Brett Helling – 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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Best History Podcasts: 15 Examples [2022] https://bloggingtips.com/history-podcasts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=history-podcasts https://bloggingtips.com/history-podcasts/#respond Wed, 12 Oct 2022 14:01:11 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=100652 Read more]]> To many people, the study of history is best relegated to big dusty books and the classroom.

However, those people have likely not listened to a history podcast.

This genre of podcasts is burgeoning with fascinating examples of how history can be fascinating.

Read on to learn about some of the best history podcasts.

What Is a History Podcast?

History makes some of the best podcasts around.

History podcasts focus on the exploration of history in different ways.

Some podcasts discuss a single topic throughout several episodes, while others delve into a different topic each week.

These podcasts may look at history with broad strokes or through a specific angle.  

What Does a History Podcaster Talk About?

A history podcaster can talk about different topics related to history.

History podcast topics include world history, American history, African history, food history, history of wars, the effect of history on the present, women in history, and music history.

What Is Included In a History Podcast?

Every history podcast is a little different, and each has a variety of features.

However, there are many common variables across all types of history podcasts.

Here are a few variables to look for in history podcasts.  

1. Context

The way many history podcasts gain success is by connecting historical events to the modern day or other historical events.

Some podcasts include this variable as their hook, while others happen to include context incidentally.

2. Research

Research is the foundation of any good history podcast must exist on.

Many podcasts will outline their exact research sources.

They may use books, reputable blogs, and documentaries to inform their podcast content.

3. Storytelling

Storytelling is what makes podcasts stand apart as a genre.

The previously mentioned research gets synthesized into a digestible story that will intrigue listeners.

The exact storytelling method can vary.

Some stories may be scripted, and others happen in a conversational style.

Whatever method gets used, the story is always a central component of good history podcasts.

4. Audio Quality

Audio quality is a vital component of any good podcast.

The best-researched and organized podcast will not mean much if the audio quality is bad.

Many listeners will turn a podcast off if it is not comfortable to listen to.

So, when creating a podcast, it is essential to consider how you will record, where you will record, and how you will edit the recording.

Types of History Podcasts

There are many podcast sub-genres within the history podcast genre.

Those subgenres may focus on different eras or locations relevant to history, have different demographics, or have different approaches.

Here are just a few of the popular history podcast sub-genres.

1. History Podcasts for Kids

Since some of the content of many history podcasts may be too complex for children, there are plenty of podcasts aimed at children.

These podcasts are often shorter and less complex.

However, they are still very informative, meaning your child will learn and have fun simultaneously.

2. History Podcasts That Aren’t Boring

History has an undeserved reputation as a boring topic to fall asleep to in class.

It could be argued that no history podcast is boring to the right listener.

However, some podcasts are approachable for those new to the genre.

3. History Podcasts for World and American History

History podcasts for the world and American history delve into different elements of history throughout America or the world.

Some of these podcasts are very broad in their approach, with episodes that dot the globe. Others focus on a specific topic.

Best History Podcasts: 15 Examples

With so many history-based podcasts to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which option is right for you.

Luckily, many history sub-genres may be perfect for you.

Here are 15 of the best history podcasts you can listen to now.

How Many History Podcasts Are There?

It is difficult to get a handle on the exact number of history podcasts in the world since there are so many subgenres and takes on those subgenres.

You can find over 150 history podcasts.

However, there are more that connect to history without exclusively being called history podcasts.

History Podcasts for Kids

History podcasts, in general, can get a little intense for young ears.

However, if you have a kid in your life who loves history, do not worry.

There are plenty of podcasts made especially for children.

Some focus on specific topics, while others approach history broadly.

1. But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids

But Why is a podcast from NPR that looks at many child-friendly topics, including history.

Parents can send their kids’ questions and then they are answered during the show.

While this podcast does not exclusively focus on history, enough episodes end up informed by history that it is worth checking out.

2. Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls

Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls connects to an affiliated book.

Each episode looks at women’s lives throughout history in many different fields.

Each episode is about 10 minutes long and narrated by a famous woman.

The podcast is now offered through an app.

You have access to a few stories for free.

For more stories and other related products, you’ll have to pay a fee.  

3. The Past and The Curious

The Past and The Curious was created by Mick Sullivan, a museum curator, writer, and musician, back in 2016.

The episodes are delivered with some humor but backed up by serious research.

Have a listen to The Past and The Curious if you want to play a history podcast that your kids can listen to without being dull for you.

Each episode focuses on a different story from history in a digestible and fascinating way.

4. Bedtime History: Inspirational Stories for Kids and Families

If you want to provide a fun bedtime for your children take a look at Bedtime History.

Each episode of Bedtime History is about five minutes long, providing the perfect time for a concise and fascinating story.

Topics range throughout history.

This podcast is ideal for ages four to seven.

5. History Storytime For Kids

History Storytime For Kids is unique because two kids host it.

As a result, children listeners feel more connected to the stories than an adult was the host.

This podcast is ideal for children between the ages of five and ten.

History Podcasts That Aren’t Boring

If you want to try a new podcast genre, but are worried you will get bored, there are certain pods you may want to start with.

Each of these podcasts approaches history from a different angle.

These podcasts are often successful due to their ability to fill a specific niche or connect

6. Stuff You Missed in History Class

This podcast is hosted by Tracy Wilson and Holly Frey.

Tracy’s love for history started in college where she find out how the past affects the present.

Holly is obsessed with fashion across the ages.

Stuff You Missed in History Class is a great podcast to start with if you are new to the history podcast genre.

The pod shares little-known stories from world history and debunk common historical misconceptions.

7. Noble Blood

Each episode of Noble Blood looks deeply at the stories of royals and nobles throughout history.

The podcast is well-scripted and organized.

Listeners love this podcast because of its quality of research and fun presentation.  

8. 1619

1619 consists of six episodes that explore slavery and its legacy.

It looks at the impact of slavery on many elements of modern society.

This podcast is popular thanks to the quality of the content and production.

9. You Must Remember This

You Must Remember This looks specifically at different parts of Hollywood history.

Each season focuses on a specific topic, including dead blondes, the Manson murders, and comparisons of the lives of Jean Seberg and Jane Fonda.

Listeners love this podcast thanks to its in-depth research and well-structured episodes.

10. LORE

The extremely popular and award-winning LORE podcast explores world history by looking at the origins behind the myths of different cultures around the world.

It focuses on dark tales throughout the ages.

While this podcast does focus somewhat on fiction, it also looks at the reality behind that fiction.

History Podcasts for World and American History

Many podcasts focus on American or World history.

These podcasts may talk about all that history in general or they may approach one element of the history.

11. Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History

Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History consists of deep dives into history.

The episodes may be comprehensive, but they are by no means boring.

As you listen you will find yourself engrossed in the content.

12. Uncivil

Uncivil looks into lesser-known stories from the Civil War about corruption, undercover operations, resistance, and much more.

It explores myths surrounding the war and how the period affected elements of the country today.

13. 9/12

9/12 is a limited podcast series that looks into the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on 9.11.2001.

Topics include islamophobia, cultural changes, conspiracy theories, and communication about the topic.

How to live with the changes caused by the 9/11 incident?

14. American History Tellers

American History Tellers focuses on the development of the culture of the United States.

Each episode looks at how different parts of US history led to how Americans behave today. One topic can stretch over several episodes.

15. The Fantastic History of Food

The Fantastic History of Food explores elements of history through food.

It covers history from all over the world.

This podcast is a great choice for history newbies and enthusiasts alike.

Similar Podcasts Types to Check Out

While there are plenty of history podcasts to listen to, you may be in the mood to listen to something similar to history.

These adjacent podcasts have some overlap with history podcasts in terms of content or type of interest.

  • Art History Podcasts: These types of podcasts explore art history from different perspectives. Art history podcasts are a great type to consider if you love general history podcasts because both require the same storytelling ability.
  • Travel Podcasts: Travel podcasts discuss travel experiences and tips. If you like history podcasts you may also enjoy this type since they offer you the opportunity to hear a modern update on the places you hear about in history pods.
  • Military Podcasts: Military podcasts can include discussions of historical or contemporary military activity. You may enjoy this type of podcast if you enjoy hearing about the war-like aspects of history.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a good idea to learn more about history podcasts as you consider adding them to your podcast rotation.

Here are some common history channel podcasts that frequently asked questions.

Does the History Channel have podcasts?

The History Channel has several podcasts.

These pods include History This Week, Sports History This Week, Making Lincoln, It Was Said, Blindspot Tulsa Burning, The Food That Built America, Hope, Through History, and This Day in History Daily Briefing.

There are many ways to listen to podcasts from the History Channel.

How can I learn history?

Besides listening to podcasts and going to school, there are plenty of great ways for you to learn about history.

Some of these methods include watching documentaries, reading books, reading blogs from reputable historians, engaging with reputable social media accounts, and visiting historical sites.

Wrapping Up

Learning about history is more than just understanding the past.

It is about understanding how the past affects the present and future.

Wherever you listen to podcasts, trying a history-focused podcast is a great way to learn about history in a creative and fun way.

Whether you love history or it intimidates you, try listening to a podcast and learning something new today.

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Best True Crime Podcasts: 15 Examples [2022] https://bloggingtips.com/true-crime-podcasts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=true-crime-podcasts https://bloggingtips.com/true-crime-podcasts/#respond Wed, 12 Oct 2022 13:30:28 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=100648 Read more]]> Humankind has always been fascinated with understanding why we do what we do.

This interest applies to heinous acts as well, as tales of the dark side of humanity have enthralled us throughout history.

The most recent iteration of our engagement with these curiosities is true crime podcasts.

Read on to learn more about this podcast genre.

What Is a True Crime Podcast?

True crime podcasts are audio recordings that discuss different elements of true crime.

The exact content and composition of true crime podcasts can vary. Some cover different topics in each episode, while others discuss one topic throughout several episodes.  

These podcasts can come out weekly, multiple times a week, or for a limited run.

Once you familiarize yourself with how to listen to a podcast, this form of media becomes easily accessible at your convenience.

What Does a True Crime Podcaster Talk About?

A true crime podcaster is someone who makes a podcast.

Each podcast can have a single podcaster or multiple.

In this genre, podcasters discuss different elements of true crime.

Some talk about murder or other crimes, such as fraud, robbery, extortion, or conspiracy.

Each podcast is different, fulfilling unique niches and looking at aspects of crime.

What Is Included In a True Crime Podcast?

Every true crime podcast is a little bit different. But they also share some common elements.

  • Background and Research: Solid research and background description are key elements of true crime podcasts. They give the audience insight into the victim’s personal info, the crime’s location, and more. Each podcast varies on the extent of information provided.
  • Storytelling: Storytelling makes up the majority of the podcast. Some podcasters opt for a casual and conversational storytelling style. Others prefer a more structured scripted style.
  • Honoring of victims: The best podcasts in this genre make an effort to honor the victims. Some do this by minimizing grisly details, while others make sure their focus is on knowing the victim rather than glorifying the perpetrator. Moreover, some podcasts also donate to victim help funds or work to solve crimes.
  • Good audio quality: You can listen to podcasts virtually anywhere nowadays. So with a worldwide audience in mind, podcasters need to put a bit of thought into the audio quality of the podcast. Microphone type, recording set-up, and sound mixing can determine sound quality.

Types of True Crime Podcasts

The true crime field is a niche within the podcasting world, containing several sub-niches.

Some sub-niches are defined by the pod’s structure, while others vary based on content.

True crime podcasts can be anything from a long-term weekly podcast that explores different murders each week to a short-term 10-episode series focused on one non-deadly scam.  

True Crime Podcasts for Beginners

For those inexperienced with the true crime genre, it can be difficult to know where to start.

There is not necessarily a structured true crime genre for beginners.

Some podcasts are potentially a better choice for beginners, though.

Those pods provide the listener with an easy-to-follow and engaging introduction to many elements of true crime.

They may also be less graphic.

True Crime Podcasts About Murder

While true crime podcasts may often revolve around murder, the genre can contain information on several different crimes.

If you want podcasts that focus primarily on murder, you should check this genre.

True Crime Podcasts About One Case

As mentioned, one important type of true crime podcast is a series that focuses on a single case throughout several episodes.

Typically, these podcasts dive deep into a case, discussing different elements in each episode.

Components of these episodes include interviews, scripts, history, and more.

Best True Crime Podcasts: 15 Examples

Every listener looks for different things during their podcast experience.

So, one person’s favorite true crime podcast may vary from someone else’s.

Luckily, there are several fantastic pods to check out that suit all tastes.

Here are 15 examples of great true crime podcasts.

How Many True Crime Podcasts Are There?

There are over 200 true crime podcasts in operation as of 2022.

Some podcasts are independent, while others are part of a larger network.

These podcasts make money in several ways, including with ads, merchandise, and membership fees.

True Crime Podcasts for Beginners

If you are new to the true crime genre, you may want to jump in and listen to everything.

While this is a viable approach, there are also certain types of podcasts you may want to start with.

These podcasts still discuss intense topics, such as murder.

However, they often have a comedic bent or are organized in a way that provides easy listening.

1. Wine and Crime

Wine and Crime is a successful podcast by three childhood friends.

Each weekly episode has a wine pairing and focuses on a specific theme, such as family secrets, engineering, or floral fatalities.

While murder is a common topic, this pod also discusses other types of crime.

This podcast is successful after cultivating a loyal fanbase with around 130,000 listeners per episode.

2. Crime Junkies

Crime Junkies is a popular weekly podcast that discusses several types of crime, including murder, conspiracy, and cold cases.

Besides this podcast, the creators have a podcast network with several other podcasts.

The podcast network has around 7 million weekly listeners.  

3. You Must Remember Manson

You Must Remember Manson is a season from the You Must Remember This Podcast, which talks about different elements of old Hollywood.

In this series, the host discusses the murders committed by Charles Manson’s cult.

This podcast is successful thanks to its level of research and in-depth analysis.

4. The Dream

The Dream focuses on exploring potential crimes committed by multilevel marketing companies (MLM).

It includes interviews with victims of MLMs and deep dives into the history of such organizations.

This podcast is partially successful due to the increasing interest in MLMs in the media.  

5. Scam Goddess

Scam Goddess is a podcast that looks at scams of all kinds with a comedic bent.

This podcast is ideal if you want a light foray into the true crime that is less dark than other podcasts.

The pod consists of the host’s conversation with a guest about scams in history and recent scams.

True Crime Podcasts About Murder

If you primarily want podcasts about murder rather than a general true crime, there are plenty of options.

Some of these podcasts step into other topics, but murder remains their focus.

6. My Favorite Murder

My Favorite Murder is one of the most popular true crime podcasts around.

Each episode consists of the two hosts discussing a few cases. Fans love the casual energy of the podcast and the community the hosts built.

7. Small Town Murder

Small Town Murder consists of two hosts discussing a different murder in a small town each week.

Each episode starts with a rundown of the statistics surrounding a small town and continues with a murder that happened in that small town.

8. The Murder Diaries

The Murder Diaries is a podcast that tells stories of true crime while trying to provide focus on victims.

Listeners love this podcast for its ability to bring stories to light conversationally.

9. And That’s Why We Drink

And That’s Why We Drink discusses several forms of crime but focuses primarily on murder.

This podcast is another option that revolves around a few co-hosts talking about true crime.

10. The Last Podcast on the Left

The Last Podcast on the Left is a robust podcast that goes beyond talking only about murder.

It covers various other topics ranging from history to cryptids.

It has a strong fanbase and is the flagship of a large podcast network.

True Crime Podcasts About One Case

While some podcasts look at a different case each week, other podcasts explore a single case throughout several episodes.

Some of these podcasts focus on a different single case every season.

11. Serial

In many ways, Serial is the spark that lit the true-crime podcast craze.

The first podcast focused on the murder of Hae Min Lee and the conviction of Adnan Syed.  

12. Dr. Death

Dr. Death is a podcast series that focuses on the story of Christopher Duntsch.

He was a surgeon convicted of malpractice after the death or injury of over 30 patients.

13. Missing & Murdered: Finding Cleo

Missing & Murdered: Finding Cleo is a podcast that delves into the disappearance and murder of Cleo, a young Cree girl.

The podcast is from CBC/ Radio-Canada.  

14. The Teacher’s Pet

The Teacher’s Pet is an Australian Podcast that delves into the disappearance of Lynette Dawson.

At the tail end of the first season, new evidence emerged that suggested Lyn’s husband was the murderer.

A follow-up podcast, The Teacher’s Trial, followed the husband’s trial and eventual guilty conviction.

15. Murdaugh Murders

Murdaugh Murders looks at a century-long saga of murder, fraud, and other crimes that all relate to the Murdaugh family.

Similar Podcasts Types To Check Out

True crime podcasts have a lot of overlap with other podcast sub-genres.

Here are some other types of podcasts you may enjoy if you like true crime podcasts.

  • Crime Podcasts: Crime podcasts are similar to true crime podcasts, except the crimes discussed may not necessarily be true. Despite the fictional nature of this genre, it may appeal to true crime enthusiasts because of common themes.
  • Scary Podcasts: Scary podcasts usually fall into the horror genre. They either follow a conversational or scripted storytelling genre. It makes sense that true crime lovers may also like scary podcasts if they look to both genres for some fright.
  • Mystery Podcasts: Mystery podcasts and true crime podcasts may have some overlap. However, mystery podcasts may not have a crime element. Mystery podcasts are a great choice if you enjoy the mystery element of true crime but want a less scary option.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are some of the most frequently asked questions by those interested in true crime podcasts.

When did True Crime podcasts become popular?

While true crime in various forms has been popular for centuries, the podcast’s contribution to the genre only started recently.

The first big popular true crime podcast was Serial which started in 2014.

Has a podcast ever solved a crime?

Several podcasts contributed to a crime being solved. Some such podcasts include Up and Vanished, S Town, and The Murder Squad.

While not every podcast solves crimes directly, they can often bring little-known cases to light or connect previously unconnected facts.

This can lead to the eventual resolution of a case.

Wrapping Up

True crime continues to be one of the most popular podcast genres in the entertainment space.

No matter your particular taste, there are plenty of types of true crime podcasts you can choose from.

Many listeners enjoy this genre for its ability to expose different dimensions of the human experience.

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24+ Real Estate Affiliate Programs: Payouts & How To Sign Up  https://bloggingtips.com/real-estate-affiliate-programs/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=real-estate-affiliate-programs https://bloggingtips.com/real-estate-affiliate-programs/#respond Wed, 12 Oct 2022 11:17:49 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=100622 Read more]]> With an estimated market size of $226.8 billion in the United States, the real estate industry offers a large, lucrative field for niche website owners to get their skin in the game.

With real estate affiliate programs, you can use your website to generate passive income by promoting trusted, reliable products and services from industry leaders.

An Overview of Real Estate Affiliate Programs

The specific partnerships you pursue will depend on the topics you cover on your website, but there is some room for overlapping alliances, so long as they are relevant to your site visitors.

If you find the right mix, you can bring in significant cash through the real estate market without flipping houses or becoming a property manager.

What is an Affiliate Program in the Real Estate Niche?

The real estate industry is a tempting career for many, but the high cost of investing, licensing, and repairs can be a significant barrier to breaking into the industry.

Rather than competing with the existing pool of nearly 3 million real estate agents in the United States, use your online savvy to work your way to the top of your niche.

With affiliate programs in the real estate niche, you forge partnerships with web-based industry leaders willing to pay commissions for promoting their products or services through your site.

What Makes the Real Estate Niche Lucrative?

There is enormous interest in real estate, both casual and professional, and it has omnichannel appeal.

Social media feeds often feature influencers seeking to recruit agents to their team or showcasing their insider tips for making money in the market.

Even classic advertising strategies, like phone books and newspapers, still run classified ads for home listings and agents ready to work with new clients.

However, websites are quickly dominating as the go-to resource for real estate.

According to the National Association of Realtors, a whopping 97% of homebuyers began their search online, which doesn’t even account for the more casual interest in topics like renovating properties, home transformations, or how to get started flipping houses.

Quick Reference: List of Real Estate Affiliate Programs

Ready to monetize your real estate website or blog?

Get started on the right foot by choosing programs that offer the highest earning potential from trusted partners, many of which your audience is already familiar with.

What is the Highest Paying Real Estate Affiliate Program?

The New Silver affiliate program tops the list for most money-earning potential.

They offer partners a generous commission of $50 for every completed loan application and up to $750 for every closed loan.

With 6.1 million home sale transactions in the United States in 2021, the pool of potential candidates looking for financing options is massive.

Real Estate Affiliate Programs We Suggest

If you want to start with affiliate marketing immediately, we’ve made the process easier by rounding up 24 different programs worth looking into.

  1. Nolo Affiliate Program
  2. Buildium Affiliate Program
  3. Real Estate Express Affiliate Program
  4. BirdDogBot Affiliate Program
  5. DealCheck Affiliate Program
  6. For Sale by Owner Affiliate Program
  7. Architectural Designs Affiliate Program
  8. REIPro Affiliate Program
  9. Lex Levinrad Affiliate Program
  10. LeadsBridge Affiliate Program
  11. Foreclosure.com Affiliate Program
  12. US Legal Forms Affiliate Program
  13. Showcase IDX Affiliate Program
  14. All Things Real Estate Affiliate Program
  15. Property M.O.B. Affiliate Program
  16. RentRedi Affiliate Program
  17. Corporate Housing by Owner Affiliate Program
  18. BoldLeads Affiliate Program
  19. Solutions Software Matrix Affiliate Program
  20. Round Sky
  21. Avail Affiliate Program
  22. Carrot Affiliate Program
  23. Real Estate IQ Affiliate Program
  24. Land Century Affiliate Program

How to Choose the Best Real Estate Affiliate Program

Signing up for every real estate affiliate program currently accepting partners might be tempting.

Still, not every partnership is a good fit for every website.

Instead, you should choose the programs that best fit your website niche, appeal to your audience, and offer the best chance to make money.

Audience Purchase Probability

First, you should only sign up for programs with products or services most likely appeal to your audiences.

Many real estate affiliate programs base their commissions on sign-ups, subscriptions, and purchases rather than link clicks.

That adds another layer of marketing, in which you are responsible for selling the product’s value rather than the website’s usefulness.

Cookie Duration

The buying journey isn’t always straightforward, and users often compare products before making a purchase.

Longer cookie durations mean that you get commissions even if your site visitors take a while to decide whether to invest in the goods or services you’re advertising.

On the other hand, shorter cookie durations mean that someone returning to your affiliate partner site won’t count towards your program commissions after a short window of time, often as little as 24 hours.

Commission Type

Some affiliate programs offer a base rate commission, regardless of the sale amount.

In contrast, others do a percentage model, in which you receive a particular share of the amount of money your link earns.

Additionally, many subscription plans have recurring percentage payments for every month or year that someone from your site renews their memberships, but that’s not always the case.

Commission Rate

One of the most prominent factors to consider is the commission rate– the higher the percentage, the more earning potential you have.

Stack the deck in your favor by choosing programs that offer high-ticket items with a sizeable commission rate, typically between 30-50%.

You could even partner with some of the highest-paying affiliate programs, which pay upwards of 60-70% commissions.

Payouts

Despite the ease of electronic money transfers, some real estate affiliate programs still depend on paper checks to pay their partners.

Check payouts can present issues for those who exclusively use online banking or depend on affiliate income for paying bills, as it’s not uncommon for mail to get lost or delayed in transit.

If you have a preference for your payout method, be sure to check that digital options are available.

24+ Best Real Estate Affiliate Programs

You don’t have to invest in properties to make it big in the real estate market.

With real estate affiliate programs, you can avoid the stress of contractors and closing appointments by advertising products and services through your website, then earning commissions based on your audience’s purchases.

These 24 affiliate programs are an excellent place to start.

1. Nolo Affiliate Program

Nolo has half a century of experience offering plain English legal advice and DIY legal forms alongside an extensive network of lawyers.

The database of information is an excellent resource for a range of official, legal real estate documents, from granting power of attorney to transferring property via quitclaim deed.

Users can also find free and premium advice in ebooks, physical books, and frequently updated articles.

Products to Promote From Nolo

Nolo offers three basic categories of products: legal forms, lawyers, and reading materials.

Depending on the niche that you operate in, consider diversifying your blog content and banner ads to specifically market real estate forms based on the topics that you cover.

Why This Affiliate Program Made Our List

Nolo opens legal doors for laypeople, allowing them, in many cases, to avoid more expensive court proceedings with empowering information and resources.

They are one of the most widely trusted online depositories of low-cost legal advice, forms, and document preparation. Many of your faithful followers will be familiar with their highly-regarded reputation.  

Program Details

  • Program Host: CJ Affiliate
  • Application Link: https://signup.cj.com/member/signup/publisher/?cid=3906677&utm_source=getlasso#/branded
  • Service/Product: Legal forms, articles, and software
  • Brands: Nolo, 3StepDivorce.com, Divorcenet.com, and Willmaker.com
  • Commission Rate: Up to 35%
  • EPC: None
  • Cookie Duration: 120 days
  • Markets: United States
  • Payment Methods: Check
  • Other Notes: Commission percentage depends on the number of sales – Under $500 earns 25%, $500+ earns 30%, $1000+ earns 32.5%, $2000+ earns 35%.

2. Buildium Affiliate Program

If your blog focuses on property managers’ issues and concerns, the Buildium Affiliate Program is an excellent partnership to look into.

Their all-in-one management platform consolidates several vital features, including business operations, leasing, accounting, and marketing, into one multipurpose platform for more efficient daily operations.

Subscribers can also choose the various services they require from a list of 21 different options.

Products to Promote From Buildium

Buildium offers three subscription levels – Essential, Growth, and Premium – each of which includes invaluable management tools for rental property owners.

To introduce their visitors to the program, affiliates should consider promoting the free trial, which earns $10 per order.

Why This Affiliate Program Made Our List

With subscriptions starting at $150 per month, affiliates earn, at minimum, $37.50 per successful referral.

