Notes on the go
Making better use of smart phone note taking apps.
Gary Bloomer | SHAKING THE TREE # 197
I only started using the Notes app on my iPhone in 2021.
For years before that I’d dismissed Notes as a glorified grocery list tool, something to jot down random thoughts before they slipped away.
But once I started using it, I realized that when used wisely, the Notes app is a content creator’s secret weapon.
If you’re a beginner content creator—whether you’re writing blogs, crafting social media posts, or brainstorming video ideas—this humble app (or any notes application on your smartphone come to think of it) needs to become your new best friend.
A major part of content creation revolves around capturing ideas before they vanish. If you’ve ever had a brilliant idea at 3 a.m. and not written it down right there and then, thinking “Oh, I’ll remember that!”, only to wake up hours later and for the thought to have vanished, you’ll know what I mean.
Inspiration doesn’t wait for you to sit down at your desk or open your laptop. It can strike in the shower, during a commute, or while you’re waiting in line for coffee. And when this happens, you need to be ready.
For years I scribbled random notes down on scraps of paper, only for them to get lost or to go through the washing machine. For me now, Notes has replaced all of this and my new habit of using Notes has changed the way I think about content creation.
As long as you have your phone with you and as long as it’s got a decent charge, you will always be ready to store your thoughts.
For me, the turning point was realizing that the Notes app isn’t just a place to dump ideas—that it’s really a dynamic workspace in which I can organize, refine, and build on my ideas over time.
Here’s how you can use it to supercharge your content creation process.
Capture everything, no matter how small
The first rule of content creation is to never let a good idea slip away. If a thought pops into your head, open your Notes app and jot it down immediately. Don’t overthink it—just get it out of your head and onto the screen.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve thought, “I’ll remember this later,” only to draw a complete blank an hour later. Trust me, your memory isn’t as reliable as you think. Use the app to capture everything, from a single sentence to a full-blown outline.
Organize your Notes with Folders or Tags
One of the best features of modern notes apps is the ability to organize your thoughts. Create folders or use tags to categorize your notes by topic, project, or platform. For example, I have folders for blog ideas, social media posts, and random musings that don’t fit anywhere yet.
This system makes it easy to find what you need when you’re ready to create. No more scrolling through a chaotic list of unrelated notes.
Use checklists for structure
If you’re like me, you sometimes struggle to turn a vague idea into a structured piece of content. That’s where checklists come in. Use the checklist feature to break down your ideas into actionable steps.
For example, if you’re writing a blog post, your checklist might include:
Research the topic
Draft an outline
Write the introduction
Add supporting points
Edit and polish
This approach keeps you focused and ensures you don’t miss any critical steps.
Leverage voice-to-text for speed
Typing on a smartphone keyboard isn’t always ideal, especially when you’re on the move. That’s why I love the voice-to-text feature. It allows me to dictate my thoughts quickly and effortlessly.
This is particularly useful for capturing long-form ideas or brainstorming sessions. Just hit the microphone icon, start talking, and let the app do the rest. You can always clean it up later.
I also like Notes because it lets me sync across devices!
Most notes apps sync seamlessly across your devices, which means you can start an idea on your phone and finish it on your laptop or tablet. This flexibility is a game-changer for content creators who are constantly on the go.
For example, I often start drafting a blog post on my phone during my morning commute and then refine it on my computer later in the day. The ability to pick up where I left off saves me time and keeps my creative momentum going.
Experiment with formatting
Don’t underestimate the power of formatting. Use headings, bullet points, and bold text to make your notes more readable and organized. This is especially helpful when you’re working on longer pieces of content.
I also like to use emojis as visual markers. For instance, I’ll add a lightbulb emoji next to new ideas or a checkmark emoji next to completed tasks. It’s a small touch, but it makes navigating my notes much easier.
Review, edit, and refine regularly
Your Notes app isn’t just a storage space—it’s a living document. Set aside time each week to review your notes, refine your ideas, and move them closer to completion.
I like to do this on Sunday evenings. I’ll go through my notes, delete anything that no longer resonates, and expand on ideas that have potential. This habit ensures that nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
The Notes app may seem like a simple tool, but in the hands of a content creator, it’s a powerhouse. It’s a place to capture ideas, organize your thoughts, and bring your creative vision to life.
If you’re just starting out, don’t overcomplicate things. Focus on building the habit of capturing and organizing your ideas. Over time, you’ll develop a system that works for you—one that turns scattered thoughts into polished content.
And remember, it’s not about the app itself; it’s about how you use it. Whether you’re on an iPhone, Android, or any other device, the principles remain the same: Capture, organize, and create.
So, what are you waiting for? Open the Notes app and start jotting down your next big idea.
As always, thanks for reading.
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P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree … Write less, say more.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Originally from the U.K., Gary Bloomer is a writer, branding advocate, marketing specialist, and an award-winning graphic designer.
His design work has been included in Creative Review (one of the UK’s largest design magazines). Since 2009, he has answered over 5,000 marketing and business questions in the Know-How Exchange of MarketingProfs.com, placing him among the top 3% of contributors. He lives in Wilmington, Delaware, USA.