If you’re running a small business, you know how difficult it is to deal with limited budgets, time constraints, and overwhelming competition. Creating a great product or service is useless if people don’t know about it. Marketing tools for small businesses save the day by helping companies like yours compete with the big guys.
Studies show that 47% of small businesses find implementing the right marketing tactics to be a significant obstacle, struggling with brand visibility.
Sound familiar? The key to overcoming that is choosing the right tools. This article will break down the 30 best marketing tools for small businesses and how to choose the best options to maximize your efforts. Let’s start turning your marketing game around.
Jump to section:
- Market research tools
- Marketing plan software
- Marketing strategy software
- Search marketing software
- Advertising tools
- Social marketing tools
- Marketing management tools
- Website promotion software
- Product marketing tools
- Tools for branding
- Tools for marketing software products
What are marketing tools for small businesses?
Marketing tools for small businesses consist of software, platforms, or resources designed to make marketing more manageable, efficient, and impactful. They allow you to streamline everything from planning campaigns to tracking performance.
Marketing tools come in all shapes and sizes, each serving a unique purpose in a carefully-designed marketing strategy. Here’s a quick look at the main categories.
- Research tools: These offer market insights that help you make better strategic decisions. Tools in this category help with keyword research, trend analysis, or audience segmentation so you can focus on strategies that actually provide results.
- Planning tools: These help you organize marketing campaigns, set goals, and track tasks. They include project management tools, content calendars, or campaign planners that keep everything on schedule and everyone on the same page.
- Engagement tools: From social media schedulers to email marketing platforms, these tools allow you to reach and connect with your audience on a personal level.
- Measurement tools: These provide data on the success of your marketing efforts. Analytics platforms, performance trackers, and reporting tools offer a clear view of your progress, allowing you to adjust and improve over time.
Why small businesses need marketing tools
Small businesses don’t have the luxury of creating dedicated marketing departments. Marketing tools provide access to the same resources and insights that larger companies use, leveling the playing field. Take email marketing platforms like Mailchimp, where you can start for free, build an audience, and drive sales without breaking the bank.
These tools also help your business act and look like bigger brands. A search engine optimization (SEO) tool like Semrush or Ahrefs can help you rank higher on search engines, attracting more local customers.
When you top that with data analytics tools like Google Analytics, you’re no longer guessing if your efforts are paying off — you can see it in the numbers and make improvements.
🏆 Whether it’s scheduling social media posts, analyzing website traffic, or automating email campaigns, marketing tools help save time, stretch budgets, and give you a real chance to compete in crowded markets.
30+ Best marketing tools for small businesses
Small businesses need more than run-of-the-mill tools to stay ahead of the overwhelming competition. They need effective, affordable, and versatile marketing tools that fit their unique needs.
We tried and tested most of the below tools ourselves. We focused on the most common challenges small business owners to make our selection, analyzing the tools’ affordability, ease of use, and versatility. Here’s what made our cut.
Market research tools for small businesses
These tools gather insights into customer preferences and industry trends.
1. Textmagic
Textmagic enables you to send SMS surveys, facilitating customer feedback collection. Our platform accommodates both occasional and high-volume messaging requirements.
Pricing
- A free trial is available
- Texts start at 4.9 cents per text (prices vary based on the recipient’s country)
Standout features
- Bulk messaging capabilities
- Scheduling messages for future delivery
- Two-way messaging, allowing responses from recipients
- Integration with various applications and application programming interfaces
Limitations
- Costs can accumulate with high-volume messaging
- Limited multimedia messaging support (primarily focuses on text)
Reviews
- G2 users appreciate its ease of use and reliability (4.5 out of 5 stars)
- Capterra users praise it for its user-friendly interface and customer support (4.6 out of 5 stars)
2. SurveyMonkey
SurveyMonkey assists you in gathering feedback and insights from your target audience.
