My Top 5 Favorite Free Tools for Writing and Blogging
Running a blog with a full-time job and a family means I have zero room for wasted time (or wasted money).
I don’t need complicated tools…
I need simple, free resources that actually help me write faster, publish better, and track progress clearly.
Here are my top 5 favorite free tools that keep my blog running smoothly:
1. Notion
What it is: An all-in-one workspace for notes, ideas, outlines, and content calendars.
Why I use it:
- Organizing weekly blog post outlines
- Keeping a running list of blog topic ideas
- Storing my “time capsule” notes to my future self
Simple, clean, reliable, and free.
→ Notion
2. Hemingway Editor (Web Version)
What it is: A readability tool that highlights complex sentences, passive voice, and unnecessary adverbs.
Why I use it:
- Quickly edit posts in under 10 minutes
- Keep my writing clear and reader-friendly
- Make my posts easy to skim for busy dads
Free, no-login-needed, and instantly improves clarity.
3. Kit (formerly ConvertKit)
What it is: A simple, clean tool for creating landing pages, writing email newsletters, and growing your list.
Why I use it:
- Easy-to-build landing pages for my free guide
- Writing and scheduling email newsletters
- Managing subscribers without tech overwhelm
Perfect for writers who want to focus on words, not integrations or automation stress.
→ Kit
4. LowFruits (Free Searches)
What it is: SEO keyword tool specifically designed to find low-competition, high-intent keywords.
Why I use it:
- Quickly finding topics that have a real chance of ranking
- Avoiding wasting time on overly competitive keywords
- Making strategic, traffic-focused content decisions
Even the free version gives enough monthly searches to power my SEO.
5. Metricool (Free Tier)
What it is: An all-in-one analytics platform that tracks blog posts, social content, and traffic performance.
Why I use it:
- Seeing what posts are performing best
- Quickly tracking my weekly output and growth
- Understanding my audience without overly complex data
Simple, visually clean, and saves me hours of manual analytics work.
Why These Tools Work (And Why Free Is Good Enough)
You don’t need expensive, complicated software to run a successful blog.
These free tools help me:
- Stay organized and consistent
- Edit and publish quickly
- Track meaningful data without overwhelm
As a dad writing around real life, simplicity is my best ally.
P.S. Want my full writing workflow?
My guide The Writing Dad System breaks down my entire process from start to finish.
