How to Use Evernote as a Blogger

A few weeks ago, I started using Evernote as my primary “blogging workbench.” It is where I store blog post ideas, collect various post components, and then write the post itself. This has proven to be a robust solution that enables me to be working on several posts simultaneously.

My Evernote Blogging Workflow

I thought I would share my workflow with you. Yours will be different, I’m sure. But, hopefully, this will provide you with a few ideas.

If you are just getting started with Evernote, I suggest that you buy Brett Kelly’s remarkably practical e-book, Evernote Essentials, 4.0. It will save you HOURS of learning Evernote on your own.

My go through the following six steps in creating a new blog post.

  1. Set up a blogging template in Evernote. There are certain components that I want to create or collect for every blog post. For example, I am now using the SCORRE™ method from the Dynamic Communicators Workshop (DCW) to prepare every post. This is an acronym for Subject, Central Theme, Objective Statement, Rationale, and Evaluation. I store my template in an Evernote notebook called Templates, along with numerous other templates I use on a regular basis.

    The template looks like this:

    My Evernote Blogging Template

  2. Create a new note for every blog post idea. Whenever I have a blog post idea, I go to my Template notebook, select my Blog Post Idea template, right click on it, and select Copy to Notebook. This puts a fresh copy of the template in my Blog notebook, complete with a “post ideas” tag. I then give the note title a unique name (the working title for the post) and then fill out as much of the not as I have the time and inclination to do. As a result, at any one time, I have dozens of post ideas in various stages of completion.
  3. Assemble the various post components. When I get ready to really work on a blog post, I begin assembling the various pieces. I usually begin with the subject and the central theme. Then I add whatever is easiest to add first. It might be the relevant links, a few images, and then the objective statement. (I don’t have space in this post to go through what these elements are. If you want to learn the SCORRE™ method, I highly recommend DCW. You can get a $200 discount by using the special discount code: HYATTVAIL) Although it is primarily designed as a speech preparation tool for public speakers, it works equally well for bloggers.
  4. Write your blog post in Evernote. I write the first draft of my post in in Evernote. i like having everything in one place. I don’t worry about formatting. I just try to get the post out, resisting the urge to edit my work as I am creating it. Once I have the first draft, I go back through and edit it. Once I have a stable draft that I am relatively happy with, I am done in Evernote.

    The completed note may look like this:

    A Completed Blog Post in Evernote

  5. Copy your post to your blogging software. I select all the text in my post and copy it to MarsEdit, my blogging software of choice. This is where I add the metadata (i.e., post category, tags, and description). I also add all the formatting, including bold text, italics, lists, and other styling. I like a lot of control, so I personally work in HTML mode. However, this is not necessary for most bloggers. In fact, you could copy and paste your draft directly into WordPress.

    Here’s what blog post looks like in MarsEdit. Keep in mind that this is HTML code.

    The Same Blog Post in MarsEdit

  6. Schedule the post and review your work. When I am happy with my work, I edit the date I want the post to appear. I always schedule mine for 4:00 a.m. CDT. I then upload the post to WordPress. I then usually preview the post and review it on my site. The post isn’t live yet, but it gives me a chance to see the post in my blogging environment. I then proofread it a couple of more times and declare it done.

Evernote has enabled me to be more productive in my blogging. I love having one place where I can store everything.

Question: Have you tried using Evernote as a blogging tool? If so, how is it working out for you? You can leave a comment by clicking here.

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  • Jonathan

    Thanks!
    The outline you posted is really helpful, and I’ve been using Evernote since I saw you recommend it a few months back. Thanks for the lead!

    I’m a young “blogger” – I was wondering if you have some articles or recommendations on how soon I should focus on developing an email capture section to my blog. 

    Thanks for everything you do. You bring lots of value.

    Sincerely,
    Jonathan

     

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Thanks, Jonathan. I would add an email subscription option from the get-go. Make it easy for people to subscribe: email or RSS.

    • http://cjstott.com Chris Stott

      Johnathan - You might find this post over at Social Triggers useful re: email capture http://socialtriggers.com/leaks-cost-subscribers/

      Michael – Thanks. Been using Evernote on and off for years, but I’m revisiting it now thanks to your posts. I find the template a great idea – I’m fine at cranking out first drafts, it’s the follow-up actions that I fall down on and this will help.

    • Joe Lalonde

      Jonathan, I like having the option to subscribe to a blog via email. I would add it right away as it makes it easy and convenient for your readers to get updates about your blog.

