For small businesses, marketing can feel overwhelming with limited budgets, fewer resources, and stiff competition from bigger brands. The good news? The best marketing tools for small businesses can level the playing field by automating processes, improving engagement, and delivering data-driven insights.
According to a recent survey by HubSpot, 61% of marketers cite generating traffic and leads as their top challenge, making it essential to leverage technology that simplifies this process and drives results
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 25 of the top marketing tools for small businesses, breaking down their key features, pricing models, and the unique benefits they offer.
See also: Marketing Tips for New Entrepreneurs To Boost Their Business
Key Takeaways
- Marketing enables small businesses to compete online by boosting search visibility and building brand authority.
- Tools for email automation, content creation, SEO, and social media simplify operations and foster scalable growth.
- When choosing the best marketing tools for small businesses, affordability and scalability should be top priorities.
- Select a well-rounded toolstack aligned with your marketing goals, technical skills, and team capacity.
25 Best Marketing Tools for Small Businesses
Finding the best marketing tools for small businesses is essential to stay competitive in today’s digital landscape.
These tools help automate tasks, improve online visibility, and drive customer engagement, all while keeping costs manageable and ensuring scalability for growth.
Below are some of the top marketing tools for small businesses to grow their operations today.
1. HubSpot
HubSpot is an all-in-one marketing, sales, and customer relationship management (CRM) platform designed to help businesses attract leads, engage customers, and grow their brand.
It is particularly popular among small businesses for its free CRM, intuitive interface, and scalable marketing solutions.
Key Features of HubSpot
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Free CRM | Comprehensive CRM system for managing contacts, deals, and customer interactions. |
| Marketing Hub | Tools for email marketing, landing pages, and marketing automation. |
| SEO and Content Tools | SEO recommendations, content strategy, and blog optimisation. |
| Social Media Management | Scheduling, monitoring, and reporting across multiple social platforms. |
| Analytics and Reporting | Detailed dashboards for campaign performance, traffic, and lead tracking. |
| Automation Workflows | Automated email sequences, lead nurturing, and customer engagement workflows. |
| Integrations | Connects with over 1,000 apps, including Salesforce, Zapier, and WordPress. |
Pricing of HubSpot
| Plan | Price |
| Free | $0/month |
| Starter | $9/month |
| Professional | $800/month |
| Enterprise | $3,600/month |
Pros and Cons of HubSpot
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free CRM with generous features for small businesses. | Advanced features like Marketing Hub Pro and Enterprise can be expensive. |
| Intuitive, user-friendly interface suitable for beginners. | Steep learning curve for some advanced automation features. |
| Powerful marketing automation for lead generation and nurturing. | Limited customisation options in lower-tier plans. |
| Strong analytics and reporting for informed decision-making. | Add-ons (like advanced reporting or CMS) can significantly increase costs. |
| Excellent customer support and extensive knowledge base. | Some features are locked behind higher pricing tiers, limiting smaller budgets. |
| Seamless integration with popular apps for smooth workflows. | Email marketing functionality has restrictions on the free plan (e.g., contact limits). |
2. Mailchimp
Mailchimp is one of the most popular email marketing platforms for small businesses, offering a mix of affordability, ease of use, and powerful automation features.
It helps businesses create, send, and analyse marketing emails, manage customer data, and run multichannel campaigns, all from a single dashboard.
Key Features of Mailchimp
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Email Campaign Builder | Drag-and-drop email editor for creating professional campaigns quickly. |
| Automation Workflows | Pre-built and custom automation for onboarding, abandoned carts, and follow-ups. |
| Audience Management | Tools for segmenting and targeting customers effectively. |
| A/B Testing | Test subject lines, content, and send times for improved performance. |
| Analytics & Reporting | Detailed reports on open rates, clicks, and conversions. |
| Multichannel Marketing | SMS, social media ads, and postcards are integrated within campaigns. |
| E-commerce Integrations | Sync with Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce for automated email triggers. |
Pricing of Mailchimp
| Plan | Price |
| Free | $0/month |
| Essentials | $13/month |
| Standard | $20/month |
| Premium | $350/month |
Pros and Cons of Mailchimp
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free plan with up to 500 contacts, ideal for startups. | Pricing increases significantly as the contact list grows. |
| User-friendly interface and drag-and-drop email builder. | Limited advanced automation compared to competitors like ActiveCampaign. |
| Strong audience segmentation and A/B testing tools. | Advanced analytics and reporting are locked behind higher-tier plans. |
| Supports multichannel campaigns, including social ads and SMS. | Customer support options are limited for free users. |
| Seamless integration with major e-commerce platforms. | Template customisation can feel restrictive for some businesses. |
3. Ahrefs
Ahrefs is a leading SEO toolset trusted by marketers and businesses worldwide for keyword research, backlink analysis, and competitive insights.
It helps small businesses improve their search rankings, monitor competitors, and optimise content strategies for better visibility.
Known for its accurate data and comprehensive features, Ahrefs is a powerhouse for any business serious about SEO.
Key Features of Ahrefs
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Site Explorer | Analyse any website’s backlinks, organic traffic, and top-performing pages. |
| Keywords Explorer | Research keywords for 10+ search engines, including Google, YouTube, and Amazon. |
| Site Audit | Comprehensive technical SEO audits to identify and fix issues. |
| Rank Tracker | Monitor keyword rankings over time across multiple locations. |
| Content Explorer | Find high-performing content ideas based on engagement and backlink metrics. |
| Backlink Checker | Identify new, lost, and broken backlinks to build a strong link profile. |
| Competitive Analysis | Discover competitors’ keyword strategies and traffic sources. |
Pricing of Ahrefs
| Plan | Price |
| Lite | $129/month |
| Standard | $249/month |
| Advanced | $449/month |
| Enterprise | $1,499/month |
Pros and Cons of Ahrefs
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Industry-leading backlink database for detailed analysis. | Higher pricing compared to beginner SEO tools like Ubersuggest. |
| Accurate keyword and traffic data across multiple search engines. | No free plan; only a 7-day trial for a small fee. |
| Excellent competitor analysis to uncover content gaps. | It can feel overwhelming for beginners due to feature depth. |
| Strong site audit tool for identifying technical SEO issues. | Lacks integrated PPC data compared to SEMrush. |
| Intuitive interface and responsive support team. | Limited number of users per plan; additional users require an extra cost. |
4. Buffer
Buffer is a popular social media management tool that helps small businesses schedule, publish, and analyse posts across multiple platforms.
