Over the last 4 years, I’ve tried HUNDREDS of different copywriting tools.
Some have made my life easier.
Others have pierced big splinters in my round buttocks.
After lots of trial & error, I’ve discovered some of the best tools for copywriters.
More specifically, 13 tools that have made a BIG difference in my writing.
FOUR reasons why you should use these copywriting tools.
#1. Save time
These copywriting tools can shave hours off your writing. You can shortcut the researching, writing and editing process – saving you bundles of precious time.
#2. Improve your writing
Each copywriting tool is designed to quickly improve any piece of copy you write. By using them in your writing, you can turn a dull message into a persuasive sales machine.
#3. Removes headaches
These tools for copywriters act as aspirin for common copywriting headaches. Like: editing grammar, coming up with big ideas, market research, etc. After using them, you will no longer want to smash your head against your keyboard.
#4. Boost your income
These little-known tools for copywriters will help you write more effective copy, in less time. Which will open up glorious opportunities to earn more money.
This post is valuable because I reveal the exact tools I use when writing copy. I’ve broken down each step in the copywriting process and have provided useful tools to help you maximize your success during each phase. All of these copywriting tools are free.
6 Free Copywriting Tools for the Research Phase
Believe it or not, I spend 80% of my time on research for every copywriting project I take on.
Why?
Because you do not write copy, you assemble it.
But first, you must find the right “building blocks” to assemble.
Research is the first crucial step to writing killer copy.
Here are the exact tools I use for researching my products, markets and competition.
#1) Conduct online surveys
Online surveys are your best friend. You can find invaluable answers straight from your market’s mouth. They will often tell you EXACTLY what they want you to write about.
Here are my 3 favorite survey sites to use:
Simply copy and paste your market research questions and uncover the gold that awaits.
#2) Reddit
This is my favorite market research tool for uncovering the emotional hot buttons of my market.
You can usually do all your market research on Reddit.com alone.
Simply type your market’s keyword into Reddit’s search bar.
I.E., if you’re market is golfers, type in “golf”.
Reddit is a copywriter’s dream come true because your target market is already gathered together and communicating with each other.
The real reason why Reddit is a superior market research tool is because users often talk “un-filtered” about their problems, fears, desires, etc.
I’ve created successful ads, headlines, and sales pages, solely off the comments from Reddit groups.
#3) Google search
You can also dig up gold by typing a market research question into Google.
Simply search a question and add your niche
For example:
“What makes golfers angry?”)
Click on relevant answers. Pay special attention to answers from your market and not some random blogger.
#4) Google Keyword Planner
What is your market searching for online? What are they interested in? What problems are they trying to solve?
Google Keyword Planner holds the answers.
Type in relevant keywords and keyword phrases into this tool.
Look at the monthly search volume (set it to most popular searches). This will give you a good idea of what your market is searching for and interested in.
#5) AnswerThePublic
AnswerThePublic is a great copywriting tool because it gives you dozens of the most popular questions your market is asking online.
Simply type the keyword into the search bar.
In seconds, you’ll have hundreds of questions your market is asking.
#6) Facebook ad library & Google ads
Study your client’s competition.
What offers are they using? What is their USP? What emotional triggers are they using? What key benefits are they targeting?
Get inspiration from the competition and see if you can add/improve upon what they have.
My 2 favorite tools for copywriters studying their competition are Facebook Ad Library and Google Ads.
Facebook Ad Library:
Go to Facebook Ad Library.
Type your competition’s company name or a relevant keyword. You will find a bunch of ads run by your competition. Study them and get ideas.
Google ads:
Go to google.com. Search relevant keyword phrases, topics or your competition’s brand. Then, Browse the first 2-4 promoted links at the top. Study their copy and get inspiration from them.
2 Free Copywriting Tools for Getting BIG IDEAS:
#1) Swipe files
A copywriting swipe file is a “virtual library” where you store proven sales, marketing and copywriting pieces.
Use copywriting swipe files as inspiration.
Swiped.co is my favorite copywriting swipe file because it’s extremely easy to use and has tons of great direct response copywriting examples (new and old).
Plus, it provides helpful tips & insights on most of the ads.
Use this copywriting swipe file to get big ideas to use in your writing.
