Top 10 online marketing tools for small businesses

Nowadays, most people use the internet to search for information to find solutions to their problems. Before consumers buy a product or a service, they want to understand how their issue can be fixed by making a particular purchase. That’s why there is no question that every business, even small businesses need a strong online presence as part of their marketing strategy. Online marketing tools offer very effective and cost-effective solutions that should be listed first on your business plan and marketing strategy. They give you multiple options to promote your business and reach your potential customers effectively. 

Today, we are going to share with you 10 online marketing tools you can rely on if you have a small business. We hope it will inspire you to grow your business and increase your sales. Without further ado, let’s get it started!

#1 Website

Determining the brand identity of your company or firm starts with creating a professional website. This allows you to use text, images, audio, and video materials to convey your company’s message. You can also inform existing and potential customers about the features and benefits of your company’s products or services. 

#2 Search engine marketing (SEM)

Search engine marketing is an online marketing tool that relies on search engines. It included improving the natural (organic) rankings of a website through search engine optimization (SEO) or click-based paid advertising (PPC – SEA).

#3 Email marketing

Although many think that email marketing is not a relevant online marketing tool anymore, the truth is that email marketing is still an effective way to maintain existing relationships between your business and your customers. Before the GDPR, it was possible to purchase audience-based email addresses, but it is already officially prohibited to send emails to addresses for which we do not have demonstrable consent to receive the request. The solution is to collect leads through our website, so not only do we have consent, but we can be sure that our newsletters will land in the inbox of those who are genuinely interested in our business. 

#4 Display advertising

You can also pay for display advertising on other websites that have the target people with the interests as your target audience. Prices may vary depending on website traffic, audience, ad size, and placement.

 

#5 Marketing PR articles

Like display ads, you can display text ads in the form of articles on other high-traffic websites. These articles should be well-written and focused to showcase the benefits of your business, service, or products. The downside of this online marketing tool is that websites with high traffic charge a very steep price for posting your marketing PR article. Needless to say, in most cases, the article you decide to publish must be of adequate quality, and that usually requires a professional copywriter.

#6 Social media presence

You can also create your own social media page or become a useful member in an online community of forums or groups where you can create value. Give advice, and help others get to know your name. Answer questions, have your say, and throw in interesting content regularly. This way you will not only offer help to people with less knowledge in your niche, but you will also build relationships, create trust for your business and most importantly gain customers.

 

#7 Content marketing

Publishing articles related to your business can be very helpful, whether you share them on your own site or other sites. Focusing your content marketing on your page – which should be properly optimized – can be an important part of your SEO strategy. Also,  sharing these articles on other websites can help increase trust in your website and business. As writing is a very time-consuming process and you will need well-written content, you might want to consider hiring a professional content writer.

#8 Social media marketing

When talking about online marketing tools, we must take a closer look at social media marketing. We live in a world of ever-accelerating connections, where consumers expect instant connectivity. Social media is a great platform to meet these needs. However, your social media marketing will only be truly successful if the platform you as a business use is also used by the target audience. It is not worth being present on all platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin, Telegram, Pinterest, etc. The best you can do is to develop a social media marketing strategy and create a content plan to produce truly effective reach. 

#9 Customer reviews

The importance of customer reviews should never be underestimated. Put your hand on your heart, how many times have you stopped a purchase just because you came across a negative review about a service or product? Also, how many times did you immediately press the buy button because you read positive feedback from previous customers?

That’s right! What you should do as a business owner is to get as many reviews for your business as possible, and not just from friends. Ask your customers to rate them too. If you get a real negative comment, you don’t have to feel bad. Instead, be kind and try to find out what the problem was. If possible, remedy the problem in public. Remember, a lot of people will read it, and based on that, they’ll decide if it’s worth pressing that particular button or not!

#10 Branding

Last but not least, the 10th online marketing tool on our list is branding and brand building. People will commit much easier if they see a face or familiar symbol behind a product. In fact, the more often they see it, the easier it will be for them to connect. It’s pure psychology. 

Final Thoughts

We hope we have been able to shed light on the most simple online marketing tools you can use as a small business owner. If you are interested in how we can make your online presence better, do not hesitate to click this link!  See you in the next one!