As a new blogger or someone just starting out in the world of blogging, it can be overwhelming to figure out which tools you should be using. With so many options out there, it’s easy to waste a lot of time trying to sort through them all. But fear not – I’m here to share the top 8 free blogging tools that I personally use and highly recommend.
1. Google Search Console
Google Search Console is one of the best tools out there, especially if you’re involved in digital marketing. It’s completely free and provides invaluable insights about your blog or website. With Search Console, you can check your site’s performance, see how it’s ranking, track impressions and clicks, and identify any errors that need to be addressed. This tool is essential for improving your site’s SEO and driving more traffic.
Many people only use Search Console to view their impression and click data, but it can do so much more. If you’d like a full tutorial on how to use Search Console to effectively research keywords, improve your rankings, and grow your blog’s traffic, just let me know in the comments below and I’ll put together a detailed video for you.
2. Semrush
Semrush is an incredibly powerful all-in-one SEO and content marketing suite. While it does offer paid plans, they also have a free 7-day trial that gives you access to all of their premium features. With Semrush, you can conduct keyword research, audit your website, track your rankings, analyze your competitors, and so much more.
The free trial is more than enough time to get a feel for Semrush and see how it can benefit your blogging efforts. Just be sure to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to start paying for a subscription. The link to sign up for the free trial is in the description below.
3. Canva
Canva is a must-have tool for bloggers, especially those who aren’t designers by trade. With Canva, you can easily create all kinds of visual content – from blog post images and thumbnails to presentations, PDFs, and more. The free version provides access to thousands of templates, design elements, and stock photos to help you create professional-looking graphics without any design skills.
I use Canva for everything from designing the thumbnails for my YouTube videos to creating shareable images for social media. It’s an incredibly versatile tool that will elevate the visual aspects of your blog.
4. Keywords Everywhere
Keywords Everywhere is a free Chrome extension that provides a wealth of keyword data right in your browser. When you search for something on Google, Keywords Everywhere will show you the search volume, cost-per-click, and competition level for that keyword. It also provides related keyword ideas and search trend data.
This is an invaluable tool for conducting keyword research and finding the best topics to write about. You can use it in conjunction with Google Trends to get a full picture of which keywords are worth targeting. I’ll be doing a full tutorial on how to use Keywords Everywhere and Google Trends for effective keyword research in an upcoming video, so stay tuned.
5. Google Trends
Speaking of Google Trends, this is another free tool from Google that deserves a spot on this list. Google Trends allows you to see how search interest in a particular topic or keyword has changed over time. You can filter by location, timeframe, and category to uncover valuable insights.
For example, let’s say you’re researching the finance niche. You can use Google Trends to see which finance-related keywords are currently trending, how seasonal certain topics are, and where the most search interest is coming from. This information is crucial for identifying the best content opportunities and staying ahead of the curve.
6. Grammarly
Grammarly is an absolute must-have tool, especially for new bloggers or anyone who struggles with writing and grammar. This free browser extension (and standalone app) will automatically check your writing for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style errors.
Whether you’re crafting an email, writing a blog post, or even just leaving a comment online, Grammarly ensures that your writing is clear, concise, and error-free. This helps maintain a professional image and makes a much better impression. I personally use Grammarly for all of my written communications, and it’s been a game-changer.
7. Ahrefs Webmaster Tools
Ahrefs is one of the most powerful SEO tools on the market, but their Webmaster Tools offering is completely free to use. With this tool, you can check your website’s backlink profile, see which pages are ranking, and analyze your competitors’ SEO strategies.
The backlink data alone is worth its weight in gold. You can use it to identify high-quality link building opportunities, monitor your link profile for any issues, and see where your competitors are earning links. It’s an essential tool for any serious blogger or website owner.
8. Similar Web
Last but not least, Similar Web is a free tool that provides deep insights into website traffic and performance. You can use it to research your own site’s traffic sources and engagement metrics, as well as analyze your competitors.
Similar Web will show you where a website’s traffic is coming from (direct, referral, search, social, etc.), which pages are the most popular, and how the site stacks up against others in the same industry. This competitive intelligence is invaluable for informing your content and marketing strategies.
I hope this list of the top 8 free blogging tools has been helpful! Remember, having the right tools in your arsenal can make a huge difference in your blogging success. Be sure to let me know in the comments if you have any other questions or if there are specific tutorials you’d like me to create. Happy blogging!