It is designed for simplicity, making it an excellent choice for small teams and solo entrepreneurs who want to maintain an active online presence without spending hours daily on social media.
Key Features of Buffer
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Post Scheduling | Schedule posts in advance for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more. |
| Social Media Calendar | Visual calendar to plan and manage content strategies effectively. |
| Analytics & Insights | Performance metrics on engagement, reach, and clicks for each post. |
| Team Collaboration | Assign roles and permissions for a smooth workflow in multi-user teams. |
| Hashtag & Comment Management | Monitor and respond to comments across platforms from one dashboard. |
| Integrations | Works with tools like Canva and Google Drive for easy content sharing. |
| AI-Assisted Posting Times | Suggests optimal posting times for maximum engagement. |
Pricing of Buffer
| Plan | Price |
| Free | $0/month |
| Essentials | $6/month |
| Team | $12/month |
| Agency | $120/month |
Pros and Cons of Buffer
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple, clean interface ideal for beginners and small businesses. | Limited advanced features compared to tools like Hootsuite or Sprout Social. |
| Affordable plans with a generous free tier for basic scheduling. | Analytics on the free plan are minimal; advanced reports require paid plans. |
| Strong integrations with other marketing tools like Canva for an easy design workflow. | No in-app social listening or advanced audience insights. |
| Offers optimal posting time suggestions for better engagement. | Lacks robust automation features (e.g., bulk scheduling) unless using third-party add-ons. |
| Reliable and responsive customer support with an extensive knowledge base. | Limited multi-platform ad management compared to full-scale social media suites. |
5. SEMrush
SEMrush is an all-in-one digital marketing toolkit designed for SEO, PPC, content marketing, and competitive research.
It is a go-to solution for small businesses aiming to improve search visibility, track competitors, and optimise campaigns for better ROI. Its robust features make it one of the most comprehensive tools in the marketing space.
Key Features of SEMrush
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Keyword Research Tool | Discover high-performing keywords with search volume, CPC, and competition data. |
| Domain Overview | Analyse competitor domains for traffic, backlinks, and ranking insights. |
| Site Audit | Identify technical SEO issues and get actionable fixes. |
| Position Tracking | Track keyword rankings across multiple locations and devices. |
| Content Marketing Toolkit | Optimise blogs and content strategy with topic research and SEO templates. |
| PPC Advertising Tools | Plan and monitor paid campaigns with ad insights and competitive benchmarks. |
| Social Media Management | Schedule posts and analyse engagement across major platforms. |
| Reporting and Dashboards | Customisable reports for clients and internal teams. |
Pricing of SEMrush
| Plan | Price |
| Pro | $139.95/month |
| Guru | $249.95/month |
| Business | $499.95/month |
Pros and Cons of SEMrush
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| One-stop platform for SEO, PPC, content, and social media management. | Pricing can be high for small businesses with limited budgets. |
| Extensive keyword and competitive analysis tools for strategic decision-making. | The interface can feel overwhelming for beginners due to the number of features. |
| Accurate site audits with actionable recommendations. | Limited functionality in the free plan; essential tools require a premium subscription. |
| Strong integration with Google tools and third-party apps. | Daily data updates may not be sufficient for businesses needing real-time analytics. |
| Offers white-label reporting, ideal for agencies serving small businesses. | Some advanced features like historical data are locked in higher-tier plans. |
6. Zoho CRM
Zoho CRM is a cloud-based customer relationship management platform designed to help small businesses manage leads, automate workflows, and improve customer engagement.
Known for its affordability and scalability, Zoho CRM provides marketing, sales, and support features in one unified platform, making it a strong choice for small businesses looking to streamline operations without breaking the bank.
Key Features of Zoho CRM
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Lead and Contact Management | Track leads, deals, and customer details in one place for better organisation. |
| Workflow Automation | Automate repetitive tasks such as follow-ups and email notifications. |
| Email Marketing Integration | Create and send campaigns, track open rates, and manage responses. |
| Sales Pipeline Management | Visual dashboards to monitor deals and sales progress at every stage. |
| AI-Powered Analytics (Zia) | Predictive insights for sales and customer engagement using AI. |
| Multichannel Communication | Manage calls, emails, and social media interactions directly from the platform. |
| Third-Party Integrations | Connects with tools like Mailchimp, Google Workspace, and Slack. |
Pricing of Zoho CRM
| Plan | Price |
| Free | $0/month |
| Standard | $14month |
| Professional | $23/month |
| Enterprise | $40/month |
| Ultimate | $52/month |
Pros and Cons of Zoho CRM
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable pricing plans make it ideal for small businesses and startups. | Advanced automation and analytics require higher-tier plans. |
| AI-powered insights (Zia) help optimise customer engagement and predict trends. | Interface can be complex for beginners compared to simpler CRMs. |
| Strong customisation options for fields, workflows, and reports. | Customer support on the basic plan is limited; priority support costs extra. |
| Integrates with a wide range of marketing and productivity tools. | Some users report slower performance with large data volumes. |
| The mobile app allows access to CRM features on the go. | Limited native marketing automation compared to HubSpot or ActiveCampaign. |
7. Hootsuite
Hootsuite is one of the most established social media management platforms, designed to help businesses manage multiple social networks from a single dashboard.
It is a favourite among small businesses for its robust scheduling, monitoring, and analytics capabilities, making it easier to stay active online and track engagement without being overwhelmed.
