I’ve written some seven posts about writing tools, and they’ve been very popular.
Now’s the time to show you how my favoured tools go together into my blogging workflow.
I used to use Evernote for the complete process, from idea capture through to putting the draft into WordPress, but a multi-purpose tool isn’t always the best solution to a problem.
Here’s how I write a blog post – it’s a balance between simplicity (fewest number of apps) and speed of writing (the most efficient writing environment).
Stage 1: Capturing ideas
Research:
I clip or e-mail material from web browsers, Feedly or Flipboard into Evernote. It then waits in my WFS Ideas notebook until I need some inspiration.
More on this: Content Inspiration. How Do You Get Ideas For Writing.
My ideas:
- Drafts app on iPad and iPhone – ideas can be transferred straight into Evernote with or without Markdown
- Evernote on Macs – the Quick Note tool on the toolbar is great for this.
Stage 2: Scheduling blog posts
When I want to plan my next blog posts I go through my WFS Ideas Notebook in Evernote looking for ideas that match up with my list of target key phrases.
If I don’t have key phrase research to match an idea I want to write about, I do a quick bit of research.
I then put the post title into my WordPress Editorial Calendar plugin.
Stage 3: Writing the copy
This is where iA Writer comes in. For blog posts, I don’t write a detailed outline – perhaps just the main headline and one or two subheads, and a few bullet points.
More on this: Writing Tools Part 7: iA Writer.
Sometimes I start the ’s*** first draft’ on my laptop while listening to music – or sometimes even in front of the TV. Or having a free espresso in Waitrose – good coffee and wi-fi guys!
But normally, it’s full-screen on my iMac. At the moment, iA Writer is simply the quickest way of producing words I know. It’s such a pleasure to use that I’m writing more content.
Occasionally, I get it right in one session. Normally, though, I put it aside and come back to it later. That means I have a few drafts in development, sitting up in iCloud, so I can flesh out a draft on my iPad or review one on my iPhone.
Stage 4: Proofing, editing and tweaking
Once I’m happy with the draft, I print it out and work on it with fresh eyes and a pen. I go back to iA Writer and make the changes.
I then cut and paste into WordPress, where I add images, check formatting and do any last minute editing and proofing.
What’s your workflow for blog posts?
Thanks to Adam Baker for making his image available.