I love the number five, you may have noticed I tend to use it a lot when writing ‘guide or list posts’. I think 5 is a wholesome number, although 6 and 12 are my firm favourites. How about you? I digress, we should be talking about 5 essential, online editing tools and apps. The ones that will help you to edit your blog posts and social media images, so lets get to it!
I love the number five I tend to use it a lot when writing ‘guide or list posts’.
My Five Essential Editing Tools and Apps:
These are the ones I use regularly in fact I rely on them on a daily basis. You may already be using them?
Editing Tools For Blogging:
The first one is Yoast
There is a general plugin if you use wordpress, but I like this one so much, I actually paid for the premium version. The Yoast editing tool is all about helping and advising you about your SEO (search engine optimisation) It helps with google optimisation too, because if no one can find you, your blog will fade into the blogosphere! I am a dunce at SEO but I have learnt so much from Yoast. I advise you to watch their video information clips too. For instance do you know what a ‘slug’ is? No I didn’t either, a slug is the shortened version of your title. it shouldn’t be too long and should contain your subject key word. Yoast explains all of it in a simple and easy to understand way.
The second is Kraken Image Optimiser
A free tool that I use on all my post images. I also have Smush which is similar, as a WordPress plugin. Kraken reduces and compacts your images before you upload them to your site, this helps to make your sure your site remains fast to load. It also reduces the storage needed to host your images, saving time and money.
Social Media Editing Apps:
My third choice is VSCO.
My favourite free editing tool for my Instagram images and I know lots of people use this one too is VSCO. It gives you a huge choice of ‘tweaks’ for your images, depending on your style. Not just about filters (after all you can do a lot in app on IG these days) but also good for sharpening, fading, straightening and highlighting. It takes awhile to get used to it, but if I can do it anyone can!
I recently used it and the unfold app, to play with colour and shadows to edit the image I posted on instagram stories for International Women’s Day.
The Fourth is A Color Story (American spelling not mine!)
Again a popular choice, but obviously if lots of people rave about an app its probably for a good reason, such as it being easy to use and producing marvelous results. This one is great if you like a brighter filter with lots of colour. Try it out and then save your favourite choices, for ease of access.There is also a sticker design kit handy for stories.
My Fifth and final most used editing tool is the Unfold App
It labels itself a toolkit for story tellers and that is just what it does. (see my image above) If you get tired of seeing the same old, same old on your screen? Then unfold will allow you to make your stories interesting, original and help you to discover your own unique style.
If none of this is right for you then may I suggest you get Sara Tasker’s Book Hashtag Authentic? It explains all this and more, far better than I can!
Sara Tasker’s book Hashtag Authentic
Plus some advice I have been given from the experts:
Over the last few years I have been lucky to have worked with some lovely brands and PR companies. I always take the opportunity to ask them questions, related to all things blogging and social media. The one top tip I must pass on is this:
Your tone of voice is very important, don’t address a crowd!
This means don’t start a blog post saying ‘hello everyone’ or ‘hello Instas’ (…one of my pet hates!) Talk as if you were talking to one person, perhaps your best friend. It will make your reader/viewer feel special and not just one of many.
I am sure you have your favourites editing tools too? I would love to her about them, do leave me a note in the comments?
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Thank you for all this information – I certainly need it, plus, it’s finding the time to get used to the extra tools. Especially when life and work kicks in! But, I really need to as I’m doing the bare minimum I think attracting people to my blog. I’ll go through each one slowly and hopefully pick up some tips.
have a good weekend!
Alison
xx
Author
Hi Alison!
It is all worth it in the end! Especially if you are serious about blogging etc? I still love it so I employ all the apps to work hard for me!
best Ashley x
I love the Unfold App and I’m thinking seriously about the Yoast Premium xx
Author
I am just about to renew its very helpful!
bestest wishes
Ashley x
Fab tips, Ashley! I have the book but I haven’t had the chance to read it yet. I also use Snapseed to correct perspective in interior and architecture shots.
Author
Juan Hello!
Thanks for the tip I will check it out! I do like a straight line1
bestest wishes
Ashley