As your reach grows, attracting the attention of high-earning property managers, you have the potential to earn a substantial income, particularly when multi-unit landlords invest in the $479 per month Premium plan.

Program Details

  • Program Host: Impact
  • Application Link: https://app.impact.com/campaign-promo-signup/Buildium.brand?execution=e1s1
  • Service/Product: Property management software subscription
  • Brands: Buildium
  • Commission Rate: 25%
  • EPC: None
  • Cookie Duration: 60 days
  • Markets: The products are available in over 50 countries, including all Canadian provinces and all 50 states.
  • Payment Methods: BACS, PayPal, and direct transfer
  • Other Notes: Buildium prioritizes affiliates who sell via PPC campaigns and on-site advertisements.

3. Real Estate Express Affiliate Program

Real Estate Express is an online real estate education program for prospective agents and brokers.

They offer everything a person needs to create a career in the real estate industry, including self-paced courses led by industry experts and licensing exam preparation with a “Pass or Don’t Pay” guarantee.

Over the last 25 years, they’ve helped more than 520,000 students across 36 states jumpstart their careers.

Products to Promote From Real Estate Express

There are four different levels of enrollment available through Real Estate Express:

  • The Basics for $352
  • Exam Preparation for $415
  • Exam Preparation Plus for $487
  • Ultimate Learning for $582

Suppose your website focuses on helping prospective agents learn about the industry.

In that case, you can advertise the various packages according to segmented target audiences, including those seeking continued professional development after starting their careers.  

Why This Affiliate Program Made Our List

Unlike many real estate programs, which only allow up to 30 days to convert a visitor, Real Estate Express allows up to 99 days.

For newcomers to affiliate marketing, this additional time gives you a crucial advantage as you learn to navigate the process.

They also offer a comprehensive commissions-tracking dashboard packed with KPIs and other data to fuel your growth.

Program Details

  • Program Host: Internal
  • Application Link: https://www.realestateexpress.com/affiliates/
  • Service/Product: Real estate education courses
  • Brands: Real Estate Express
  • Commission Rate: 15%
  • EPC: None
  • Cookie Duration: 99 days
  • Markets: United States
  • Payment Methods: Check
  • Other Notes: Real Estate Express sends out checks 15 days after the end of each month.

4. BirdDogBot Affiliate Program

BirdDogBot is a search engine designed for real estate investors.

After signing up, investors can set user-designated features based on location, price ranges, bedrooms, bathrooms, current listing status, and property type.

It also tracks online classified ads and delivers a weekly email round-up of potential investment properties, creating a more efficient, automated process that takes the legwork out of buying real estate.

Products to Promote From BirdDogBot

Like many real estate affiliate programs, BirdDogBot has level subscription tiers.

The Starter Package, available for $47 per month, has the lowest earning potential at $12.74 for Bronze affiliates, while the Pro Package, at $197 per month, brings in $54.74 per month for the same level.

Focusing on the more expensive Investor and Pro Packages will contribute generously to your passive income stream.

Still, starting with the less expensive options might be easier until your visitors feel more comfortable with the company’s trustworthiness.

Why This Affiliate Program Made Our List

BirdDogBot offers one of the highest commission rates, with recurring monthly 50% payouts.

With their three-tier structure, you have the potential to double your commissions with 6-19 sales and quadruple at 20+ sales.

Trial offers also earn $2.74 per sale, and while that’s a small payout, it can add up as your audience continues to expand.

Program Details

  • Program Host: Clickbank
  • Application Link: https://www.birddogbot.com/affiliates
  • Service/Product: Real estate search engine
  • Brands: BirdDogBot
  • Commission Rate: Up to 50% recurring
  • EPC: None
  • Cookie Duration: 30 days
  • Markets: the United States, with some international exemptions with application approval
  • Payment Methods: Direct deposit, wire, and checks
  • Other Notes: All sales contribute to the commission tier, with no “demotion” practices.

5. DealCheck Affiliate Program

DealCheck is a software and app service that analyzes property deals based on user-defined data points.

It’s designed specifically for investors that want hands-on access to deal parameters and financial projections, as well as access to must-have tools like potential offer calculators and PDF property reports.

Products to Promote From DealCheck

The DealCheck brand offers monthly and annual premium subscriptions for their software, which includes a free Starter level, a $14/month Plus level, and a $29/month Pro level.

Annual subscriptions generate a more significant lump sum of $30 or $60, but ongoing monthly payments add up to $50.40 or $104.40 per year.

Why This Affiliate Program Made Our List

You don’t have to run a website to participate in the DealCheck affiliate program; it works more like a referral program than most other partnerships.

They also offer banner ads and images for promoting their product if you’re interested in using your blog to earn your commissions.

Program Details

  • Program Host: Internal
  • Application Link: https://affiliates.dealcheck.io/
  • Service/Product: Real estate software
  • Brands: DealCheck
  • Commission Rate: 30% recurring plus a $100 bonus for every ten new paying users
  • EPC: None
  • Cookie Duration: None
  • Markets: Worldwide
  • Payment Methods: PayPal
  • Other Notes: DealCheck does not allow paid ads for brand-related keywords but does accept them for generic search phrases.

6. For Sale By Owner Affiliate Program

For Sale By Owner (FSBO) is the industry authority for those who want to handle selling their home without real estate agents.

The site presents as a property search engine for buyers in the market for a new home, but the owners post all listings with support from FSBO’s quick-close resources and repository of legal documents.

They work closely with Rocket Mortgage to provide additional resources for mortgage approvals.

Products to Promote From For Sale By Owner

Affiliates earn a 20% commission for every listing created via your website referrals.

You can also refer to the For Sale By Owner resources on their platform.

By positioning FSBO as an authority in real estate, you are increasing brand trust, leading to a higher chance of your site visitors creating listings.

Why This Affiliate Program Made Our List

While the For Sale By Owner affiliate program is currently on hiatus, it offers an invaluable opportunity for niche real estate blogs to earn passive income by marketing listing services to homeowners and real estate investors.

You have a much higher chance of generating commission earnings by targeting a broad audience of interested parties.

Program Details

  • Program Host: CJ Affiliate
  • Application Link: https://www.forsalebyowner.com/affiliate.html
  • Service/Product: Real Estate Marketplace
  • Brands: For Sale By Owner
  • Commission Rate: 20%
  • EPC: None
  • Cookie Duration: None
  • Markets: United States
  • Payment Methods: Check
  • Other Notes: The affiliate link via CJ Affiliate is no longer active, but they may renew their partnership in the future.

7. Architectural Designs Affiliate Program

With over 40 years in the residential home plan industry, Architectural Designs brings expertise and experience to those on the hunt for property construction plans.

One of the best features is the client-built home portfolio, which showcases a growing collection of houses based on their designs, along with all details and square footage breakdowns.

Products to Promote From Architectural Designs

You’ll focus your affiliate marketing on home design plans and construction drawings, which cost, on average, $1,000.

For bloggers or builders interested in writing about home design trends or the steps for building your dream house, Architectural Designs is worth looking into.

Why This Affiliate Program Made Our List

Even if you don’t have a website, you can start with the Architectural Designs affiliate program by promoting their services through your social media accounts.

They’re also an excellent option for eco real estate bloggers, thanks to their partnership with Ecologi.

Program Details

  • Program Host: CJ Affiliate
  • Application Link: https://signup.cj.com/member/signup/publisher/?cid=5258938#/branded
  • Service/Product: Residential construction design
  • Brands: Architectural residential designs
  • Commission Rate: 5%
  • EPC: None
  • Cookie Duration: 120 days
  • Markets: the United States and Canada
  • Payment Methods: Direct deposit, check, or Payoneer for international partners
  • Other Notes: Applicants receive notification of their approval within 5-7 days.

8. REIPro Affiliate Program

The REIPro software is for real estate investors and agents looking for leads, customer referral management, professional development, and premium phone search.

They also manage a property database with historical mortgage amounts and tax information, so users can streamline their research process when looking for new homes to invest in.

Products to Promote From REIPro

REIPro offers monthly, quarterly, and annual subscriptions at $97 for a single user and $197 for teams of up to 10 people.

This affiliate program pays out up to $39.40 for a single referral, but you have the potential to net more than $20,000 a month with 500+ referrals.

Why This Affiliate Program Made Our List

With monthly recurring commissions and no limit to your earnings, REIPro is a solid money-earner for real estate websites with a large, engaged audience.

Program Details

  • Program Host: FirstPromoter
  • Application Link: https://affiliates.myreipro.com/
  • Service/Product: Real estate software
  • Brands: REIPro
  • Commission Rate: 20% monthly recurring
  • EPC: None
  • Cookie Duration: 60 days
  • Markets: United States
  • Payment Methods: PayPal
  • Other Notes: Payments are processed on the 20th of the month for all referrals from the previous month.

