20 Digital Marketing Tools to Grow a Brand
It's all about digital marketing tools. They're everywhere. But which ones move the needle?
Look, I have built and scaled several 8-figure businesses.
I have helped thousands of entrepreneurs do the same, and what I can tell you is this:
Most digital marketing tools will waste your time and money.
They are shiny objects that take your eyes off the ball, which is getting customers and making sales.
But a few scale exponentially.
There are those tools that, when applied appropriately, would serve as rocket fuel for a business.
I will cut through the noise in this article and provide the 20 digital marketing tools that work.
They are the exact tools I use in my businesses and recommend to my highest-paying clients.
No fluff, no filler – just the hard-hitting truth about what works in today's cutthroat digital landscape.
So, if you're ready to stop playing around and start seeing some real growth, keep reading. Your competition won't know what hit them.
Top 20 Digital Marketing Tools to Grow
1. The All-Seeing Eye: Google Analytics
Imagine a crystal ball showing you, to the dot, how your website is performing.
That's Google Analytics, except for the mystical fog and cryptic prophecies.
Why is this such a big deal?
Google Analytics is the grandfather of digital marketing tools.
It tells you who is coming to your site, where they're coming from, what they do once they get there, and how long they stick around.
In other words, with Google Analytics, you're not playing that game of spaghetti on the wall where you hope something sticks.
You're making data-driven decisions to impress your boss with flips – metaphorically, of course, because we don't want workplace injuries.
Pro tip: Just don't set and forget. Jump into those reports regularly. You might find some hidden gems that'll skyrocket your conversions.
2. The Social Butterfly: Hootsuite
Managing social media can sometimes feel like herding cats. That's where Hootsuite comes in – your virtual wrangler of felines.
How does it work?
Using Hootsuite, you can:
- Schedule posts across multiple platforms
- Monitor brand mentions and utilisation
- Social media performance analysis
How this will change everything
Remember those days when to post the same content on five different platforms, you had to log in five times?
Yeah, those days are gone now.
Hootsuite makes your life so much easier on social media, freeing you up for other cool stuff, like designing great content.
Insider secret: Use Hootsuite's content curation feature to find and share relevant articles. Your followers will think you are an industry guru – a fact, of course.
3. The Email Whisperer: Mailchimp
Email marketing might seem old school, but it is still among the best ways to reach your audience.
And as far as email marketing goes, Mailchimp is the cool kid on the block.
What can it do?
- Create some awesome-looking email templates.
- Segment your audience for targeted marketing campaigns
- Automate your email marketing efforts
- Track the performance of your campaigns
Why You Need It
Mailchimp takes your email marketing plan from a shot in the dark and makes it a laser-focused campaign.
It acts like a personal assistant that knows precisely what your subscribers want.
Fun fact: Mailchimp's mascot, Freddie the Chimp, was almost a monkey. Ah, that's one exciting notion; we might have called it Mailmonkey!
4. The Content King: WordPress
Content is king, and WordPress is its throne.
This Content Management System runs over 40% of all websites on the internet – that's more websites than residents in Canada!
What's unique about it?
- User-friendly interface
- Thousands of customisable themes and plugins
- SEO-friendly structure
- Regular updates, strong security
Why you'll fall in love with
With WordPress, your website looks fantastic and doesn't need a Ph.D. in computer science. LEGO for adults – it can be whatever you want it to be.
But did you know? WordPress started as a blogging platform, but now it is a complete CMS. Call that a glow-up, if you will!
5. The SEO Mastermind: SEMrush
SEO can be frustrating and seem impossible, even like working on a Rubik's cube blindfolded.
SEMrush provides the solution manual.
What's in the box?
- Keyword research tools
- Competitor analysis
- Site audit features
- Backlink analysis
Why it's a must-have
SEMrush provides X-ray vision into your SEO effort.
You'll know what works and what doesn't, and most importantly, where to improve.
