Powerful Digital Marketing Tools to Elevate Your Business

Digital marketing tools… Where to begin? The landscape is jam packed with platforms, apps, strategies, ideologies, best practices, tips and tricks…

Feeling overwhelmed? Seeking the best tools for your business can take a lot of trial, research and effort. In this blog we save you valuable time by breaking down some of the absolutely essential digital marketing tools for any business.  

Collated from our team of experts, we will talk you through some of the most notable and investment worthy digital marketing tools to support you and help you grow your business online. Let’s consider the pros, cons and any noteworthy features that you might best utilise.

SEO Digital Marketing Tools

SEO is an organic marketing skill that allows you to optimise written content across your website, blogs and social media platforms. It is one of the most important of the digital marketing tools.

Ubersuggest

• This is a digital marketing tool, created by Neil Patel that provides keyword suggestions and other data to support website optimisation. 
• As a digital marketing tool, it offers a free basic version with good functionality. Ubersuggest provides a large database of keyword ideas along with metrics like search volume and competition, and has accessible features for generating new keyword ideas.
• The paid plans ask for a larger scaled budget. This might be inaccessible to some small businesses or individuals. Something to note is that the sheer amount of keyword suggestions can sometimes feel overwhelming rather than actionable, therefore the investment is deemed most worthy if you already have some understanding of SEO.
• Check out Ubersuggest’s pricing options to see what is viable for your digital marketing plan budget.  

Overall, as a digital marketing tool for SEO, Ubersuggest offers free features that are a great option for basic keyword research. It allows you to grow your knowledge and skillset in relation to SEO, without investing a lot of money upfront.

SEMrush

• SEMrush is a digital marketing tool that helps you research keywords, track your website’s rankings, and audit your website for SEO issues.
• This platform is an extensive database of detailed keyword and domain data. The site itself has many useful SEO tools. These range from site audits, rich link analysis features, integration with Google data, and robust reporting functions. This then provides valuable SEO insights and competitive intelligence to optimise content and most importantly, your website.
• SEMrush lacks some of the more advanced technical SEO features and can have a bit of a learning curve to leverage all its extensive data. Similarly to Ubersuggest, this platform offers a large amount of numbers and reports which can sometimes be overwhelming. (Especially if you are new to SEO) The subscription plans for this platform are certainly more costly than other basic SEO tools. While the platform is definitely comprehensive, it may be overkill for small businesses just needing basic SEO functionality. 
• Consider SEMrush Pricing options and how you might use it within your digital marketing toolkit. 

To grow and develop more SEO related digital marketing tools, check out our article that outlines other platforms.

Social Media Digital Marketing Tools

Buffer

• Buffer is a social media management tool that helps you schedule and track your social media posts. As a digital marketing tool, it saves you valuable time and resource, allowing you to plan content in advance.
• This platform has an extremely simple, user-friendly interface. It gives you the ability to add content to a queue and publish at the correct times for optimal engagement.
• Similarly to other platforms, it provides you with useful analytics to give you insights into how posts perform, and browser extensions that make it easy to add content quickly. 
• Buffer has some limitations on how much content you can queue and publish, especially on the entry-level plans. From our research we have understood that some users report Buffer’s image editing functionality is not as smooth as other digital marketing tools.
• Buffer has an excellent free pricing plan, to upgrade and have additional features you can investigate the pricing options. 

Buffer excels at no-fuss social scheduling and spreading content out. It covers your simple scheduling needs and who can say no to a free tool? It’s a great addition to your current use of social media platforms and extension of your current digital marketing tools.

Upskill Your Current Digital Marketing knowledge And Learn More about The Tools You Already Have!

The Social Media Examiner 

• This social media marketing blog provides training and numerous tips for social media marketers. It can be used as an educational digital marketing tool for you and also to upskill your team.
• The Social Media Examiner has frequent publication and contains many practical articles and tutorials based on current social media best practices. The experts here explore trends across essential, core networks such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube with real-life advice and examples.
• Something of note to consider, it that the platform frequently invites experts in their field to host educational content on their field of knowledge. Not only is this inspiring but it connects you with other businesses and digital marketing authorities. (Tip: For content you find useful, be sure to connect with the relevant expert on Linkedin)
• Possible drawbacks to consider with this digital marketing tool is that the platform focuses primarily on attracting content consumers. The Social Media Examiner’s priority is to drive engagement and make a splash within the digital marketing world, therefore the training is some what entry level and lacks official certification. The free blog content, though practical, tends to provide more of an introduction to topics versus in-depth training. 
• All blog content on this platform is free, with the option to upgrade to upgrade for training courses and also an in person conference. Exploring their website will give you the opportunity to investigate where you would like to invest.