Key Features of Hootsuite
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Multi-Platform Scheduling | Schedule and publish posts across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more. |
| Social Listening | Monitor brand mentions, keywords, and trends to stay ahead of conversations. |
| Analytics & Reporting | Get in-depth insights on social media performance, engagement, and ROI. |
| Team Collaboration Tools | Assign roles, approve content, and manage teams effectively. |
| Advertising Integration | Manage and track social media ad campaigns from the same dashboard. |
| Content Curation | Discover and share relevant content easily to keep your audience engaged. |
| App Integrations | Connect with over 150 apps, including Canva, Google Drive, and Slack. |
Pricing of Hootsuite
| Plan | Price |
| Professional | $149/month |
| Team | $249/month |
| Enterprise | Custom |
Pros and Cons of Hootsuite
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive platform for scheduling, monitoring, and reporting across all major social networks. | Pricing can be steep for very small businesses or solo entrepreneurs. |
| Strong analytics with custom reporting options for data-driven decisions. | The free plan is very limited and lacks advanced features. |
| Social listening helps track trends and monitor brand reputation. | Steeper learning curve compared to simpler tools like Buffer. |
| Supports paid ad campaign management within the dashboard. | Some integrations and advanced reports require extra add-ons, increasing the cost. |
| Offers team collaboration features for multi-user environments. | The mobile app can be less intuitive than the desktop version. |
8. Google Analytics 4
Google Analytics 4 is the latest version of Google’s web analytics platform, designed to help businesses track user behaviour across websites and apps.
For small businesses, GA4 is essential for understanding customer journeys, measuring marketing performance, and making data-driven decisions, all for free.
Key Features of Google Analytics 4
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event-Based Tracking | Tracks specific user actions for more accurate and flexible insights. |
| Cross-Platform Analytics | Monitors behaviour across websites and apps in a single property. |
| Enhanced Measurement | Automatically tracks key interactions like scrolls, clicks, and video views. |
| Custom Reports | Build detailed reports based on specific business goals. |
| Predictive Metrics | AI-powered predictions for churn probability and potential revenue. |
| Integration with Google Ads | Seamless link with Google Ads for campaign performance analysis. |
| Privacy & Compliance Features | Built-in tools to support GDPR and CCPA compliance. |
Pricing of Google Analytics 4
| Plan | Price |
| Free | $0/month |
| Anakytics 360 | $50,000/year |
Pros and Cons of Google Analytics 4
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Completely free, making it ideal for small businesses. | Learning curve can be steep for beginners, especially if migrating from Universal Analytics. |
| Provides real-time and event-based tracking for deeper insights. | Requires manual setup for advanced tracking beyond default events. |
| Predictive analytics helps forecast customer behaviour and conversions. | Lacks some historical data continuity when switching from previous Google Analytics versions. |
| Strong integration with Google Ads for better ad performance tracking. | The interface can feel complex for non-technical users. |
| Privacy-focused features to comply with global data regulations. | Customisation options can be overwhelming for first-time users. |
9. ConvertKit
ConvertKit is an email marketing platform designed primarily for creators, solopreneurs, and small businesses that rely on audience engagement and content-driven growth.
It focuses on simplicity and automation, making it easy to nurture subscribers, sell digital products, and build lasting customer relationships without complex workflows.
Key Features of ConvertKit
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Email Automation | Build automated sequences for subscriber onboarding and sales funnels. |
| Landing Pages & Forms | Create high-converting landing pages and opt-in forms without coding. |
| Visual Automation Builder | Drag-and-drop interface to design personalised email journeys. |
| Tagging & Segmentation | Segment your audience for targeted campaigns and better engagement. |
| E-commerce Integration | Sell digital products, memberships, and subscriptions directly from the platform. |
| Broadcast Emails | Send one-time newsletters or announcements to your entire list. |
| Analytics Dashboard | Monitor open rates, click-through rates, and subscriber growth in real time. |
Pricing of ConvertKit
| Plan | Price |
| Free | $0/month |
| Creator | $9/month |
| Creator Pro | $25/month |
Pros and Cons of ConvertKit
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly platform ideal for creators and small businesses. | Limited advanced features for businesses that need complex workflows. |
| Excellent email deliverability ensures campaigns reach subscribers’ inboxes. | Basic design options. It has fewer templates compared to tools like Mailchimp or Moosend. |
| Strong automation builder with an easy visual interface. | Pricing increases quickly as your subscriber base grows. |
| Ability to sell digital products and subscriptions natively. | No free plan (only a 14-day free trial); ongoing costs can be high for startups. |
| Good integrations with platforms like Shopify, Teachable, and WordPress. | Lacks built-in advanced analytics compared to competitors like ActiveCampaign. |
10. Pipedrive
Pipedrive is a sales-focused CRM platform designed to help small businesses manage leads, track deals, and optimise their sales pipelines.
Its intuitive interface and automation capabilities make it an excellent choice for small teams that need simplicity without sacrificing functionality.
Key Features of Pipedrive
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Visual Sales Pipeline | Drag-and-drop interface to manage deals at every stage. |
| Lead Management | Organise, prioritise, and track leads with custom fields and filters. |
| Email Integration | Sync emails and track communications directly within the CRM. |
| Activity Scheduling | Set reminders for calls, emails, and meetings to stay on top of tasks. |
| Automation Workflows | Automate repetitive tasks like follow-ups and lead assignment. |
| Customisable Dashboards | Get insights into team performance and sales metrics. |
| App Marketplace | Connect with tools like Mailchimp, Zoom, and Trello for extended functionality. |
Pricing of Pipedrive
| Plan | Price |
| Essential | $34.90/month |
| Advanced | $59.90month |
| Professional | $74.90/month |
| Enterprise | $94.900/month |
Pros and Cons of Pipedrive
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| User-friendly and highly visual interface perfect for small businesses and sales teams. | Limited built-in marketing automation features compared to HubSpot or ActiveCampaign. |
| Affordable pricing plans that scale with business needs. | Basic reporting in lower-tier plans; advanced analytics require higher-tier subscriptions. |
| Strong integration with popular tools for email marketing and project management. | No free plan, only a trial period is available. |
| Excellent mobile app for managing sales on the go. | Lacks advanced features for businesses needing deep marketing and customer engagement tools. |
| Automation options help reduce manual work and save time. | Customisation options for workflows may require some technical knowledge. |
See also: 5 Inexpensive Digital Marketing Channels for Small Businesses
11. Surfer SEO
Surfer SEO is an AI-powered content optimisation tool that helps businesses and marketers create SEO-friendly content based on data-driven recommendations.
