The role of a business owner is similar to a metal smith. To provide the best services, they need to equip themselves with the right tools.
For this article, we’ve compiled the best online marketing tools and software’s that can help with your digital marketing strategies.
We’ve categorized the tools into different groups due to its large number. It will also help identify the function of a specific tool and how it best suits you.
If you’re interested in SEO and how it can help small businesses, check out our previous blog (link).
Essential Tools
SiteGround
SiteGround is a web hosting app that comes with various features. It is considerably cheap compared to other hosting apps and is easy to use.
Regardless of which hosting plan you buy, SiteGround can help make great host choices efficiently and effectively.
SiteGround servers are also built for WordPress hosting, making it easier to manage.
A2 Hosting
A2 Hosting is a web hosting app that makes speed and reliability its top priority. A2’s SSD “Turbo Servers” are notorious for being able to load pages 20 times faster than normal servers.
The app is also environmentally conscious due to the companies “green energy practices”. They have a goal to reduce their carbon footprint and have been 100% carbon neutral since 2007.
Ahrefs
Ahrefs is an SEO Software that contains various tools. They are used for keyword research, link building and competitor analysis to name a few.
Ultimately, Ahrefs is used to get a higher rank on Google. Ahref is also expensive opposed to other SEO based apps and rightfully so.
Its ability to conduct different functions will be a big boost to your digital marketing strategy.
Elementor Pro
The Elementor Pro provides users with professional tools that can help build your website. They allow the user to customize themes and design forms that integrate seamlessly. It also contains a wide variety of templates and widgets.
If you’d like to have a free trial, download the Elementor Free version and have a go at its features.
FreshBooks
The finance aspect of a business can be very confusing. FreshBooks is a cloud accounting software designed for small business owners. It helps users keep track of their financial records.
The program is easy to use and it can help create invoices, financial reports, send follow up emails and track your time.
At about RM200 a month, FreshBooks is highly recommended for business owners who have a messy financial system.
Canva
Canva is a free designing platform that was introduced in 2013. It rose to prominence due to its wide array of features and simplicity.
Canva operates like a basic version of Photoshop. It is very easy to use and doesn’t require extensive editing knowledge.
The software is great in designing invitations, social media posts, business cards and many more. You can also subscribe to one of the hosting plans and gain access to more features.
Dropbox
Losing files is a common issue that everyone shares. Dropbox was made to prevent this from happening.
Dropbox is a cloud storage service that allows the user to store back up files online. This also makes it easier to access your files from anywhere.
Dropbox is completely free with the choice of an upgrade which gives more storage space and features.
Google Drive
More or less like Dropbox, Google Drive is a cloud based storage solution where you can save your files online.
Google Drive allows for easier access and file sharing from remote locations. Google Drive is very popular due to its inbuilt integration with Google’s services.
Google Docs, Sheets and Slides are additional features that let you create and edit documents.
Hosting and Registrars
The following are web hosting and registrar services that you should consider. These applications allow individuals or organizations to make their website accessible.
Namecheap
Namecheap is one of the cheapest domain name registrars out there. It is perfect for small businesses as they also offer web hosting services.
Namecheap has fast and reliable services with 100% uptime guarantee. They also sell SSL certificates and privacy protection servers. However, the software’s customer service is rather disappointing and has received various complaints.
Exabytes
Exabytes is a web hosting company based in Malaysia. They are among the best in the country as they offer a variety of services.
Besides web hosting, they provide cloud hosting, email hosting, domain name registrations and digital marketing to name a few. The company has over 20 years of experience and are highly reliable.
SiteGround
As mentioned above, SiteGround is easy to use and efficient. They are considered one of the best due to their integration with WordPress.
They have a range of hosting plans that may appeal to all. Their customer service is also one of the best in the industry.
SiteGround is highly recommended for all users especially to those who are familiar with WordPress.
Cloudways
Cloudways is a cloud based web hosting service. Cloudways stands out because it supports numerous apps.
They allow users to choose from multiple platforms such as Google and Amazon. They also have a flexible hosting plan.
Cloudways is easy to use and has excellent uptime. The only downside is the extra costs for emails and no domain registration options.
A2 Hosting
A2 is one of the best web hosting apps out there and is well known for being a high performer.
Their service has been overlooked due to the presence of other big web hosting sites. Nevertheless, the site is one of the best due to their excellent speed, friendly customer service and environmental practices.
WordPress Plugins
We’ve compiled some of the best plugins you can add to your WordPress websites. Plugins are software’s that can add an additional feature to your website.
Elementor Pro
We’ve listed Elementor Pro as an essential tool for a reason. Subscribing to the software will get you over 300 customized templates and over 50 widgets.
You’ll also have 24/7 customer support and WooCommerce which may come in handy if you’re looking to sell merchandise online.
All in One Migration
This is one of WordPress’s most trusted plugins. The software is very easy to use and was built for users who are not technically savvy.
Some of its features include translating over 50 languages, no host limitation, supports various hosting providers and is compatible with your phone.
If you are new to plugins, all in One Migration is one of the best software’s to get.
