EasyEditor: How is it better than the HTML+Markdown editor?
Travelfeed's users can choose between two different editors: the HTML+Markdown Editor and the EasyEditor. While the HTML editor might seem a little bit tricky to the first time user, the EasyEditor is as simple as ABC and it offers some additional features, such as Easy Interlinking, Galleries, and Table of contents. Since the EasyEditor doesn't require you to have any coding knowledge, it is absolutely perfect for everyday use.
All the HTML lovers out there should keep in mind that using HTML or Markdown in a regular EasyEditor text block doesn’t work but it works in a Code block. Those who find it necessary to add a small HTML snippet may always do so by adding a Code block and pasting the code in it. Let's discuss all of EasyEditor's features one by one.
EasyEditor features explained
Once you 'Sign Up' and login you may head to the 'Dashboard'. Click 'Publish' to start a new post. It will take you to the publishing page where you will be greeted by several separate sections. While the first one is for the Title, the second one is the so-called EasyEditor section. This is where you do all the typing and editing. Keep in mind that it is a block-based editor, somewhat similar to Wordpress Gutenberg, Divi, or Medium. Mostly because you may move any block up or down and place it anywhere you want.
Text
You might want to start by typing some text. The ‘Text block’ option is selected by default. All you have to do to add a new text block is to place the cursor in a new paragraph. Once you start typing a tiny 4-dotted button will appear on the right side of the block. Click on it and a few settings will pop up. These features vary in different types of blocks. In this case, you will get an option to move the Text block up or down or to delete it.
By marking some text and selecting one of these options you can make it Bold, Italic. Keep in mind that those who decide to use some content from outside sources must credit its author by adding a link to his article. In this case, the Link tool will be very useful too. Finally, the selected text may be easily converted to a heading, a quote, or a list in a split of a second.
Headings
Headings are used for three main reasons. Firstly, they show the text structure and guide readers through the article. Secondly, wisely-chosen headings help to improve SEO. Lastly, headings may help to improve accessibility as they are used for the generation of the table of contents. Since the title is already H1, we highly recommend using only H2 and lower-level headings.
To add a new heading follow instructions in the picture below. To change the level of the heading click the four-dotted button on the right side of the block and choose one of the options. ‘H2’ option is selected by default.
Quotes
Quotes are often referred to as borrowed wisdom. A carefully selected quote may add a lot of weight to the point you're making. The EasyEditor has a simple to use tool to add it to your blog post in as little as a couple of seconds. Simply click "+" and select ">>" to start a new Quote block. Finally, paste the quote inside the box and press "Enter".
Lists
In some cases using the List tool may be useful. For example, if you would like to list "5 essential things that you must take on a trip". The EasyEditor List tool allows you to choose between two types of lists: the numbered list and the bulleted list. While the first one may seem more suitable for making a more solid-looking list, the second one might create a more informal friendly feel. Follow the instructions in the picture below to add a new list to your post.
Images
Why should you add images to your blog post? You know how they say. These days providing value is not enough as there are thousands of articles on almost every topic in the world. Standing out won't be possible without some good quality pictures. They make your article more engaging and interesting to read. Remember, quality is the key to success. To add a picture to your blog post, follow the instructions in the picture below.
Gallery
All images uploaded using the Image Gallery block will be displayed as masonry by default where we arrange the images next to each other in a fitting mosaic, combining vertical and horizontal images automatically. You also have the option to change the view to the slideshow mode. It's like a slideshow with thumbnails where you can go back and forth between images.
Delimiter
Adding a delimiter might seem logical when the story line jumps from one environment to another. It may also be used to split the signature part from the rest of the post and many other cases. Click '+' and select '--' option to add a delimiter block in your post. It couldn't get easier than that.
Table
Some authors prefer writing more technical articles that fall under the category of 'Travel advice' or similar ones. In this case, a Table block might be handy. It allows the author to layout the information in a very organized way. To add the table block to your article, follow instructions in the picture below.
Table of contents
Adding a Table of contents at the beginning of every long article is highly suggested. It gives an overview of your article's content by listing and linking to headings. With this block, you can easily give an overview of your article and give your readers the option to jump to a specific section of the post.
As we mentioned earlier, the title is already H1 so we highly recommend using H2-H6 headings only. If you follow this recommendation, the table of contents will be generated out of H2, H3, and H4 headings. However, if you decide to add some extra H1 headings, the table of contents will be generated out of H1, H2, and H3 headings.
Needless to say that adding a Table of contents might be beneficial from a Search Engine Optimization perspective. The result may be a significant improvement in search rankings and organic traffic. It is generated in a split of a second and doesn't require you to have any coding knowledge. Add the Table of contents to your article by following instructions in the picture below.
Embedding other elements
How to embed Youtube, Facebook & Vimeo videos
There are two ways to embed a Youtube or Vimeo video in your Travelfeed blog post: The easy way and The alternative way. The easiest way to embed a Youtube or Vimeo video is to copy its link and paste it in a new paragraph. A video preview block will pop up automatically. The hard way is to add a Raw HTML block and to paste the Youtube or Vimeo video HTML code in it.
When it comes to embedding Facebook videos, only the second option is available. Follow the instructions in the picture below to find the HTML code of your video. Then Copy and Paste it in a new Raw HTML block. Head to the 'Preview' section at the bottom of the page to see how it will look like after you click ‘Publish’.
How to embed Instagram posts
This EasyEditor feature empowers you to embed either your own or someone else's Instagram post to your article. It is giving you the chance to add some extra value to your article and draw attention to your own Instagram account. It works as easy as embedding Youtube or Vimeo videos. Copy and paste the link of an Instagram post you would like to embed within the easy editor. And voilà, it pops up.
How to embed Spotify and Soundcloud songs
Embedding a well chosen Spotify or Soundcloud audio track will definitely enhance your article and make it stand out. It may also add a certain feeling to it. For example, if you write about your trip to Jordan or Egypt, add an Arabic song and the reader will feel like was there by himself. To embed a Spotify song, paste its link in a new paragraph and the EasyEditor will do the rest.
Embedding Soundcloud songs is similar to embedding Facebook videos. Follow instructions in the picture below to find the HTML code of the Soundcloud song. Copy and Paste it in a new Raw HTML block. Head to the 'Preview' section at the bottom of the page to see how it will look like after you click ‘Publish’.
How to embed Google Maps
Even if your texts are super interesting to read and your photos stand out for their exceptional quality, there are still some technical improvements that can make your content more engaging. One such feature could be the addition of Google Maps into your travel blog posts. You can embed a Map quickly and easily by adding a Raw HTML block and pasting the HTML code of your chosen map in it.
Go to Google Maps and Search for the place that you are writing about. You may also want to use the Google Trip Planner tool to create a trip itinerary. Follow instructions in the picture below to add the code in a new Raw HTML block. Adding Google Maps in your articles may also be noticed by the Google algorithm.
Interlinking Travelfeed articles
Interlinking your blog posts is very important for two main reasons. Firstly, it lets search engines easily crawl and index all of your articles. Secondly, internal links make it easier for your readers to navigate through your blog and find more content. Linking between two or more articles of the same website is a subject of science called Internal Search Engine Optimization. Long story short, better interlinking means more page views.