Deciphering the usefulness of this digital marketing tool requires evaluating your own current skill level and specific educational needs around social media marketing.

What digital marketing tool is best for written content creation?

Grammarly

• Grammarly is a grammar and spell checker that helps you check that your content is error-free!
• This tool uses AI-powered algorithms, which enable robust and rapid proofreading across various contexts. You can access it as a browser extension or web-based app requiring no download. Whilst you write, Grammarly also gives explanations and recommendations to aid users in enhancing writing skills.
• Grammarly’s accuracy and usefulness is highly dependent on you as an individual’s current writing level and needs. For basic writing errors, it has extremely helpful suggestions, but for more strategic communication, it definitely requires human assessment. Like all AI powered technology, it should be used as a tool to enhance your writing, opposed to replacing you. 
• Grammarly has a free option and paid option available.

For a quick, multi-context spelling, grammar and style check with built-in learning resources, Grammarly provides practical results as an automated proofreader.

WordPress

• WordPress is a Content Management System Software supports you to create, manage, and publish content in varying written formats.
• WordPress is undeniably one of the most utilised content management systems globally for building websites and blogs. It has many key strengths that include an abundance of customisable design templates and plugins enabling advanced functionality without the need for a developer or coding expertise.
• Its pricing offers free options for you to explore and also paid options. 

For bloggers and small businesses needing a fast, affordable web presence, WordPress is an effective go-to in terms of publishing written content.

Email Marketing & Survey Tools

MailChimp

• This email marketing platform helps you create, send and track email campaigns, inclusive of surveys collating customer feedback.
• Advantages include an intuitive, user-friendly interface that makes creating and sending email campaigns quite accessible even for beginners. Useful features like templates, automation, analytics and integration with sites like Shopify are also bundled into affordable pricing plans based on the number of subscribers.
• The limitations of this digital marketing tool, centre around advanced users likely needing the most expensive pricing plan. Without this, you are unable to remove subscriber caps or access some of the more sophisticated personalisation, segmentation and analytics. There is also somewhat of a learning curve to navigate the addition of its extensive features, when paying for the platform.

For individuals and early-stage businesses trying to build their first email list, Mailchimp makes the process rather straightforward.

Digital Marketing Tools For Ensuring Optimal Design

Canva

• This is an absolutely essential graphic design tool to help you create professional-looking designs for social media, presentations, and more.
• It’s extremely user friendly interface makes it accessible for even those with the most basic digital skillset. Canva offers a wide range of ready to use templates for all platforms, AI creation and ability to modify sizing of all content effectively.
• This digital marketing tool is beneficial across content creation for all platforms.
• Whilst the free option has amazing tools, there are many limitations to access without subscription. 

If you want to create efficient and slick designs, this tool gives you all the options you need!

As you can see, there is an extensive and ever-growing array of digital marketing tools available to enhance marketing capabilities for businesses of all types and sizes. While evaluating all of the capabilities and constraints of platforms as outlined here is crucial, perhaps the most vital point to consider when assessing digital marketing tools is clearly defining your objectives.

Demystifying Survey Tools: A Step-by-Step Guide

So you’ve chosen the perfect survey tool. Now what? Don’t fret! Mastering the art of crafting and deploying impactful surveys is easier than you think. Just follow these steps and watch your insights roll in:

1. Define Your Goals:

What information do you need? Identify your survey’s objectives, whether it’s gauging customer satisfaction, gathering market research, or boosting employee engagement. Knowing your “why” guides everything that follows.

2. Write Compelling Questions:

Craft clear, concise, and unbiased questions that target your goals. Mix question types like multiple choice, Likert scales, and open-ended prompts to get a rich tapestry of data. Remember, a well-written question is half the battle won.

3. Design for Engagement:

Keep your survey visually appealing and easy to navigate. Use logical flow, avoid long question blocks, and consider adding multimedia elements like images or videos to keep respondents engaged.