9. Lex Levinrad Affiliate Program

Lex Levinrad, an internationally recognized real estate expert, boasts an impressive portfolio of rehabbed rental properties, and he’s used his experience to build his brand as an author, coach, speaker, and educator.

Future flippers looking for methods to buy, rent, fix, and wholesale homes can start with free training webinars before investing in Bootcamp programs or coaching.

Products to Promote From Lex Levinrad

Lex Levinrad pays a 50% commission on all sales for their webinars, which includes any Bootcamp or Partnership Program Product.

However, partners do not receive payment for coaching sign-ups or recurring Partnership Program subscription fees.

Why This Affiliate Program Made Our List

While this program is particularly picky about its partners, Lex Levingrad treats its affiliates to a wide range of resources and tools to drive their earnings.

The rigid acceptance guidelines also keep competition amongst affiliates low, increasing your chances of a successful sale.

Program Details

  • Program Host: Internal
  • Application Link: https://www.lexlevinrad.com/join-our-affiliate-program/
  • Service/Product: Real estate training programs
  • Brands: Lex Levinrad, Distressed Real Estate Institute
  • Commission Rate: 50%
  • EPC: None
  • Cookie Duration: 180 days
  • Markets: Global
  • Payment Methods: Check, PayPal, or ACH
  • Other Notes: Lex Levinrad only accepts affiliates with more than 1,000 site visitors per day or a 20,000+ subscriber email list.

10. LeadsBridge Affiliate Program

LeadsBridge is another SaaS product for marketing and CRM integrations, including Instagram, Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, TikTok, and more.

They work with many industries, including real estate, to help reach qualified leads across most platforms and are compatible with more than 370 different integrations.

Products to Promote From LeadsBridge

LeadsBridge has subscription plans based on the number of leads users want to generate.

The free, self-service package offers 100 leads per month, but single subscribers can increase that to 800 for $29 per month.

Business Managed Service is the most lucrative product, with a price point of $999 per month, billed annually.

Why This Affiliate Program Made Our List

LeadsBridge affiliate partners make money whether or not their visitors subscribe to the service.

While subscriptions offer the best returns at a 30% commission rate, users who sign up for a demo also earn $3.

Program Details

  • Program Host: Tapfiliate
  • Application Link: https://leadsbridge.tapfiliate.com/
  • Service/Product: CRM Software
  • Brands: LeadsBridge
  • Commission Rate: 30%
  • EPC: None
  • Cookie Duration: 90 days
  • Markets: Argentina, Australia, Canada, United States, and more
  • Payment Methods: Not listed
  • Other Notes: Participants lose commissions on fraudulent transactions and chargebacks.

11. Foreclosure.com Affiliate Program

As one of the most trusted distressed property databases available, Foreclosure.com is an excellent resource for those looking for DIY projects in their area.

They have close to 1.5 million listings available in tax liens, preforeclosures, and bankruptcies and deliver them to searchers before they hit the market.

Perhaps most impressively, they update their database twice daily, so new properties are always available.

Products to Promote From Foreclosure.com

Affiliates earn a cut from every subscription sign-up completed through their referral link, so promote to buyers and sellers who specialize in distressed homes.

Why This Affiliate Program Made Our List

Foreclosure.com has a history of creating successful affiliates, paying out $40 million in the last decade.

Program Details

  • Program Host: Post Affiliate Pro
  • Application Link: https://associate.foreclosure.com/affiliates/signup.php#SignupForm
  • Service/Product: Low-cost, foreclosed home search engine
  • Brands: Foreclosure.com
  • Commission Rate: At least 25% recurring, with increasing rates for high-volume affiliates
  • EPC: None
  • Cookie Duration: 6 months
  • Markets: Global
  • Payment Methods: Check
  • Other Notes: Minimum payout of $100.

12. AgentFire Affiliate Program

AgentFire helps users build custom websites optimized for local SEO with their template library or the help of a hands-on designer.

Once the site launches, its suite of marketing tools makes it easy to convert traffic, promote listings, and create blog content that attracts buyers.

For folks willing to invest a little extra, AgentFire also offers optional add-ons and integration tools to handle any real estate marketing task your visitors face.

Products to Promote From AgentFire

AgentFire affiliates earn commissions from platform subscriptions with a base pay of $25 per referral, regardless of their chosen plan.

Why This Affiliate Program Made Our List

Many people find building a website overwhelming, especially when it involves back-end optimization strategies.

Becoming an AgentFire affiliate can tap into an audience trying to make their agency more relevant online while providing insider tips and trade secrets for increasing their reach and content authority.

Program Details

  • Program Host: Internal
  • Application Link: https://agentfire.com/affiliates/
  • Service/Product: Localized real estate website builder
  • Brands: AgentFire
  • Commission Rate: $25-45 per month for every active referral for the lifetime of their membership.
  • EPC: None
  • Cookie Duration: Not listed
  • Markets: Not listed
  • Payment Methods: PayPal
  • Other Notes: AgentFire offers affiliate marketing materials to use on your website.

13. Showcase IDX

Showcase IDX is a WordPress plugin that unlocks limitless lead potential for multiple listing services.

Not only does it allow you to segment your visitors by demographics from age group to commute time, but it also offers on-site SEO tools, a range of map styles, and many more features.

Products to Promote From Showcase IDX

You earn commissions from plugin subscriptions, so it’s worth doing your research to walk users through installation, settings, and best-use practices.

Try creating tutorial videos for an easy way to get your referral link in front of a large audience.

Why This Affiliate Program Made Our List

By offering two levels of earning potential and 12 months of recurring commission payments, Showcase IDX helps you quickly establish a sustainable passive income stream with a highly-trusted product.

Program Details

  • Program Host: Internal
  • Application Link: https://affiliate.showcaseidx.com/
  • Service/Product: Demographics and SEO tools
  • Brands: Showcase IDX
  • Commission Rate: 10% on direct recommendation revenue, 15% on all income from your referrals’ referrals.
  • EPC: None
  • Cookie Duration: 60 days
  • Markets: Global
  • Payment Methods: PayPal
  • Other Notes: Recurring commission for the first 12 months of the user’s subscription.

14. All Things Real Estate Affiliate Program

Make an impact with All Things Real Estate custom branded props, client gifts, apparel, and signage.

These charming and cleverly designed products help customers market their agency with various goods that look amazing in social media photos or keep your brand top-of-mind at open houses.

They also offer international shipping and discount codes for newsletter subscribers.

Products to Promote From All Things Real Estate

With so many product options, picking just a few to promote on your websites can be overwhelming.

Try starting with their customer favorites for insights into frequently purchased goods.

Why This Affiliate Program Made Our List

All Things Real Estate has a specific niche, but it has mass appeal in the real estate industry.

Agents often search for closing photo props, unique business card holders, and other branded designs that promote their services but struggle to find affordable options.

Affiliates have the opportunity to scour hundreds of different product options, then share their favorites with their blog readers.

Program Details

15. Property M.O.B. Affiliate Program

Property M.O.B. is a wholesale real estate training site for beginners who want to get started on the right foot.

Their tongue-in-cheek personality and simple explanations are highly engaging and make the industry more accessible to those who are hesitant to start.

Products to Promote From Property M.O.B.

Property M.O.B has fifteen single course offerings at $27 each, but the real moneymaker is their Training Academy, which is listed at $298.

Why This Affiliate Program Made Our List

If you’re struggling to develop real estate content, get inspiration from the courses to spark deep-dive, high-quality posts.

Program Details

16. RentRedi Affiliate Program

RentRedi makes property management, rental applications, and tenant screening easier with an all-in-one app that handles all your paperwork digitally.

There is a built-in, tenant-paid screening system that unlocks background, credit, and eviction checks for a fee of $35 and the option to create landlord-defined screening questions so you can find tenants you can trust.

Products to Promote From RentRedi

Because the only way to earn commissions is with accepted subscription applications, create content centered on landlords’ common issues and how moving to a digital platform offers efficiency and convenience.

Why This Affiliate Program Made Our List

RentRedi has an easy-to-promote product that will have broad appeal for multi-property owners.

They also offer one of the most generous compensation structures for real estate affiliate bloggers.  

Program Details

  • Program Host: Impact
  • Application Link: https://app.impact.com/campaign-promo-signup/RentRedi.brand?execution=e1s1
  • Service/Product: Landlord management app
  • Brands: RentRedi
  • Commission Rate: 40% of order sales
  • EPC: None
  • Cookie Duration: 30 days
  • Markets: Not listed
  • Payment Methods: Direct transfer, PayPal, or BACs
  • Other Notes: Commissions are not recurring for monthly subscriptions.