      • Jonathan

         Thanks so much for the leads guys!  Will get on it. :)

      • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

        I agree.  I prefer RSS feeds over email subs, but I have several readers on my site who love the email option.

        • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

          I started signing up for email subscriptions before I ever learned what RSS feeds were.  Now, I opt for RSS first.  That said, I think many people do not understand RSS, are not likely to visit blogs every day to check for new content, and desire a simple way of having information (posts) sent to them.  Thus, email subs are a great opportunity to keep people connected with a site.

          • http://brevis.me Robert Ewoldt

            There are only a few blogs that I subscribe to via email (MichaelHyatt.com
            is one of them), but I follow hundreds of other blogs via RSS, which is
            extremely easy and helpful. I love using Google Reader!

          • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

            Google Reader has definitely changed how I process blog information – allowing me to much more than I did before using it!

  • http://bloggingwithamy.com Amy Lynn Andrews

    OK, that’s impressive. Just curious how for in advance you schedule your posts?

    • http://intentionalbygrace.com Leigh Ann

      I have the same question. :)

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Thanks. The scheduling part is NOT impressive. I am usually finishing up and scheduling the night before.

      • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

        Oh wow! So is the how far in advance you write your posts? I always try to write them about 2-3 days ahead of time…

        • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

          That is what the best bloggers do. Sadly, I’m just not there yet.

        • http://LookingForPurpose.com Dylan Dodson

          I typically write mine the day of (although I already have written down for blog posts to chose from). I wish I was doing it 2-3 days before, but am not there yet either!

          • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

            I don’t always get it 2-3 days before…but most of the time, I do. It
            really helps!

          • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

            I quite often have ideas and partial drafts written days, or even weeks, before using them.  However, final drafts usually don’t happen until the day before (when I am looking through my ideas and partial drafts for the one that seems the best fit for the next post).  I like the idea of having posts ready and scheduled in advance – maybe someday I will get there consistently.

  • http://travisrobertson.com Travis Robertson

    Loving your tips on Evernote, Mike! Keep up the fantastic work! I can see how this tip could be great for organizing webinars, presentations, content for video posts, etc.

    Thanks!

    Travis

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I’m glad you got that application. That is what I intended. I have all kinds of templates for stuff. Speaking outlines are another. Thanks, Travis.

  • http://tecsollers.blogspot.com Catharina Pinheiro

    Always great to find good blogging ideas. I already used Evernote as a blogging tool, but not in a way as focused as this. Thanks a lot, Michael!

  • http://www.warriorshepherd.com/blog Dave Hearn

    I write down ideas in Evernote, but I am definitely not as organized as you.  Sometimes I write the whole thing in Evernote and then copy and paste into WordPress, and sometimes I get as far as the outline in Evernote and then write the rest in WP.

    It varies.

    I have a “stickie” on my desktop with my basic template that I copy and paste each time, but I like the idea of making an Evernote template.  

    Thanks again…

    • http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

      Ah, the artist’s way… This is similar to my process. I hope to get more organized.

    • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

      I have been writing in wp everytime. Maybe I should use evernote?

      • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

        It may be worth trying.

      • http://www.thedailywalk.net Adam

        Brandon I love Evernote and it is a great tool for blogging and storing information. Definitely worth a try.

    • Anonymous

      It seems to me like templating might be a useful thing to have in Evernote. Instead of having to work from existing posts, be able to define templates that you can select from the “New Note” button.

      • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

        That would be the best way to implement templating.

        • Jeff

           Just finding this (excellent) post now! Is there anything in the Trunk on this (Custom New Note)?

          • http://michaelhyatt.com/ Michael Hyatt

            Not that I am aware of. That would make a great app!

  • George Bullard

    Michael, you must be on the payroll of Evernote. All these suggestions are really unnecessary and can be handled in Microsoft Word if you know how to use the file manager and save weg pages as PDF files. I have tried Evernote several times, but it just created a second place to have things filed. I use the file manager and save all files in DropBox and it is easier to organize and have home, office, remote, and mobile access to everything. Other cloud programs like DropBox probably work equally as well.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      No, I am not on the payroll of Evernote.

      The important thing is to find the software that works for you. I am not interested in arguing which software is best. There are lots of ways to accomplish similar results. If your Microsoft Word -> PDF -> File Manager -> Dropbox solution works better for you, then by all means use it. The goal is increased productivity, not the use of a specific tool.

      Thanks.

