If there is one thing small businesses don't lack, it's access to a wide variety of tools to aide in the content creation process. The only true way to figure out which tool you enjoy using the most and find works best is to test them out. But, it helps to have a starting point from which to begin. Listed below are 10 of the more popular content creation tools.
1. Evernote
Evernote is at the top of many lists as the go-to tool to keep track of your notes.
Evernote has a seamless integration across multiple platforms and allows you to collect and share your notes in order to document every moment of your content creation, from your first idea to you final. You can keep track of your ideas and editorial calendar either from your computer or on your mobile phone.
(See also: Track Link Building Outreach like a Boss with Evernote)
2. Workflowy
Workflowy provides flexibility in structuring your notes by letting you create your own hierarchies in addition to adding tags.
Workflowy is great for those who love making lists and bullets. It's simple to use but incredibly powerful.
(See also: How and Why I Use Workflowy to Keep Organized @ Duct Tape Marketing)
3. Google Docs
Google Docs is Google's version of Microsoft Word. It's a great tool to write, track changes and collaborate with other users all at once since it's stored in the cloud.
You can download the Google Docs app on your phone in addition to the other Google Drive services.
(See also: How to Speed Up Your Content Curation Process with IFTTT and Google Docs)
4. Hemingway app
Hemingway brings clarity to your writing by identifying common mistakes in sentences such as grammatical errors, if a sentence is too hard to read and if there is a simpler alternative to saying something.
It also provides the reading level your writing is at which goes a long way in determining if your readers will be able to understand what you're saying.
(Click here to read the creators' explanation of their rules for writing)
5. Trello
Trello is a collaboration tool that helps your organize projects into boards with neatly organized cards.
Trello can show you what's being worked on, who's working on what, and what the current state of the project is.
This tool is completely free to use and is great for sharing content ideas and working with team members by gathering votes on particular cards to have real time feedback on the best ideas to pursue first.
(See also: Why Trello is Awesome for Content Management)
6. Pocket
Save videos, articles, and other helpful resources to check out later.
This tool helps keep track of your favorite resources organized from apps like Twitter, Flipboard, Pulse, and hundreds of other apps. It's a home for all the articles you wish you could read but don't have the time for at the moment.
(This is a great way to use Pocket, IFTTT, and Google Docs for content curation)
7. Canva
For those who are new to the world of digital content creation, Canva is an ideal tool to use. Its easy drag and drop interface allows content creators of any level to create truly stunning displays. It also allows you to share and collaborate on projects, making it an ideal tool for small to medium sized businesses.
It's free to upload and design your with images and can choose from a thousand templates, some of which you actually have to pay for.
(This is how to get started with Canva while these are 20 tips and tricks to make dazzling Canva graphics)
8. Google Calendar
Another one of Google's helpful tools, Google Calendar is an effective way to organize and collaborate on your editorial and production calendar for your company's content.
It's a great resource to manage your time with and to know key deadlines for certain projects.
(Learn how to use Google Calendar to create an Editorial Calendar)
9. Pinterest
Pinterest is a great place to organize all your resources in an easy to view way.
You can create boards to house the content from others in addition to your favorite websites for content inspiration.
If you don't want to public seeing a particular board, take advantage of the secret board function, which only your team will have access to.
(Nicole Kohler did an excellent write-up of how to use Pinterest as a content curation tool)
10. Alltop
Alltop is a great source for inspiration if you're in need of a blog topic or something good to share to social media.
It aggregates the top news and blogs relating to a wide variety of topics and filters them for you.
(..and these are 5 covert uses of Alltop your competitors do not want you to know)
Takeaway
Armed with these tools you should begin to be able to piece together a content creation process that's both organized and efficient. In a world where everyone is generating content, it's those who find unique ways to think outside the box that see the most success. Hopefully, you find a tool or two from this list that helps you in your content journey.
Now Read:
- 10 Tools to Help You Generate Content Ideas
- 5 Free Content Tools to Enhance Your Social Media Marketing
- How To Use Content Discovery Tools To Boost Your Marketing Campaigns
* With images adapted from atmtx, Augusto Mia Battaglia photography, victor_nuno