Image source: pageflows.com
Pricing
- A free plan is available
- Paid plans start at €30 per user per month (billed annually)
Standout features
- Customizable branding options
- A vast array of survey templates
- Advanced analytics and reporting tools
- Integration with various third-party applications
Limitations
- Some users report a learning curve with advanced features
- The free version has significant restrictions (limited questions and responses)
Reviews
- G2 users highlight its robust features and ease of use (4.4 out of 5 stars)
- Capterra users note its comprehensive survey tools and analytics (4.6 out of 5 stars)
3. Google Trends
Google Trends analyzes the popularity of search queries over time, providing insights into market trends and consumer interests.
Pricing
- Free
Standout features
- Historical data analysis
- Real-time data on search trends
- Comparison of multiple search terms
- Geographical breakdown of search interest
Limitations
- Does not provide exact search volume numbers
- Limited to data from Google searches, excluding other search engines
Reviews
- G2 users appreciate its simplicity and valuable insights (4.6 out of 5 stars)
- Not extensively reviewed on Capterra (generally recognized as a valuable free tool)
4. AnswerThePublic
AnswerThePublic is a search listening tool that visualizes search questions and autocompletes data, helping you understand what your audience is searching for.
Pricing
- A free trial is available
- Paid plans start at $6 per month ($59 lifetime)
Standout features
- Data export options for further analysis
- Visual representation of search queries
- Supports multiple languages and regions
- Uncovers questions, prepositions, and comparisons related to keywords
Limitations
- Relies on autocomplete data, which may not cover all search variations
- The free version has limited searches (up to 3 searches per day, suitable for basic keyword research)
Reviews
- G2 users find it excellent for content ideation (4.5 out of 5 stars)
- Capterra users praise it for its unique visual data representation (4.6 out of 5 stars)
Online marketing plan software
These marketing tools for small businesses help you organize campaigns, plan strategies, and set timelines.
5. Trello
Trello utilizes boards, lists, and cards to help teams organize and prioritize projects in a fun, flexible, and rewarding way.
Image source: almarise.com
Pricing
- A free plan is available
- Paid plans start at $5 per user per month if billed annually ($6 if billed monthly)
Standout features
- Butler automation for automating repetitive tasks
- Kanban-style boards for visualizing tasks and workflows
- Power-ups for integration with various apps (Slack, Google Drive, etc.)
- Customizable cards for adding due dates, attachments, labels, comments
Limitations
- The free plan restricts the number of boards (up to 10 boards per workspace)
- Limited advanced project management features like Gantt charts without third-party integrations
Reviews
- G2 users praise its user-friendly interface and visual appeal (4.4 out of 5 stars)
- Capterra users note its simplicity and effectiveness in task management (4.5 out of 5 stars)
6. Monday.com
Monday.com is a work operating system that empowers teams to confidently run projects and workflows.
Image source: monday.com
Pricing
- A free plan is available coming soon)
- Paid plans start at €12 per user per month if billed annually
Standout features
- Automation of routine tasks to save time
- Multiple views (timeline, Gantt, Kanban, calendar)
- Integrations with numerous apps (Zoom, Slack, Microsoft Teams)
- Custom dashboards for visualizing project data and tracking progress
Limitations
- Higher pricing tiers may be costly for small teams
- Can be overwhelming for new users due to its extensive features
Reviews
- G2 users highlight its flexibility and customization options (4.7 out of 5 stars)
- Capterra users appreciate its visual project tracking and collaboration features (4.6 out of 5 stars)
7. Asana
Asana helps teams orchestrate their work, from daily tasks to strategic initiatives.
Image source: blog.asana.com
Pricing
- A free plan is available
- Paid plans start at $10.99 per user per month if billed annually ($13.49 if billed monthly)
Standout features
- Timeline view for visualizing project plans with Gantt charts
- Integrations with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Google Drive
- Workload management for monitor team capacity and balance workloads
- Task management capabilities (creation of tasks, subtasks, dependencies)
Limitations
- The free plan lacks advanced features like timelines and reporting
- Some users find the interface less intuitive compared to competitors
Reviews
- G2 users value its robust task management capabilities (4.3 out of 5 stars)
- Capterra users note its comprehensive project tracking and collaboration tools (4.5 out of 5 stars)
Marketing strategy software
These marketing tools for small businesses help you develop and refine marketing strategies to target the right audience effectively.