      • http://toppup.com Russ Pond

        Yes, that’s good Michael. Different tools provide different solutions based on your workflow. I use DropBox daily but for a different purpose (collaborative creative work) and I’m starting to use Evernote more for personal organization and communication.

      • Anonymous

        I’m curious if you’ve had a chance to give thought to the iCloud concept that Apple’s rolling out. When I watched the presentation, it looked like it was going to do a lot of the things that Evernote does. However, I still think there will be a place for programs like Evernote.

        • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

          I am really excited about iCloud. Honestly, I don’t know enough about it to know how it will impact Evernote.

          • http://www.facebook.com/kevinthompson Kevin Thompson

            iCloud is going to be great but it’s not going to replace Evernote.  When it comes to file syncing, it’s only going to work with iWork apps.  Plus, Evernote is already in the cloud and syncs across devices, so I’m not sure if iCloud can/will replace it.  Mike, great suggestion on MarsEdit.  I bought it today and hooked all of my sites to it.  Wow, it’s easy!  Thanks again.          

          • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

            Yea, I love MarsEdit. It has become more important than a word processor for me.

    • http://wewannado.com Ryan

      The nice thing about Evernote is that you edit files in it and store files in it. I haven’t tried DropBox but I have the perception that it is intended simply as storage and then you need an editing tool (I don’t own Word).

      Another idea would be Google Docs but I have never felt it is as easy to organize documents as Evernote. Also, Evernote can live on your desktop or the web while Google Docs is web only.

      • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

        The beauty of Evernote is that you can search across all your notes and attachments. I don’t know that you can do that with DropBox or Google Docs. (I am not that familiar with either of them.)

        • http://wewannado.com Ryan

          Google Docs does offer the ability to search across all documents.  The organizational structure focuses on tags called “collections”, but the service is more focused on files (spreadsheets, word docs, presentations, and drawings) instead of quick notes.  I find Evernote quicker for jotting down that random thought and more useful for easily saving websites via browser add-ons.

    • http://www.warriorshepherd.com/blog Dave Hearn

      Doesn’t Microsoft word add a bunch of html gobbledygook when you copy and paste into WP?  It’s done that for me in the past so I don’t use it anymore for drafting blogs.

      • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

        If you paste into WordPress’s HTML mode, it strips all the formatting and HTML codes out.

  • http://twitter.com/OrdainedBarista Barry Hill

    Michael this is impressive.

  • http://davidsantistevan.com David Santistevan

    Extremely helpful, Michael. I also draft everything in Evernote with a bit less detail, but I really like your template. It overcomes resistance by having the prep work done already. I copy and paste directly into WordPress. Would you say Mars Edit is a must have?

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      For me it is. Mostly because I have saved and use all these Markup Macros. This allows me to do my HTML markup very quickly. I also like the ability to schedule my posts, so that they show up at the exact time I want. You can also do this with WordPress, of course, but I like doing it offline in MarsEdit. I think you can download it and try it out for 30 days free. That will give you a chance to see if it fits your workflow.

      • http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

        Hmmm… I may have to think about this.

        • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

          I was thinking the same thing…

          • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

            I have been using LiveWriter (since I am on a Windows machine) to do similar things.  I really like the offline environment for writing, editing, and setting up the nuances (links, posting date, categories, etc.) of the finished blog post.  It even gives me extra tools for handling images and will automatically upload images and thumbnails when I publish an article.

          • http://brevis.me Robert Ewoldt

            I use Live Writer, too. I like it. I’m kind of disappointed that I can’t
            use half of the things that Michael suggests, because they’re Mac-only
            software.

          • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

            There are lots of great ideas that come through here that speak about a Mac app.  However, there are usually great concepts behind those ideas that I am able to look at from the Windows side as well.

      • http://www.journeyofwords.com Eric

        I am a recent convert to Mac (in the last month!) and fell in love with MarsEdit the first day I worked with it. It is definitely on the “to be purchased soon” list.

      • http://davidsantistevan.com David Santistevan

        I may just have to try this. I notice you also use Scribe SEO. How do you like that program? I’ve read up on it a little. I’m always hesitant to pay for programs but it seems like the best bloggers invest in things like this.

        • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

          Yes, I love ScribeSEO. It has REALLY helped with traffic.

          • http://davidsantistevan.com David Santistevan

            As a blog post idea, I’d love to know all that you pay for your blog monthly. I think that would assist us bloggers in knowing what it takes to go to the next level. Not that investing a lot of money is everything, but it’s probably more than we think. Thanks Mike.