#2) The news
The news is another great resource for getting big ideas to use in your writing.
I use the Apple News app.
Use whatever news app makes sense for you.
The reason why news is great for getting ideas to write about, is that it covers the latest current events.
When you use current events in your copy, you are “entering the conversation in your prospect’s mind.”
Big news stories or industry news are currently on your readers’ minds.
They are “water cooler” conversations with coworkers, friends and family.
By tapping into what your readers are already thinking and talking about, you can grab their attention and keep them interested throughout your copy.
5 Free Copywriting Tools for the Writing Process
#1) Alarm clock app
Whenever I write, I set a 33.33-minute timer on my phone.
Why?
Because setting strict deadlines forces you to write FAST.
I learned this trick from Eugene Schwartz (copywriting legend).
I write until my timer goes off. Take a 5-10 minute break. Then, repeat the process until I’ve finished my writing assignment.
Try it out, you’ll be shocked by the results.
#2) Grammarly
Believe it or not, I SUCK at grammar.
My Word document is flooded with red error marks in just about every paragraph I write.
Doesn’t matter.
Because I can simply copy and paste all my work into Grammarly.
Then, it shows me all the grammatical errors I’ve made, plus quick fixes (with a click of a button).
This tool is a godsend. Without it, I’d need to hire a copy editor.
IMPORTANT:
Don’t blindly follow everything Grammarly suggests. Use your own judgement as a copywriter. I always change the red grammatical errors (blatant spelling errors). However, I am cautious with the other suggestions it gives me. Why? Because I prioritize the flow and sales message over perfect grammar.
#3) Hemingway app
Copywriting greats like Joseph Sugarman recommend that you write at a 5th grade level.
Why?
Because you want to make your message simple, clear and easy to understand to the majority of your readers.
Right before I submit my work, I run it through the Hemingway App.
Simply copy and paste your writing into this app.
It will give you suggestions on how to simplify your writing.
#4) Canva
I usually don’t design ads or websites.
However:
I’ll use Canva to quickly create images, lead magnets and ebook covers.
This app is magic.
You can quickly create impressive designs and graphics with a click of a button.
No design skills or artistic abilities needed.
Having graphic design skills can give you a big advantage for copywriting jobs and freelance gigs.
By taking a few tutorials on Canva and playing around with it, you can whip up impressive designs in no time.
#5) Merriam-Webster.com
I use this copywriting tool all the time. It is helpful for finding power words to replace boring, overused words.
I like to use the synonyms feature to switch up the language and make it more impactful.
Simply type in the word you want to change, and you’ll find lots of helpful suggestions.
WAIT! No AI tools for copywriters?! What about [Include long list of robots]??
On the rare occasion, I’ll use ChatGPT to help me whip up some content.
However, I do not use it for writing ANY copy.
I have tried it in the past and was horrified by the results.
I strongly suggest YOU stay FAR away from AI writing tools (any tools where you have a robot write for you).
This has nothing to do with pride or ego as a writer.
Frankly, I’d use a robot to write my copy in a heartbeat IF it would help me sell more effectively.
Unfortunately, I don’t think that will ever be the case.
Why?
Because selling is a human & emotions sport. It requires connecting with your customers on a deep level. Bonding with them. Understanding them. Uncovering their deepest darkest secrets. And hitting all the right emotional triggers. Robots don’t have emotions… empathy… or a heart.
I believe that copywriters who do NOT use AI, will have a SERIOUS advantage over their competition (now, and even moreso in the near future).
You see, the vast majority of copywriters and companies are locking their imagination, creativity and critical thinking in a dark steel cage.
When you are one of the few copywriters left who doesn’t mindlessly plug in prompts to a robot, you will stand out from the crowd and attract clients to you like a steel magnet.
If you take the time to learn, practice and write direct response copy, and continuously improve your skills & knowledge, you will be so far ahead of everyone else it won’t be funny.
Conclusion
Alright, slugger.
These are the exact copywriting tools I use whenever I take on a new copywriting project.
Over the years, they have saved me thousands of hours, tens of thousands of dollars and many heart attacks and migraines.
Use them TODAY to improve your copywriting.
If you want to write copy like a pro and get paid like a king, enter your email below: