Included in the following list are the marketing tools that are highly rated in 2023. This list provides a detailed breakdown of their features, pricing information, as well as the pros and cons associated with each tool.
When considering marketing tools for small businesses, it is important to remember that what may be advantageous for a multinational corporation can actually be a costly disadvantage for a small business.
Every business requires a distinct combination of marketing tools to prosper since no two businesses have identical marketing methods or objectives.
When considering the sequence of actions, it is important to note that signing up for new products can be costly and time-consuming, as it requires significant effort on your part to get them up and running. That is why I prefer using interactive demo software, which allows me to freely test the products without any additional expenses or setup time. Essentially, it provides a functioning version of the app that you can simply try out.
Without any more delays, I trust that this guide will assist you in acquiring the appropriate digital marketing tools for your business.
TopicRanker
When he signed up and gave it a try, Brian Dean, the founder of Backlinko, described TopicRanker as “the future of keyword research” because it shows you keywords that you can rank for by identifying problems and weaknesses in the search results.
TopicRanker does not focus on “keyword search volume” or “keyword difficulty” but instead concentrates on addressing particular problems and shortcomings found within search results.
The robots of TopicRanker have identified a keyword on falconriver.co to generate a new article, which is the term “empire flippers alternative” that it suggests for creating fresh content.
According to the algorithm of Ranker, the best opportunity keyword for Falcon River is considered to be due to the presence of specific SERP issues.
- missing keywords in the meta title
- low word count for primary result
- poor readability
- page loads very slowly
- page is outdated
The price starts at $59 per month and also includes a free plan.
Advantages:
- Contrary to most keyword tools out there, focuses on problems in Google Search Results to recommend keywords you should target
- Identifies which keywords you already rank for on Google and what to do to improve them
- Suggests keywords you should create new content for in the near term and rank easily
- Customer support is very responsive
Drawbacks:
- New company, has only been around for a year
- Need to have a content person or a writer to implement the suggestions from the software
ContentHarmony
ContentHarmony is an excellent tool for generating content briefs quickly and affordably. It utilizes data and AI to produce visually appealing content briefs that can be utilized by writers for article writing.
Once your account is established and a project is created, all you need to do is input a keyword. Subsequently, the AI will generate a keyword report for your examination, allowing you to confirm whether these are the desired topics and subtopics to address.
The content brief is created by the keyword report tool within seconds once you have approved it, and the writer can utilize it to compose the article.
After completing their writing, the tool also aids the writer in evaluating their articles.
The price for the trial begins at $1 per content brief, with subsequent briefs being charged at $10 each.
Advantages:
- Very easy to setup, takes less than a minute
- Customer service is incredible
Drawbacks:
- Limited integrations and no API
MarketMuse
The use of AI and machine learning in a content optimization tool assists in enhancing and optimizing your content, enabling you to surpass your competitors in Google rankings.
The price begins at $79 per month.
Advantages:
The tool is easy to use. You just need to enter your article URL and the keyword you want to rank for. It will provide you with the following information:
- Which topics your competition has in their articles
- How you score on topical depth for your keyword
- Which topics you need to add to your article to outrank your competition
- If you do not have an article written yet the tool will just ask you for a keyword and generate a content brief with questions you should answer and topics to address when writing the brand-new piece of content
One possible rephrasing could be: Disadvantages:
- Takes some time to get used to when you first start using it.
SEMRush
When you need to check statistics or SEO data for any website on the web, SemRush is the platform you should use. Their offering provides you with the capability to find data for any public-facing website, including the number of backlinks, the overall traffic trend, the top-performing pages, the keywords they rank for, and the recently acquired or lost backlinks.
The cost is $99.95 per month.
Advantages:
- Ideal for small-medium businesses.
Drawbacks:
- UX quirks, like list management, take some getting used to.
Mailchimp
Whether you require a basic digital marketing tool or a more advanced solution, this is an excellent platform to begin your journey with email marketing.
The price varies and you can choose between monthly billing or credits based on how much you use. If you have less than 2,000 subscribers, there is a limited free plan option.
Advantages:
- Easy to use.
- Great email templates
- The Freemium version is excellent.
Drawbacks:
- Limited marketing automation features.
Campaign Monitor
As the name implies, Campaign Monitor goes beyond being just an email marketing automation tool.
It serves as a centralized platform for managing email marketing campaigns.
The price ranges from $9 to $149 per month. Advanced features and unlimited sends are accessible at the price point of $29 per month, which is labeled as “Unlimited”.
Advantages:
- Advanced integrations and campaign management features.
Downsides:
- Design flexibility.
Convertkit
The designed email marketing software is intended for professional bloggers and content creators.
The cost is $29 per month for a total of 1,000 subscribers.
Advantages:
- Includes a landing page editor.
Disadvantages:
- Expensive, especially if you’re starting out. It can take a long time to reach 1,000 subscribers.
- Limited design and templates.
Saleshandy, an honorable mention, is a robust cold email outreach software that assists organizations in automating and enhancing their cold email outreach. By providing mail merge, email tracking, templates, and automation, it simplifies the sales process and aids in scheduling more meetings through automated means.
An honorable mention goes to MailTracker, a handy tool that allows you to keep track of when your emails are opened. It will notify you when someone is reading your emails or viewing a preview of an email.
Hubspot
One of the most effective digital marketing strategies for small businesses is inbound marketing and lead generation software, which Hubspot has centered its brand around. This strategy involves attracting potential customers by creating valuable content and experiences tailored specifically to them.
The price varies, with the “Starter” plan costing $45 per month.
Advantages:
- Outstanding integrations.
- Includes resources to help you learn how to use a CRM.
Negatives:
- Add-ons add up. Full functionality is expensive.
Zoho
Zoho is PC Mag’s top choice for CRM software in 2021, as it provides essential features and integrations at a competitive price.
The cost is between $12 and $45 per user per month. The option that is favored by most is priced at $35.
Advantages:
- One-stop-shop for many small businesses.
- Includes email marketing automation and communication tools.
Drawbacks:
- Features are limited at the lower price levels.
Less Annoying CRM
This particular product delivers on its promise by prioritizing the key aspects that are important for small businesses.
The starting price for each user per month is $10.
Advantages:
- Easy to use.
- Good price.
Drawbacks:
- Reporting features are basic at best.
OnePageCRM
OnePageCRM is utilized by small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in nearly 80 countries globally, serving as a distinctive blend of a contact management system and a productivity tool.
The price ranges from $9.95 to $19.95 per month.
Advantages:
- Action Stream and other unique features
- Simplicity (ideal for small and medium-sized businesses)
- Straightforward and affordable pricing (incl. a 21-day free trial)
Drawbacks:
- No free trial
Slack
Most small businesses only require a basic chat platform for project management software, and Slack is the superior choice for fulfilling this need.
For small to medium businesses, the price is $6.67 per user per month. As for larger enterprises seeking advanced tools, the price is $12.50 per person per month.
Advantages:
- Simple and easy to use.
- Widely adopted thanks to the work-from-home revolution.
The downsides:
- Constant notifications can be distracting but turning them off completely defeats the purpose of instant messaging. You may need to experiment to find the best way to use Slack for your team.
Trello
A useful tool for developing a digital marketing plan is a brainstorming and project management platform that revolves around kanban boards.
The price is $0 for small teams, and for “Business Class,” it is $9.99 per user/month.
Advantages:
- Enables remote brainstorming.
- A good choice for visual thinkers.
Downsides:
- Lacks important integrations, like billing.
Asana
A platform that is well-designed for ensuring your team stays focused and meets goals.
The cost ranges from zero to $24.99 per user every month.
Advantages:
- The free version is enough for many small businesses.
Disadvantages:
- You probably don’t need most of Asana’s features.
CoSchedule
The main feature of this social media platform is the ability to schedule social media posts, with WordPress integration included. Additionally, there are numerous advanced features available for social media professionals.
The cost is $29 per month for each user.
Advantages:
- Perfect for bloggers who want to schedule content across social channels.
The downside:
- Most small businesses don’t need advanced content calendars.
Hootsuite
The one-stop social media online marketing tool includes a post-scheduling feature, as well as analytics and monitoring capabilities.
The price for one user is $49 per month, while the price for three users is $129 per month.
Advantages:
- Informs scheduling with insights and analytics.
The drawbacks are:
- Hootsuite is good at a few things but not great at any one thing. You may still opt for the simplicity of Buffer even though Hootsuite has a scheduling feature.
- Pricey.
Buffer
Do you desire to post on your social media account constantly without needing to be on Twitter constantly? Buffer is an excellent social media marketing tool that enables this by scheduling posts across all your social channels.
The cost is zero for a single user with access to three channels and the ability to make ten posts per day.
The cost of the paid plans range from $15 to $99 per month.
Advantages:
- Browser integrations make it easy to share content you find online.
Drawbacks:
- High per-user cost.