    • http://jasonfountain.blogspot.com Jason Fountain

      David,
      I like what you say about overcoming resistance – great point!

  • http://twitter.com/seanearleyrocks Sean Earley

    Evernote is one of the best pieces of productivity software I have ever used.  I pretty much write my whole brain into it, both via laptop and iPad.  Thanks Michael for the workflow example and the template.  I’m going to give that a try.

  • http://intentionalbygrace.com Leigh Ann

    I don’t use Evernote (yet), but I liked seeing your work flow. I am terrible at not editing as I write. By getting so caught up in the details, I lose so many points along the way because I forget them. Frustrating. Nevertheless, I’m going to look into Evernote. It sounds like it may be right up my alley. 

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Being able to right without editing is an important skill to learn as a writer. You might want to even try something like OmmWriter or ByWord. They both create distraction-free writing environments. You can’t do anything except write. They don’t allow you to futz around with formatting or anything else.

      • http://jasonfountain.blogspot.com Jason Fountain

        It is so hard for me to “let go” of the editing process while I write, but as I’ve been blogging (for a short time) I am becoming better. This is an art – to shut down that resistance while we put our big idea on paper.

        • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

          Yep. Exactly. There is a time for editing, just not at the beginning.

          • http://byrdmouse.wordpress.com Jonathan

            Are the two you mention apps for the phone or desktop computer?

            Formatting and editing get me a lot of the time, but not usually while I’m writing. Normally I try to format it at the start and wait until I’m done to fix any issues. I tend to tear apart other’s work.

          • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

            Evernote has versions for all devices. WordPress does for most. MarsEdit is only available as a Mac desktop app.

      • http://intentionalbygrace.com Leigh Ann

        Thanks for the suggestions. I will take a look. I’m sure just simply closing down email, Facebook, twitter, etc. would be a huge help in and of itself. *sheepish look*

        • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

          Those can definitely be distracting! :) Except the distration for me (b/c I don’t have FB or Twitter) is my google reader and wordpress!

          • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

            I am impressed that you don’t have FB or Twitter!  That’s virtually unheard of today!

          • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

            No twitter for me either.  Although, I do use FB (but sparingly).  I just run out of time to keep up with everything :)

          • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

            :)

      • S Young

        “Being able to right without editing is an important skill.”

        I see what you did there.

    • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

      Same here. I haven’t used evernote yet…I do think it would benefit me though. I just don’t know how much?

      But I do tend to forget to write some points when I am typing a post. Then when you are done, you don’t feel like rewriting the whole post again…!

      • http://stevencribbs.com Steven Cribbs

        I am starting to use apps like Evernote to collect ideas.  Not every idea is post-worthy at that moment; but, being able to collect ideas as they come helps me to not ‘freak out’ about the possibility of forgetting about the great ideas I encounter.

  • darrell brown

    Never thought of building templates. I have soo00oo much to learn, and I’m loving every minute of it. Thanks Michael for another wonderful post.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Templates weren’t really practical in Evernote until this last release. But they are a huge timesaver. Thanks.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Templates are a HUGE timesaver. Whenever I create anything in Evernote—or anywhere else—I ask, “Can this be a template?” If there’s any chance I may need to use it again, I do it.

      • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

        I don’t know if your self-hosted blog has this, but in the wordpress.com, they have a new feature that lets you write based on a template that you used in a previous post. I haven’t used it yet, but I thought it was pretty cool!

        • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

          I don’t have this in self-hosted WordPress, but that sounds like a cool feature.

          • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

            Oh really? Who do you use?

          • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

            I a not sure I understand your question. I am using the self-hosted version of WordPress, and it doesn’t have this feature. My bog is hosted on Ion.

          • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

            Ok. Gotcha! I was just wondering what platform and hosting you use… How is
            Ion in price and service? (I’m looking into self-hosted pretty soon)

          • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

            Brandon, I don’t really know, because it is part of a package I have bought with my developer. It includes his maintenance, updates, etc. I can tell you this: I have experienced ZERO down-time since I switched six weeks ago. I had 15 outages with MediaTemple the month before.

          • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

            That’s a great improvement! I might have to check them out to see what they
            offer…

          • http://www.thedailywalk.net Adam

            Brandon let me know if you ever decide to go self hosted. I have a server with all my sites on it and I could try to work out a good deal for you!

          • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

            Awesome! Thanks! I will definitely let you know!