It analyses top-ranking pages for a target keyword and provides actionable insights on structure, keywords, and content length, making it a favourite for small businesses aiming to rank higher on Google.
Key Features of Surfer SEO
| Feature | Description |
| Content Editor | Real-time optimisation score for SEO articles |
| SERP Analysis | Understand what works on Google’s top 10 |
| Keyword Research | Suggests clusters and topical relevance |
| Outline Generator | Auto-builds article structures for ranking |
| Audit Tool | Shows technical gaps in existing content |
Pricing of Surfer SEO
| Plan | Price |
| Essential | $79/month |
| Scale | $175/month |
| Enterprise | Custom |
Pros and Cons of Surfer SEO
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Data-driven recommendations to help content rank better. | It can be expensive for freelancers or very small businesses on tight budgets. |
| Real-time optimisation makes it easy to create SEO-friendly articles. | Keyword recommendations can feel repetitive without manual adjustment. |
| Strong competitor analysis with SERP insights. | Requires integration with tools like Grammarly for full content polishing. |
| Great for creating topic clusters and improving on-page SEO. | Steeper learning curve for beginners who are new to SEO optimisation. |
| Integration with Google Docs and WordPress for a smooth workflow. | Limited functionality outside of on-page optimisation (no backlink analysis or outreach tools). |
12. GetResponse
GetResponse is an all-in-one marketing platform tailored for small businesses seeking to combine email marketing with automation, landing pages, and webinars.
It is particularly popular for its powerful automation workflows and integrated webinar hosting, making it a great tool for businesses that rely on email campaigns and online events to nurture leads.
Key Features of GetResponse
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Email Marketing | Create and send professional emails with a drag-and-drop editor. |
| Marketing Automation | Build advanced workflows for personalised campaigns and lead nurturing. |
| Webinar Hosting | Host live webinars directly on the platform for lead generation. |
| Landing Page Builder | Design high-converting landing pages without coding. |
| Conversion Funnels | Pre-built funnels to streamline lead capture and sales. |
| E-commerce Integrations | Integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento for e-commerce marketing. |
| Analytics & Reporting | Track performance with detailed insights on engagement and conversions. |
Pricing of GetResponse
| Plan | Price |
| Free | $0 |
| Starter | $19/month |
| Marketer | $59/month |
| Creator | $69/month |
Pros and Cons of GetResponse
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable all-in-one solution for email, automation, and webinars. | The free plan is very limited and lacks key features like automation. |
| Advanced automation builder ideal for nurturing leads and segmenting audiences. | The interface can feel overwhelming for beginners due to multiple features. |
| Built-in webinar functionality saves cost on separate webinar software. | Higher-tier plans are required for features like advanced automation and webinar hosting. |
| Strong e-commerce integrations to support online stores. | Limited third-party integrations compared to tools like HubSpot or ActiveCampaign. |
| Pre-built funnels make it easy to launch campaigns quickly. | Reporting features could be more advanced for in-depth analytics. |
13. Moosend
Moosend is a cost-effective email marketing and automation platform designed for small businesses and startups.
It combines intuitive email campaign tools with powerful automation features, making it easy for businesses to create personalised customer journeys without the hefty price tag of enterprise solutions.
Key Features of Moosend
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Drag-and-Drop Email Editor | Build professional email campaigns with an easy-to-use editor. |
| Marketing Automation Workflows | Automate campaigns with triggers, conditions, and actions for personalised experiences. |
| Personalisation & Segmentation | Create highly targeted campaigns using dynamic content and segmentation. |
| Landing Page Builder | Design conversion-focused landing pages with no coding skills required. |
| Advanced Reporting & Analytics | Track campaign performance, conversions, and subscriber activity. |
| E-commerce Integrations | Integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento for automated product emails. |
| AI Product Recommendations | Suggest relevant products to customers using AI-driven recommendations. |
Pricing of Moosend
| Plan | Price |
| Free Trial | 30 days |
| Pro | $9/month |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing |
Pros and Cons of Moosend
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable pricing plans make it ideal for small businesses and startups. | Limited third-party integrations compared to platforms like Mailchimp or HubSpot. |
| Advanced automation workflows are available even on lower-tier plans. | Does not offer as many pre-built templates as competitors like Mailchimp. |
| Easy-to-use drag-and-drop editor suitable for beginners. | Reporting features are less detailed compared to premium tools like ActiveCampaign. |
| Excellent personalisation options to improve customer engagement. | No built-in SMS marketing feature. It requires external integrations. |
| Strong e-commerce features, including AI product recommendations. | Webinar hosting and all-in-one marketing tools are not available; it is focused primarily on email. |
14. BuzzSumo
BuzzSumo is a powerful content research and social listening tool that helps small businesses discover trending topics, analyse competitors, and identify influencers.
It is widely used for content strategy planning, influencer outreach, and monitoring brand performance across digital platforms.
