within the theme of your blog niche to ensure consistency in your content.

Once you decide on the topic, choose which type of listicle style suits the topic best.

Pick from informational, recommendations, how-to, and educational listicles.

Step 2: Do Keyword Research

After you’ve decided on your topic, do keyword research to optimize your content for search engines.

Keyword research also ensures that your listicle touches on subjects that readers are interested in.

Step 3: Create a Numbered List

Now that you have insight into popular searches, you’re ready to create a list of things for your listicle to discuss.

Do a quick Google search to determine how many items to include on your list.

If the number one Google search discusses 21 things, include 23 things on your listicle.

Step 4: Add Text for Each Item

Add text for each item on your numbered list.

The text should be brief but meet the user intent for each item.

Bloggers don’t have to include text for each item in a listicle.

Some listicles only use images.

However, adding text allows the blogger to insert keywords for better on-page SEO.

Step 5: Insert Images

For the final touch, add images to your listicle.

Images help break up the content, so it’s easier to read and help the reader to visualize the products or concepts better.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’re ready to publish your listicle.

Listicle Best Practices

Now that you know how to write one, check out these tips for listicle best practices.

1. Avoid Clickbait Titles

Clickbait titles are exaggerated claims or attention-grabbing headlines for the sole purpose of generating a click.

While clickbait is catchy and enticing, many readers are put off by them and prefer titles that better represent the article’s content.

2. Remember the Reader

Remember your readers and speak to them like friends.

Listicles should be engaging, so speak to the reader using first-person and second-person pronouns.

Remember that a reader is a person on the other side of the screen, and focus your content on that person.

While recommendation listicles are great places to include affiliate links, don’t bombard your readers with too many options or recommend products you wouldn’t purchase yourself.

3. Go In-Depth

Listicles can be light and fluffy, but sharable listicles offer readers something they didn’t have before they opened your post.

Good listicles go in-depth for each item on the list without going overboard.

The length of a listicle should be between 1500 and 200 words.

Treat each numbered item like a mini-essay.

However, if you find you have more to write about for each item, perhaps your topic is better suited as a long-form blog post than a listicle.

Listicle Tools to Save Time and Money

Maximize your efficiency by using listicle tools to save time and money.

What Is a Listicle Tool?

A listicle tool is something that helps bloggers write listicle posts in less time and with less effort.

Below, we’ll discuss our favorite listicle tools.

Our Favorite Listicle Tools

Bloggers have lots of helpful tools to maximize their time.

Our favorite listicle tools are blog writing services, AI writing tools, and pre-made templates; we’ll discuss each in detail.

1. Blog Writing Services

Blog writing services are services that write blogs for you.

Blog owners with a large platform needing consistent content sometimes hire ghostwriters or have guest writers write their content.

Choose from blog writing services with monthly subscriptions or pay per assignment.

2. AI Writing Software

AI-powered writing software is similar to blog writing services.

However, this software uses artificial intelligence (AI) instead of humans to write blog posts.

AI writing software can create attention-grabbing headlines and generate long-form pieces of content.

So, you can save a lot of time and forego writer’s block with this listicle tool.

3. Listicle Content Template

Templates are excellent if you’re not sure where to start when writing a listicle.

Listicle templates are outlines for listicles that bloggers use to format their posts quickly.

Templates don’t usually include content but instead are a template for formatting and how to organize information.  

Other Related Content Types to Check Out

There are many other ways to present information apart from a listicle.

Below are some related content types worth checking out.

  • Ultimate Guide: An ultimate guide is a detailed article about one topic with some elements of a listicle within the text. Ultimate guides include elements of how-to articles, informational listicles, and expert advice so that readers leave the post feeling more educated on the subject.
  • Curated Content: Curated content is similar to recommendation listicles because curated content recommends products and services to readers.
  • Exclusive Content: Exclusive content posts are typically reviews of products that are not yet available to everyone. Companies launching new products sometimes reach out to influencers and bloggers to advertise the exclusive item or service before it hits the shelves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions about writing a listicle below.

Why do people love listicles?

People love listicles because they present a lot of information in an easy-to-read format.

Listicles that recommend products give readers the educational tools they need to decide what to purchase.

Meanwhile, informational listicles often share facts and human experiences that large audiences relate to.

What is the best number for a listicle?

Odd numbers attract more attention than even numbers.

However, there’s no one magic number to use for listicles.

The best practice is to search your listicle topic and see what numbers other high-ranking sites use, then one-up them.

Wrapping Up

Now that you know the ins and outs of listicles, you’re ready to begin writing your own.

Engage your audiences with captivating listicles with recommended products, interesting facts, and adorable images.

Be sure to follow our best practices to maximize the impact of your listicle.

Happy blogging!

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