4. Choose the Right Distribution Channels:

Think about where your target audience hangs out. Email them, share the link on social media, or embed it on your website. Offer incentives (contests, discounts) to boost participation.

5. Analyze and Act:

Once the data rolls in, don’t let it gather dust. Utilize built-in analytics tools to understand trends, identify key insights, and visualize your findings. Translate data into actionable steps that address your initial goals and inform your future endeavors.

Bonus Tips:

• Keep it short and sweet: Aim for 10-15 minutes completion time to maximize response rates.
• Pilot test your survey: Ask a small group for feedback before sending it out to the masses.
• Be mindful of data privacy: Ensure your tool complies with relevant regulations and clearly communicate data usage policies.

Remember, a successful survey is a conversation, not a lecture. Treat your respondents with respect, listen to their voices, and translate their feedback into meaningful action. With these steps and a sprinkle of your own creativity, you’ll be navigating the survey jungle like a seasoned explorer, unlocking hidden insights and shaping a brighter future for your brand, project, or cause.

Seeking training on Digital Marketing Tools?

Emerging Technologies and its impact on Marketing Tools:

The digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving, fueled by groundbreaking technologies that offer exciting possibilities for reaching and engaging customers. Let’s explore some of the most impactful emerging technologies and their potential to transform your marketing game.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML):

• Impact: AI and ML are personalizing customer experiences like never before. Tools like Persado (300% ROI reported) use AI to craft hyper-relevant marketing copy, while Crayon leverages ML to predict consumer trends and inform market strategies.
• Fact: According to Gartner, AI-powered marketing tools will drive a 15% increase in marketing budgets by 2025.

2. Blockchain Technology:

• Impact: Blockchain is boosting transparency and security in marketing campaigns. Platforms like Brave, with over 42 million monthly active users, reward users for ad engagement with cryptocurrency while preventing ad fraud.
• Fact: A recent study by the IAB found that 60% of marketers believe blockchain will revolutionize ad tracking and measurement.

3. Industry-Specific Marketing Tools:

• Healthcare: HIPAA-compliant tools like Evariant (used by major pharmaceutical companies) streamline patient relationship management and provide data-driven insights for targeted campaigns.
• Real Estate: Zillow Premier Agent, with over 1 million users, offers comprehensive CRM and marketing solutions tailored to real estate professionals.
• Finance: Platforms like HubSpot for Financial Services customize marketing automation and lead generation for financial institutions.

4. Global and Local Marketing Tools:

• Global Reach: Tools like SEMrush, with over 5 million users, offer localized SEO capabilities for targeting international audiences.
• Hyper-Local Engagement: Platforms like Nextdoor, with over 60 million members, specialize in connecting businesses with local communities.

5. Future Trends and Predictions:

• Voice Search Optimization: With voice search on the rise, expect a surge in tools helping businesses optimize content for voice assistants like Alexa and Siri.
• AI-powered Content Creation and Customer Journeys: AI will play a bigger role in crafting personalized content and mapping customer journeys across various touchpoints.

6. Accessibility and Inclusivity:

• Platforms like UserWay and AccessiBe are leading the charge in making digital content accessible to everyone, ensuring inclusivity in marketing strategies.
• Fact: According to the World Health Organization, 1 billion people globally have some form of disability, representing a vast untapped market for inclusive marketing practices.

7. Environmental Impact:

• Search engines like Ecosia, which plants trees with ad revenue, reflect a growing trend towards environmentally responsible marketing tools.
• Consumers are increasingly conscious of a brand’s environmental footprint, making sustainable marketing practices a competitive advantage.

8. Legal and Ethical Considerations:

• Data privacy and protection remain paramount. Tools must comply with regulations like GDPR and CCPA, ensuring ethical data use and consumer trust.
• Building a reputation for transparency and responsible data management is crucial for long-term success in the digital age.

By embracing these emerging technologies and trends, you can stay ahead of the curve and craft marketing strategies that resonate with your target audience, drive meaningful results, and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable future.

If this blog has sparked interest in further establishing or honing your digital marketing skills to leverage today’s many platforms, it is worthy to note that ProfileTree offers flexible online and training courses across both strategic and practical facets, from goal setting to content creation to data analytics. Get in touch with us to upskill!