Writing Tools
Grammarly
A powerful grammar and spell-checking tool that helps copywriters identify and correct errors in their writing, ensuring clarity and professionalism.
Google Docs
I know this seems like a ‘duh’ suggestion. But, there are so many features, tools, and plug-ins available. I encourage everyone to browse through some of the various plug-ins creators have made available. And of course, this is the most commonly used platform when working with clients and agencies.
Hemingway Editor
A favorite of yours truly. This is a writing tool that analyzes text for readability, highlighting complex sentences, passive voice, and adverbs, helping copywriters improve the clarity and conciseness of their writing.
CoSchedule Headline Analyzer
A tool that evaluates headlines based on factors like word choice, length, and emotional impact, helping copywriters craft attention-grabbing headlines that drive engagement.
Trello
A project management tool that allows copywriters to organize tasks, set deadlines, and collaborate with team members, helping streamline workflow and improve productivity.
Evernote
A note-taking app that enables copywriters to capture ideas, organize research, and brainstorm content, keeping all their writing-related information in one place for easy reference.
Thesaurus.com
An online thesaurus that provides synonyms and antonyms for words, helping copywriters expand their vocabulary and find the perfect word to convey their message.
BuzzSumo
A content research tool that allows copywriters to discover trending topics, analyze competitors' content strategies, and identify popular keywords, helping inform content creation and optimization efforts.
Yoast SEO
A WordPress plugin that provides real-time SEO analysis and optimization suggestions for blog posts and web content, helping copywriters improve search engine visibility and drive organic traffic.
Scrivener
A writing software designed for long-form content, such as novels, screenplays, and research papers, offering features like outlining, research organization, and distraction-free writing mode, ideal for copywriters working on complex projects.
Learn from the pros
It’s always a good idea to learn from the best. Here, you can find award-winning examples of copy:
Cannes Lions Archive
The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies in the advertising industry. Their archive contains winning campaigns from various categories, including copywriting, spanning multiple years.
The One Show Archive
The One Show is an annual awards ceremony hosted by The One Club for Creativity, recognizing excellence in advertising, design, and digital marketing. Their online archive showcases award-winning campaigns and creative work, including outstanding examples of copywriting.
D&AD Awards Archive
D&AD is a global organization that celebrates excellence in design and advertising. Their awards archive features winning work from the annual D&AD Awards, including categories dedicated to copywriting and verbal communication.
Effie Awards Archive
The Effie Awards recognize marketing effectiveness and excellence in advertising campaigns. Their archive includes case studies and winning campaigns that demonstrate the power of persuasive copywriting in achieving measurable results.
Communications Arts Annuals
Communication Arts is a leading publication in the creative industry, known for showcasing exceptional design, advertising, and visual communication. Their annual competitions feature award-winning examples of copywriting across various mediums.
Copyblogger
Copyblogger is a popular online resource for content marketers and copywriters, offering tips, tutorials, and examples of effective copywriting. While not an awards archive per se, Copyblogger often features case studies and examples of successful copywriting campaigns.
The Drum Creative Works
The Drum is a global media platform that covers advertising, marketing, and media news. Their Creative Works section highlights noteworthy campaigns and creative executions, including examples of impactful copywriting.
Archive of Advertisements
Many advertising agencies and brands maintain archives of their past campaigns on their websites. Exploring the portfolios of renowned agencies and brands can provide insight into award-winning copywriting examples.
By exploring these resources, you can gain inspiration and insights from some of the best examples of copywriting in the industry.
Fundraising Tools
DonorPerfect
DonorPerfect is a fundraising and donor management software that helps nonprofits track donations, manage donor relationships, and analyze fundraising efforts. They also offer educational resources such as webinars, ebooks, and blog articles on fundraising best practices.
Blackbaud University
Blackbaud University offers training courses, certifications, and educational resources for nonprofit professionals using Blackbaud's fundraising and donor management software, including Raiser's Edge NXT and Luminate Online.
Network for Good's Fundraising Fundamentals
Network for Good offers a series of online courses and resources called Fundraising Fundamentals, designed to help nonprofit professionals learn essential fundraising skills and strategies.
Fundraising Letters
Fundraising Letters is a website that provides templates, examples, and resources for writing effective fundraising letters and appeals. It offers guidance on crafting compelling messaging and storytelling to inspire donor support.
Fundraising Success Magazine's Resource Center
Fundraising Success Magazine's website features a resource center with articles, webinars, and guides on various aspects of fundraising, including donor acquisition, major gifts, planned giving, and online fundraising strategies.
NonprofitReady
NonprofitReady offers free online courses and resources for nonprofit professionals, including fundraising-specific courses on topics such as donor cultivation, grant writing, fundraising events, and donor stewardship.
CharityHowTo
CharityHowTo offers live and on-demand webinars on fundraising topics presented by industry experts. They cover a wide range of fundraising strategies, techniques, and tools, providing practical insights and actionable tips for nonprofit professionals.
Foundation Center's Learning Resources
The Foundation Center offers learning resources and courses on grant writing, fundraising strategies, nonprofit management, and other topics relevant to fundraising professionals. They provide both online and in-person training options.
WildApricot's Nonprofit Blog
WildApricot's blog features articles and resources on nonprofit management, including fundraising strategies, donor engagement, event planning, and nonprofit marketing.
AFP's Resource Center
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) offers a resource center on their website with articles, whitepapers, case studies, and research reports covering various aspects of fundraising and philanthropy.
These tools and educational resources offer fundraising professionals opportunities to enhance their skills, expand their knowledge, and stay current with industry trends and best practices in the field of fundraising.