Top Marketing Platforms for Non-Marketeers: A Comparison
So, you've decided to take the plunge into the world of marketing. But where do you even start? With so many platforms and tools out there, it can feel overwhelming. Fear not though, I am here to help you navigate this industry and help you make the informed decisions which are right for your organisation. In this short guide, I'll break down some of the top marketing platforms that are easy to use and can help you achieve your goals.
Understanding Your Goals
Before diving into the platforms, it's crucial to define your marketing objectives. Are you looking to increase brand awareness, drive website traffic, generate leads, or boost sales? Your goals will help you narrow down the most suitable platforms. Or are you saying how do I even go about defining those goals? I know I want to grow but how? Ah, well that is where I could help. Drop me a line using this and we can work together on setting those goals as a starting point.
“Marketing’s job is never done. It’s about perpetual motion. We must continue to innovate every day.”
Social Media Platforms
Facebook: The OG of social media, Facebook is still a powerful platform for reaching a wide audience generally speaking. Create a business page, share engaging content, and use targeted ads to reach your ideal customers. But, is your audience on there? Maybe your target is but your current isn’t.
Instagram: Visual storytelling is still king on Instagram. They went a little bit ‘video-left-field’ over the past few years but announced in the run up to 2024 that they would potentially revert back to being photo–focussed thanks to TikTok taking a bit too much of that short and snappy video share.
Anyway with their ability to sell via social too, you can showcase your products or services through high-quality photos and videos. Use relevant hashtags and you can collaborate with influencers to expand your reach. I would recommend a strong plan for this though.
X (formerly known as Twitter): X is still good for real-time conversations and sharing short updates. It is heavily used by the media and education sectors too which may be helpful for your organisation. You can join relevant discussions, follow industry leaders, however, usage has dipped in the past few years.
LinkedIn: If you're targeting professionals, LinkedIn is a must. Build your company profile, share industry insights, and connect with potential clients and partners. You could consider LinkedIn newsletters too as regular content items for your organisation.
Content Management Systems (CMS)
WordPress: The most popular CMS, WordPress offers a user-friendly interface and countless customization options. Create a professional website, blog, or online store with ease. I would say though, although WordPress is still considered the main website for bloggers primarily and lots of agencies prefer to build websites using it, it is a bit more developer heavy so unless you are in the know or have the budget for bespoke amends, it may be worth considering another platform. It is very powerful though!
Wix: A great option for those who want to build a website without coding knowledge. Wix provides drag-and-drop functionality and pre-designed templates to get you started quickly. Wix also offers lots of add-ons and plug-ins so plenty choice of additional features too.
Squarespace: Known for its sleek and modern designs, Squarespace is perfect for creating visually appealing websites. It also offers built-in e-commerce features for selling products online. It is also great for blogging, service offerings and with its drag-and-drop content features it’s pretty and nifty. You can also give their AI tool to generate the basic framework of your website too on their web builder.
Email Marketing Platforms
Mailchimp: A popular choice for small businesses, Mailchimp offers a free plan with basic features and affordable paid options for larger email lists. You can also build your own custom templates which help you stay on brand and professional.
ConvertKit: Designed specifically for creators and online businesses, ConvertKit provides powerful tools for email automation and lead generation.
Constant Contact: Easy to use and packed with features, Constant Contact is a great option for businesses of all sizes.
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Tools
Google Search Console: This is a free tool from Google that helps you monitor your website's performance in search results. Track keywords, identify technical issues, and submit your sitemap.
Moz: Moz offers a suite of SEO tools, including keyword research, link building, and site audits. It also provides in-depth analytics to track your progress. It is a paid tool - just to bear in mind.
SEMrush: A comprehensive SEO platform that offers keyword research, competitor analysis, and backlink auditing. SEMrush can help you improve your website's visibility in search engines. SEMrush is super powerful, and it does offer a free plan but it’s limited to a certain number of pages on the website to crawl.
Analytics Tools
Google Analytics: A free tool from Google that provides valuable insights into your website traffic. Track user behavior, measure conversions, and optimise your marketing efforts.
Hotjar: Hotjar records user sessions and creates heatmaps to visualise how visitors interact with your website. Identify pain points and improve user experience.
Mixpanel: A powerful analytics tool that focuses on event tracking and funnels. Analyse user journeys and measure the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns.
Choosing the Right Platforms
With so many options available, it can be challenging to decide which platforms are right for you. Here are some factors to consider:
Your budget: Some platforms offer free plans or freemium models, while others require paid subscriptions.
Your technical skills: If you're not tech-savvy, look for platforms with intuitive interfaces and good customer support.
Your marketing goals: The best platforms for you will depend on what you want to achieve with your marketing efforts.
Conclusion
Marketing your business doesn't have to be complicated if you are restricted by budget. By leveraging the right platforms, you can create effective marketing campaigns that help you reach your goals. You could start by experimenting with different options and finding the ones that work best for you and your business. Remember, the key to successful marketing is consistency and a willingness to learn and adapt.
Feel like you need some help?
No worries! Marketing is a specialism and I am here if you would like some support. Fill in my contact form and I will be in touch quicksmart to help you out.
Thanks for reading and have a great week!
Cheerybye for now,
The Cheery Marketeery.
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