8. HubSpot
HubSpot is an all-in-one inbound marketing, sales, and customer service platform designed to help you attract visitors, convert leads, and close customers.
Image source: marketingguys.com
Pricing
- A free plan is available (limited features, up to two users)
- Paid plans start at €15 per user per month if billed annually (€20 if billed monthly)
Standout features
- Detailed analytics and reporting dashboards
- Marketing automation with personalized workflows
- Content management system for website and blog creation
- Comprehensive customer relationship management (CRM) system
Limitations
- Higher-tier plans can be expensive for small businesses
- Some advanced features require additional onboarding fees
Reviews
- G2 users praise its feature set but note the steep learning curve (4.4 out of 5 stars)
- Capterra users appreciate it for its robust tools and user support (4.5 out of 5 stars)
Albert Kim, VP of talent at Checkr, described his use cases of HubSpot:
“HubSpot’s automated workflows have been essential in tailoring our outreach. By segmenting our clients depending on their actions — such as downloading a compliance guide or visiting a specific page -— we can deliver tailored follow-ups that feel highly relevant. Businesses that use our fair chance hiring resources, for example, will receive automated updates on related initiatives, regulations, and case studies. This targeted approach raised client engagement by 35% in the first quarter alone, converting more than 20% of these leads into ongoing partnerships.
The platform’s analytics give us real-time insights that directly inform our content strategy. We recently discovered that resources on hiring efficiency were receiving excellent engagement, however our general hiring materials were underperforming. We instantly doubled down on efficiency content, resulting in a 42% increase in related page views and a spike in downloads. These data have enabled us to fine-tune our strategy in real time, directing resources to the content that resonates the most with our audience.”
9. ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign is a marketing automation platform specializing in email marketing, sales automation, and CRM integration.
Image source: emailtooltester.com
Pricing
- A free trial is available
- Paid plans start at $15 per month if billed annually ($19 if billed monthly)
Standout features
- Built-in CRM for sales automation
- Integration with over 850 applications
- Advanced email marketing automation
- Segmentation and dynamic content capabilities
Limitations
- No free plan
- Some users report a learning curve with advanced automation features
Reviews
- G2 users highlight its powerful automation and user-friendly interface (4.6 out of 5 stars)
- Capterra users note its comprehensive email marketing tools and user support (4.6 out of 5 stars)
Search marketing software
These marketing tools for small businesses allow you to optimize website content for search engines, track keywords, and analyze SEO performance.
10. Semrush
Semrush is an all-in-one digital marketing suite offering tools for SEO, pay-per-click (PPC), content marketing, and competitive research.
Pricing
- A free plan is available
- Paid plans start at $117.33 if billed annually ($139.95 if billed monthly)
Standout features
- Competitive analysis and domain comparison
- Comprehensive keyword research and tracking
- Site audit tool for identifying technical SEO issues
- Content marketing toolkit for topic research and optimization
Limitations
- Higher pricing tiers may be costly for small businesses
- Some users find the interface complex and overwhelming
Reviews
- G2 users value its extensive feature set and data accuracy (4.5 out of 5 stars)
- Capterra users appreciate it for its comprehensive tools and reporting capabilities (4.7 out of 5 stars)
Jonathan Feniak, general counsel at LLC Attorney, was kind enough to share how he uses Semrush:
“Semrush helps us attract high-quality leads by identifying the exact keywords potential clients are searching for. In our first three months of using SEMrush, we observed a 25% boost in client inquiries by focusing on keywords like “LLC formation services” and “small business legal compliance.” The Keyword Magic tool highlighted phrases we hadn’t considered, allowing us to adapt content to these searches.
Additionally, the Competitor Analysis tool has been invaluable for spotting content gaps. By tracking keywords where competitors rank well but we don’t, we identified multiple topics — like “multi-state LLC regulations” — we hadn’t covered that were high-interest. We swiftly created targeted blog posts and FAQs, which saw engagement rates rise by 33% and helped us capture a previously untapped audience.
