Marketing can be more affordable and potentially more effective today than ever before. That is, if you’re utilizing the right marketing tools for small business owners. So many marketing tools, techniques, and strategies exist, but not all will deliver for your brand. A business only has limited advertising dollars. Putting your funds towards what will do the most for you is vital.
Check out these marketing tools for small business owners.
- Target Ads on Social Media
Social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have millions of active users at any given moment. Target ads and social media posts to lead you to convert, such as by location, gender, and age range. Use social media to hyper-focus marketing content on users browsing and searching for brands like yours. - Influencers Have a Built-In Following
Influencers exist on social media, search engines, YouTube, podcasts, and everywhere else. They have built-in audiences. Dealing with the right influencers to advertise your product, services, or brand gives you instant exposure to as many people as you like. This is an excellent brand awareness campaign to maintain. - Customize Messages with Digital Signage Software
Set up digital signage software for your small business. This software allows you to customize, alternate, and share messaging that resonates with your target audience. You can also feature in- store promotions, dynamic content such as images and video, and adjust messaging depending on the time of day and other variables. - Short-Form Video Can Be Creative and Emotional
Creative short-form videos posted on social media with an emotional component have significant potential. Posted on the right social media platforms and with the right production, a short-form video can resonate with an audience. Video, especially short video, is one of the most consumed forms of content online. - Image Editing Software
Any image editing software lets small business owners create graphics for social media, marketing\ ads, and more. Though it can be time-consuming to master, the appeal of understanding how to make and edit graphics attracts many people to image editing software and cloud-based image editors, such as Figma, Canva, and more. - Segment Email Marketing Campaigns
Email can be the most powerful tool for a small business owner. Still, it’s less effective to send every customer the same email—segment based on purchase history, preferences, and location for personalized email content. Send messages according to where a customer is at in their journey with your brand. Try to avoid sending blanket promotions or the same email to everyone. - SMS Marketing Can Send Time-Sensitive Offers
SMS marketing is similar to email marketing in providing a direct line to the customer. Use SMS marketing when sending time-sensitive offers, promoting sales events, launching a new product, or offering special discounts. While SMS is not used as often as other forms of marketing, it’s a promising marketing tool that can elevate sales numbers in the right hands. - Easy-to-Use Website Builders
Hiring a web designer or using a platform like Wix, Squarespace, or others can net you a mobile- friendly professional website without you having to learn how to code. A website should be a requirement for every small business, whether you are selling online or not. If you go the e-commerce route, many tools can help you sell, manage inventory, and safely process payments. - Keyword Finders and Keyword Researchers
Keywords dictate a lot about what your company is associated with. When you’re marketing, keywords matter. A keyword finder or keyword research tool is important as it lets you know all about popular keywords and what terms your target audience is searching for. Browse search volumes, competition, alternate keywords, and more. Use keyword data to guide your strategy. - Analytics Tools Are a Treasure Trove of Data
Analytical data will tell you about your marketing and whether it works. If it’s not, a business owner knows to make a change. Look at clicks, conversions, and ROI. See customer engagement and growth in numbers. Analytics are not to be ignored. Use these tools at every chance when assembling the next level of your marketing strategy. - Customer Relationship Management Software For Leads
Capture and protect leads with a customer relationship management (CRM) system. Zoho, Hubspot, and others offer ways to track and manage customer interactions. Follow-ups that are timely and personalized can be automated. Use your CRM to identify trends, preferences, and opportunities to sell, upsell, and cross-sell. - Customer Loyalty Programs Are Also a Marketing Tool
Use customer loyalty programs to reward repeat customers on a points system or with discounts. Customize rewards and marketing within loyalty programs based on customer behaviours. Promote your loyalty program in-store and use digital signage effectively to demonstrate the benefits of signing up. Rewards and discounts can be an easy and effective way to increase engagement and retention.