- Analytics are just okay.
Sprout Social, a social media management tool designed specifically for businesses, is an honorable mention despite its high cost due to its value.
BuzzSumo
Interpreting data is the key to optimizing its potential, as previously mentioned. By using BuzzSumo, one can conduct a search to promptly explore content ideas, reveal valuable data insights, and identify enthusiastic influencers on social media.
By thinking in a sequential manner, rephrase the given text while retaining the original meaning. Do not include additional information or remove any information. This tool for digital marketing enhances raw data by providing valuable insights, allowing you to discover content possibilities and generate ideas.
The price ranges from $99 to $499 or more per month.
Advantages:
- Includes competitive insights (to help you spy on the competition).
- Helps you identify influencers in your space.
Drawbacks:
- Expensive for small businesses.
Kissmetrics
This tool can help you analyze the conversion funnel, starting from when a visitor arrives on your page until they convert. Instead of relying on outdated link tracking software for your link-building efforts, this tool allows you to identify prospects and nurture leads, making it a valuable marketing tool when used effectively.
The price ranges from $299 to $499 per month.
Benefits or advantages:
- Designed to give you insights that will help you get the most out of all your marketing tools.
- Goes beyond just regular click tracking software, and allows you to group your audience into buckets according to which actions they have taken and where they are in the conversion funnel
- Example: If you are running an ad campaign on Facebook or a PPC ad you can create a funnel and view:
- everyone who clicked on the ad in first bucket
- of those in the first bucket everyone who visited your landing page in second bucket
- of those in the second bucket everyone who bought into the third bucket
Drawbacks:
- Not very useful if you’re starting out and don’t have a lot of leads yet.
- If you already know who your customers are (like if you run a small-town bakery), a lot of browsing data is meaningless to you.
- It’s a tracking tool so you do need to install an additional tracking pixel on your website
- Price.
Google Analytics
The top analytics tool available happens to be free, and it is essential for every marketer to have it in their toolkit.
The cost is zero.
Advantages: – Thinking step by step, there are several benefits:
- Free.
- The best tool of its kind. Period.
Drawbacks:
- Your data is only as good as your ability to interpret it. In other words, this is not a tool for analytics noobs.
Brafton Content Marketing Platform
Brafton’s Platform simplifies the process of planning, publishing, producing, and measuring content marketing performance. It offers various features such as content calendars, comprehensive project management, in-app messaging, effortless campaign setup, reporting and analytics, and a searchable content library.
To find out the price, it is necessary to contact Brafton as plans have different costs.
Advantages:
- Content marketing workflows ready on the day
- Intuitive functionality.
- Simple, and centralized, collaboration.
The negatives are:
- It’s niche, meaning it won’t provide much value for workflows unrelated to content marketing and digital marketing. Project management is one of the strongest features of the platform.
WordPress
If you want to build any type of website, WordPress is a flexible platform that allows you to do so. For those interested in creating a blog that is optimized for search engines, WordPress is the ideal choice. It’s interesting to note that WordPress is used to build 40% of websites on the internet.
The price can vary based on the availability of the domain and whether you decide to build your own website.
Advantages:
- Better for SEO than other platforms like Squarespace.
Disadvantages:
- Not easy for novice users.
- Shopify is better for ecommerce shops.
If you are thinking logically, you should choose WordPress.org for creating your own website because WordPress.org and wordpress.com are not the same thing.
Google Docs
You can collaborate live on written content, such as the first draft that became the article you are currently reading, using a free and effortless method.
The cost is zero.
Advantages:
- Google integrations.
- Compatible with other word processing software and file formats.
Drawbacks:
- Offline functionality is limited.
Canva
An affordable drag-and-drop design studio designed for individuals who cannot afford professional graphic design services.
The price ranges from free to $9.95 per month.
Advantages:
- Easy for beginners with no design background.
Drawbacks:
- Finished designs can feel generic (because they are).
Benefits of Using A CRM
The advantages of utilizing a CRM platform appear to be limitless. Firstly, it offers a centralized location for customer data, enabling its accessibility to all departments, while also monitoring sales, organizing analytical data, and promoting collaboration among different teams.
How to Choose a CRM Service for Small Business
By following these simple steps, you can reduce decision fatigue and find the best CRM for your small business, which has the potential to yield a massive return on investment. Although the market offers numerous CRM platforms, the search process can be overwhelming.
Step 1: Familiarize yourself with your priorities and objectives.