It's a roadmap to the top of Google search results.
Pro tip: Set up rankings tracking using SEMrush Position Tracking. It's like your personal cheerleader – but for your SEO work.
6. The Ad Wizard: Google Ads
Want to get your brand in front of people faster than you can say “Pay-Per-Click”?
Working Google Ads into your sales funnel is the way into the big league.
What's it all about?
You will create and manage PPC campaigns, target keywords and audiences, set budgets and bidding strategies, and track ad performance.
Why is it worth your time?
Google Ads places your brand at the centre of a person's intent – a search for products or services like yours.
It's like placing a billboard on Main Street, except this billboard knows who is interested in what you sell.
Insider tip: Free ad extensions add ads like free toppings to an ice cream shop. In other words, they make it look way more appetising and help raise click-through rates.
7. The Visual Virtuoso: Canva
Not all of us have the design skills of Picasso.
Thankfully, with Canva, you don't need to be.
What can you create?
- Social media marketing graphics
- Presentations
- Infographics
- Posters and flyers
Why designers love to hate it
Canva democratises design.
In other words, you get a graphic designer in your pocket without the turtleneck and the coffee addiction.
Fun fact: Canva was founded by Melanie Perkins, who mooted the idea of image-editing tools while teaching design programs at the university. Talk about a lesson that paid off!
8. The Video Virtuoso: TikTok
You might think, “TikTok is just for teens to perform a dance challenge.”
Think again, comrade. It's a new marketing channel for brands.
What's the deal?
- Create short-form video content.
- Massive active community
- Use trending sounds and challenges
- Built-in editing tools
Why it's more than a fad
TikTok has exploded, featuring not just Generation Z but also creative ways brands connect with audiences for virality.
It's like owning a TV channel where you are the star, director, and producer.
Pro tip: Feel free to let your personality shine on TikTok. The weirder, the better. It's the platform where dad jokes and lousy dancing aren't just tolerated but embraced.
9. The Conversion Connoisseur: Optimizely
Have you ever wanted to read your visitors' minds? This is as close as it gets.
How does it work?
- A/B testing
- Personalisation
- Full-stack experimentation
- Feature flagging
Why it's a game-changer
Optimizely lets you run several versions of your website, each with one different change, so you can view which works best.
In other words, this ongoing focus group tells you precisely what works and what doesn't.
Insider secret: Start small with your tests. Even the tiniest things, like button colour changes or headline changes, can considerably lift conversion rates.
10. The Customer Whisperer: Intercom
Bad customer service and your business is toast.
Intercom is like having a team of super-friendly, always-on customer support reps.
What can it do?
- Live chat support
- Help build brand awareness.
- Targeted messaging
- Customer data management
- Help center creation
Why you need it
Intercom is for making relationships with your customers.
Like your favourite coffee shop, where you know all the regulars' names, except it's open 24/7 and you are serving millions of customers.
Did you know? Intercom's mascot is an amiable-looking messenger bot called Operator. It's probably the only bot you'd want to have a pint with after work.
11. The Social Listener: Brandwatch
Ever wanted to hear what people are saying about your brand online?
Well, Brandwatch is like having a supersonic hearing for the internet.
What does this technology do?
- Social media monitoring
- Sentiment analysis
- Trendspotting
- Competitor tracking
Why it's worth your attention
Brandwatch gives you a real sense of what people think of your brand.
It's like being a fly on the wall in millions of online conversations – minus the risk of being swatted.
Pro tip: Find and engage with the most relevant influencers in your industry using Brandwatch. Your little black book of essential people in your field.
12. The Landing Page Liberator: Unbounce
Your landing pages can either make or break your marketing campaigns.
Unbounce is here to ensure it's the former, not the latter.
What can you do with it?
- Create and test landing pages.
- Build pop-ups and sticky bars that fit your branding
- Perform A/B testing for advertising research
- Integrate with other marketing tools
Why it's a must-have
Unbounce is where you build high-converting landing pages without any codes-literally, a web developer team and conversion rate optimisation expert team at your fingertips.
