FAQ

How does the Brainstorm Buddy App work?

This content idea analyzer uses six questions that I developed over my 25 years of pitching clients and teaching writers. It looks simple, but on the back-end there is some smart logic that weighs your answers against one another.

Answer the six questions as truthfully as you can; this may require doing a bit of quick research if you don't know the answer, but the Brainstorm Buddy App will help you along. At the end, you'll receive a score ranging from 0 to 100. A score of 70+ means you have a solid idea that's ready to go. A score of 90+ means your idea is sparkling with greatness.

You'll also get tips on how to improve your score, customized to your answers. Even a score of 70-90 can be made better, so you'll get tips to improve ideas in this range as well.

Please be sure to hit the FINISH button at the bottom of your results page. This will reset the tool to try again.

If your idea needs improvement—don't just throw it away! Fine-tune your idea based on the tips you receive and try again. Ideas rarely spring out of a creator's head fully formed and ready to go.

Does the Brainstorm Buddy App account for ideas like evergreen topics and product blogs?

Yes! The tool can identify combinations of answers that indicate you likely have an evergreen idea, are working on a topic for a product blog, or have some other special situation. So don't worry about getting the "right" answers...I know these types of ideas are important even if they don't seem to hit all the right notes, so I built them into the logic.

If you have a good evergreen idea, the Brainstorm Buddy App will offer advice on how to make sure your idea beats out the similar ones your competitors have already published.

What is an evergreen idea, anyway?

Evergreen topics are those that people are always interested in, so they tend to run frequently in magazines, on websites, and on blogs. Examples are "How to Avoid No-Shows" (for the blog of a company that sells dental office software)..."Walk Off the Weight" (for a women's or health magazine)...and "Throw a Stunning Wedding—Without Breaking the Bank" (for a bridal brand's website).

Can I have sneak peek at the Brainstorm Buddy App?

Sure! Here you go:

Home: Text

Screen shot of Brainstorm Buddy content idea analyzer tool

How can I be sure my score is accurate?

Here's an article and video with tips on how to get the most accurate scores. And this post offers even more information and advice. If I could require writers to read and watch these before using the tool, I would!

Who is the Brainstorm Buddy App best for?

The Brainstorm Buddy App is perfect for you if you're:

A freelance writer pitching magazines and blogs
A freelance content producer pitching ideas for brand content
A freelance content strategist who develops content calendars for your clients
A blogger or entrepreneur who develops your own content
Anyone whose business or career depends on them generating tons of great content ideas

If your business relies on a constant flow of great content ideas, the Brainstorm Buddy App is for you.

Who is the Brainstorm Buddy App not right for?

The Brainstorm Buddy App isn't meant to validate ideas for fiction or essays. (While it doesn't hurt for essay ideas to be validated through the tool, essays are evaluated by a different set of criteria—not to mention, you don't typically pitch essays; you submit them in their entirety so they can be judged by the editor on style, story narrative, etc.)

How do I know if the Brainstorm Buddy App is working?

Two ways:

You're feeling more positive and assured about the content ideas you develop and pitch. Under-confidence keeps writers from getting their work out there—so if the Brainstorm Buddy App helps you do that, it's a win.
The content you pitch or create is starting to get the results you want—whether that's engagement, sales, or something else.

Be sure to give it enough time; confidence doesn't happen overnight, prospects can take weeks to respond to a pitch, and building engagement is a marathon...not a sprint.

Are my ideas and responses secure?

The Brainstorm Buddy App was created on Jotform. All their forms are served across a protected 256 bit SSL (Secure Socket Layer) connection that uses a SHA256 Certificate—the industry standard protection. Jotform is also compliant with GDPR and CCPA. On our end, we never share ideas and responses with anyone, though we may aggregate information for research and educational purposes.

If you raise the price after I subscribe, will my price go up?

I do plan to raise the price over time as I add new features or as the subscriber base grows (since I pay for the platform based on how many people are using it). Whatever price point you subscribe at, that's where you'll stay—even when your subscription rolls over into a new month/year. However, if you cancel your subscription and come back later to resubscribe, you'll be subject to whatever the price is at the time of re-subscription. Moral of the story: Get in early. Don't leave. :)

Can I affiliate sell the Brainstorm Buddy App?

Yes! We have an affiliate program so you can earn by helping other freelance writers and content professionals.

Why would I become a site member (and how do I do it)?

You can become a site member to receive members-only goodies like a free content repurposing workshop and special infographics and reports for writers. You'll also be the first to know about helpful new blog posts, info on discounts and promotions, and more.

To become a member, on desktop click on the "login" icon in the upper-right corner of the screen. On mobile, this will be at the top of the items in the main dropdown menu. From there you can become a member in less than a minute...and it's free!

Note that site membership does not include access to the Brainstorm Buddy App, which is a paid subscription.

Do you have any more freebies for freelance writers and content pros?

Yes, I have a blog that's all about great ideas!

Read the blog.

Who created the Brainstorm Buddy App?

The Brainstorm Buddy App was created by Linda Formichelli (that's me!). For over two decades, I made my living by selling ideas to top magazines, household brands, and startups. Some clients include Family Circle, Health, Prevention, Good Housekeeping, Inc. magazine, Adweek, Best Buy Health, Qualtrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, and Crisp.

Do you offer idea coaching/will you help me brainstorm?

I spent years coaching and teaching writers, and training content teams—so this would be a natural offering for me. But I'm technically retired from that, so no. :) However, if there is enough demand for an idea coaching or brainstorming service, I may start to offer it in the future.

How does the subscription plan work?

With the Annual Plan, your credit card will be charged in advance for the following 12 months. Your subscription will be automatically renewed and billed to your credit card on the yearly anniversary of your subscription date until you cancel. With the Monthly Plan, your credit card will be charged monthly, in advance, until you cancel. You may cancel at any time, and you will have access to the tool until the end of the paid period.

How do I cancel my subscription?

Bad decision. :) Seriously, you can cancel at any time, though I do not offer pro-rated refunds. Log in to your Brainstorm Buddy App account here, then click on your icon in the upper right corner of the page. From the dropdown menu, select My Subscriptions. Then use the dropdown menu next to your plan to cancel.