Are you looking for the best freelance writer’s tools? Wondering whether there are writing programs you need to start your freelance writing business? You are in the right place as a freelance writer.
I’ve been creating and writing content for the last two years, and I’ve learned so much in that short period.
You see, when I was starting as a freelance writer, I didn’t have the right tools for my writing business.
And to be honest, it wasn't easy.
The same thing will happen to you if you don’t have the right writing software and tools. You’ve probably heard people (including me) say that you need a computer and a good internet connection.
Yes, it would be best if you had those.
But,
You need more than a computer and internet to kick-start your online writing business.
Let’s dive in and see the must-have freelance writing tools for your online business.
Free and paid writing freelance writer's tools.
#1—Grammarly.
Isn’t it fantastic when you have an extra pair of eyes to help you edit your work on the go?
Grammarly will do that for you, and it is one of my top recommended freelance writer's tools.
As a freelance writer, you need to deliver quality work free from grammar and spelling errors.
What Grammarly does is that it edits your work on the go. And the good news is that it is free to register for this program.
The paid version comes with a plagiarism checking tool. Premium Grammarly cost /year, which is worth investing in if you want to make your clients happy and keep them coming back for more.
#2—A writer's website.
Freelance writing, just like any other business, needs an investment. You need to invest money to make more money.
And one of the investments is on a writer's website. Having a writer's website helps you attract clients and showcase your work.
When I’m pitching to clients, I always add a link to my blog to see my work.
Look at some of the responses I get. Fantastic!
And here is another one,
Also, you will write web content, so having a writer's website is the best way to learn.
Use your website to learn how to structure engaging posts and how to optimize for SEO.
Learn how to start your writer's website in easy steps in this post.
#3—Canva.
Canva is also another freelance writer’s tool you must have.
One of the best ways to make your written content appealing is to add graphics.
Canva is the best free tool for graphic designs.
Some clients will want you to design graphics for their blog.
A client asked me If I have the necessary graphic design skills,
And my reply was...
Well,
Hell yeah. I love designing graphics for my blog.
Canva comes with so many different templates to help you design anything you want.
They include; logos, Pinterest graphics, blog graphics, blog banner, animated social media, LinkedIn banner, and so many other designs.
And another good thing about Canva is that your designs are always saved. You can change the wording, colors, and fonts.
That is what I do to maintain a “brand” and save time.
#4—Google Docs.
Google documents is another must-have writing tool as a freelancer.
Google documents are software by google where you can write, edit, and collaborate with others.
Also, you can create slides, sheets, and forms on a google document.
As a freelance writer, it is crucial to learn how to use google documents as some clients might want you to deliver work in google docs.
You can also create simple invoices using google sheets and send them to your clients. It is free and easy to use.
With google docs, you can also import add-ons like SEO programs, and you can post directly to your WordPress site.
But how do you get google docs?
If you have a Gmail account, then you have access to google documents. Check it out.
#5—Evernote
As a freelance writer, you need to have a tool to capture screenshots and save notes.
Evernote is a chrome extension tool that enables you to take screenshots and save notes from the web.
It also comes as a management tool to help you focus on the crucial tasks. Some of the features are;
- You can take notes.
- Set reminders.
- Write a to-do list.
- Take screenshots.
- Manage clients.
#6—Tailwind.
Tailwind is a social media scheduling software to help you save time and grow your social media followers.
But why include tailwind in this list of freelance writer’s must-haves?
Because you will need it in case you want to add VA services to your freelance writing business.
With Tailwind, you can;
- Schedule pins for Pinterest.
- Post to Facebook.
- Schedule tweets.
- And post to Instagram.
It saves you time and helps you grow your social media followers.
Tailwind has helped grow my Pinterest and Instagram followers. What I do is create pins and schedule them using Pinterest. Look at how I do it below.
Additionally, there are tailwind tribes to help you reach a wider audience.
If you want to have blogging as another hustle, you can use it to grow traffic to your blog.
Join relevant tribes and watch your traffic grow.
If you use my link here to sign up for tailwind, you will get $15 and get started with a tailwind for free.
#7—Skype.
Skype is also another must-have tool for freelance writers.
It is software you can use to make video calls and send text messages online.
Some clients will want to set up a video call to interview you before they have you write for them.
Others will want to send you instructions via skype to communicate between you two faster and seamlessly.
Skype is faster, convenient, and easy to use. Create an account and add a professional profile picture.
#8—Ubersuggest.
If you’ve been following my blog, then you know how I rave about Ubersuggest.
It is a free keyword research tool by Neil Patel-
an avid marketer and author.
As a freelance writer, you need to know how to do keyword research and use them naturally without looking like a keyword stuffer.
Ubersuggest helps you identify the right keywords to use in your content. And by right, I mean keywords that are easy to rank and have more search volumes.
Clients will be impressed if you help them rank organically on search engines like google and bing.
And did I tell you that Ubersuggest is free? Yes, it is free to use.
#9—Job boards
You want more clients. Then what is the best way to find them than to use job boards?
Freelance writing job boards are a must-have for every freelance writer.
Curated writing jobs are posted on these job boards every day.
I’ve landed quite a several high paying gigs through these boards.
Some of these boards are;
- All freelance writing.
- Problogger job board.
- Blogging pro.
- Freelance writer’s den.
- Freedom with writing.
- Freelance writing.
9 Freelance writers’ tools you must-have for your writing business.
There you go! 9 must-have writing tools to help you kick-start or scale up your writing business. Hopefully, I’ve helped you identify the essential tools for your writing business.
Do you have other excellent tools that have helped you in your freelance writing? Please share them with us in the comments section.
Ready to become a freelance writer but don’t know how to start? Sign up for my free 5-day email course on how to get started as a freelance writer.
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December 8, 2019
Hi Charity, Very nice blog post. Many newbie freelancers think it is very difficult to get into freelancing business. however it is not true. Using the right tools anyone with basic knowledge can get started in the freelance business. You have listed some of the best tools available for the freelancers.
I have been using Canva for quite sometime now to create graphics for my blog. Canva is a handy tool, its like a mini photoshop in your browser. Many of my clients use canva too. I use Evernote for taking notes on the go.
December 8, 2019
Hey Sajan,
You are very right. The right freelance writing tools can help one get started even with basic skills. Thank you for your valuable comment.
May 20, 2020
Hey Charity! I’m just starting out with blogging and you give me hope . .thank you!
May 25, 2020
Hey Fareed,
You are on the right track. Please keep me posted when you launch your blog.
December 20, 2020
Hi Charity,
Very nice blog post. During these tough times, its very important for every freelancer writers to have a professional website, as it helps them better connect and engage with their prospective customers. Website will help the freelance writers market their services to the customers and also showcase their writing skills.
January 25, 2021
Hi Charity!
I recently started a blog, and this post has been very helpful to me. Keep up the excellent work.
January 26, 2021
Hi Nicholas,
I’m happy that you are getting tons of value from my blog. All the best with your blog.