Furthermore, the Backlink Audit feature improved our SEO ranking by allowing us to see which high-authority sites linked to competitors. We utilized this information to reach out and earn similar links, enhancing our domain authority and online credibility.”
11. Moz
Moz offers SEO tools and resources aimed at improving search engine visibility and rankings.
Image source: technicalwall.com
Pricing
- A free trial is available
- Plans start at $39 per month if billed annually ($49 if billed monthly)
Standout features
- On-page optimization suggestions
- Rank tracking to monitor keyword performance
- Site crawl for identifying and fixing SEO issues
- Keyword explorer for in-depth keyword analysis
Limitations
- The interface may feel dated to some users
- Some users report that the backlink database is smaller compared to competitors
Reviews
- G2 users praise its user-friendly tools but note limitations in backlink data (4.3 out of 5 stars)
- Capterra users note its educational resources and community support (4.5 out of 5 stars)
12. Ahrefs
Ahrefs is a comprehensive SEO toolset renowned for its extensive backlink index and competitive analysis capabilities.
Pricing
- A free plan is available
- Plans start at $29 per month
Standout features
- Site audit for identifying technical SEO issues and improving website health
- Rank tracker for monitoring website rankings over time for targeted keywords
- Content explorer for identifying high-performing content within specific niches
- Site explorer for analyzing a website’s backlink profile and organic search traffic
- Keywords explorer with keyword research capabilities across multiple search engines
Limitations
- The pricing may be prohibitive for small teams or individual users
- Some users report a learning curve due to the tool’s extensive features
Reviews
- G2 users praise its comprehensive data and user-friendly interface (4.6 out of 5 stars)
- Capterra users note its robust features and reliable user support (4.8 out of 5 stars)
Advertising tools
These marketing tools for small businesses let you create and manage paid advertising campaigns across platforms.
13. Google Ads
Google Ads is a PPC advertising platform that enables you to display ads on Google’s search engine results pages and its advertising network.
Image source: endtrace.com
Pricing
- It operates on a PPC model (you pay each time someone clicks on your ad)
- There’s no minimum spend requirement, allowing flexibility for various budget sizes
- The cost per click (CPC) varies based on industry competitiveness and keyword demand
Standout features
- Keyword targeting for reaching users searching for products similar to yours
- Ad extensions for additional information like location, phone number, or page links
- Remarketing for re-engaging visitors who have previously interacted with your site
- Performance tracking for monitoring ad performance and return on investment (ROI)
Limitations
- Competitive industries may experience higher costs per click
- The platform can be complex for beginners, requiring a learning curve to optimize campaigns effectively
Reviews
- G2 users appreciate its extensive reach but note the complexity of campaign management (4.3 out of 5 stars)
- Capterra users praise it for its effectiveness in driving targeted traffic (4.5 out of 5 stars)
14. Facebook Ads Manager
Facebook Ads Manager is a platform for creating and managing ads on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and the Audience Network.
Image source: whatagraph.com
Pricing
- Facebook Ads operate on a bidding system (costs vary based on audience targeting, ad placement, and competition)
- There’s no minimum spend, making it accessible for various budget sizes
Standout features
- A/B testing for assessing different ad creatives and strategies
- Diverse ad formats (image, video, carousel, slideshow, collection ads)
- Integration with Instagram for seamlessly running ads across both platforms
- Advanced targeting for demographics, interests, behaviors, and custom audiences to reach specific customer segments
Limitations
- Ad approval processes can be stringent, sometimes leading to delays or disapprovals
- Organic reach on Facebook has declined over time, making paid advertising more essential
Reviews
- G2 users highlight its powerful targeting capabilities (4.2 out of 5 stars)
- Capterra users note its user-friendly interface and effective audience reach (4.5 out of 5 stars)
15. LinkedIn Campaign Manager
LinkedIn Campaign Manager is an advertising platform tailored for business-to-business (B2B) marketing. It allows you to reach professionals based on job titles, industries, and other professional criteria.
