3 killer copywriting apps that will actually improve your writing
I run regular 2-day copywriting courses, and we cover a lot of ground in that time. But people often ask me: ‘How can I remember and implement all of this advice?’ So below I’ve listed three copywriting apps that have helped me, and many other writers, to avoid common mistakes and create consistently good copy.
The links below are to web apps, which are available online through your standard web browser. They’re all free, so check them out for yourself and see if they work for you (some ask for personal data before you can use them).
Please note – I don’t get any commercial benefit form you using these copywriting apps. These are objective and unbiassed recommendations.
1. Hemingway app
Use it: www.hemingwayapp.com
It’s easy to slip into bad copywriting style, such as:
- Passive voice
- Long complex sentences
- Unnecessarily long words
Good writing style is a habit that’s formed with practice. The Hemingway app speeds up this process by showing where you might be going wrong.
Paste your copy into the app and it will highlight passages that have potential issues. It’s an awesome time-saver and a handy reminder of what to look out for in your copy.
2. Coschedule headline analyzer
Use it: coschedule.com/headline-analyzer
Headlines are essential. A good headline will turn a browser into a reader.
I’m a little wary of an algorithm telling me what works, but I find this tool gives you some useful feedback on how to improve what you’ve written, including:
- Common words
- Uncommon words
- Power words
- Emotional impact
- SEO benefits
As with all copywriting apps, I wouldn’t slavishly follow every piece of advice it gives. Use it to get ideas for improving what you’ve written.
(Grammar hounds beware – they’ve misspelt the word ‘its’ on this website. I’ve forgiven them.)
3. Answer the public
Use it: http://answerthepublic.com
It’s tough to constantly think up new ideas for content. I love Answer the Public because it gives you plenty of inspiration.
The app draws on data from Google search suggestions and other keyword tools to give insights into what people are searching for. You can use this to create content based on search demand.
Enter your content topic into Answer the Public and you’ll get dozens of ideas for things to write about. And best of all, you know it will be interesting to an audience because they have searched for it.
Summary
These three tools are just the start. There are many more copywriting apps and web tools out there.
I’ll update this blog with more recommendations soon, but in the meantime if you have any suggestions, please leave them in the comments.