15 Free or Inexpensive Marketing Tools for Every Business and Budget

Marketing plays a pivotal role in the success of virtually every business. In today's digital age, a wealth of inexpensive marketing tools are easily accessible. This allows you to manage your own marketing campaigns without enlisting expensive external agencies or acquiring costly equipment and software.

As you explore these cost-effective marketing tools, it's important to consider investing in other essential business services, such as bookkeeping and accounting. These crucial aspects not only impact your bottom line but also influence your annual tax obligations. Managing these tasks can be overwhelming, so don't hesitate to consult a professional who can handle the backend responsibilities, allowing you to concentrate on growing your business. Kickstart your marketing efforts today by diving into our list of 15 free or inexpensive marketing tools tailored for businesses of every size and budget!

1. Google My Business

Google My Business is a free tool that allows companies to manage their online presence across Google, specifically with the search and map functions. This includes having properly listed business hours, an up-to-date menu, or anything you may think potential patrons will find helpful. It allows businesses to engage with customers through responding to reviews which is an excellent way to build trust and credibility.

2. Google Analytics

A great resource (also free with your business’s Google account!) for tracking statistics and analytics specific to your website. You can track data on page views, average time spent on a page, how the page is being accessed (mobile, desktop, tablet), location of access by country, and more. Google offers free courses through its Analytics Academy so you can better learn how to analyze and utilize its tools.

3. WordPress

An easy-to-use content management system for hosting and maintaining websites. The interface is intuitive and most basic websites can be built with little to no knowledge of HTML/CSS (web coding). While the basic package and nearly 60,000 plugins are available for free, shorter/simpler URLs and various add-ons are available for purchase. Even with the add-ons and various paid features, WordPress can remain a relatively inexpensive marketing tool depending on your business's needs.

4. Yoast

A search engine optimization (SEO) plugin for WordPress. Yoast rates your page’s content to determine SEO potential and its overall readability. It’s equipped to assess content in 19 different languages as well as to optimize content shared on social media.

5. BuzzSumo

A cloud-based platform that helps a company to optimize its engagement, content and outreach across both social media and search engines. The ability to view most shared content is just one of the platform’s heralded features. Plans range from free to $299/month.

6. Canva

Canva is a fantastic inexpensive marketing tool that allows for user-friendly graphic design and video editing. You can use it for everything from social media to printed materials. While paid programs such as Adobe’s Illustrator and InDesign offer greater customization, Canva is a less expensive alternative for someone who doesn’t have the time or resources to master the Adobe programs. The free version of Canva offers users access to more than a quarter million templates, while at $12.99/month the Canva Pro plan provides more than 100 million premium stock photos and more than half a million templates.

7. KWFinder

The “KW” here stands for “keyword” as this is a keyword search tool for search marketing. Basically, companies will determine specific keywords that, when searched, can direct people to their website. Companies such as Adidas and Airbnb have put their names behind KWFinder, which offers a 10-day free trial for new users.

8. Ahrefs

Offers SEO tools and resources that allow a company to grow its search traffic. Companies such as Facebook, Netflix, and Uber have seen the value that Ahrefs offers to marketing teams. Ahrefs offers some of its tools and resources free of charge, while paid plans range from $99 to $399 per month.

9. Mailchimp

This digital platform allows you to develop email marketing campaigns and manage mailing lists. Whether it’s a weekly newsletter or a one-time event invite, Mailchimp makes it easy to send mass mailings, and also provides analytics to track opens, clicks, and more after a campaign is sent out. The free plan allows for 2,000 contacts and 10,000 sends per month, and from there tiered plans are available based on your intended usage.

10. HubSpot

A customer relation management (CRM) platform that also includes tools for marketing, sales, and customer service. HubSpot is best for businesses with a strong focus on inbound marketing as well as those with high-value conversions and long sales cycles. HubSpot offers a free version and has add-on plans starting at $100/month. 

11. Freepik

Freepik is a free source of stock images, templates, and vectors of the best quality to make your projects look professional. On Freepik.com, you can find an image and style for every project, whatever your needs are. There you can find the newest and trendiest photos and designs. Freepik allows you to customize and download free templates to make outstanding designs with an online editing tool.  

12. Sprout Social

With Sprout Social, you can manage your company’s Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and other social media accounts within a single platform. Sprout also provides analytics that allows you to pinpoint timing and other characteristics to optimize your post. New users can sign up for a free trial, and plans start at $89/month — a relatively inexpensive marketing tool given all of the features it comes with.

13. Filmr (Android/iOS)

Whether you’re an Android or iPhone user, Filmr is among the top device-based video editing apps on the market. With the addition of a tripod and microphone, you can create your own high-quality video content specific to your company using your smartphone. The University of California-Berkeley’s Advanced Media Institute offers a good list of tips for novice videographers. 

14. Renderforest

When shooting your own video isn’t an option, perhaps communicating your message through a short animation is the next best thing. Renderforest is user-friendly and allows users to customize colors and text within pre-designed animation templates. The free version offers a handful of basic features while plans with greater customization start at $9.99/month. 

15. LinkedIn Learning

With a catalog that covers a vast array of topics, LinkedIn Learning offers everything from short courses on the basics of marketing to detailed video tutorials so you can master an array of marketing software programs, such as the Adobe Creative Suite. While not free, access to LinkedIn Learning might be available using your local library card.

Inexpensive Marketing Tools Can Provide a Major Boost to Your Business

There is no shortage of options when it comes to free or inexpensive marketing tools to promote your small business. We’re truly living in an amazing era in which anyone with grit, determination, and an internet connection can start a business and effectively market it!