What is Mind Mapping?
Mind Mapping means graphically representing words, ideas, concepts, tasks in the form of a diagram – it is thus outlining some structural knowledge around some core word or concept.
Mind maps are used to:
- Structure, and classify ideas and words (e.g. in keyword research)
- To visualize and ellaborate further on ideas (e.g. in writing and content brainstorming and research).
A Brief Look at Free Mind-Mapping Tools:
There are plenty of free web apps that let you create mind maps, this short overview looks only at those that:
- Offer something different
- Are free and fun.
| Core feature | Collaboration? | Sharing | Demo | |
| Flow Chart | Multi-user, multi-page support; drawing tools; Record/Playback your flowchart. | Live collaboration | Embed and/or export as an image | Playground |
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| Think | Organize each idea as a thought. Each thought is then further divided into nodes. | No | Export / share as an image | Think -> tutorial |
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| Gliffy (free account comes with unlimited number of public diagrams) | Powerful techy-oriented diagram creation tool | Yes | Embed and/or export as an image | Video |
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| BBC’s Pinball | Fun, arcade-game-like brainstorming utility | No | Export / share as an image | |
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| Glinkr | Attach links | No | Embed as iFrame, Import / Export as XML | Examples |
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Can You Learn to Mind Map?
Yes, for sure. All you need is just start playing and you’ll find your own way to do that.
A great way to start and get inspired to is to get the copy of Mark Dykeman’s eBook called “Unstuck, Focused, Orgamized Using Mind Mapping“.
The book gives a reat rount-down of:
- Various ways to use mind maps to clear your mind and get unstuck;
- Examples of how actually people can get started with mind maps;
- Mind-mapping at home (using pen and pencil);
- Mind-mapping software;
- etc, etc.
Do you mind-map? Share your tips!
Ann Smarty is the blogger and community manager at Internet Marketing Ninjas. She is specializing in SEO consulting and guest blogging. Ann's expertise in blogging and tools serve as a base for her writing, tutorials and her guest blogging project, MyBlogGuest.com.
@seosmarty
(Guest) Blogging addict and excited owner of http://MyBlogGuest.com (the free community of guest bloggers!) + If all you care is SEO, follow me as @annsmarty
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I always create Mind Maps as a way to explore keyword opportunities. However, this is one of the few times I get out from behind the computer and do something on paper with a cup of coffee. You make a good case for web based tools, but please don't take away the last standing pen and paper function in my day! :)
I am drawn to the collaboration component of some of these tools. More minds are better than one and because I work from home it is hard to show others my chicken scratch notepads.
Thanks for doing the research!
Hey Ann, thanks for mentioning Thoughtwrestling and my mind mapping product!
And I'm a bit like Lindsay – I love using paper and pen as well!
I haven't created many Mind Maps using web based tools but these offerings look like fun to play around with. I will be checking them out the next time I need to draw something up.
Love mind maps. I use MindMap Pro for the Mac and the companion product on the iPad. In fact, something about the touch interface of the iPad makes mind mapping all the more intuitive.
Working for the leader in mind mapping software, Mindjet, and running their paid search advertising it is hard for me to not use mind maps for keyword generation and brainstorming. I have also found MindManager to be a great way to organize and visually represent the campaign structure when presenting to management. It really helps to show the hierarchy of our account.
Hi Ann
What is Mind Mapping?
Want to know more in detail.
How can we benefit for Online Marketing Industry…
Is there any case study for this where I can learn more.. Does this makes any impact on Search Engine Results also….
As an employee of the Mind Mapping Software developer, MindGenius, you can imagine that I use mind maps every day. Despite being relatively new to the mind mapping technique, I find it helps me to get started and to generate ideas for any task, including when I am working on our PPC campaigns. MindGenius and mind mapping helps me to brainstorm for keyword ideas and also helps me to get a handle on our entire campaign structure, especially the hierarchy of the campaigns and ad groups. I highly recommend this technique.
As an employee of the Mind Mapping Software developer, MindGenius, you can imagine that I use mind maps every day. Despite being relatively new to the mind mapping technique, I find it helps me to get started and to generate ideas for any task, including when I am working on our PPC campaigns. MindGenius and mind mapping helps me to brainstorm for keyword ideas and also helps me to get a handle on our entire campaign structure, especially the hierarchy of the campaigns and ad groups. I highly recommend this technique.
It is good tool to make ideas into proper implementation and know the effectiveness of strategy.
I haven't recently tried a mindmap but I will try your advice about it. Thank you for this. It helped a lot.
Mind mapping is like having electronic post-it notes. Great way to breakdown any process, task or schedule. Some applications export the map into PowerPoint, Word, Project, Visio, or create an html. Can't live without it.
Unfortunately, the phpFormGenerator extremel 3. Beta was never launched. It dates from 2007 and the developper doesn't solution emails. He or she also does not make it available to download (just the older version wich sucks).
Well, this is a new thing for me. It seems to be very useful…I am gonna try this for sure….Thanks for sharing………..
Hi,thanks for the post..Its nice!
My query is whether there is a Standard in Geotagging that all devices use?