  • http://jeremysconfessions.com Jeremy Statton

    I started using Evernote to store ideas. By writing an idea down immediately, it is easier for me to recreate that moment when I actually get to sit down and write. If I simply try to remember the idea, I usually lose it because the context of my idea is gone. I love how convenient this system is.

  • http://uma-maheswaran.blogspot.com/ Uma Maheswaran S

    Thanks for your marathon posts on Evernote. I am encouraged as we are also going paperless in our function of  my organization.

  • http://www.facebook.com/grandyman Adam Grandy

    Thank you for showcasing templates! I hadn’t known about them in Evernote. I’ve been using Evernote since you started recommending it and hope to get a ScanSnap in the future.

    I also appreciate the transparency of your own life and processes. Your blogging workflow is just one example. Thank you for sharing!

  • http://jasonfountain.blogspot.com Jason Fountain

    Michael,
    Posts like these are the reason that I value your opinion so much. You are so open and transparent about how to operate and how you produce material. For a young blogger like me, this is invaluable.

    I have been sitting on the “edge” reading your Evernote posts without much action on my part, but I will be setting up this template today. I love the outline format – that’s how my brain works. I’ve been saving my blog posts in a folder on my desktop, but I’ve struggled with organizing. I know this will help.

    The specific details are what make this blog so relevant. Thanks!

  • Anonymous

    Micheal,

    Thank you for sharing this with us.  I have been struggling with ways to improve my blogging and how to capture ideas for my blogs.  I will have to set up and try this on Evernote.

    I do have one question, I have been unsuccessful with copying to/from Evernote.  I only use the free version.  Is this something that is allowed in the upgrade?

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Not that I am aware of. Copying and pasting should work on both.

    • http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

      Sometimes, Evernote, I’ve noticed, will add HTML formatting to your text. You can fix this by copying and pasting into notepad or textedit.

      • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

        Yep. I have done that trick, too.

        • http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

          I love how you can easily convert to plain text. Text edit is one of my favorite out-of-the-box Mac programs, particularly because it doesn’t suck up a bunch of RAM.

      • Anonymous

        Thanks Jeff, I will try this.

  • http://www.journeyofwords.com Eric

    Michael,

    Thanks – I also have started using Evernote in earnest after reading through your series and, thanks to you and your “online mentoring” so to speak, I have learned much in the areas of writing, leadership, and how I wish to run my (very small) business. Keep up the good work.

  • http://lifeengaged.net Joseph

    I actually drafted a post in Evernote for the first time this week. Thanks for the helpful information. I don’t know s whole lot about the program but this will help! :)

  • http://www.tnealtarver.wordpress.com TNeal

    John Saddington at TentBlogger.com didn’t cover this particular topic but, in the comments’ section, a lot of responders left a wide Evernote trail of how they use it to prepare their articles then post. Yesterday those comments gave me a general idea of Evernote’s use. Today you’ve offered specific details. I’ll have to process the info, handle the tools, and see if Evernote provides a boost in the proficiency and productivity department.

  • http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

    I think I need to get that book.

    • http://byrdmouse.wordpress.com Jonathan

      Me, too.

    • http://www.tnealtarver.wordpress.com TNeal

      Make that an even trio. Whoa! An odd trio?

      Mike, I was wondering if you had a discount promo code in connection with Brett Kelly’s “Evernote Essentials.” I at least followed the link but stopped short of buying the book.

      • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

        No, I am sorry, I don’t.

    • http://www.forward-living.com W. Mark Thompson

      I’ve been thinking the same thing, Jeff. Hey, do you have any relatives in Alabama?

      • http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

        Yep! A bunch in Florence and surrounding areas.

        • http://www.forward-living.com W. Mark Thompson

          Huh! Do the names Arlan, Baron, or Kristin mean anything to you?

          • http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

            nope

          • http://www.forward-living.com W. Mark Thompson

            Oh well. I tried. We can still be friends.  

          • http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

            Maybe…

          • http://www.forward-living.com W. Mark Thompson

            ….hurtful.  

    • http://www.jeffrandleman.com Jeff Randleman

      Worth it.

  • http://twitter.com/KellyCombs Kelly Combs

    Evernote should hire you as their personal spokesperson…if they haven’t already!  I have a droid, and my best friend recommended Evernote to me as well, so I will have to give it a try.

