As a freelance writer, your words are your business. But in many cases these days, great writing alone isn’t enough. To stand out, attract clients, and create content that commands attention, you need the right tools and tech.
If you’re looking to level up your content game, here are some essential tech tools every freelance writer should consider
With the right setup, you can streamline your writing process, enhance your content offerings, and expand into new services—all of which lead to a more successful freelance career.
1. AI-powered assistants
Love it or hate it (and, I know, you probably hate it), AI is here to stay. And I say, work smarter, not harder.
If you apply a little creativity, AI has the capacity to transform how you work. Not writing for you or replacing you (you only have to look at the massive fallout from companies using AI-generated content to realize this can’t and won’t be the case), but helping you become more efficient (thus increasing your internal hourly rate).
I say, take a positive approach. Learn how to use AI as a tool to enhance your workflow and systems. For example, here are two tools to consider.
- ChatGPT—Use it as a brainstorming tool to help generate ideas, overcome writer’s block, and streamline research. Just remember: AI-generated content should never replace your own writing. Instead, use it to refine your creative process
- Grammarly—This AI-powered grammar and editing tool helps ensure your content is polished and professional. The latest versions offer advanced suggestions for clarity, tone, and style
2. SEO optimization software
If you’re trying to attract new clients through your website, then make sure it’s optimized for search engines. I mean, what’s the use in having a beautiful website if no one ever discovers it?
And if you’re writing articles or blog posts for clients that will be posted online, optmizing it for search engines is as much or more important. Clients want content that ranks, and having the right SEO tools in your arsenal can set you apart from the competition.
Two AI-fuelled options to check out include SurferSEO or Clearscope.
SurferSEO helps you optimize blog posts in real time with keyword density, readability scores, and content structure suggestions. Clearscope analyzes top-ranking articles and provides keyword recommendations to improve your content’s visibility on search engines.
Optimizing for SEO can help you get into Google Snippets or People Also Ask, which will generate more trust and traffic over time.
3. Produce original images and video
As a freelance writer, you might not think of yourself as a visual content creator, but incorporating high-quality images and videos can elevate your work. Not convinced? How about this: visual content receives 94% more views than text-only content.
Clients appreciate writers who can deliver multimedia content, and investing in the right tools can make all the difference. Here are two ideas to consider:
- Graphic design software—Supplement original blog posts or marketing content with graphics and visuals as added value. Canva is good for beginners, and if you have some experience then invest in an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription (which includes Premiere Pro for video editing, Photoshop/Illustrator for graphic design, Audition for audio editing, and more)
- Smartphone stabilizer—Video content is in high demand and offering simple but high-quality video services can increase your earning potential. A smartphone gimbal stabilizer is an essential tool to ensure smooth, professional-quality footage
- Drone—if you want to take things to the next level, consider investing in a drone. You can learn more about the DJI Flip and other drone options before making your choice. There is a wide array of styles and price points
4. Professional microphones
As more businesses embrace multimedia content, there’s growing demand for written content to be repurposed into podcasts, voiceovers, and audio versions of blog posts. A high-quality microphone can help you tap into this market.
There are pretty good affordable USB microphone options and if you’re doing any sort of content creation for social media then consider a clip-on mic.
Bonus: a microphone allows you to repurpose written content and product video tutorials/walkthroughs for clients quickly and easily!
Attract new clients by offering writing-adjacent services
Investing in the right tech tools doesn’t mean you have to become a full-fledged multimedia producer. But by incorporating even a few of these tech tools, you can enhance your services, streamline your workflow, and position yourself as a high-value contractor.