Image source: twistarticle.com
Pricing
- The minimum daily budget is $10
- The minimum bid for CPC or cost per mille (CPM) campaigns is $2
Standout features
- Sponsored content for promoting posts directly in users’ feeds
- Lead generation forms for collecting leads directly within the platform
- InMail ads for sending personalized messages directly to users’ inboxes
- Professional targeting for reaching users based on company size, industry, job function, and seniority
Limitations
- The platform’s interface can be less intuitive compared to competitors
- LinkedIn ads typically have a higher CPC compared to other platforms (reflecting its professional audience), which may not be suitable for all budgets
Reviews
- G2 users value its professional targeting but note the higher costs (4.0 out of 5 stars)
- Capterra users appreciate it for its effectiveness in B2B lead generation (4.2 out of 5 stars)
Social marketing tools for small businesses
These marketing tools for small businesses help you schedule and manage social media posts, engage with followers, and track performance.
16. Hootsuite
Hootsuite allows you to schedule posts, monitor social channels, and analyze performance across multiple networks.
Image source: saasworthy.com
Pricing
- A free trial is available
- Paid plans start at $99 per month if billed annually
Standout features
- Integrations for connecting with over 150 apps
- Publishing posts in advance across various platforms
- Analytics and reporting for measuring social media performance
- Unified dashboard for managing multiple social media accounts from a single interface
Limitations
- The interface can be complex for new users
- Some advanced features are only available in higher-priced plans
Reviews
- Capterra users appreciate its comprehensive features but note the steep learning curve (4.4 out of 5 stars)
- G2 users praise it for its robust scheduling capabilities (4.1 out of 5 stars)
17. Buffer
Buffer is a user-friendly platform focused on simplifying social media scheduling, publishing, and analytics.
Image source: softwareadvice.com
Pricing
- A free plan is available
- Paid plans start at $5 per month per channel ($6 if billed monthly)
Standout features
- Intuitive interface, suitable for beginners
- Analytics for gauging content effectiveness
- Planning and queuing posts across multiple platforms
- Browser extension for sharing content directly from the web with a single click
Limitations
- Advanced analytics and engagement features are limited compared to competitors.
- The free plan offers minimal functionality (up to three social channels), necessitating upgrades for more features
Reviews
- Capterra users highlight its simplicity and ease of use (4.5 out of 5 stars)
- G2 users note its straightforward scheduling process (4.3 out of 5 stars)
18. Sprout Social
Sprout Social is a robust platform offering advanced social media management, analytics, and engagement tools. It is tailored for businesses seeking in-depth insights and automation.
Image source: sproutsocial.com
Pricing
- A free trial is available
- Paid plans start at $199 per user per month if billed annually ($249 if billed monthly)
Standout features
- Advanced analytics and insights to inform strategy
- CRM integration for managing customer relationships directly within the platform
- Smart inbox for consolidating messages from all social channels into a single stream
- Social listening for monitoring brand mentions and industry keywords across platforms
Limitations
- The higher pricing may be prohibitive for small businesses
- Some users report a learning curve due to the platform’s extensive features
Reviews
- Capterra users praise its comprehensive analytics but mention the cost as a drawback (4.4 out of 5 stars)
- G2 users appreciate it for its robust feature set and user support (4.3 out of 5 stars)
19. Social Champ
Social Champ is an all-in-one social media management tool designed to help businesses and marketers schedule, analyze, and automate content across multiple platforms. It streamlines content planning, boosts engagement, and provides valuable insights with AI-powered features.
Image source: socialchamp.com
Pricing
- A free plan is available
- Paid plans start at $29 per month
- Business plan available at $99 per month
Standout features
- AI-powered content suggestions and automation
- Bulk scheduling for multiple social media accounts
- Social media calendar for easy content planning
- Social listening to monitor brand mentions and trends
- Competitor analysis to track social media strategies
- Content curation for discovering and sharing trending posts
- Collaboration tools for teams to manage workflows efficiently
- Analytics and GA4 integration for in-depth performance tracking
Limitations
- Free plan has limited scheduling slots
- No direct TikTok posting (requires reminders)
Reviews
- G2 users highlight its ease of use and affordability (4.5 out of 5 stars)
- Capterra users appreciate its customer support and value for money (4.4 out of 5 stars)
Marketing management tools
These marketing tools for small businesses help you manage customer relationships and track interactions to improve sales and customer service.