Key Features of BuzzSumo
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Content Discovery | Find trending topics and high-performing content ideas across various niches. |
| Competitor Analysis | Analyse competitors’ top-performing content and backlink profiles. |
| Influencer Identification | Discover and connect with influencers in your industry for collaborations. |
| Content Alerts | Receive alerts for mentions of your brand, keywords, or competitors. |
| Engagement Metrics | Analyse engagement across Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other platforms. |
| Backlink Tracking | Monitor backlinks to your content and competitors’ sites. |
| API Access | Integrate BuzzSumo data into your custom workflows. |
Pricing of BuzzSumo
| Plan | Price |
| Basic | $0 |
| Content Creation | $199/month |
| PR & Comms | $299/month |
| Enterprise | $999/month |
| Suite | $499/month |
Pros and Cons of BuzzSumo
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent for content research and trend identification. | It can be expensive for small businesses with limited budgets. |
| Influencer discovery tool helps with outreach and partnerships. | Limited free version with very restricted features. |
| Provides real-time content alerts for reputation management. | Social listening is basic compared to specialised tools like Sprout Social. |
| Easy-to-use interface with powerful filtering options. | Backlink analysis is not as comprehensive as dedicated SEO tools like Ahrefs. |
| Helps optimise content strategy for higher engagement and reach. | Advanced features (like API access) are only available in higher-priced plans. |
15. Unbounce
Unbounce is a leading landing page builder designed to help small businesses create high-converting landing pages without coding. It focuses on boosting conversions through AI-driven tools, A/B testing, and dynamic content.
For businesses running paid campaigns or lead generation strategies, Unbounce offers powerful optimisation features that deliver measurable results.
Key Features of Unbounce
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Drag-and-Drop Landing Page Builder | Build professional, responsive pages without coding knowledge. |
| Smart Builder (AI-Powered) | Uses AI to generate layouts and optimise designs for higher conversions. |
| Conversion Intelligence (Smart Traffic) | An AI-driven tool that automatically routes visitors to the most relevant page. |
| A/B Testing | Test different page versions to improve performance. |
| Pop-Ups and Sticky Bars | Add lead capture forms and promotions to boost engagement. |
| Dynamic Text Replacement | Personalise landing pages for different audiences to increase relevance. |
| Integrations | Connect with tools like HubSpot, Zapier, Mailchimp, and Google Analytics. |
Pricing of Unbounce
| Plan | Price |
| Build | $99/month |
| Experiment | $149/month |
| Optimise | $249/month |
| Concierge | $649/month |
Pros and Cons of Unbounce
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly customisable landing pages with AI optimisation tools. | Pricing is relatively high compared to simpler landing page builders. |
| Smart Traffic feature helps maximise conversions automatically. | Learning curve for beginners unfamiliar with conversion optimisation. |
| Built-in A/B testing for data-driven design decisions. | Limited focus on email or CRM; mostly landing page–oriented. |
| Strong integrations with marketing and analytics platforms. | Plans come with traffic limits, which can be restrictive for growing businesses. |
| Excellent option for businesses running PPC and social ad campaigns. | No free plan; only a 14-day free trial available. |
16. Loomly
Loomly is a social media management and content planning platform designed to help small businesses streamline their social media workflows.
It simplifies content creation, scheduling, and collaboration, making it an excellent choice for businesses that want to maintain a consistent online presence without complexity.
Key Features of Loomly
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Content Calendar | Organise and plan posts across multiple social media channels. |
| Post Ideas & Inspiration | Provides trending topics and suggestions to inspire your content. |
| Scheduling & Publishing | Schedule posts in advance for Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and more. |
| Approval Workflow | Collaborate with team members by setting approval steps for content. |
| Advanced Analytics | Track engagement, reach, and performance metrics to optimise campaigns. |
| Post Mockups | Preview posts before publishing to ensure quality and branding consistency. |
| Integrations | Connect with tools like Buffer, Zapier, and Google Drive for a smooth workflow. |
Pricing of Loomly
| Plan | Price |
| Base | $32/month |
| Advanced | $131/month |
| Standard | $60/month |
| Premium | $277/month |
Pros and Cons of Loomly
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Intuitive and clean interface suitable for beginners and small teams. | Limited advanced features compared to Hootsuite or Sprout Social. |
| Affordable pricing plans starting at budget-friendly rates. | No built-in social listening or deep competitor analysis features. |
| Post ideas and mockups help streamline content planning. | Analytics are basic unless you upgrade to higher plans. |
| Approval workflows make it ideal for small teams managing multiple accounts. | Limited support for platforms like TikTok and Pinterest compared to competitors. |
| Supports integrations to expand functionality with other marketing tools. | No direct influencer management or outreach tools. |
17. Poptin
Poptin is a lead generation and conversion optimisation tool that helps small businesses capture more leads using pop-ups, forms, and widgets.
It is a user-friendly platform designed to boost engagement and reduce bounce rates, making it ideal for businesses focused on increasing sign-ups and conversions without technical complexity.
Key Features of Poptin
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Drag-and-Drop Builder | Create pop-ups and forms without coding knowledge. |
| Exit-Intent Technology | Display pop-ups when users are about to leave your website. |
| Advanced Targeting Rules | Show personalised pop-ups based on behaviour, location, or device. |
| A/B Testing | Compare different pop-up versions to improve conversion rates. |
| Integrations | Connect with CRM and email tools like HubSpot, Mailchimp, and Zapier. |
| Analytics Dashboard | Track performance metrics like views, clicks, and conversions. |
| Responsive Design | Pop-ups and forms optimised for mobile and desktop devices. |
Pricing of Poptin
| Plan | Price |
| Free | $0/month |
| Basic | $25/month |
| Pro | $59/month |
| Agency | $119/month |
Pros and Cons of Poptin
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy-to-use interface with a simple drag-and-drop builder for quick setup. | Free plan has limited display options and branding. |
| Advanced targeting and triggers improve lead quality and user engagement. | Limited design customisation compared to premium tools. |
| A/B testing feature helps optimise conversion performance. | Reporting features are basic and may not meet advanced analytical needs. |
| Integrates seamlessly with popular CRMs and email marketing platforms. | Heavy reliance on pop-ups can negatively impact user experience if overused. |
| Exit-intent pop-ups effectively reduce bounce rates and recover abandoning visitors. | Limited pre-built templates compared to competitors like OptinMonster. |
18. Constant Contact
Constant Contact is an easy-to-use email marketing and digital marketing platform tailored for small businesses.
