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

Using Quick NoteResearch:

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.