20. Salesforce
Salesforce empowers businesses to manage customer relationships and streamline sales, marketing, and service operations in a centralized CRM platform.
Image source: salesforce.com
Pricing
- A free trial is available
- Paid plans start at $25 per user per month if billed annually or monthly
Standout features
- Comprehensive CRM with a robust suite of tools
- High degree of customization to tailor the platform to specific business needs
- Access to a vast marketplace of third-party applications to extend functionality
Limitations
- Higher pricing tiers may be prohibitive for small businesses or startups
- The extensive features can result in a steep learning curve for new users
Reviews
- Capterra users appreciate Salesforce’s scalability and features but mention that it can be overwhelming without proper training (4.4 out of 5 stars)
- G2 users highlight the platform’s robust analytics and reporting capabilities, with some users noting the high cost of ownership (4.4 out of 5 stars)
21. Zoho CRM
Zoho CRM offers a comprehensive, user-friendly CRM, enhancing customer engagement and sales tracking.
Image source: zoho.com
Pricing
- A free plan is available
- Paid plans start at €14 per user per month if billed annually (€20 if billed monthly)
Standout features
- User-friendly interface with a shorter learning curve
- Seamless integration with other Zoho products and third-party applications
- Wide range of pricing plans, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes
Limitations
- Some advanced functionalities are limited to higher-tier plans
- While customizable, it may not match the depth offered by other competitors
Reviews
- Capterra users commend Zoho CRM for its value for money and ease of use but suggest improvements in customer support response times (4.3 out of 5 stars)
- G2 users praise the platform’s integration capabilities, with some users desiring more advanced features in lower-tier plans (4.1 out of 5 stars)
Website promotion software
This type of software allows you to build and promote a professional website.
22. Edicy
Edicy simplifies website creation with an intuitive landing page builder and editor. It is ideal for businesses seeking a simple yet impactful online presence.
Pricing
- Free in public beta
Standout features
- Multilingual support for creating websites in multiple languages
- Built-in SEO tools to enhance website visibility on search engines
- Intuitive drag-and-drop editor, making it accessible for users without technical expertise
Limitations
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to other platforms
- The range of templates and customization options is somewhat limited
Reviews
- Capterra users appreciate its simplicity and multilingual capabilities but note that the design options could be more diverse (4.5 out of 5 stars)
- Trustpilot users highlight the platform’s ease of use for beginners, though some users desire more advanced features for complex projects
23. Squarespace
Squarespace is a versatile website builder with professional templates and e-commerce tools. It allows you to design and manage your brand online.
Image source: docs.cinnox.com
Pricing
- A free trial is available
- Paid plans start at €11 per month if billed annually (€15 if billed monthly)
Standout features
- Round-the-clock user support via email and live chat
- Professionally designed, mobile-responsive templates
- Integrated blogging, e-commerce, and marketing tools
Limitations
- Pricing plans are relatively high, especially for e-commerce functionalities
- While user-friendly, some users may find that the interface requires time to fully master
Reviews
- Capterra users commend Squarespace for its aesthetic templates and robust features but note that customization can be limited without coding knowledge (4.6 out of 5 stars)
- G2 users praise the platform’s reliability and design quality, with some users noting a desire for more third-party integrations (4.4 out of 5 stars)
24. Shopify
Shopify enables businesses to build and operate online stores with robust e-commerce features, including product management, payments, and shipping.
Image source: mapplinks.com
Pricing
- A free trial is available
- Paid plans start at €27 per month if billed annually (€36 if billed monthly)
Standout features
- Suitable for businesses of all sizes
- Comprehensive suite of product management, payment processing, and shipping tools
- Access to thousands of apps to extend functionality (marketing, SEO, customer engagement tools)
Limitations
- Unless using Shopify Payments, additional transaction fees apply
- While offering numerous themes, deep customization may require coding knowledge
Reviews
- Capterra users highlight Shopify’s robust e-commerce capabilities and scalability, though some express concerns about transaction fees (4.5 out of 5 stars)
- G2 users emphasize the platform’s extensive app ecosystem and support, with some users desiring more flexibility in design customization (4.4 out of 5 stars)
Product marketing tools
These marketing tools for small businesses allow you to develop and market products with insights into customer preferences and product feedback.