It provides powerful tools for creating professional email campaigns, building websites, and running social ads, all from a single platform. With strong automation and reporting features, i is a favourite among businesses seeking simplicity and reliability.
Key Features of Constant Contact
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Drag-and-Drop Email Builder | Create attractive, responsive email campaigns without coding skills. |
| Marketing Automation | Automate welcome emails, follow-ups, and drip campaigns to nurture leads. |
| Social Media Posting & Ads | Schedule posts and manage ads for Facebook and Instagram from the dashboard. |
| Contact Management | Import, organise, and segment contact lists easily for targeted campaigns. |
| A/B Testing | Test subject lines and email content for improved performance. |
| E-commerce Integrations | Integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce for store marketing. |
| Real-Time Reporting | Get insights on email performance, engagement rates, and conversions. |
Pricing of Constant Contact
| Plan | Price |
| Lite | $12/month |
| Standard | $35/month |
| Premium | $80/month |
| Custom Plan | Available |
Pros and Cons of Constant Contact
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely user-friendly, ideal for beginners and small businesses. | Automation features are more basic compared to platforms like ActiveCampaign. |
| Excellent customer support with live chat and onboarding assistance. | Pricing can increase as contact lists grow. |
| Includes social media posting and ad management alongside email marketing. | Limited advanced customisation for landing pages and email templates. |
| Integrates with e-commerce platforms for seamless marketing campaigns. | No free plan, only a 60-day trial (U.S. only), which may deter international users. |
| Reliable deliverability and simple reporting tools for quick insights. | Lacks advanced segmentation and predictive analytics found in higher-end tools. |
19. Missinglettr
Missinglettr is a social media automation platform designed to help small businesses repurpose blog content into engaging social posts.
It creates drip campaigns from your content, automating distribution across multiple platforms to increase reach and engagement without requiring daily manual effort.
Key Features of Missinglettr
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Automated Drip Campaigns | Turns blog posts into year-long social media campaigns with scheduled posts. |
| Content Curation | Discover and share trending third-party content to keep feeds active. |
| Social Media Scheduling | Schedule posts across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. |
| Hashtag Recommendations | Suggests relevant hashtags for better reach and engagement. |
| Analytics Dashboard | Track campaign performance and optimise engagement strategies. |
| Integrations | Works with tools like Medium and WordPress for easy content import. |
| Branded Templates | Customise post templates to align with brand style and tone. |
Pricing of Missinglettr
| Plan | Price |
| Free | $0/month |
| Solo | $15/month |
| Pro | $47/month |
| Agency | $147/month |
Pros and Cons of Missinglettr
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great for automating content repurposing and maintaining consistent social media activity. | Limited social listening and engagement features compared to full-suite platforms like Hootsuite. |
| Saves time by turning existing content into automated campaigns. | Customisation options for generated posts are limited without manual adjustments. |
| Affordable pricing, making it suitable for small businesses and bloggers. | Advanced analytics and team collaboration tools require higher-tier plans. |
| Provides useful hashtag recommendations and branding options. | Does not support as many social platforms as competitors like Buffer or Loomly. |
| Simple setup process with minimal technical knowledge required. | Not ideal for businesses without a strong content pipeline. It relies heavily on existing blog posts. |
20. Zoho Campaigns
Zoho Campaigns is an affordable email marketing platform built for small businesses to create, send, and track personalised email campaigns.
As part of the Zoho ecosystem, it integrates seamlessly with Zoho CRM and other Zoho tools, making it a great choice for businesses already using Zoho products.
Key Features of Zoho Campaigns
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Drag-and-Drop Email Editor | Easily create attractive, mobile-responsive email campaigns. |
| Automation Workflows | Set up automated email sequences for onboarding, follow-ups, and promotions. |
| A/B Testing | Test subject lines and content for improved engagement and conversions. |
| Dynamic Content | Personalise campaigns with customised content for different audience segments. |
| List Segmentation | Organise and target subscribers based on behaviour, location, or engagement. |
| Analytics & Reporting | Real-time insights on campaign performance, open rates, and click-through rates. |
| Integrations | Connects with Zoho CRM, Google Workspace, and third-party apps like Zapier. |
Pricing of Zoho Campaigns
| Plan | Price |
| Free | $0/month |
| Pay as you go | $14/month |
| Standard | $3/month |
| Professional | $4.50/month |
| Agency | $583/month |
Pros and Cons of Zoho Campaigns
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Budget-friendly plans make it perfect for small businesses and startups. | Template library is limited compared to competitors like Mailchimp. |
| Strong integration with Zoho CRM for seamless contact management. | Automation workflows are less advanced than those offered by ActiveCampaign or GetResponse. |
| Offers personalisation and segmentation for targeted email campaigns. | Reporting features are basic compared to premium email marketing tools. |
| GDPR-compliant features to ensure email privacy and compliance. | Customer support options on lower-tier plans are limited. |
| Simple interface and ease of use for beginners. | Lacks advanced features like AI-driven recommendations available in high-end platforms. |
21. Ubersuggest
Ubersuggest is an affordable SEO and keyword research tool created by Neil Patel, designed to help small businesses boost their online visibility.
It provides insights into keyword performance, competitor analysis, backlink opportunities, and site health, all in an easy-to-use platform ideal for beginners and small business owners.
