A blogger can always use new resources and tools for enhancing blogging experience for oneself as well as for readers. There are already so many services out there that we bloggers already use and I must admit...can't do without as well. Be it, Google Analytics, Google Reader, StumbleUpon, FeedBurner and don't even get me started on endless third-party services for Facebook and Twitter.
In spite of plethora of services, tools and resources being rolled out every now and then, there are still some hidden gems that every blogger can make good use of. Check 'em out below:
COPYSCAPE
What: It is a plagiarism checker that detects copies of your content online and sends you daily or weekly updates.
Why: Plagiarism is perhaps the most unethical practise that any blogger can follow, followed by spamming. And I'm sure you would wanna nab those cheaters who shamelessly copy your content without any acknowledgment. (Link)
TINY LETTER
What: It is an incredibly simple to use newsletter tool that lets you start your own paid or free subscription based newsletter.
Why: Email newsletters is an effective way to engage with your readers, all you have to do pick up a name for your newsletter, after which Tiny Letter will create a URL for you which can be sent to your contacts. Without much technical knowledge you can customize your newsletter, read replies from your subscribers and also choose to charge your subscribers if you want. (Link)
THE HELLO BAR
What: It is a notification bar that you can add to your blog to convey a message, promote a link or a campaign and drive more clicks.
Why: It is quite a versatile tool that can be used for several purposes, you can promote a product by placing its link within the bar, you can spread a message or awareness (lately it has been quite widely used to help Japan), offer memberships/registration, promote campaigns, publish one-liner updates or news, promote affiliate program or just about anything that you can do with a single bar. It also lets you track and analyse impressions and clicks generated through this bar. (Link)
STOCK.XCHNG
What: It is a website that lets you find free and royalty free images, that you can use for your blog posts. (Like the first image of this post)
Why: Like I said, copying someone else's work without acknowledgement is perhaps the worst practice a blogger can follow, and it applies to images as well. This website consist of nearly 400,000 royalty free images for you to choose from...all you have to do is give them a little credit. And may I add, I prefer this over Google images any given day and time. (Link)
LANYRD
What: It is a social conference directory that lets you find conferences taking place near you or as per topics, you can also track of what's happening in a particular conference without being there. You can also check out slides, videos or podcast shared in a conference.
Why: Being a professional blogger is all about being a part of a community, and you must be aware of what people are talking about or sharing in these conferences, even if you can't make it there. You can track what experts have to say, how attendees react to it and keep yourself updated on whats happening in the real world. (Link)
TIMELY
What: A smart tool that tells you the perfect time to tweet so as to make the maximum impact, thereby helping you increase your retweets, mentions or followers. They analyse your last 199 tweets and give you the time slot for maximum reachability.
Why: Tweets can do wonders for your blog, it can bring a whole lot of traffic provided Twitteraties are retweeting and sharing your stuff with their followers. This tool helps you in scheduling your tweets to make sure that you can make most out of this highly impactful 140-character micro-blogging site. (Link)
MY BLOG GUEST
What: It is a community for those who are looking for guest bloggers and for authors who wish to write guest posts on other blogs.
Why: Saying that contributing or encouraging guests posts in your blog can generate traffic, build brand image and find you new audience (all for free), is stating the obvious. This site is a powerful resource which lets find the right blogger or the right blog for your self. Participating in their forum can not only bring you knowledge, and ideas, but also build relationships with like-minded people. (Link)
VOKLE
What: It is a tool that lets you broadcast live video or audio talk shows right from your blog.
Why: What could be more engaging than interacting with your audience live? All you have to do is embed a code to your site, and your readers can simply click on "Join Event" which expands a window over your page and lets them ask you live questions or share information; without getting directed to another site. You can also broadcast multiple co-hosts, pre-screen audience questions or broadcast an event on multiple sites. (Link)
MY eCOVER MAKER
What: It is a tool that lets you create 3D covers for your eBook, without the whole hassle of using Photoshop or plugins.
Why: It is needless to say that eBooks is one of the best resource a blogger can provide to his/her readers, and this tool makes it all-the-more easier for you to create good looking professional cover for your eBook. You can either opt for their free templates (without any sign-up) or check out their subscription plans for more options to choose from. You can also create 3D images for DVDs, Software boxes, membership cards, Kindle, iPad or iPod. (Link)
With this I wrap up some of the most useful tools that I think can turn out to be a blessing for many bloggers out there. If you think there are few more gems yet to be discovered, then do share them with our readers in the comment section below.
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Great list of tools. I have so many new links to go check out - thanks!
We're glad you found them to be useful Shannon. :)
Great list of tools. I have so many new links to go check out - thanks!
We're glad you found them to be useful Shannon. :)