25. Pendo
Pendo enhances product experiences by providing in-depth analytics, feedback collection, and in-app guidance for user engagement.
Image source: btw.so
Pricing
- A free plan is available
- Paid plan pricing details are available upon request
Standout features
- Feedback collection directly within the application
- Insights into user behavior, feature adoption, and engagement metrics
- In-app guides for creating personalized onboarding experiences and feature announcements without coding skills
Limitations
- Detailed pricing for advanced plans is not publicly disclosed, requiring direct contact
- Some users report a moderate learning curve when integrating and utilizing features
Reviews
- Capterra users commend it for its robust analytics and in-app messaging capabilities, though some note the need for improved reporting features (4.5 out of 5 stars)
- G2 users praise it for enhancing user engagement and providing valuable insights, with feedback suggesting enhancements in dashboard customization (4.4 out of 5 stars)
26. Productboard
Productboard supports product management by helping teams prioritize features, align on roadmaps, and consolidate customer feedback.
Image source: productboard.com
Pricing
- A free plan is available
- Paid plans start at $19 per user per month if billed annually ($25 if billed monthly)
Standout features
- Customer feedback integration from various channels
- Feature prioritization based on customer feedback and business objectives
- Dynamic roadmaps for aligning stakeholders on product direction and progress
Limitations
- Higher-tier plans may be costly for smaller teams or startups
- Some users find the platform complex, requiring time to fully leverage its capabilities
Reviews
- Capterra users appreciate the structured approach to feature prioritization and roadmap visualization, with some noting a desire for more intuitive navigation (4.7 out of 5 stars)
- G2 users value its comprehensive product management features (4.5 out of 5 stars)
Tools for branding
These tools help you create consistent brand visuals and messaging across marketing channels.
27. Canva
Canva allows you to create stunning visual content easily, offering templates and design tools for social media, presentations, and more.
Image source: pageflows.com
Pricing
- A free plan is available
- Paid plans start at $10 per user per month if billed annually ($15 if billed monthly)
Standout features
- AI-powered tools for enhancing creativity and streamlining the design process
- Real-time collaboration for team members to work together seamlessly on projects
- Extensive template library with over 600,000 templates covering various categories
- Intuitive drag-and-drop editor for making design accessible to users without experience
Limitations
- Access to premium templates and more advanced tools requires a paid subscription
- While suitable for general design needs, it may not offer the depth of customization provided by specialized design software
Reviews
- Capterra users appreciate its ease of use and extensive template library (4.7 out of 5 stars)
- G2 users praise its collaborative features and user-friendly interface, with some users desiring more advanced design capabilities (4.7 out of 5 stars)
28. Adobe Express
Adobe Express enables you to create visually engaging graphics, videos, and web pages with a simple and user-friendly interface.
Image source: stylefactoryproductions.com
Pricing
- A free plan is available
- Paid plans start at €4.20 per user per month if billed monthly (€42 annual, prepaid)
Standout features
- Seamless integration with other Adobe products
- Professional templates suitable for various branding needs
- AI-powered features to generate images and apply brand elements
Limitations
- Users unfamiliar with Adobe’s interface may require time to adapt
- The free plan offers fewer templates and design elements compared to competitors
Reviews
- Capterra users commend its integration with Adobe Creative Cloud and high-quality templates (4.6 out of 5 stars)
- G2 users appreciate its robust features and AI capabilities, though some users find the interface less intuitive than other design tools (4.5 out of 5 stars)
Bonus — tools for marketing software products
Use these marketing tools for small businesses to drive engagement and monitor customer satisfaction for your software product.
29. Drift
Drift enables you to engage website visitors through real-time chat and AI-driven messaging, enhancing customer interactions and lead generation.