  • http://byrdmouse.wordpress.com Jonathan

    OK, I tried Evernote at your suggestion several months back and never got into. The more you post about it the more convinced I should give it another go. Last week I even commented that you were convincing me to give it another go. I haven’t even finished reading the post, and if I could get cell service in my office I would be on the app store right now.

    But for the record, I’m a bigger fan of Mrs Hyatt’s Tweetdeck then your Hootsuite right now. Haven’t finished running it through the ringer yet (see also my blog post on Comparison Without Committment http://bit.ly/mn5M0o).

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Tweetdeck does have some nice features. I think they are pretty comparable. It’s mostly a matter of preference.

  • http://bible.mythoughtspot.com David Peach

    ” I then proofread it a couple of more times and declare it done.”

    I think even a couple more times wouldn’t hurt. :-) ‘I’ is always capitalized.

    “Are you tried using Evernote as a blogging tool?” Nope, I are not tried.

    This one seems worse than others. I understand you propensity to produce first and clean up later, but sometimes it might help to have your wife read it over before you put it out there.

    • http://bible.mythoughtspot.com David Peach

      And I have a typo in my criticism. Serves me right.

      • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

        :)

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      You can read my philosophy of proofreading here.

      • http://byrdmouse.wordpress.com Jonathan

        There seems to be an issue, at least on my computer, with the link to your philosophy on proofreading. It keeps telling me something went wrong. Does your link need proofreading or is it working perfectly and that’s the point?

        • http://bible.mythoughtspot.com David Peach

          http://michaelhyatt.com/should-you-hire-someone-to-proofread-your-blog-posts.html

          There is the real link.

          Yes, I read that before and I agree with it. This one just seemed so much worse than other ones. Especially when you took the time to say that you have already proofed it a couple of times before posting.

        • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

          Fixed. Thanks.

  • http://jancoxabetterway.wordpress.com Jan Cox

    Is the Evernote Essentials for the free version or the upgrade? And is the template in the free version?
    Thanks,
    Jan

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Evernote Essentials speaks to both. The major difference between the two is that with the premium version you get more storage and can attach more file types. I don’t know about the Copy to Note function. It is in the most recent Mac beta version. I assume it is available in the free version as well.

  • Anonymous

    Note: I see the “copy to notebook” option on Evernote on my Mac, but not on PC.  And both are at the latest version.

    I haven’t checked Nevernote (for Linux) to see if it has this functionality as well.

    • http://bible.mythoughtspot.com David Peach

      Nevernote does not have that feature. You can copy a note and manually paste it, but there is not a single step option to do this.

      The Mac and PC versions of Evernote are not feature identical. Some of it depends on the functionality of the OS that it is running on. Then other times there are features that one team implements that another doesn’t for a release or two.

      • Anonymous

        I’m surprised somebody else on here has heard of Nevernote.

        • http://bible.mythoughtspot.com David Peach

          I am a long-time Linux user. I really wish Evernote would release a Linux client. Nevernote is fine, but I usually end up using the web client instead. I live in a developing nation and don’t always have Internet access. So I occasionally fire up Nevernote to get an updated local copy of my data in case I need it offline.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      As someone else pointed out, the Mac and Windows versions don’t correspond feature for feature. Also, this copy-to-notebook function is only available on the most recent beta release.

      • Anonymous

        I found a couple windows users who have exported some of their notes to a folder… then import them when they want to use the template. Not bad.

        I think copy & paste would serve just as well too.

        I really enjoyed the post Michael.

        • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

          Yep, both those options work.

      • Joe Mudd

        I’m on a Mac and have the latest version of Evernotes – according to my Evernotes “check for updates” feature. I don’t have Copy to Notebook functionality, only Move to Notebook. How do you get the beta version? I don’t see it offered on the Evernote website.

        • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

          Form the menu bar, select Evernote | Preferences | Software Update | Update to beta versions when available. The click on Check for Updates Now.

        • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

          From the menu bar, select Evernote | Preferences | Software Update | Update to beta versions when available. The click on Check for Updates Now.

  • http://www.chriscornwell.org Chris Cornwell

    I love your posts on Evernote. I’ve learned more from you in the last few weeks than after having it on all 3 iOS devices for a year now. I use it and you make me want to get the most out of it but I can’t just can’t get myself to “live” out of it. Not that I don’t want to, there are just times when a week may go and I never launch Evernote.

  • http://wewannado.com Ryan

    I tried Evernote a while back for organizing stuff and didn’t get it. Thanks to all your tips, I have slowly started defining a system for using Evernote based and it has made a big difference.

