To successfully run a business, you need to be able to market your company effectively in order to consistently draw new customers and retain existing customers. At times, it can seem like a chicken-and-egg situation. Do you invest money in marketing to acquire a new customer? Or do you save on marketing costs before you build a solid database of customers?
To address this issue, free marketing resources are extremely handy! We wish to support you by sharing our top suggestions of free marketing resources for small businesses.
For Design
1. Canva
Canva is arguably the leading option in the market right now. Paid premium subscriptions are available, but the free features are still a very good start. Small companies can easily use the free version of Canva to create flyers, graphics, videos, social media images, advertisements, and so much more.
For social media scheduling
2. Hootsuite
Hootsuite is a social media scheduling and management tool that allows users to automate social media posts to multiple channels and schedule posts in advance. The free version lets users have up to three different social media profiles connected. A paid version is available with added features, which is better suited to medium and large-size businesses.
3. Later
Later is also a social media management and scheduling application. While similar to Hootesuite, a key distinction of Later is how it offers a more visually engaging dashboard than Hootsuite and drag-and-drop capabilities. This tool’s free version provides its basic capabilities, allowing 10 posts per month at no cost. Alternatively, you can try a paid plan for free through a 14-day trial.
For social media links
4. Linkin.bio from Later
Linkin.bio from Later is a tool-within-a-tool that allows small businesses to optimise their Instagram profiles. This tool helps users generate a customisable link to drive traffic from Instagram. The link can also be used on other social media platforms like TikTok to help track incoming clicks.
5. Linktr.ee
Today’s small businesses should have multiple online profiles on a wide variety of social platforms and business listings. This means one company may have 5, 10, or even more links to their Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, and other social media accounts. Linktr.ee is an application that functions as a hub for all other links. This is particularly useful for profiles that only allow one external URL.
For social media analytics
6. Directly on respective social media platforms
All social media platforms have built-in analytics features that allow businesses to assess the efficacy of their digital marketing initiatives - be it Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok and more. You can easily track what is working and what isn't, so you can make improvements towards content and ads that aren't performing.
For marketing automation
7. Freshmarketer by Freshworks
Freshmarketer by Freshworks is an all-in-one marketing automation solution that offers a free package to startups that want powerful email marketing combined with contact management. You can use the software to improve your overall customer experience. One of the best features of this software is the Chatbot, which is easy to set up and customise for your business.
For email marketing
8. Sendinblue
Sendinblue is one of the most cost-effective email marketing options for small businesses. The email marketing platform has a powerful marketing automation and segmentation tool. A free account is available, which offers unlimited contacts and as many as 300 emails per day. Users can create an email capture funnel with asset collateral like a free download to entice potential customers to sign up with their email addresses. Sendinblue can be scaled up or down as needed for growing businesses.
We have more tips on how to grow your business in our latest E-Book. Download it below.