Image source: softwareadvice.com
Pricing
Standout features
- Integration with various CRMs and marketing automation tools
- Personalized messaging based on visitor behavior and attributes
- AI-driven chatbots for engaging website visitors, qualify leads, and schedule meetings
Limitations
- Pricing may be on the higher side, especially for advanced features
- Some users report that setting up and customizing chatbots can be complex and may require time to master
Reviews
- Capterra users appreciate its ability to engage visitors in real time and its robust integration capabilities, with some noting that it can be pricey (4.5 out of 5 stars)
- G2 users highlight the effectiveness of its conversational marketing approach but note that the initial setup can be challenging without technical assistance (4.4 out of 5 stars)
30. Product Hunt
Product Hunt allows you to discover and promote new products within a community-driven platform for gaining feedback and exposure.
Pricing
- Free for users to discover and share new products
- Plans for promoting products start at $79 per month
Standout features
- Daily product rankings based on user votes
- Vibrant community of tech enthusiasts, providing immediate feedback and exposure
- Launchpad for startups to gain visibility and traction among potential users and investors
Limitations
- With numerous products launched daily, standing out can be challenging without a well-planned strategy
- Promoters have limited control over the narrative once the product is live, as community feedback can shape perception
Reviews
- Capterra users value its role in discovering new tools, with some suggesting that it could offer more support for promoters during launches (4.6 out of 5 stars)
- G2 users commend its community-driven aspect but note that a launch’s success depends on pre-launch preparation and community engagement (4.6 out of 5 stars)
31. Mixpanel
Mixpanel provides in-depth analytics on user behavior, helping you optimize product experiences and make data-driven decisions.
Image source: softwareadvice.com
Pricing
- A free plan is available
- Paid plans start at $24 per month
Standout features
- Advanced analytics for user behavior insights
- Real-time data for immediate analysis and decision-making
- Customizable dashboards for monitoring key performance indicators
Limitations
- Accessing premium features requires higher-tier plans
- Features may be overwhelming for users without an analytics background
Reviews
- Capterra users praise its powerful analytics capabilities but mention that the learning curve can be steep for beginners (4.5 out of 5 stars)
- G2 users highlight its ability to provide actionable insights through detailed reports, though some users express a desire for more intuitive navigation (4.6 out of 5 stars)
Small business marketing agencies
Many small business owners find that they don’t have the time, expertise, or resources to handle tasks in-house. Marketing agencies can handle everything from social media management to SEO, bringing in specialized skills and industry knowledge. Agencies concentrate marketing efforts, stopping you from spreading your time thin across tasks.
Considerations when choosing a marketing agency
Look for an agency with relevant experience in your field. This makes a big difference in how effectively they connect with your audience and handle specific marketing challenges unique to your business.
Cost matters too. Try finding flexible pricing plans or tailored package deals. Don’t just go for the cheapest option — look for one that provides real value within your budget.
Choose an agency that aligns with your most pressing needs. For instance, If you’re very focused on engaging with customers directly, a social media-focused agency could be your best choice.
Examples of marketing agencies for small businesses
Here are some reputable agencies specializing in small business needs.
- Upwork Freelancers: If you’re looking for flexible, project-based support, Upwork connects you with freelancers who specialize in everything from social media to email marketing.
- Mayple: Known for matching small businesses with vetted marketing experts, Mayple helps you find professionals who understand your industry and goals. Their tailored plans work wonders for small businesses that need measurable growth.
- WebFX: A full-service digital marketing agency, WebFX specializes in helping small businesses with SEO, PPC, and web design. You get transparent pricing, in-depth reporting, and the chance to scale up at your own pace.
Make marketing effortless with the right tools
Investing in marketing tools is a game-changer for any small business. They streamline your business efforts, saving time and resources while boosting your ROI. 63% of businesses have already increased their digital marketing budgets in recent years, recognizing the undeniable value marketing tools have in driving growth.
However, remember to start small and then scale. Test a few of the options we provided to see which ones best align with your business needs. This will help you find the perfect fit without overwhelming your operations.
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