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New to content writing? These 10 free tools will ease the transition

Writer's picture: Oluwaseun AkinlembolaOluwaseun Akinlembola

Ah, another list? But my stack is already full!


Why do I need 10 tools? Aren't two enough — or just one that does it all?


Hear me out:

Like you, I questioned if I truly needed more tools. I thought Google Docs and Grammarly would suffice. Four years further into my career, I can tell you this boldly:

There is more to a successful content writing career than writing and checking grammar. The writers who thrive and level up use several tools to simplify their workflow.

'Personally, my workflow was a mess — cluttered desks, forgotten deadlines, and endless frustration. It all changed with a combination of tools (listed in this article) that gave me clarity and control.'

And as you can see from Lizzie Davey's post, every writer has the same reality. So, no, two tools won't do. And about the 'one tool that does it all,' it's a myth. While there are paid tools that cover several functions, they are expensive.



For now, get started with the free ones. This is where this article will help you.


Here's a sneak peek of the tools and what I use them for:

  1. Semrush: Keyword research

  2. Detailed SEO Extension: Analyse competitors' content

  3. LinkedIn + Google Forms: Find SMEs for articles

  4. Wordtune + ChatGPT: Refine and enhance writing

  5. Miro: Visualise content strategy

  6. Notion: Create a portfolio

  7. GetProspect: Find email leads for pitching

  8. Streak: Monitor whether pitches are read

  9. Trello: Stay on top of deadlines and timelines

  10. Kit: newsletter and lead generation


Now, let's discuss the how.


Semrush

While there are several SEO tools with FREE trials, Semrush's unique offering stands out:

10 free daily credits (outside the free trial).


And from experience, that is enough to get started with keyword research. When it's not, I usually spread the process over 2-3 days.


Here's how I use Semrush for keyword research:

  • Semrush > Sign up with your Google account for quick access

  • Navigate to Keyword Magic Tool (on the left tab) > Insert seed keyword > Set the country



  • Next, set the KD%(Keyword Difficulty) and Intent to desirable levels



  • Ultimately, pick a desirable keyword based on the KD and volume.

Tip: Don't base all entire keyword research solely on SEO tools. Check if the topic is trending on other channels like Reddit or LinkedIn. Then, align the findings with your audience's needs.


Detailed SEO Extension

This is a 100% free Google Chrome extension. And I use it to inspect the backend of competitors' content, especially details like:

  • Meta title and descriptions

  • Word count

  • Structure of the article  headings used and how many

  • Links and images

In short, Detailed SEO Extension is a minimalist Surfer's Content Editor, but free. Download the extension here.


Here's how I use it:

  • Plug my target keyword (after audience research and keyword research) into Google.

  • Open one of the results > Click the Detailed SEO Extension to reveal the backend.



Tip: I check 3 URLs, each on SERPs 1 and 2 (top 3 in both cases), and add the metrics to Google Sheets to find an average of what to target for my article.


LinkedIn + Google Forms

With HARO discontinued and the AI-generated answers on HelpAB2BWriter, free tools for SME insights are becoming unreliable.



The next affordable option is Leaps at $49/month. And even Leaps' ICP is for PR and Comm. folks gathering insights from internal SMEs.

So, how can you get genuine expert insights to make your articles stand out as a new writer — for free? The answer for me has been a combination of LinkedIn and Google Forms.


This is how I make the combo work:

  • LinkedIn > Search for the roles that can provide the insight I'm looking for > Engage the posts of the right fit

  • Send a request & join the SME's newsletter > Ask for help

  • When I get a response, I follow up with a Google Forms link (with questions)



Interesting note: I used this exact tactic for my first piece on Write Wiser.


Wordtune + ChatGPT

The next step after SME insights is writing, for which you have Google Docs and Grammarly. But you can polish your draft even more with two freemium tools.


Here's the how:

  • Wordtune > Sign up with your Google account.

  • Paste the sentence you'd love to refine into this space — you can also download the Chrome extension to do the tweaks directly on Google Docs:



  • Ultimately, go to ChatGPT > Feed it your content brief > Ask it to review the article based on that.

Tip: You only get 10 daily tweaks on Wordtune. Also, ChatGPT 4.0 daily free use is limited.


