Being a web writer today is hard. Our deadlines are tighter than ever, and time-sucking distractions are ubiquitous. Luckily, there are some great online tools at our disposal.
Here are 5 of my favorites.
1. TitleCapitalization.com
Let’s face it: When we’re crammed for time, sometimes it’s hard to remember what to capitalize and when. TitleCapitalization.com solves that problem for us in seconds. Simply paste your title in the text box, and it will auto-correct your title so it aligns correctly with The Chicago Manual of Style.
2. ClicheFinder
Cliches hurt your writing. ClicheFinder identifies them so you can cut them out. The mission of this simple website is revealed in the quote on their home page:
[Political] prose consists less and less of words chosen for the sake of their meaning, and more and more of phrases tacked together like the sections of a prefabricated hen-house. – George Orwell
3. Unstuck
Feeling stuck? This app will help you out. Unstuck is an interactive, in-the-moment digital coach that’s ready every time you’re feeling less-than-creative. It helps us see and solve situations with fresh perspective through provocative questions, targeted tips, and action-oriented tools. It’s great for staying focused and productive.
4. StayFocused
True to its name, StayFocusd is a Google Chrome extension that increases your productivity by limiting the amount of time that you can spend on time-sucking websites. It’s customizable, so you can temporarily block entire websites, subdomains, and even in-page content like videos and games. You can also choose how long to block these sites, so if you absolutely have to post that article, you can shut out the rest of the distracting digital world.
5. Evernote
It’s no secret that Evernote is awesome. But it’s particularly awesome for writers. We can jot down all of our ideas on the go, in meetings and at our desks—and find them later in one user-friendly, organized place.
Excited to play with your arsenal of new tools? Get to it.