As an entrepreneur, you are probably always looking for ways to save time and money. One of the biggest investments you’ll have to make as a business owner is in internet marketing. You’ll need to set up a website, build a social media profile, and find a way to generate leads. While there are plenty of tools out there that can help you in creating these tasks, not all of them are created equal. Here are six of the most popular and reliable free online marketing tools, and how you can use them to make your business more prevalent online.
1. Website Builder
A website builder is a tool that helps you to get a professional-looking website up and running without needing to code. There are numerous website builders out there, and each one is designed for a different purpose. Some are more suitable for personal use, while others are made for commercial use. Do some research before you choose the one that seems right for you. A good rule of thumb is to go for the simplest one that can still provide you with the features you’re looking for. At the end of the day, you don’t want to overcomplicate things and end up with a massive headache later on. There are plenty of free website builders out there that you can use to get started. Just make sure you don’t have any bad experiences reported by other users. You’d hate to find yourself in trouble because of a website builder you picked up off the cheap.
2. WordPress
WordPress is a free, open-source content management system (CMS) based on a modified version of the popular media publishing platform, Movable Type. The fact that WordPress is free makes it an extremely popular choice among entrepreneurs. WordPress offers a lot of features that can help you to grow your business online. It is one of the most preferred website builders out there, which provides you with a massive amount of flexibility and customization options. These two factors alone make WordPress a very attractive option for merchants and businesses of all sizes. Not only will you be able to maintain a professional-looking website, but you’ll also have the freedom to modify it and customize it to your heart’s content. WordPress makes it incredibly easy to setup a blog or website for your business. Not many other platforms come with such a robust set of features free of charge.
3. Google Analytics
Analytics is an internet marketing tool used to track visitors to your website and determine which content is most successful. Google Analytics is one of the most popular and reliable free tools available online. In fact, Google owns and operates the platform, so you can be sure that it’s reputable and will continue to be supported by the tech giant. There are plenty of features within Google Analytics, so you’ll need to sign up for a free account to get started. Once you’ve created an account, you’ll be able to track your site’s performance in real-time. You can also segment your traffic and determine the demographics and devices used to access your site. Google Analytics will give you a clear picture of your site’s performance, and you can use this information to make informed decisions about your website and marketing plans.
4. Hootsuite
Hootsuite is the largest independent social media network globally, with millions of monthly active users. The network was originally designed for businesses to use, and since then it has grown into a powerful platform for marketers to connect with potential customers. Hootsuite is 100% free, although you can choose to pay a nominal fee to have ads placed on your profile. You’ll need a free account to get started, and after that you can choose to upgrade to a paid account that gives you additional features. With Hootsuite, you can create blogs and livestreams to engage with your audience and share your ideas. You can also use the tool to schedule when and where you’ll post in the future. Hootsuite also provides analytics so you can track the success of your blog posts and livestreams. In case you’re wondering, Hootsuite was originally founded in Canada, and is now based in the United States.
5. Social Media Examiner
Social Media Examiner is a platform designed for businesses and marketers to get expert advice on trending topics and platforms within the marketing industry. The platform was built to be both practical and easy-to-use, which makes it an excellent choice for new users. You’ll need a Twitter account to get started, and after that you can choose to connect with other users and receive regular feedback and guidance on your content.
6. Meltwater
Meltwater is a platform that was built for small businesses and marketers looking for inspiration to help them grow their businesses. The company was originally founded by brothers Jake and Maxx Chilton, who began creating the tool after they decided that they wanted to do something different with their lives than what was expected of them as Chilton’s Law partners. The co-founders wanted to provide small businesses with the resources they need to flourish, which is why you’ll see so many entrepreneurs choose to use this tool. You’ll need a LinkedIn account to get started, and after that you can use the platform to create your professional profile. You can then choose to connect with other business owners and industry leaders, as well as follow and receive advice from prominent individuals in your chosen field. The tool also provides analytics so you can track the success of your content.
Whether you’re a new entrepreneur just getting started or you’re looking for inspiration to help you grow your business, you can find the perfect tool to suit your needs with the help of this list. These tools will help you to get the most out of your internet presence, and enable you to grow your business online.