Every penny counts when running a business. However, penny pinching can hurt though if you skimp in the wrong places. Here are some great free marketing tools that provide you with value, utility, and an opportunity to test them out and see if you want to move on up to a paid version to get more bang out of your buck. Let’s start out with this solid foundation of free marketing tools first though to get you on the right track.
7 Free Marketing Tools You Want to Have
MailChimp: Professional email marketing made simple. Responsive templates allowing you to drop in your content. Also keeps you out of trouble with spamming laws. Bonus: If you have a blog, make sure to take advantage of all subscribers getting your blog via email the moment it is published–called RSS-to-Email.Tips: 7 Essential MailChimp Tips and Tricks, SageCRM
Cost: Free (12,000 emails to 2,000 Subscribers)
Next Level: $10/month
Mobincube: Free mobil app builder! Shocking I know. If you are looking to get into the game without the heavy price tag start here. I only recommend it if doing an app is a minor add on to your basic business, meaning a nice to have. This is a great way to get a taste of a mobile app in your digital marketing program. Bonus: Don’t just have an app, monetize it by opening out the interface with well placed advertisements. Tips: 4 app monetization strategies for free apps, Venturebeat
Cost: Free (500 push notifications)
Next Level: $2.99/month
Hootsuite: Social media management is a constant. This system helps you become more efficient at planning and executing your social media program. Bonus: Pick 30 min a week to build your schedule to push out your past content to keep your Social media clicking through content curation. Tips: The Beginner’s Guide to Hootsuite, Mashable
Cost: Free (3 Social Media Profiles from 1 administrator)
Next Level: $9.99/month
eMarketer Webinars: Keep your marketing skills sharp and growing by regularly attending free marketing webinars. eMarketer is a wonderful go-to resource, but really you can google anything. Just make sure it is from a reputable source. Bonus: Sign up to follow a favorite marketing blog or newsletter to make sure you stay on top of new marketing opportunities and philosophies. Also, try out local Marketing Meet Ups. Tips: 10 Places to Find Free Marketing Courses Online, TheStudy
Cost: Free (general access)
Next Level: Quote Only
Nielsen Demographics: Know your market. If you are a brick-and-mortar or know the zip codes your customers hail from then you are missing the boat if you don’t take a moment to know them better. When you know a client market segment better it becomes much easier to market to them directly. Nielsen is, of course, highly reputable with amazing segment descriptions. Bonus: Research other zip codes for prime demographics to expand your business reach. Tips: Why Market Segmentation Makes Us Look Stupid, AchiVi
Cost: Free
Next Level: Call for Quote
Google+ Hangouts: Videoconferencing is an exceptional tool to connect to people in a virtual world and begin to build rapport. Use a hangout out as a mini-webinar or workshop, a qualifying tool in your sales process, and general client meetings. Bonus: Record your hangouts, then drop them into your Youtube channel to boost your content reach. Tips: 10 Tips on How to Use Google Plus Hangouts, Jeff Bullas
Cost: Free (10 participant maximum)
Next Level: $5/month
PicMonkey: Visuals rule engagement. This free photo editor is awesome because it is fast, easy to use and they don’t throw their logo on your finished product. Make visuals own by adding marketing text overtop. Then you just download and use it however you want to market your business. Bonus: Consider creating your own meme to promote your business. These are highly viral across social media. Tips: There’s A Simple Reason Why Cat Memes Are So Popular On The Internet, Business Insider
Cost: Free (royalty tools not included)
Next Level: $4.99/month
WooRank: You spent a lot of time, energy and effort on your site hopefully. But when is the last time you checked in on its effectiveness from a performance standpoint? This free website analyzer tool provides incredible insights to keep you on top of one of your most valuable marketing assets. Bonus: Send this to your web developer and set a call to get their feedback. Rank what you need to fix most right away. Consider if it has been over two years since you developed the site, you need to consider making the investment for a new one. Tips: How To Optimize Your Website’s Performance And Keep Customers Happy, Forbes
Cost: Free
Next Level: $49/month
Free marketing tools today are every where. Make sure they are relevant, credible and that they truly make your marketing efforts more efficient. Don’t take on too many at one time. Get to know one well, then integrate it into your day to day marketing practices. Once using the marketing tool becomes second nature, move on and incorporate the next. Before you know it your marketing efforts will take a front seat in revenue generation without burning through your wallet.
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