Wordfence
Keeping your data safe is of utmost importance. Malicious traffic is everywhere and you’ll need the right tools to stop it.
Wordfence is a firewall type plugin that blocks viruses and malware that can harm your website. The plugin is very hard to bypass compared to other firewalls plugins.
Workfence is highly reliable and its unbreakable encryption will keep your data safe.
RankMath Pro
RankMath Pro is an SEO WordPress plugin that is usually used by established businesses. This is due to its expensive price range.
It will be worth every penny as RankMath is considered one of the best SEO plugins out there. Its features consist of image SEO, local SEO, Woocommerce and video sitemap to name a few.
PixelYourSite Pro
This plugin is used as a tracking tool for WordPress. With PixelYourSite, you can manage your Facebook Pixels or implement Facebook conversion API. PixelYourSite also supports WooCommerce.
On top of that, the pro version will automatically track huge amounts of data for your business. If you are on a tight budget, try opting for the basic version.
TranslatePress Pro
TranslatePress Pro does exactly what the name says. The plugin has an in built automatic translation system that can fully translate your site.
It also allows the user to seamlessly translate their webpage without switching to WordPress’s editor.
Your translated page will also remain forever even after your subscription has expired.
Crocoblock
Crocoblock is used for WordPress websites that has the Elementor page builder installed. It is made up of a collection of tools and templates that allow the user to build their webpage.
The features consist of a menu builder tool, high quality templates, WooCommerce and more features for your Elementor Page builder.
ShortPixel Image Optimizer
Email Marketing
Sending emails can be a tedious task so we’ve listed 2 tools that may help in this scenario.
Active Campaign
Active Campaign is an automation tool that is generally used to reply emails. This software can save you from many hours of sending emails.
Other than its auto responsive feature, Active Campaign has other features such as good customer support, newsletter marketing tool and built in CRM.
There’s also a “conversation” feature which allows you to send a specific message to users browsing your website.
ConvertKit
ConvertKit is an email service provider that is very easy to use. It is considered one of the best email marketing tools.
It has descent paid plans and it offers a variety of sign up forms and landing pages to attract more subscribers.
ConverKit also has an easy to manage auto responding system and a variety of different templates to work with.
SEO Tools
Ahrefs
Many Digital Marketers consider Ahrefs to be one of the more prominent tools. As mentioned above, Ahrefs can help your business rank higher on Google.
The software has a variety of different tools such as link building, keyword research, website monitoring, content explorer and many more. Although it has a very high price range, Ahrefs will be worth every penny.
Shopping Carts
WooCommerce
Many of the applications and software’s above are compatible with WooCommerce. Due to this, we’ve featured the plugin as our sole shopping cart tool.
WooCommerce is an ecommerce plugin that can help you create and manage an online store. It basically lets you adds an e-commerce option to your website.
Its features consist of order tracking, inventory management, customer engagement and many more.
CRO and Analytics
To remain a step ahead of your competitors, you’d need to keep track and analyse the way your customers behave. The following are tools that allow you to do so.
Hotjar
Hotjar is used to analyse your customer’s online behaviour. It can improve user experience by constructing your site based on your customer’s preferences.
There are also feedback tools that allow users to share their opinion. This can ultimately improve your products and conversion rates.
Google Analytics 360 Suite
There are 2 versions of this application; free and enterprise. We’d suggest getting the free version due to the outrageous price tag of the other. The enterprise plan is recommended for big businesses only.
Nevertheless, the free version is still workable as you’d be able to obtain all the stats from your sales.
Productivity
The following are applications and software’s that can help manage pending tasks and distribute information.
Google Workspace
Workspace was created to ensure organizational groups can stay connected. In cases such as the global pandemic, Workspace can maintain work relations even while working from home.
Individuals can have discussions, briefings, brainstorms and many more through Workspace.
Trello
Trello is a collaboration tool that organizes your projects. It can tell you the current status of your project, the different people involved and the tasks they are doing.
Trello is very reliable as it can help you and your team stay on track.
Slack
This is a messaging app that allows people to better communicate and work with one another. It was designed with the idea of helping people connect more easily.
A special feature of the app are its “channels” which connect people based on the information they are seeking.
CloudApp
Cloudapp is a cross platform application that also has online storage and sharing. Its main attribute are its screen recording features that can capture HD videos and screenshots.
This allows team members and co-workers to communicate and share content better.
Jarvis.ai
Finding a more efficient way to create content? Jarvis.ai is an AI driven copywriting tool that can help create basic content.
Jarvis.ai works automatically by gathering existing content and reconstructing it into something new.
References
https://www.authorityhacker.com/online-marketing-tools/
https://digitalagencynetwork.com/tools/digital-marketing/
https://sproutsocial.com/insights/digital-marketing-tools/
https://www.begindot.com/best-digital-marketing-tools/
https://neilpatel.com/blog/online-marketing-tools-start-business/
https://blog.bit.ai/digital-marketing-tools/
https://www.wpbeginner.com/glossary/plugin/
https://www.wpbeginner.com/showcase/best-email-marketing-services/
https://powerdigitalmarketing.com/blog/cro-meaning-in-digital-marketing/#gref