Enough of the core writing tools. Let's talk about the tools you need to scale as a writer.


6 tools you need to scale as a writer


  1. Miro

As you scale your career, you'll understand how each article fits into a content strategy. You might even be tasked to create strategy maps or topical clusters. Either way, Miro will come in handy.

Here's how to use it to create visual maps for your content — like I did:

  • Sign up for Miro with your Google account

  • Watch the 'Welcome Board video' to get to grips with the tool

  • Now, create new > Explore templates > Pick from the 'use case' or use the search button


Heads up: there are limits to Miro's freemium plan. For starters, the image extraction isn't HD. And you can't use TalkTrack (an internal feature like Loom).


  • You'll see a new board like below — feel free to edit the template as you see fit:


Tip: if you must record your boards on Miro for collaboration purposes, use Loom. You'll get up to 5mins recording for free.


  1. Notion

Notion is a robust tool that does it all, from project management and writing to website design. And now, you can even use it to create fun, white-and-black avatars — all on the free plan.

But let's focus on the site creation. In this case, portfolio site. You need one to get higher-paying writing jobs and scale your career. Here is how to create it:

  • Notion > Signup with your Google account > Set up your account

  • Template > Search for 'portfolio writer' > Edit to your taste



BONUS template: Plug and play with this ready-to-use, free portfolio by Ahsan Raza.

  • Share > Publish, and you'll have something like this:



Tip: if you don't have an official byline yet, start with Write Wiser. We accept quality, SME-backed pieces on marketing topics.


  1. GetProspect + LinkedIn

With your samples published and arranged on your portfolio, it is time to pitch some content heads. For this, I use a combo of GetProspect and LinkedIn.

FYI: GetProspect is a free Chrome extension. Download it here.

Here's how I use it:

  • First, install the extension > Create an account

  • Go to LinkedIn > Type a company of choice into the search bar > People



  • Open a decision maker's (head/director of content) profile > Click GetProspect > Select 'save and show email.'



  • Draft your pitch — don't send it yet. Wait for the next tool.


Tip: boost your chances of getting a response by messaging another contact (preferably an active one) in the company about open roles.


  1. Streak

Streak, like Detailed SEO Extension, is a Chrome extension. But it's not 100% FREE. Fortunately, the email tracking feature is available on the freemium plan. Here's how I use it:

Download Streak here!

  • Add the extension to your Chrome > Go to Gmail > Sign in to Streak with your Google account.

  • Choose the email tracking use case > Streak automatically turns on the feature and shows you a quick demo video.



  • Now, you can send your pitch. But double-check that the tracking feature is on.

  • Check the Sent folder for updates on views and clicks.



Tip: toggle on your desktop notification to get quick updates on views and clicks (say you included a portfolio link in your pitch).


  1. Trello

When your pitch finally gets read and replied, you need more than stellar writing to keep the gig. In fact, many content leads would rather you be a B+ writer who meets deadlines than an A+ writer who delivers late.



So, how can you deliver timely and manage multiple projects?

I use Trello — particularly its content calendar feature. Here's the how:

Here's a quick download link to the Trello template.

  • Trello > Start for free with your Google account

  • Templates > Search for 'SEO content creation' > Use template

  • Tweak the cards, actions, and lists as you see fit



Tip: Set deadlines 2–3 days before project due dates.


  1. Kit

Regardless of where you get your writing gigs, shit happens.

  • In-house workers are laid off.

  • Clients go mute.

  • And there's yet the algorithm issue on social media — you never know what it'll be like next month. For example, look at the on and off with TikTok ban in the US.



Either way, you can't let your pipeline be affected. The solution?

Own an audience outside social media and marketplaces with newsletters and lead generation. This is where Kit (formerly ConvertKit) can help — and you can start for free.



Note: While I have a Kit account, my newsletter is still a work in progress. But I'll be back with a piece soon on 'how to grow your Kit account as a freelance writer.'


Now, with the tools in your arsenal, you're better equipped as a writer to start, scale your career, and stand out. Have fun!

Remember: don't sweat it if you don't have everything figured out yet. Start from Semrush and work your way up to Miro and then to Kit.


Was this piece informative? You can find Oluwaseun Akinlembola on LinkedIn or see more long-form writing from him right here.

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