In order for a CRM system to be beneficial for your business, it is essential to understand the reason behind wanting one in the first place. To gain clarity on your goals, start by conducting a business audit or gap analysis. Examine yearly business performance reports to identify areas that require improvement and establish specific goals with deadline milestones. These goals may range from expanding product offerings to boosting revenue to enhancing customer service. Once you have identified your business goals, assess how a CRM system can assist in achieving them.
Step 2: Identify the needs of your team members.
In order to ensure optimal functionality, it is crucial to identify the specific individuals who will be utilizing the system and the reasons behind their usage. Though CRM software is predominantly utilized by sales and marketing departments, it is essential for every department to contribute to the decision-making process. By asking each team member about their requirements and how they envision the software system aiding their tasks, a harmonious integration can be achieved.
Step 3: Identify significant attributes.
To deal with the overwhelming number of CRM features and tools, it is advisable to start by creating a list of your specific requirements before commencing the search. In order to make things clearer, generate a list of essential features that will help narrow down the available options. Combine input from team members, as well as your business objectives and timeline, to create this list. For instance, if your focus is on marketing, then your must-have list could include software capabilities such as marketing automation, lead tracking, and data analysis.
When considering your priorities, ensure that robust data security and customer support capabilities are included. Essential software security features encompass two-factor authentication, encryption, and advanced user permissions. Timely customer support features such as live chat and phone support will be indispensable in addressing any inquiries or issues that may arise.
Step 4: Take into account various types of CRM options.
Although the name suggests that all CRM systems aid in building stronger customer relationships, there is no universal solution. The features emphasized can greatly differ among various CRM solutions, resulting in three main types of CRM.
- Collaborative. The main focus of collaborative CRM is providing a seamless customer experience through the various departments of a company. Collaborative CRMs are great for larger companies where the marketing team, sales team, and customer support teams are disconnected and need help sharing real-time customer information.
- Operational. The operational CRM streamlines the customer relations process. It is the best of the three for an all-around CRM solution. Operational CRMs typically leverage three automation features—sales force automation, marketing automation, and service automation. The automatic responses help guide the customer’s journey from their first interaction on your website through the sales pipeline.
- Analytical. Digital platforms make it easy to collect large quantities of customer data. That data is wasted, however, if you do not have a way to analyze it. Analytical CRM analyzes your customers’ data, providing a deep insight into their buying behavior and purchasing trends. Business owners can use these insights to craft smarter marketing campaigns and enhance customer service.
Step 5: Develop a financial plan.
The price of CRM software varies greatly depending on factors such as the number of users, available features, subscription base, and others. The cost can range from $9 per user per month, at the lower end, to $99 per user per month at the higher end. Although there are free versions of the software offered by certain companies, they come with significant limitations on features, number of users, and storage capacity.
To streamline the abundance of companies, one can also establish a budget in the beginning as a means to narrow down the search. By doing so, you will have a specific spending limit and exclude choices that exceed your predetermined financial limits.
Step 6: Conduct research on the leading CRM platforms.
After narrowing down your search to a few options, begin researching those specific options to determine if they will meet your needs. There are several key factors you can consider to assess whether a platform is suitable for you.
- User reviews. Take time to read the user reviews of the potential software on your list. Pay attention to what reviews list as the pros and cons. This will give you a more honest version of the software than the company’s website.
- Word of mouth. Ask colleagues and other business owners about their CRM system. Are they happy with it? Why or why not? Would they recommend it to someone in your industry?
- Trade publications. Trade magazines and websites are always a great source of information on all things pertaining to your industry. Spend a few hours researching the mentions of CRM software in any trade publications.
- Independent software comparisons. There are many reputable websites unaffiliated with software companies that score, compare, and contrast products for consumers.
After narrowing down your search to one software provider, proceed to test it out to ensure it is suitable for your company. Many CRM vendors provide a free trial of their products with full features. Utilize this opportunity to verify if the system meets your business requirements and meets your expectations.
2023 CRM Trends
For the upcoming year, we expect to see a rise in common CRM trends that have become essential in today’s business landscape. These trends will shape the top 2023 CRM trends.
CRM sophistication and functionality are being enhanced.
CRM systems are continuously advancing in their sophistication, functionality, and comprehensiveness. In addition to enhancing existing features, CRM software companies are now developing tailored solutions for different requirements. The business landscape is consistently influenced by technological progress, which not only enhances the value of collected data but also alters how CRMs are utilized.
