The ultimate guide to BlockSite and reviews
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Do you struggle with staying focused online? Here's the ultimate guide to BlockSite and reviews of this popular productivity tool.
The ultimate guide to BlockSite and reviews
As the internet becomes increasingly ubiquitous in our lives, so, too, have the distractions it provides. Whether it's checking social media notifications or watching a funny cat video, there are countless ways to get sidetracked while browsing the web.
If these distractions get out of hand, they can impede productivity and time management and damage our workflows. That's where website blockers like BlockSite come in.
This app allows users to block specific websites from their browsers, ensuring that they can't be accessed no matter what. This can be a lifesaver for people who struggle to stay focused while working, as it eliminates the temptation to stray off-course.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about BlockSite. We'll discuss its features, how to use it, and why it's such a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve their productivity.
What is BlockSite?
BlockSite is a Firefox and Chrome extension that allows you to block any website for any amount of time. For example, if you're trying to avoid wasting time on websites you don’t need for work, you can add the site to the blocklist, making it inaccessible for the amount of time specified.
BlockSite is also available as an app on mobile devices (Android and iOS).
Key features of BlockSite
Website and app blocking
The most obvious feature of BlockSite is its ability to block websites and apps. This can be useful if you find yourself spending too much time on social media, reading the news, or struggling with procrastination.
By blocking access to these sites and apps, you can control your screen time and force yourself to focus on more productive activities.
Customizable blocking
With BlockSite, you're not just limited to blocking entire websites or apps. You can also customize blocked pages and target specific components of websites and apps, such as videos or articles.
This means you can still access sites like YouTube or Facebook but without being able to watch videos or scroll through your feed mindlessly.
This can be a great way to reduce distractions without completely cutting yourself off from your favorite content.
Blocking schedules
One of the most useful features of BlockSite is its ability to create blocking schedules. This means you can set times when you need certain sites and apps blocked.
For example, you could block Facebook during work hours or block all social media an hour before bedtime. This can help you stick to a more structured schedule and avoid wasting time on your iPhone or computer when you should be doing other things.
One way to fight addictions and improve your focus is to use the Pomodoro technique timer with BlockSite's Focus Mode. With this feature, you can control when you can access websites and when you need to focus on your work.
Simply set the timer for how long you want to focus, and BlockSite will disable access to websites during that time. Once the timer is up, you can take a break and freely browse your favorite webpage.
Sync across multiple devices
One of the best things about BlockSite is that you can sync your settings across multiple devices.
So, if you use it to block Facebook on your laptop, you'll also be able to block access to Facebook on your phone. This is helpful if you find yourself distracted by social media throughout the day.
All you have to do is set up your account once, and then your blocked sites will be inaccessible on all devices.
Password protection
Another great feature is password protection. This means that even if someone tries to modify BlockSite's functionality, they won't be able to unless they have your password.
This can be helpful if you share a computer with others or have nosy family members who are always trying to snoop around on your phone.
It can also help enforce parental controls by ensuring your child cannot tweak your BlockSite permissions to whitelist blocked sites with adult content.
Intuitive user interface
One of the things that makes BlockSite an effective website-blocking tool is its user interface. The design is clean and intuitive, which makes it easy to use.
Even if you're not tech-savvy, you'll be able to figure out how to block sites in no time. There's even a tutorial to show you around and demonstrate how different tools work.
Plus, there's a handy FAQ section on the website in case you run into problems.
What users say
BlockSite has generally been praised by users, who find it helpful in overcoming distracting websites and staying focused.
Many users report that they are now able to pay more attention in class and get better grades, and some even say that they are now able to enjoy socializing more since they are less distracted.
For some, the BlockSite extension on their Google Chrome browsers has made their browsing more streamlined. Others find the app a bit cumbersome to use at first but eventually get used to it and appreciate its benefits.
Overall, BlockSite seems to be a helpful tool for those who have trouble focusing while working with various web browsers.
Boost your productivity further with Speechify
There are plenty of ways to boost your productivity, and one of them is by using a site blocker like BlockSite. If you combine BlockSite with a text to speech program like Speechify, you can boost your productivity even further.
You may begin by blocking sites that you know tend to distract you. Then, when you need to focus on a task, you could enable Speechify and have it read the text out loud. This way, you'll be able to absorb information from the text much faster.
If you're someone who likes to multitask, Speechify can also read articles, emails, and other text aloud while you do other things. And if you need a break from the screen, Speechify also offers an audio playback feature so you can listen to your favorite content hands-free.
The Speechify app is available on both the Google Play Store and Apple's App Store. You can also install the Chrome browser extension and conveniently convert the text on any webpage into an audio file that can be shared with others. Speechify is also compatible with Microsoft Windows and Apple's macOS.
So, why Wait? Get started with Speechify today to boost your productivity.
FAQ
How good is BlockSite?
BlockSite is an effective add-on that helps you block specific websites on Chrome, Firefox, and mobile devices.
What is the most blocked website?
YouTube is the most commonly blocked platform on BlockSite.
What are the sites that BlockSite blocks?
BlockSite blocks websites that are determined to be detrimental to productivity.
How do you know if BlockSite is working?
To check if BlockSite is working, go to a website you've blocked and try loading it. If the website doesn't load, then BlockSite is working.
Cliff Weitzman
Cliff Weitzman is a dyslexia advocate and the CEO and founder of Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews and ranking first place in the App Store for the News & Magazines category. In 2017, Weitzman was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work making the internet more accessible to people with learning disabilities. Cliff Weitzman has been featured in EdSurge, Inc., PC Mag, Entrepreneur, Mashable, among other leading outlets.