Key Features of Ubersuggest
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Keyword Research | Find profitable keywords with search volume, CPC, and competition analysis. |
| Site Audit Tool | Analyse your website for technical SEO issues and improvement opportunities. |
| Competitive Analysis | See what keywords and backlinks your competitors are ranking for. |
| Backlink Data | Discover backlink sources and identify link-building opportunities. |
| Content Ideas | Get content topic suggestions based on trending keywords and user intent. |
| Rank Tracking | Monitor your keyword positions across search engines over time. |
| SEO Chrome Extension | View keyword data and SEO metrics directly in search results. |
Pricing of Ubersuggest
| Plan | Price |
| Free | $0/month |
| Individual | $29/month |
| Business | $49/month |
| Enterprise | $99/month |
Pros and Cons of Ubersuggest
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely affordable compared to premium SEO tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush. | Data accuracy and depth may not match higher-end SEO platforms. |
| Simple and beginner-friendly interface, ideal for small businesses and freelancers. | Daily search limits on the free plan can be restrictive. |
| Includes a Chrome extension for quick SEO checks while browsing. | Backlink database is smaller than competitors, limiting advanced link-building strategies. |
| Provides valuable content ideas and keyword clusters for blog strategy. | Limited advanced reporting and integration options compared to premium SEO suites. |
| Lifetime pricing options available, making it cost-effective in the long run. | Lacks PPC campaign analysis and some technical SEO features available in SEMrush. |
22. SocialBee
SocialBee is a social media management platform designed for small businesses that want to streamline content scheduling, categorisation, and audience engagement.
Its focus on content organisation and evergreen posting makes it a great choice for businesses looking to maintain a consistent presence without spending hours daily on social media.
Key Features of SocialBee
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Content Categorisation | Organise posts into categories for balanced and strategic publishing. |
| Evergreen Posting | Recycle high-performing posts automatically to maximise reach and engagement. |
| Post Scheduling | Plan and schedule posts across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more. |
| Analytics & Reporting | Track engagement, clicks, and performance for each content category. |
| Team Collaboration | Assign roles and permissions for team-based content management. |
| URL Shortener & Tracking | Built-in link tracking for better campaign performance monitoring. |
| Third-Party Integrations | Connect with tools like Canva, Zapier, and Buffer for expanded functionality. |
Pricing of SocialBee
| Plan | Price |
| Bootstrap | $29/month |
| Accelerate | $49/month |
| Pro | $99/month |
| Pro50 | $179/month |
| Pro100 and 150 | $328-449/month |
Pros and Cons of SocialBee
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent for businesses wanting structured social media strategies via categorisation. | Free plan not available; only paid options after a short trial. |
| Evergreen posting feature saves time and keeps social accounts active with minimal effort. | Limited advanced analytics compared to premium tools like Hootsuite or Sprout Social. |
| Affordable pricing plans suitable for small businesses and solopreneurs. | Does not include built-in social listening or influencer identification tools. |
| Integrates with Canva and other tools for a smooth content creation workflow. | Learning curve for beginners unfamiliar with content categorisation strategy. |
| Reliable customer support and extensive onboarding materials. | Limited ad management capabilities for social media campaigns. |
23. Outfunnel
Outfunnel is a marketing automation tool built for seamless integration between sales and marketing.
It connects CRMs like Pipedrive, HubSpot, and Copper with email marketing platforms, ensuring your sales data and marketing activities work in perfect sync.
For small businesses, it simplifies lead nurturing and enhances revenue-focused campaigns without complex setups.
Key Features of Outfunnel
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| CRM Integration | Syncs with CRMs like Pipedrive and HubSpot to unify sales and marketing data. |
| Email Campaign Automation | Automates personalised email campaigns triggered by CRM activities. |
| Lead Scoring | Assigns scores to leads based on engagement and behaviours for better targeting. |
| Website Tracking | Tracks visitor behaviour to identify hot leads and improve follow-up strategies. |
| Event Tracking | Monitors interactions like clicks and form submissions for accurate lead insights. |
| Real-Time Data Sync | Ensures contact updates in your CRM are instantly reflected in marketing workflows. |
| Integration with Multiple Tools | Works with Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, and other marketing platforms. |
Pricing of Outfunnel
| Plan | Price |
| Basic | $29:month |
| Professional | $99/month |
| Scale | $299/month |
Pros and Cons of Outfunnel
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ideal for businesses using CRM and email marketing who want full alignment between the two. | Limited functionality outside of email marketing and CRM integration. |
| Simple setup process with no coding required. | Smaller feature set compared to full-fledged marketing automation suites like HubSpot. |
| Lead scoring and event tracking enhance targeted marketing efforts. | Reporting and analytics are basic compared to advanced tools. |
| Affordable pricing plans tailored for small and mid-sized businesses. | No built-in landing page or social media management features. |
| Integrates with multiple marketing platforms for flexibility. | Limited free trial; requires subscription for full functionality. |
24. MailerLite
MailerLite is a simple yet powerful email marketing platform tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and content creators.
It combines ease of use with robust features like automation, landing page creation, and advanced analytics, all at an affordable price point.
Key Features of MailerLite
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Drag-and-Drop Email Builder | Easily design professional, mobile-responsive emails without coding. |
| Marketing Automation | Set up automated workflows for onboarding, abandoned carts, and re-engagement. |
| Landing Pages & Pop-Ups | Create conversion-focused landing pages and pop-ups to capture leads. |
| Subscriber Segmentation | Segment lists based on behaviour, interests, or custom fields for targeted campaigns. |
| A/B Testing | Test email subject lines, content, and sending times to optimise performance. |
| E-commerce Integration | Connect with Shopify, WooCommerce, and Stripe for transactional and promotional emails. |
| Advanced Reporting | Track open rates, click-throughs, conversions, and subscriber engagement. |
Pricing of MailerLite
| Plan | Price |
| Advanced | $18/month |
| Growing Business | $9/month |
| Enterprise | Custom quote |
| Free | $0 |
Pros and Cons of MailerLite
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clean, intuitive interface perfect for beginners and small teams. | Limited advanced automation features compared to GetResponse or ActiveCampaign. |
| Free plan available with generous limits (up to 1,000 subscribers). | Template library is smaller than competitors like Mailchimp or Moosend. |
| Affordable pricing plans make it ideal for startups and solopreneurs. | Some integrations require third-party tools like Zapier. |
| Built-in landing page and pop-up creator for lead generation. | No built-in webinar functionality unlike GetResponse. |
| Excellent email deliverability and GDPR compliance features. | Customer support is limited on lower-tier plans. |
25. Saleshandy
Saleshandy is an email outreach and sales engagement platform designed to help small businesses and sales teams improve email productivity.
