Creating Engaging Blog Posts: Tools to Enhance Your Content

In today’s digital landscape, standing out in the crowded world of blogging can be quite challenging. With an overwhelming number of posts already filled with pictures, infographics, and videos, simply writing a text-based blog post may not be enough to grab the attention of readers. To truly make your content shine, incorporating visuals and graphics is essential. However, if you’re not design-savvy, fret not! There are numerous tools available that have been specifically created to cater to your needs. With just a few clicks, you can create content that looks like it was custom-made by a professional for you. As someone who doesn’t specialize in design, I have personally found these tools to be incredibly user-friendly and even fun to use. So, without further ado, let’s explore some of these resources and see how they can make your content creation journey easier.

1) Piktochart:
When it comes to creating infographics, things might seem complicated at first glance. However, Piktochart makes the process much more accessible. This tool provides free templates for various situations, allowing you to customize them according to your preferences using the available shapes, fonts, and images. Additionally, Piktochart can be utilized to create presentations, reports, and posters, expanding its utility beyond just infographics.

2) Haiku Deck:
While SlideShare is a well-known platform, have you heard of Haiku Deck? Haiku Deck enables you to create beautiful decks using templates, images, and font designs. These decks are designed in a simple yet elegant way, providing a scenic backdrop for your message. By adding a deck to your blog post, you introduce a visual element that readers can easily flip through, enhancing their engagement with your content.

3) Photopin:
Imagine stumbling upon a perfect image for your blog post, only to realize that you can’t use it due to copyright restrictions. Frustrating, isn’t it? That’s where Photopin comes into play. Photopin is a free resource that provides bloggers with access to a vast database of Creative Commons photos. You can select the image size you prefer and then grab the HTML for attribution, ensuring fair usage.

4) Canva:
If you’re looking to add a downloadable freebie to your blog post to provide added value to your readers, Canva is the perfect tool for you. With its easy-to-use interface, Canva offers pre-made templates, images, and effortless editing capabilities. By utilizing Canva, you can make your downloadables look professional and visually appealing.

5) Word2CleanHTML:
Many of us prefer writing our initial blog post drafts in Microsoft Word or Google Drive, as they offer convenient platforms for crafting our articles. However, transferring these documents to your content management system can often be a hassle. That’s where Word2CleanHTML comes to the rescue. It takes your document and converts it into HTML-friendly format with just a single click. By simply pasting your document and pressing a button, the conversion is done, making your life easier.

6) Google Scholar:
Linking scientific research to your blog post helps establish credibility and authority. When conducting academic research for your blog post, Google Scholar is an invaluable resource. Similar to regular Google, Google Scholar provides research data output from academic journals and studies. One of its best features is the ability to tailor your search to a specific period, ensuring you don’t sift through outdated data.

7) Hemingway App:
Do you find yourself getting lost in rambling writing? The Hemingway App, named after the renowned writer Ernest Hemingway, helps simplify your writing. By pinpointing words and sentences that could use some tweaking, this app assists in improving readability. Simply copy and paste your work into the app, and it will analyze your writing, providing a grade based on readability. The lower the grade, the more readable your writing becomes.

In conclusion, going the extra mile with your blog post can work wonders in engaging your audience. By incorporating visuals, aligning your writing with readability standards, and providing valuable resources, your blog post becomes more appealing and shareable. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. Remember, these tools are just a starting point, and it’s up to you to utilize them effectively to amplify the value of your content.

So, what’s your favorite resource for giving your blog post that extra shine?

Featured photo credit: Mans Hands Typing On Laptop With Smartphone, Book And Coffee/ Ed Gregory via stokpic.com