    I also like the tips on templates and the SCORE method. I have not of SCORE before and will try it out.

  • http://twitter.com/jonalthoff Jon Althoff

    Michael, I’ve been enjoying your blog and getting your emails each morning. There was just one thing that stuck out to me with this post though. You mentioned that the last thing you do is proof read a couple times. There were a couple typos in this post and I wondered if WordPress points out things like grammer error. For example, your last question should begin “Have” instead of “Are”. Also just before point 1 it reads “My go” instead of “I go”.

    I know these are minor things, but for some reason they always jump out at me. It raises the question in my mind of how much one should comb through for errors in blog posts. The content gets across just fine.

    Thanks for sharing all your great ideas. I’m learning a lot.  

    Jon

    • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

      You must be in a college composition class right now! :) I am in my last yr of college English, and my brain now seems to be wired to find all the grammar mistakes! haha

      • http://twitter.com/jonalthoff Jon Althoff

        No, I’ve been out of college for 9 years, but my mother was an English teacher. I think she ingrained it in me!! :)

        • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

          That explains it! :)

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Thanks for catching those. I have corrected them.

      I always have a difficult time catching my own errors. Thankfully, readers like you usually provide a helping hand.

      I think you do the best you can, then publish. It’s easy to get bogged down in perfectionism and never ship anything.

      Thanks again.

  • http://livingthebalancedlife.com Bernice Wood

    Wow, I appreciate you breaking this down for how it can work for a blogger. I love how you showed your work flow.
    Thanks so much for sharing!
    Bernice
    The Happy Fisherman

  • http://mattcarlisle.com Matt Carlisle

    I too have been using Evernote for some time now. Thank you for sharing the SCORRE method. As a web developer and blogger, method and process are critical to success. Can’t wait to start implementing. Blessings!

  • http://www.lincolnparks.com Lincoln Parks

    I’m loving Evernote and I’ve started doing the same with my blog posts. I am not quite that organized yet with Evernote but I think I better start because I don’t want it to get out of hand with Notebooks all over the place.

    Another exciting this is that I’ve introduced Evernote to my wife and she is absolutely loving the concept of this. She is really excited about scanning all of our paper documents and storing them in Evernote. This is great! Thanks Michael.

  • Rebecca

    I use Scrivener for my book-length writing and adapted my blogging process to work in Scrivener as well. Granted, Scriv has a ton of options I’m not completely aware of that might make it even easier, but for now it works. 

    I’ve been gradually figuring out Evernote and can see how beneficial it might be to blogging. But at the same time, I love the idea of all my writing together in one program – book in progress, blogs, Scripture notes, etc. If I want to see everything I’ve written or noted on, say, Luke 13, it’s a lot easier to access it quickly.

    Do you use Evernote for all these eBooks you’re cranking out, or are you content if your writing isn’t all in the same place? Or are you aware of any ways to integrate Evernote with programs like Scrivener?

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I have tried Scrivner. It is an excellent program. I even tried blogging in it; however, I want to use as few tools as possible.

      I am using Evernote for everything, including my books. However, I don’t actually draft the book in Evernote. I attach each chapter file to a separate Evernote note.

  • Jill

    This post is very helpful.  Thanks for sharing with us.

  • Jeffsterlaw

    I love Evernote…I am disappointed in the format options however. I can’t seem to get the formatting to look good, indent, etc.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Evernote is not great at complex formatting. However, you can attach a Word or Pages file just fine. That is what I do when I need some more format intensive.

  • http://jefftippett.com Jeff Tippett

    Excellent. Just excellent.

  • http://jhwist.tumblr.com/ Henrik Wist

    Michael, thanks for the post, I like your Evernote series a lot, and this particular post comes in very handy. Just yesterday I used Evernote (on my Android, right before bed-time), because I had an idea for a blog post. No fancy template there, just a few things I didn’t want to forget when I actually write the post. 

    I never thought of Evernote in such a sophisticated way, but I love the template trick. Will definitely incorporate  that.
    Thansk again!

  • Anonymous

    What a great idea. We have a firm blog. So i will definitely be trying this. 

    Imagine this would also work for pleadings… keep the tips coming. 

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Yes, I know lawyers who use Evernote for all kinds of case-related work.

  • Joe Lalonde

    Thanks for mentioning the SCORRE method. It looks like it will be very helpful!

  • http://www.bigb94.wordpress.com Brandon

    Great stuff mentioned here! How does the online evernote work compared to the app version?