17. Corporate Housing by Owner Affiliate Program

Unlike other short-term rental services like Airbnb and VRBO, Corporate Housing by Owner (CHBO) is a search engine that connects property owners offering furnished, 30+ day rentals to business travelers.

For renters, they also provide a set-it-and-forget-it model for finding properties via their Housing Request System. It allows users to connect directly with landlords with qualified rentals available rather than actively scouring the database for listings.

Products to Promote From Corporate Housing by Owner

You’ll want to focus on advertising CHBO’s listing services, as this is the only commission-earning opportunity for affiliates.

Plans start at $339 per year for a single 12-month listing and go up to $975 for a single 12-month listing with priority search ranking, six months of sponsored listing result placement, and more.

Why This Affiliate Program Made Our List

CHBO is unique in the industry, which means that niche real estate bloggers focused on corporate housing can capitalize on the low competition to rake in significant commissions.

While it certainly doesn’t tip the scales with the highest commission rate available, the average $40 payout per referral is worth your attention, especially if your audience primarily consists of short-term rental property owners.

Program Details

  • Program Host: ShareASale
  • Application Link: https://www.shareasale.com/shareasale.cfm?merchantID=36706
  • Service/Product: Property listing search engine
  • Brands: Corporate Housing by Owner
  • Commission Rate: 15%
  • EPC: None
  • Cookie Duration: None
  • Markets: United States
  • Payment Methods: Check, direct deposit, and wire transfer
  • Other Notes: None

18. BoldLeads Affiliate Program

BoldLeads is a real estate lead generator software provider with additional marketing and landing page conversion tools.

Their in-house advertising platform takes the hassle out of ad generation with a dedicated team that brings together photos, copy, links, forms, and CTAs based on your predefined budget.

Subscribers can also use the two-way messaging app to create automated lead funnels that integrate directly with their agency website CRMs.  

Products to Promote From BoldLeads

Because of the base commission rate of $20 per referral, BoldLeads partners don’t have to focus on promoting the more expensive subscription upgrade options.

That’s a definite positive, as the smallest package starts at $499 per month and goes up from there, depending on ad budgets and optional services.  

Why This Affiliate Program Made Our List

BoldLeads has a clean and easy referral program layout that will appeal to real estate agents new to the affiliate marketing game.

The company also has high brand trust scores, with more than a dozen awards and charity partnerships through Foundation for Blind Children, Paz de Cristo, and Flight33.

Program Details

  • Program Host: Internal
  • Application Link: https://boldleads.com/affiliates/
  • Service/Product: Lead generation software
  • Brands: BoldLeads
  • Commission Rate: $20 per referral, monthly recurring
  • EPC: None
  • Cookie Duration: None
  • Markets: United States
  • Payment Methods: NA
  • Other Notes: You can use your referral link on your website, social media accounts, and videos.

19. Solutions Software Matrix Affiliate Program

Solutions Software Matrix is part of the Solution Focused Financials brand.

Their goal is to help homeowners burdened by debt or facing foreclosure find DIY solutions via their suite of financial software and professional consulting services.

Dwight Maxwell, the company’s owner, offers free consultations regarding mortgage audits, title searches, training certification programs, and foreclosure sale reversal.

Products to Promote From Solutions Software Matrix

The Solutions Software Matrix suite includes four programs: 4StepLoanMod, Credit Repair Ace, 4StepDebtMod, Forensic Audit Examiner, and the ModTracker optional add-on.  

Why This Affiliate Program Made Our List

Partners in this affiliate program get monthly recurring commissions when site visitors purchase the software and for the life of their subscription.

They also offer free software downloads for affiliates.

Program Details

  • Program Host: Internal
  • Application Link: http://www.solutionssoftwarematrix.com/affiliate/affiliates/signup.php
  • Service/Product: Financial software
  • Brands: 4StepLoanMod, Credit Repair Ace, 4StepDebtMod, Forensic Audit Examiner
  • Commission Rate: 45% for standard affiliates, 70% for high-volume Super Affiliates
  • EPC: None
  • Cookie Duration: None
  • Markets: United States
  • Payment Methods: Check
  • Other Notes: Once your affiliate membership has ended, your software access is revoked.

20. Round Sky Affiliate Program

Round Sky partners with industry leaders in the personal loan field.

They work with over 50 different lenders to provide funds for borrowers, including payday loans (less than $1,000) and personal loans (less than $50,000).

While it’s not specific to real estate, it’s still an excellent real estate affiliate program for those focusing on more minor home renovations, licensing and education programs for agents, and debt refinancing for faster payoffs.

Products to Promote From Round Sky

You’ll focus on marketing small, personal loans to your visitors, then earn for every successful application.

Why This Affiliate Program Made Our List

Round Sky makes it incredibly easy to embed loan offers with iframe widgets, CPA offers, and links.

Affiliates can also track their earnings in real time with the commission dashboard.

Program Details

  • Program Host: Internal
  • Application Link: https://www.roundsky.com/stats/accountSignUp.php
  • Service/Product: Personal loans
  • Brands: Round Sky
  • Commission Rate: Up to $250 per lead
  • EPC: None
  • Cookie Duration: Not listed
  • Markets: Global
  • Payment Methods: ACH, PayPal, check, or wire
  • Other Notes: Affiliates can choose from a weekly or monthly payment schedule.

21. Avail Affiliate Program

Avail is a comprehensive property management program for both landlords and tenants.

There is an impressive gallery of features to make the entire rental process more straightforward, with the benefit of maintaining digital records at the touch of a button.

The program handles listings, applications, screening, credit reports, criminal background checks, eviction reports, leases, rent collection, maintenance, and accounts from a single dashboard for free with the Unlimited Account.

Unlimited Plus is competitively priced at $5 per unit and unlocks next-day rent payments, fee-free ACH payments, custom applications and leases, and a property website.

Products to Promote From Avail

Avail prides itself on its low-cost, accessible software, which might spark concern about whether you’ll make any money by promoting its product.

Fortunately, your commission is a consistent $20 per lead, regardless of whether they sign up for an Unlimited or Unlimited Plus account.

Why This Affiliate Program Made Our List

This affiliate program centers on making partner marketing more efficient.

The personal analytics dashboard helps you track conversion data, a dedicated support team is available, and there is a library of exclusive content to help you advertise on your site.

Program Details

  • Program Host: Tapfiliate
  • Application Link: https://helloavail.tapfiliate.com/
  • Service/Product: Rental management software
  • Brands: Avail
  • Commission Rate: $20 per lead
  • EPC: None
  • Cookie Duration: 60 days
  • Markets: United States
  • Payment Methods: ACH, Bitcoin, Check, Paypal, and Venmo
  • Other Notes: Affiliates access exclusive, insider information on industry news and upcoming products.

22. Carrot Affiliate Program

Carrot is a newer entry in the field of lead generation tools, focusing specifically on creating evergreen marketing assets with a long-term appeal to prospective buyers and sellers.

Rather than doing every step of the website building, marketing, and lead management process for their members, Carrot works to empower users to build their online marketing presence with training and support.

Products to Promote From Carrot

Whether your audience consists of investors or agents, Carrot offers two customized lead hub models and site builders to fit their needs.

Webinars are also a viable source of commissions and an excellent product offer for real estate who want to take ownership of their digital marketing success, though the payouts aren’t recurring.

Why This Affiliate Program Made Our List

Carrot is a small but growing company that has generated more than 1 million seller leads despite only serving a group of about 7,000 members.

Throwing your support behind the program now means you have the space to establish yourself as an authority on Carrot before other real estate bloggers get the chance.

Program Details

  • Program Host: Affilimate
  • Application Link: https://go.carrot.com/affiliate/
  • Service/Product: Real estate website builder
  • Brands: Carrot
  • Commission Rate: 25% on a recurring monthly subscription for the life of the customer, 50% on Evergreen Webinars
  • EPC: None
  • Cookie Duration: The cookie does not expire unless a user clears their browser data.
  • Markets: United States
  • Payment Methods: Direct deposit, check
  • Other Notes: None

23. Real Estate IQ Affiliate Program

Real Estate IQ specializes in off-market leads in Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Utah.

They use public databases in those states to generate reports for real estate agents and deliver the results directly to subscribers’ inboxes, along with emails and phone numbers for interested buyers.

The site also offers demos for its upcoming CRM release, including a 90-day lead guarantee and customized data tracking dashboards.

Products to Promote From Real Estate IQ

The only product you can use your referral links for is the off-market email subscriptions.

However, you can get your audience excited about the upcoming software release and see a significant commission uptick once the launch is complete.

Why This Affiliate Program Made Our List

This program is invaluable for bloggers who use localized targeting to get in front of their audience.

Despite the small target pool of only four states, you can offer them a genuinely customized experience with a high probability of showing up for long-tail keyword searches in those areas.

