5 Underrated Websites Every Freelance Writer Should Bookmark
When running your freelance writing business, the websites you use help you get more done. Since you’re responsible for various aspects of your work, using the right website for each task can boost productivity.
As a freelance writer, I’m always looking for websites that can improve my workflow. If I find a helpful website, I bookmark it. Here are five of the best ones I’ve bookmarked so far.
1. WordCounter
Best for: writing online and removing formatting from text
Since I began writing content online, I’ve been using WordCounter daily.
There are three reasons why I use this website: it removes formatting when I copy text from an external source, it acts as a temporary storage space for text, and, well, it counts words.
I recommend every freelance writer not only bookmark this website but also pin it in their browser. This way, you can access it without opening it manually in every work session.
2. Voice Memos
Best for: Brainstorming and capturing ideas quickly
A writer gets ideas anytime, anywhere. As David Lynch says, you should always write down your ideas; otherwise, you can forget them. But it’s not always convenient to write your ideas down. So, what do you do?
You can use the Voice Memos app. Open the app, tap the big red button, and describe the idea. Later, you can play it again and write it down. It’s the most frictionless method to capture ideas on the go.
Granted, this isn’t a website, but I use it daily, and it’s a part of my creative process. Even if you’re using Android, your phone probably has a similar pre-installed app that you can use instead.
3. Grammarly
Best for: Fixing errors in your writing
Even though I’ve been a professional writer for over three years, I still make mistakes in my writing. Grammarly is the best safeguard against those mistakes making their way into my published work.
Whenever I complete an article, I drop it into Grammarly and review the suggestions. It’s not a requirement to accept every suggestion, especially if you’re writing fiction, but you should still consider them nonetheless.
People will say you need the Premium version, but that’s false. I used the free version for over a year before upgrading. Just sign up and start using it. It’s an essential tool for every writer.
4. Hemingway Editor
Best for: Making your writing easy to read
For your writing to reach the broadest possible audience, it has to be easy to read. Hemingway Editor helps you ensure that most people can read your work easily.
Once you paste the text into Hemingway Editor, it highlights adverbs, uses of passive voice, and hard-to-read sentences. As you edit your writing and remove the alerts, the Readability score improves.
I understand this can be intimidating for some writers, but it becomes fun if you see it as a challenge and put your writer’s brain to work. All in all, this website will help you make your writing more reader-friendly.
5. ProBlogger Jobs
Best for: Finding paid writing jobs
As a freelance writer, looking for opportunities is one of your main tasks. For that reason, you should bookmark ProBlogger Jobs. Every job I’ve had since I became a freelance writer, I’ve found it on this website.
Beyond just bookmarking it, you should also create a profile and add your details so potential employers can find you. Once done, visit it once a day and apply for jobs that fit your criteria.
We all know that the Internet is incredibly powerful—but that power can go both ways. You can either leverage the web to achieve your goals, or waste time on it.
By bookmarking these websites, you can ensure that you use the Internet for your benefit. I hope at least one or two of the above websites help you save time and become essential tools in your writing workflow.
As a freelance writer or creator, is there a website you use that helps you get more done? Please share it with me in the comments!