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      It works okay. I like the offline mode of the app, so that is what I always use. You can try both for free.

  • Pat Callahan

    Thanks for your posts about Evernote, Michael. They have really been helpful!

  • http://twitter.com/EvangelismCoach Chris Walker

    I used to use Evernote to compose blog posts.  It’s now more of an idea capture bin, rather than a composition place.

    What I don’t like is the copy and paste direct into wordpress has lots of useless HTML that Evernote puts in there, much like MSWORD does.  

    That creates an extra step of having to send the text to a text editor to strip it out, and then paste it into WordPress.

    If I’ve formatted some text (like bold or underline) in my composition, I have to redo it.

    It might work to paste to the HTML window of the TinyMCE and then convert to the Visual editor, but again, extra steps.

    I used to use WindowsLiveWriter too, but that creates more extra steps for me as well with regards to tagging pictures, formatting, metadata etc. . .

    I’ve gone back to simply doing most of my composing in the wordpress editor.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Since I use MarsEdit and rarely access the WP edit window directly, this is not a problem for me. If I was using the WP editor, I would paste into the HTML tab. For me, it wouldn’t be an extra step, because I prefer working in HTML.

  • Anonymous

    Wow.  I am not using Evernote for blogging now, but this is great.  You have really made blogging a stream-lined process.  Thanks for this value tool.

  • Anonymous

    This is great.  While I do not use Evernote for this,  you have provided a great easy to use template for this.  Thanks so much for sharing.  You have really stream-lined blogging.

  • http://brevis.me Robert Ewoldt

    I tried to use Evernote as a blogging editor for a little bit; I found that it inserted unnecessary HTML into the post that I would then have to correct later.  However, I like the idea that Evernote acts as a repository.  I like your approach of writing a draft in Evernote, then putting it into a blog writer (I use Live Writer right now) to edit before publication.

    My only complaint with Live Writer so far is that I have to do some additional editing once I publish it to WordPress (meta tags, featured picture, etc.).  I’ll have to check out MarsEdit.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Odd, when I paste directly into the WordPress HTML tab, I don’t get any formatting. Regardless, I paste into MarsEdit HTML mode, so any formatting be stripped out automatically.

  • http://brevis.me Robert Ewoldt

    Michael, when I right-click on a note, I do not have the option to “Copy to Notebook,” as you have in step #2.  Is this a paid-version-only feature?

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      You need to be using the latest beta version. You need to go to Evernote | Preference on the Mac and select the Software Update. Then make sure you have checked “Update to beta versions when available.”

  • Anonymous

    You mention MarsEdit which I assume is a Mac product is there something that you are aware of that works as well in the Windows platform?

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      When I was on Windows, I used BlogJet. I loved it.

      • Anonymous

        Thanks.  I will check it out.  You are a great virtual mentor for all of us.  Thanks for sharing your wealth of knownledge as well as engaging with us in the conversations.

  • http://twitter.com/lettner Michael Lettner

    That’s for your Evernote blog posts. I had Evernote on my computer and phone for awhile, but didn’t really use it for much. Now with you having posts on how you use it, I can see how it works into my flow. It was especially great of how you use it to have a paperless desk. My desk at home was cluttered and way behind in filing the papers. Now I am working on scanning them into Evernote having a drawer full of papers that I need to scan & working the pile down a little at a time. It’s good having a It is really nice having a home desk that is clear! 

    • http://brevis.me Robert Ewoldt

      I agree. These post on Evernote have been tremendously helpful in getting
      me to use Evernote more (or to see the many uses of Evernote in my
      workflow).

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I agree. Evernote has really made this possible for me as well.

  • Jill Bratcher

    You plug Brett Kelly’s book about Evernote so often, he should give your readers a discount… Just sayin’!

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I’m not the publisher, so I don’t have control over that.

  • Robertkbeeson

    Thanks. Very Helpful.. I am fairly new to blogging but increasingly enjoying it.

    Question: The images you use to show template etc on your blog are small and thus illegible… is there a way to see what is actually written on the template… I tried to click it but to no avail.

    Robert Beeson

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      I probably should have created those images as thumbnails. They are legible on my laptop, so I assumed they would be legible everywhere. Evidently not. Sorry about that.

  • http://twitter.com/carlthomas carl thomas

    I am continually amazed at the depth of content on your blog.  

    • http://michaelhyatt.com Michael Hyatt

      Thanks, Carl. Very kind of you to say so.
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