Program Details

  • Program Host: Internal
  • Application Link: https://realestateiq.co/affiliate/
  • Service/Product: Off-market lead generation
  • Brands: Real Estate IQ
  • Commission Rate: 30% for every new subscription, 25% monthly recurring
  • EPC: None
  • Cookie Duration: Not listed
  • Markets: United States
  • Payment Methods: Not listed
  • Other Notes: Premium Off-Market Lead commissions are only available to subscribers in Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Utah.

24. Land Century Affiliate Program

Land Century is unique in that it exclusively provides listings for vacant lots and homes in desperate need of repairs.

They also specialize in cheap houses under $50,000, land deals under $1,000, and mobile homes for buyers interested in alternative housing.

It’s an excellent starting point for people looking for a low-cost entry into property flipping.

Products to Promote From Land Century Affiliate

This affiliate program’s payouts are based on subscription purchases ranging from $15 for a single listing to $145 for up to 100 listings.

That means your potential earnings clock in at up to $21.75 per lead, a paltry sum unless your blog has a lot of visitors interested in selling undeveloped plots.

Why This Affiliate Program Made Our List

There’s a lot of earning potential for bloggers in a real estate niche focused on selling, developing, or buying vacant land.

However, its viability outside of those particular parameters is minimal.

Program Details

  • Program Host: ActiveSkill
  • Application Link: https://app.activeskill.com/secured/signup?reaid=FF9GUB
  • Service/Product: Vacant land search engine
  • Brands: Land Century
  • Commission Rate: 15%
  • EPC: None
  • Cookie Duration: 30 days
  • Markets: United States
  • Payment Methods: Paypal
  • Other Notes: There are custom subscriptions available for corporate accounts.

Similar Affiliate Programs to Check Out

If real estate affiliate programs don’t fit your niche, there are plenty of other topics to look into, including hotel, home decor, and solar advertisement.

Hotel Affiliate Programs

For travel blogs, hotel affiliate programs are one of the most popular and lucrative partnership options.

Sites like TripAdvisor, Hotels.com, and Expedia are a few popular options.

You can easily include links to their sites when reviewing your favorite accommodations from around the globe.

You should also consider using hotel-specific referral links in your blog or social media posts to boost your reach.

Home Decor Affiliate Programs

Creating incredible interiors is an art, and you can earn money for your insights with home decor affiliate programs.

Whether your website focuses on DIY decor or the hottest trends in furnishing styles, sites like Wayfair, Joybird, and Houzz have opportunities for you to monetize your site by recommending their products.

Solar Affiliate Programs

Sustainable living is a hot topic, with many homeowners interested in solar panels as a low-cost alternative for powering their homes.

With solar affiliate programs, you can get your piece of the $4 trillion green economy pie via industry leaders like Tesla, LuminAID Solar, and Goal Zero.

They provide commissions for sales and are also excellent resources for inspiring the content you write to attract visitors to your site.

How To Promote Products in the Real Estate Niche

With commissions-based affiliate models, your earnings depend on your efforts.

Promoting high-ticket products can help you see major gains in your passive income streams, but you have to be tactful in your methods for getting your recommendations out there.

Write High-Quality Content and Reviews

One of the best ways to break into the industry is to create well-written, evergreen content that your site visitors want to see.

Not only does this operate pragmatically by increasing your search rankings, but it also helps establish your website as a trusted source of information, insights, and recommendations in real estate.

Just be sure to strategically include links to your affiliate partners, even if you’re not explicitly reviewing their product in your post.

Share Links on Social Media

There are billions of active users across social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Don’t let this audience go to waste – share links to your website or referral partnerships, along with candid insights into why you recommend their product or service.

You should also use relevant hashtags so that your posts appear in searches.

Create Round-Up Lists

If you’re struggling to think of ways to include affiliate links without coming off as overly “salesy,” try writing a few round-up lists of your favorite resources or products.

In the post, cover everything your readers might be curious about in a concise, easy-to-read way, complete with outbound links to the website.

You should also consider turning these posts into video marketing assets for an easy way to increase your social media engagement.

Examples From the Top: Leaders in the Real Estate Niche

Real estate was once an industry with a high-cost, high-effort barrier to entry.

However, with the rise of social media, blogging, and video marketing, there are countless examples of savvy real estate experts who used digital means to propel their growth.

Who is the Number One Affiliate In the Real Estate Niche?

Graham Stephan is the number one affiliate in the real estate niche.

In 2021, he earned $6 million, with $3 million coming from YouTube ads alone. The additional income stems from affiliate programs, sponsorships, and his online courses.

Stephan’s growth is awe-inspiring because it has happened in such a short timeframe. He increased his annual income from $1 million in 2020 to $5.1 million in 2021, with no signs of slowing down his success.

Other Examples of Websites Dominating the Real Estate Niche

Many top earners in the real estate niche focus on presenting particular topics with a clear writer’s voice and plenty of personality.

These blogs are excellent examples of engaging your audience through interesting, quirky, and highly authoritative blogs:

  • Lab Coat Agents: If you’re looking for quick insights on trending real estate topics and tutorials for leveraging online tools, Lab Coat Agents is a must-read.
  • Notorious R.O.B.: Notorious R.O.B. covers real estate topics with a masterful finesse that opens the industry to newcomers while still meeting the needs of old pros.
  • Geek Estate: By combining technology and real estate into one, Geek Estate has established itself as an authority in two different niches with enormous audiences.

Tips for Promoting Real Estate Affiliate Programs

To succeed as a real estate blogger, you must start with the basics.

With time and patience, you can master the process and diversify your income for long-term financial success in the real estate niche.

Use the Tools Available to You

Once you sign up with a real estate affiliate program, you’ll often gain access to affiliate marketing tools like digital assets and earning dashboards to help you make the most of the opportunity.

Get familiar with your partner’s affiliate resources, plan your content around their banner ads, videos, or images, and use any platform KPI trackers to create a full-scale passive income strategy.

Work Within a Specific Niche

It pays to specialize in a niche.

The more specific topics and content you cover, the less competition you face in search engine results.

Additionally, you’re more likely to attract people willing to follow through on purchasing your affiliate products if they directly address customer pain points that your audience experiences.

Don’t Ignore the Rules and Guidelines

Once you’ve gained access to an affiliate program, you must follow all of its rules to avoid losing your passive income sources.

For example, many programs include rules dictating the key phrases you can and cannot use in PPC campaigns or the specific language you have to use for your anchor text.

There are also Federal Trade Commission guidelines that you should research before signing up for a program, which includes posting your affiliate disclosure on any pieces of content that have your referral links.

Don’t Ignore SEO

By and large, most of your audience will find your website by searching for the key terms you write about.

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the best way to target the words your future visitors are searching for and puts you in a position to dominate search engine results pages.

You can get started by investing time into Google’s SEO Starter Guide, where you’ll find quick-start resources and essential tools.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Still wondering if real estate affiliate programs are the right fit for you?

We cover two of our readers’ most common questions about breaking into the industry.

Does Airbnb have an affiliate program?

As of March 31, 2021, the Airbnb Associates program is closed to both active and new partners.

The popular service has not released a statement on why it chose to end the Associates program, nor have they expressed any intention to reinstate it.

What is the most popular real estate affiliate program?

All Things Real Estate is the most popular real estate affiliate program, despite its relatively small 10% commission rate.

They compensate for the low cut by providing an eCommerce platform for purchasing customized or DIY props, apparel, signage, and more for real estate agents needing marketing materials.

Wrapping Up

Real estate affiliate programs are an excellent way to generate income for bloggers and website owners who want to make money through their passion for real estate.

By strategically thinking about your audience and marketing products you love, you can earn money in the industry without taking the traditional investment route.

Just be sure to research and only sign up for sustainable programs worth your efforts.

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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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Best Scary Podcasts: 15 Examples [2022] https://bloggingtips.com/scary-podcasts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=scary-podcasts https://bloggingtips.com/scary-podcasts/#respond Mon, 10 Oct 2022 20:13:52 +0000 https://bloggingtips.com/?p=100131 Read more]]> Podcasts can be a great way to pass the time, set the mood, or learn about new, fascinating topics.

For some, the best type to listen to is scary podcasts.

I love adding the thrill of spooky content into my day, and there are so many podcasts to hear.

Whether you’re looking for true scary podcasts, scary horror podcasts, or generally scary and spooky podcasts, here’s a list of some of the best out there.

What Is a Scary Podcast?

A scary podcast is one of the many different types of podcasts, almost like a genre.

Generally, scary podcasts have the goal of shocking or thrilling the listener.

This reaction comes by discussing darker themes, telling horror stories, or covering eerie incidents.

Scary podcasts can be among the best podcasts because they often engage the listener with chilling tales.

What Does a Scary Podcaster Talk About?

Scary podcasters are the people who run the show, and they can choose to talk about a variety of topics.

These topics create subgenres that can help you know what to expect.