It focuses on cold email automation, email tracking, and personalised sequences, making it a powerful tool for lead generation and nurturing prospects efficiently.
Key Features of Saleshandy
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Email Tracking | Monitor email opens and link clicks in real-time to gauge engagement. |
| Cold Email Automation | Send personalised cold email sequences at scale without spamming. |
| Mail Merge with Personalisation | Create dynamic placeholders for names, companies, and custom fields. |
| Automated Follow-Ups | Set up multiple follow-up stages based on recipient behaviour. |
| Team Collaboration Tools | Share templates, track team performance, and monitor campaigns collectively. |
| Advanced Analytics & Reports | Analyse open rates, reply rates, and campaign success metrics. |
| CRM Integration | Works with CRM platforms like HubSpot and Pipedrive for smooth workflows. |
Pricing of Saleshandy
| Plan | Price |
| Outreach Starter | $36/month |
| Outreach Pro | $99/month |
| Outreach Scale | $199/month |
| Outreach Scale Plus | $299/month |
Pros and Cons of Saleshandy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent for cold outreach and personalised email campaigns. | Lacks broader marketing automation features like landing pages or social media scheduling. |
| Affordable pricing suitable for startups and small businesses. | Free plan is very limited and lacks essential automation features. |
| Real-time email tracking helps identify engaged prospects. | Limited integrations compared to platforms like Mailchimp or ActiveCampaign. |
| Automates follow-ups, reducing manual workload for sales teams. | Requires SMTP setup, which can be challenging for beginners. |
| Advanced analytics to measure campaign success and optimise future strategies. | No native phone or social engagement features, making it focused solely on email. |
See also: Digital Marketing for Entrepreneurs: The Ultimate Guide to Growth in the AI Era
Trends Influencing Marketing Tools Today
The marketing landscape is evolving rapidly, and small businesses must adapt to stay competitive. Emerging technologies, shifting consumer behaviour, and stricter regulations are shaping how marketing tools function.
Below are the key trends driving these changes and influencing the tools small businesses rely on today.
| Trend | Description | Impact on Marketing Tools |
|---|---|---|
| AI-driven Personalisation | AI is revolutionising marketing by enabling hyper-personalised customer experiences in real time. | Marketing tools now use AI to tailor content, recommend products, and optimise campaigns automatically. |
| Voice Search Optimisation | With the rise of smart speakers and voice assistants, voice-based queries are becoming common. | SEO tools are integrating voice search features to help businesses optimise for conversational keywords. |
| Privacy and Data Compliance | Regulations like GDPR and CCPA have made user data protection critical. | Marketing platforms now include compliance features, consent management, and secure data handling processes. |
| Short-form Video Content Dominance | TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are driving short video engagement. | Tools now offer video editing, scheduling, and analytics tailored to short-form content strategies. |
| Omnichannel Marketing Strategies | Customers expect consistent experiences across multiple platforms. | All-in-one tools integrate email, social media, SMS, and CRM for seamless omnichannel campaigns. |
See also: Best Business Tools And Software For Entrepreneurs
How to Choose the Right Tool for Your Business
With countless options available, selecting the best marketing tools for small businesses can feel overwhelming. The right tool should align with your goals, fit your budget, and adapt as your business grows.
Here are four key factors to consider:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Define Your Marketing Goals and Budget | Clear goals help you choose tools that deliver measurable results within your budget. |
| Evaluate Ease of Integration | Seamless integration with existing systems ensures efficient workflows and reduces technical headaches. |
| Consider Scalability | A scalable tool supports your growth without forcing expensive upgrades later. |
| Check for Customer Support and Training | Strong support and onboarding resources help your team maximise the tool’s value. |
Conclusion
Choosing the best marketing tools for small businesses can transform how you attract customers, streamline processes, and drive growth.
Start with tools that align with your goals, fit your budget, and scale as your business expands. The right toolkit is an investment in your future success, so choose wisely and keep evolving with the trends.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best marketing tools for small businesses?
The best marketing tools for small businesses include platforms like HubSpot, Mailchimp, Ahrefs, and Zoho Campaigns. These tools help with email marketing, SEO, social media, automation, and analytics.
Why do small businesses need marketing tools?
Marketing tools help small businesses attract customers, automate repetitive tasks, improve online presence, track performance, and scale operations cost-effectively.
Are marketing tools affordable for small businesses?
Yes. Many of the marketing tools offer flexible pricing plans, free tiers, or pay-as-you-grow models to accommodate limited budgets.
How do I choose the right marketing tool for my business?
Start by defining your marketing goals, then look for tools that align with those needs. Prioritise ease of use, integrations, and customer support when comparing options.
Do I need different tools for different marketing tasks?
Yes. Different tools specialise in tasks such as content creation, email campaigns, analytics, or lead generation. Many businesses use a stack of tools for optimal efficiency.
Do I need technical skills to use these marketing tools?
Most tools are designed with user-friendliness in mind. However, some may require basic knowledge of digital marketing, especially in SEO or analytics.
Which tools are best for email marketing?
Mailchimp, Brevo (formerly Sendinblue), and Constant Contact are among the top marketing tools for small businesses for email automation and list management.
Which tool is best for social media marketing?
Buffer and Hootsuite are widely used by small businesses to schedule posts, track engagement, and manage multiple social media accounts.
How often should I update my marketing tool stack?
Review your marketing tools annually or as your business scales. Tools that once met your needs may become redundant or limiting as you grow.
Can marketing tools improve customer retention?
Absolutely. Tools that support personalisation, email automation, and CRM tracking help businesses stay engaged with customers, improving loyalty and retention.