Fun Fact: “Unbounce” comes from reducing bounce rates on landing pages. It's literally in the business of making sure visitors don't bounce!
13. The Automation Ace: Zapier
Ever feel like you need to spend more time switching between apps than actually getting work done? Enter Zapier to save the day.
What's this all about?
- Automate workflows between apps
- Create “Zaps” to connect disparate tools
- Save time on repetitive tasks
- Integrate over 3,000 apps in its online store
Why you'll love it
Zapier is your assistant who never sleeps, never gripes and works at the speed of light.
It does the tedium, so you can pay close attention to the big picture.
Insider tip: Start with simple Zaps that grow in complexity as you build more automation. Before you know it, you'll run your marketing department like a well-oiled machine.
14. The Social Scheduler: Buffer
Social media doesn't wait for anyone. But with Buffer, you can be one step ahead.
What does it do?
- Allows you to schedule posts in advance across different platforms
- This will enable you to examine post-performance
- Allows suggesting optimal posting times
- Collaboration with team members
Why it will save your life
The good thing about Buffer is that you can plan your content well in advance and not have to scramble at the last minute to put something up.
It's meal-prepping your marketing services in a social media strategy.
Pro Tip: Utilize Buffer's analytics to find your best posts and make more of that kind. It is like having a crystal ball tell you what they want to see.
15. The Webinar Wizard: Zoom
In times of remote work and virtual conferences, it is as significant as that mug of coffee every morning.
What's in the box?
- Video conferencing
- Webinar hosting
- Screen sharing
- Virtual backgrounds
Why it's more than just a video chat tool
With Zoom, one could host webinars, conduct virtual workshops, and even run large-scale online events.
It's like having a conference centre in your pocket.
Fun fact: Zoom's founder, Eric Yuan, created Zoom because he got tired of riding trains for 10 hours just to see his then-girlfriend, now his wife. That is some serious dedication to a long-distance relationship!
16. The Survey Sage: SurveyMonkey
Want to know what's going on in your customers' minds?
SurveyMonkey is great for both B2B marketing and business-to-consumer, like having a hotline to what they think.
What can you do with it?
- Create and send surveys.
- Analyse the survey responses.
- Utilise pre-designed survey templates
- Integrate with other software tools
Why it's a game-changer for internet marketing strategies
SurveyMonkey helps you collect insightful information from your audience.
It's like a focus group on demand, minus the two-way mirror and stale doughnuts.
Pro tip: Keep your surveys short and sweet. You'll get more people to respond because it is not perceived as an exam.
17. The Content Calendar Curator: CoSchedule
Managing your content marketing across various sites can be like juggling flaming fire.
CoSchedule is here to take care of that fire.
What is it all about?
- Plan and schedule content
- Collaborate with team members
- Analyse content performance
- Integrate with other marketing tools
Why you need it
CoSchedule gives you a bird's-eye view of your entire content marketing strategy.
It's the control room for your marketing efforts, with blinking lights and important-looking buttons.
Insider secret: Repromote your best content on autopilot using CoSchedule's ReQueue feature. You know, like having a greatest hits album that plays on repeat.
18. The Influencer Insider: Traackr
Influencer marketing can sometimes feel like navigating your way out of a labyrinth.
Traackr is your marketing research guide.
What can it do?
- Discover relevant influencers
- Manage influencer relationships
- Track campaign performance
- Measure the ROI of Influencer marketing
Why it's worth your time
Traackr helps you find the right influencers for your brand and measure the impact of your collaborations.
It is like having your talent scout and a data analyst into one.
Pro tip: It's not about the number of followers alone. Leverage Traackr to find specific influencers whose audience most resembles your target market. Remember, it is about quality, not quantity!