The process of rephrasing the text step by step while maintaining the same meaning: 1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) 2. The field of study known as Artificial Intelligence (AI) 3. Artificial Intelligence (AI), a discipline which involves the development and implementation of intelligent machines 4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) encompasses the creation and utilization of intelligent machines 5. The realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) encompasses the development and utilization of intelligent machines 6. Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the creation and utilization of intelligent machines 7. The term Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the process of developing and utilizing intelligent machines 8. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the practice of creating and utilizing intelligent machines 9. The concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI) involves the creation and utilization of intelligent machines 10. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the field encompassing the creation and utilization of intelligent machines.
Without a doubt, artificial intelligence is one of the most influential technologies integrated into the field of consumer data utilization. This technology covers various aspects such as predictive analytics, machine learning, and language processing. Businesses have increasingly embraced AI to enhance both internal and external operations and enhance the customer’s interaction with the company.
We anticipate AI growth mainly in predictive models (such as trigger events, customer behavior, and project timelines), customer service (including chatbots, self-service, and sentiment analysis), and lead management (covering customer preferences, nurturing schedules, and upselling suggestions). AI offers assistance to both customers and company employees by providing improved tools and recommendations for managing and optimizing work.
In 2019, Freshworks Inc. data indicated that a mere 12% of CRM software users had integrated AI tools, while a staggering 75% expressed interest in exploring the potential of AI technologies.
The growth of CRM in new markets is being considered step by step.
Until recently, CRMs were predominantly utilized by major corporations in consulting, insurance, real estate, and distribution industries. However, there has been a significant shift in the scenario as more industries are now realizing the importance of CRMs and actively incorporating them into their business operations. A report from Stellaxius revealed a remarkable 18% growth in overall CRM usage between 2018 and 2019.
CRMs designed for specific industries and CRMs tailored for small businesses
Industries such as hospitality, banking, construction, and healthcare, which previously had little benefit from CRMs, have seen an increase in CRM development tailored to their specific needs. Small business owners are now realizing the value of CRMs in improving customer satisfaction and conversion rates. It is predicted that in the future, CRM usage will expand to encompass various industries and businesses of all sizes.
Reduced obstacles to adoption.
Integrating CRM technology into the daily operations of your company is now simpler than ever. CRM companies will still prioritize making CRMs more affordable, user-friendly, and simpler to incorporate. Businesses that have been reluctant to adopt CRM technology will feel encouraged to give it a shot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What advantages does a CRM offer?
The benefits of CRM encompass the capability to divide customers into segments, customize outreach, bring together and arrange data on leads, customers, and partners, predict sales trends, enhance communication both within and outside the organization, automate tasks and data entry, and identify meaningful patterns in customer data. These combined advantages assist companies in delivering improved experiences to leads and customers, thus enhancing lead conversion rates and customer lifetime values.
Which CRM is the least difficult to use?
Zoho CRM, which is among the best CRM software for small businesses, is the easiest to use due to its simple and intuitive interface. Additionally, it provides helpful tutorials to assist users in getting started. Moreover, it is customizable, allowing businesses to adjust it according to their specific needs.
Can you explain what an open-source CRM is?
An open-source CRM allows businesses to customize it extensively. Unlike proprietary software developed and controlled by a single company, open-source CRM involves a publicly available source code that is shared among users and developers worldwide. The advantage of an open-source CRM lies in its accessibility to anyone proficient in the field who can modify various aspects of the software, including features, interface elements, and virtually anything else to suit their specific requirements.
The advantage of utilizing public source code is that businesses have the flexibility to modify and enhance it according to their needs and the evolution of the company. Open-source software, like a CRM, is particularly beneficial for specialized businesses that need specific functionalities not supported by mainstream platforms.
Is it possible for small businesses to utilize CRM?
Yes, indeed. CRM comes in various forms to cater to different teams or requirements, despite its conventional use by sales teams. Seek out the finest marketing CRM software that encompasses features for automating marketing campaigns or opt for real estate CRM that emphasizes communication tools like click-to-call and in-app text messaging.
Is there a CRM that is genuinely free?
Forbes Advisor has selected Zoho CRM, monday.com, and EngageBay as the top picks for the best free CRM plans. When using any of them, there will be trade-offs in terms of features or restrictions on users or storage, for instance.
Is a large IT investment required for CRM?
No, there are abundant cloud CRM solutions suitable for those who are not experienced in information technology (IT). It is not necessary to invest heavily in physical IT infrastructure or hire IT personnel to handle your CRM. Numerous CRM solutions are provided as software as a service (SaaS), allowing you to pay solely for your usage and discontinue it whenever desired.
