As one of the world’s leading website creation tools, accounting for more than 30 percent of all websites, WordPress is a platform that all freelancers can benefit from being familiar with.
It is used across the globe to create, manage, and control websites of all types - from highly sophisticated, multi-page sites, to simple, single page sites used by bloggers and small businesses.
Thus, being well-versed in WordPress best practices is an excellent way to differentiate yourself from your competition as a freelancer, and make your services more appealing to companies who are looking to invest in a content provider.
Unfortunately, it can be a considerable undertaking to sift through all of the WordPress website features and tools that are available in the marketplace today. It seems as though a new and trending WordPress plugin emerges every day, and the platform is continuously evolving to become more comprehensive and user-friendly.
So, which WordPress blogging tools should freelancers invest in? And what are the core tips for using WordPress that will lay a strong knowledge foundation and benefit your freelance business the most?
We’ve conducted in-depth research into these questions so that you don’t have to! And we’ve compiled the top WordPress tools that generate results and make any freelancer’s life significantly more comfortable.
Table of Contents
HERE ARE THE BEST WORDPRESS TOOLS EVERY FREELANCER SHOULD KNOW HOW TO USE:
THE WORDPRESS EDITORIAL CALENDAR
Every freelancer is familiar with the confusion that comes with having multiple pieces of content with numerous deadlines. Ensuring that all of your posts go live at the correct times is essential to keeping your clients happy and securing long-term contracts.
Unfortunately, the generic WordPress posts section doesn’t provide a visually-appealing format where freelancers can see all of their content at-a-glance and double-check that all required content is scheduled for the correct time.
But the Editorial Calendar WordPress plugin is a perfect solution to this issue!
It allows freelancers to:
- View all of their posts in a convenient calendar format
- Easily drag and drop posts to different days and times, making rescheduling a breeze
- Edit post titles, content and times all within one convenient tool
- Readily manage draft posts before they go life
Additionally, it has a 4.9 out of 5 rating from WordPress users, confirming that it is safe to integrate with any WordPress website without the worry of glitches or under-performance.
Photo Credit: designwizard.com
THE PROOFREADING FEATURE
One of the most underrated WordPress blogging tools is the built-in proofreading feature.
Many bloggers and freelance content writers aren’t aware of just how dynamic and helpful this tool can be.
For instance, did you know that the proofreader button doesn’t just check for spelling errors in your copy? It’s true. It also checks for grammatical mistakes, style issues, and misused words.
Additionally, when the proofreader underlines an error in your text, you can right-click on that error, and you will see an option entitled “Explain.”
The explain feature will provide you with additional information about why the WordPress proofreader is recommending that you edit the error.
Pretty fantastic, right?
But that’s not all - you can also set your WordPress proofreader to automatically review all of your copy before you post a blog. This way, you will receive an interruptive-style notification asking you if you’re sure you want to post if there are still errors in your copy.
For freelancers who have a million things on their minds at any given moment, this is a high-security blanket when it comes to preventing errors from going live on a WordPress website.
Photo Credit: pikwizard.com
THE RESMUSH.IT PLUGIN
One of the most common sins that freelancers make against WordPress best practices are uploading multiple large image files to their sites. Doing so results in slow website load times and higher bounce rates, which are never a good thing!
Thankfully, there is a WordPress plugin that quickly resizes images with just the click of a button, without reducing the overall quality and clarity of the photo.
In fact, ReSMUSH. It allows users to upload a batch of images at once and will resize them all to whatever optimization level you choose.
But, have faith in it or not, that’s not the best part!
This useful plugin can also be set to automatically resize images to specific dimensions as soon as photos are uploaded. This feature is excellent for freelancers who know they are going to need all pictures they use to be a particular size. It takes the thinking out of optimizing your images for the web - directly upload your photos and voila! They are prepped and ready for uploading.
THE COSCHEDULE HEADLINE ANALYZER
Every content writer knows the pain of coming up with a catchy headline. They indeed are a make-it-or-break-it element of any blog post. But how can you be assured that your headline is going to function the way you want it to and capture the attention of your readers?
Well, typically, you can’t. Or at least you couldn’t, until now!
The coschedule headline analyzer is individually the most impact WordPress blogging tools a freelancer can have in their back pocket - and we don’t say that lightly.
This highly useful tool provides feedback on your headline based on a ton of data and statistics that it has compiled and turned into a robust algorithm.
All you have to do is type your headline into the tool and click “Analyze now.”
From there, you will be provided feedback on your headline in the following categories:
- Headline length
- Word balance
- Keywords
- Sentiment
- How your headline will appear in Google search results
- How your headline will appear as an email headline
- Structure
Trust us; if you aren’t already using this tool before publishing content on your WordPress website, you’ll want to get on board immediately. There isn’t a better way to ensure your headlines are the best they can be!
THE PIKWIZARD FREE IMAGES LIBRARY
A freelancer is always on the lookout for high-quality images that are copyright free. While there are plenty of pay-per-use sites out there, the cost of stock photos can add up quickly. So, when a free option is available, most freelancers can’t jump on it fast enough.
For this reason, PikWizard is a premium tool for content providers.
It has an extensive library with hundreds of copyright free images to choose from, in a wide range of categories.
Additionally, all of the photos are high-quality, so you never have to worry about how they will appear on your site.
If you sometimes struggle to find images to match your content, or if you are looking for a website that can help you save on the cost of stock photos, this is the perfect tool for you.
Photo Credit: pikwizard.com
And there you have it! These five tools can be used by all freelancers to uphold WordPress best practices and generate results.
You can combine these tips for using WordPress with our recommended management tools and email marketing tricks to create a well-rounded, all-inclusive content strategy that will turn your freelancing business into a money making a machine!
And while you’re at it, why not check out these fantastic graphic design tools that can turn your visual elements into works of art? Or these time-saving blogging tools that can reduce the amount of time you spend on your most common daily tasks?
After all, freelancers rarely have the time to step away from their work to take intensive courses to improve upon their skills. But thankfully, there is a wealth of information available on the web if you know where to look. The suggestions we have provided are a fantastic place to begin - each tool has been reviewed and researched for your benefit!
Remember, approximately 300,000 words are written each minute using WordPress. It is the leading content management system, by far, when it comes to website copy. Thus, any tools, tips, and tricks you can use to enhance your workflow and improve your ability to work within the platform are not only great for you, but for your business too.
Video: How Did You Become a WordPress Developer?
So, what are you waiting for? Add these WordPress blogging tools to your daily routine and watch as your website’s performance takes off!
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Author Bio
Michelle is the Marketing Associate at Design Wizard. She spent four years studying Media Studies in Dublin Institute of Technology before completing her Master's Degree in Marketing and Management in University College Cork. She’s delighted to work with such an exciting design software company and is eager to help Design Wizard continue to grow. Michelle is a dog lover. She enjoys going on hikes with her four-legged friend, travelling and going to the cinema (mainly for the treats).