19. The Visual Storyteller: Instagram
Instagram isn't just for posting pictures of your lunch – although we all love an excellent #photooftheday moment.
It's a powerful tool for social marketing campaigns unto itself.
What's in the box?
- Photo and video sharing
- Stories and Reels
- IGTV for longer-form content
- Shopping Features
Why it's more than just a photo app
Instagram lets you tell the story of your brand visually.
It's like having a magazine about your brand – except this magazine has over a billion readers.
Fun fact: The first-ever Instagram post was a photo of a dog. Does that not just sum up the whole of the internet?
20. The All-in-One Marketing Platform: HubSpot
Not least, but most certainly not least, is HubSpot, the home of many good digital marketers.
What's it all about?
- CRM
- Email marketing
- Content management
- SEO tools
- Social media management
Why it's worth the investment
HubSpot puts all your various marketing efforts under one roof. It's like a marketing department adding water (and maybe a few caffeinated marketers).
Pro tip: Take advantage of HubSpot's free courses and certifications. You get a mini-MBA in digital marketing sans student loans.
Wrapping Up: Your Digital Marketing Toolbox
The 20 tools will cover all bases of any good digital marketing strategy, from analytics to social media, email marketing, and podcasting.
Remember that tools are only as good as the marketer using them.
It's not about the snazzy gadgets; it's about knowing how to use them well enough to achieve results.
What is holding you back? Explore, try, and build the ultimate combination that works for you.
Who knows, you could be the next Marketing Mogul.
And when you are, do you remember us little people? Will you?
Now, go forth and conquer the digital world! Your audience awaits you.
FAQs
Do I need to use all 20 tools to grow my brand effectively?
Not necessarily. As noted, start with the tools that best align with your goals and resources. Knowing a few crucial tools is better than trying to spread yourself too thin using them all at once.
Do these suit a small business that has to work within a constrained budget?
Of course, most offer free or low-cost tiers, which a small business needs. You can start with free versions and scale up as your business needs to grow.
How often should I be checking the analytics from these tools?
It depends on the tool and your marketing campaign cycles, but generally speaking, for most tools, a weekly check-in is a great starting point. For those that are time-sensitive, you might want to check daily.
Can these tools help me if I target a B2B audience instead of B2C?
Most of these tools can be applied to B2B and B2C marketing. Tools such as LinkedIn for social marketing and HubSpot for CRM/marketing funnels are convenient for B2B brands.
I'm not that techie. Will I be able to use these tools effectively?
Most of the tools are designed with ease of use in mind. Most of them have tutorials, customer support, and active user communities. Keep the list starting with more intuitive ones like Canva and Buffer, and go further complex as you get more confident doing it.
How do I measure the ROI of using these digital marketing tools?
First and foremost, you must have clear goals for what you want to achieve using any tool. Use the analytics within each tool to keep track of metrics that will tell you exactly whether or not you're reaching your goals – e.g., engagement rates, conversion rates, sales. Compare the cost of the tool with how many you need to achieve your goals.
Do these tools enable local marketing, or is it only for online audiences?
Besides Google's suite, these others are purely digital. Nevertheless, many of these have some significant implications for local marketing. A good example is Google My Business, which is part of the suite and great for local SEO. Facebook allows incredible targeting to reach your local audiences.
How can I ensure I use them compliantly under data privacy laws?
Get acquainted with applicable laws, such as the GDPR or CCPA. Most of these tools have integrated means to help you with compliance, but you can also go over their policy again and change settings in that direction.
Is it better to master one tool or work at knowing many?
It's about a good balance. One must have expertise in core tools that seem most appropriate for one's strategy, such as the leading social media platform, analytics tool, and CRM. A working knowledge of the others would help improve your skills and adapt to changing needs.
How often are these tools updated, and how do I keep up?
They tend to update very frequently. Follow the official blogs from the tools, join the email lists, and participate in user communities. Most provide frequent webinars or tutorial updates to teach users the new features.
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