First, there are true scary podcasts.

Podcasters in this field discuss the details of real stories or interview people who have had frightening experiences.

Next, scary horror podcasts might rely more on fiction.

You’ll hear chilling tales and myths, like sitting around a campfire.

Finally, generally scary and spooky podcasters cover any content that will get your heart beating. It can range from psychologically twisted content to discussing gory detail.

Ultimately, what a podcaster talks about is personal choice and preference.

What Is Included On a Scary Podcast?

Scary podcasts can all be quite different, but you can usually expect some of the same elements.

While these elements can be standard, not every podcast has all of them.

  • Narrator: A scary podcast can feature one main narrator, multiple, or change every episode. The narrator is responsible for telling the story, whether it’s fictional or not. Occasionally narrators may be professional voice actors.
  • Disturbing Themes: A scary podcast usually must include some unsettling content to be freaky. The content can range from ghost encounters to serial killers. Some podcasts post comprehensive content warnings for each episode.
  • Sound Effects: Not all scary podcasts include sound effects, but some feature theatrical sounds to add ambiance. It can range from monster noises to suspenseful music under narration.
  • Transcriptions: Transcriptions can be handy if you enjoy reading along to your scary podcast. Again, not every podcast may have a transcription.

Types of Scary Podcasts

As mentioned, there are also different types of scary podcasts.

These types can help you sort out content you enjoy from stories that might be too graphic for you or even not gory enough.

You can find the varying types and listen to podcasts on different platforms to determine the best option for you.

  • True Scary Podcasts: True podcasts are what they sound like, focusing on facts. You might hear true crime stories or people’s paranormal encounters. These podcasters put time into researching topics or interviewing engaging individuals.
  • Scary Horror Podcasts: Scary horror podcasts usually dip into the world of fiction. The new episodes feature either famous or indie horror stories.
  • Scary and Spooky Podcasts: Scary and spooky podcasts are a general category that covers any other podcast with unsettling content.

Best Scary Podcasts: 15 Examples

Now, let’s finally discuss some of the best scary podcasts.

Below is a comprehensive list with options for each type to help you find your ideal podcast.

You can find these shows on many platforms, no matter your preference of how to listen to a podcast.

How Many Scary Podcasts Are There?

These 15 podcasts are a small selection of all the scary podcasts available.

While it’s hard to say the exact number of scary podcasts, there are at least more than 130.

There are likely many more, as individuals can readily produce small shows.

This figure is bound to grow as true crime and horror gain popularity with American audiences.

Best True Scary Podcasts

First, let’s take a look at some of the best true scary podcasts.

These shows will thrill you with true horrors.

Of all the scary podcasts, these are some of the most popular.

If you do choose to listen, prepare for potentially graphic descriptions.

True Scary Story

True Scary Story is a podcast that collects private recitals of creepy encounters.

Real people record their memories of unexplained phenomena, focusing on the paranormal.

This format is unique, letting you hear directly from the source.

And That’s Why We Drink

If you’re interested in true crime and the paranormal, And That’s Why We Drink might be a perfect choice.

The two co-hosts take turns during the episode to tell one story of each category.

The dynamic duo manages to keep the mood lighthearted.

Even though the factual stories have horrific elements, the banter is always comedic.

Let’s Not Meet: A True Horror Podcast

The paranormal isn’t the only source of frightening stories.

The Let’s Not Meet podcast understands this, where the host narrates submissions from listeners.

Each episode features a collection of short stories that cover real-life horrors like encounters with stalking or cults.

Disturbed: True Horror Stories

Next, the Disturbed podcast is another option that combines both true crime and the paranormal.

Each episode covers a variety of stories from a mix of historical and personal sources.

You might hear about kidnappings or ghosts, but all are authentic experiences.

Jim Harold’s Campfire

Finally, a long-running scary podcast is Jim Harold’s Campfire.

This show aims to give the listener that nostalgic feeling of hearing scary stories in the dark by the light of a fire.

Each episode has a theme, and the host narrates multiple short stories.

Similar to others, you might hear a range of topics from true crime, to paranormal, to UFO encounters.

Best Scary Horror Podcasts

Check out these scary horror podcasts if true stories are a bit too freaky or just not your style.

Horror podcasts can be chilling experiences and offer extensive collections of fiction readings you might not find elsewhere.

The NoSleep Podcast

First, The NoSleep Podcast is a collection of original horror short stories.

Each episode has an extensive cast of voice actors, making it like the original radio dramas.

The eerie tales also have sound effects and mood music.

These techniques all create a tense atmosphere that might leave you on the edge of your seat.

Alice Isn’t Dead

Alice Isn’t Dead is a podcast that follows one long story, updating every episode.

The podcast is similar to an audiobook, as there is a novel you can read along.

This chilling story focuses on a truck driver’s search for her lost wife and finding horrors along the way.

PseudoPod

Next is another series that collects original horror stories.

Authors craft stories that you can read with the PseudoPod podcast.

These stories often cover blunt topics, and only mature audiences should listen.

You might encounter themes like death, sexual violence, and more.

The Wrong Station

The Wrong Station is a Canadian production that hopes to bring back the feeling of tuning into old radio.

Each episode features a sole narrator telling a fictional story of an odd experience.

Its simplistic approach is one of the drawing features.

Listening to this podcast might feel like you’re having a personal conversation, and it can bring you into the narrative.

The Other Stories

Finally, The Other Stories is another scary podcast collection of stories.

The primary narration has some special effects accompanying it.

It originally began as a simple goal of four stories a month from four friends but has grown to include various authors and narrators.

Best Scary and Spooky Podcasts

Last but not least are general scary and spooky podcasts.

These scary podcasts can be just as disturbing as the others.

Unlike horror and true scary podcasts, it’s hard to define this category in generalities.

Each podcast can be slightly different, but all focus on unsettling the listener.

Lore

Lore is a different type of scary podcast that focuses on a historical perspective.

They choose to show how spooky legends and folklore can be.

Each episode centers around real concepts that can be chilling to discover.

Welcome to Night Vale

One popular scary podcast, Welcome to Night Vale, is an intriguing dive into a fictional world.

This podcast isn’t frightening horrifically but spooky in an unsettling manner.

Each episode sounds like a news radio show for a fictitious neighborhood.

The mundane subject matter can be spooky to listen to as the unexpected occurs in Night Vale.

The Last Podcast on the Left

The Last Podcast on the Left is a spooky and scary podcast that covers everything.

The show’s hosts cover topics like UFO encounters, cryptids, ghosts, and serial killers.

It’s a catch-all podcast for anyone interested in dark stories.

The hosts also try to keep their perspective level, as one regularly adds skepticism to the mix.

Ghosts in The Burbs

This spooky podcast is a unique collection of true ghost stories.

Ghosts in The Burbs is a personal project that features interviews of Massachusetts residents.

These locals came together to tell their ghost stories, which can create a very intimate feeling when listening.

Some episodes have the original interview recording, while others have a retelling to protect privacy.

The Magnus Archives

Finally, The Magnus Archives is a podcast that follows a fictional story over multiple episodes.

The episodes play as if a paranormal researcher is exploring the archives of an old institution.

Throughout the series, the mystery of the archives will unfold. It’s an unsettling story with a dedicated voice-acting cast.

Similar Podcasts Types to Check Out

Scary podcasts aren’t the only ones you can listen to if you want darker content.

There are plenty of other types that might catch your interest.

  • True Crime Podcasts: True crime podcasts tell the real stories of horrific crimes, like serial killers or kidnappings. These tales can be frightening, and often true scary podcasts can mix into the true crime genre.
  • Mystery Podcasts: Mystery podcasts explore unsolved crime cases or mysterious encounters with unexplainable entities like cryptids or UFOs. These podcasts can be ideal if you enjoy weirder subjects but might not want to be scared by the unknown.
  • Murder Podcasts: Murder podcasts focus solely on revealing details about murders and murderers. The subject is dark and similar to the scary podcast realm with graphic and chilling facts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Listening to scary podcasts can be a worthwhile experience, but getting into the genre can seem confusing.

Here are a few frequently asked questions to help you decide.

What is the best scary podcast to listen to?

Ultimately, the best scary podcast to listen to relies on your preferences.

Some people might enjoy hearing about the gritty details of real murders, while others could prefer the theatrical tellings of fictional ghost stories.

What is the top-rated scary podcast on Spotify?

Scary Story Podcast is one of the top-rated scary podcasts on Spotify, among others you can find on this list.

This podcast is a collection of original short stories narrated by the author.

Wrapping Up

Listening to scary podcasts can be a thrilling experience.

There are so many different chilling podcasts out there that you’re almost guaranteed to find one you enjoy.

So next time you’re looking for a true scary story, a horror tale, or a generally spooky experience, consider listening to one of these podcasts.

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