The Best Free and Paid Marketing Tools for Small Businesses

Marketing your business in today’s digital world means having the right tools to support your strategy. Whether you’re just starting or trying to scale, the tools you use can make a major difference in how quickly and efficiently you grow. There is a mix of free and paid marketing tools that can help with everything from scheduling content to managing leads, running ads, building websites, and more. The key is finding the right ones that fit your business goals and budget.

For starters, Canva is a free design tool that lets you create professional-looking graphics for social media, flyers, and presentations without needing a graphic designer. It’s especially useful for restaurants, automotive businesses, or home improvement companies that want to showcase their services visually. For content scheduling, tools like Buffer or Later allow you to plan out posts in advance for Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, so you’re consistently showing up without spending all day online.

When it comes to customer relationship management, Begin CRM is a simple but powerful option that keeps all your leads, follow-ups, and client details in one place. It works great for service-based businesses like healthcare clinics, consultants, and financial advisors. Want to improve your SEO and website performance? Tools like Ubersuggest and Google Search Console help you understand what people are searching for and how to get your site in front of more eyes. If you’re ready for more advanced features, paid options like Semrush or HubSpot offer deep data and automation.

Even email marketing is made simple with platforms like Mailchimp or Brevo, where you can build and send newsletters, follow-ups, and announcements that drive real results. These tools are especially effective for building customer loyalty and staying top of mind. Video creation apps like CapCut or InShot also make it easy to create short, engaging videos that help you connect with your audience and stand out online.

At the end of the day, marketing tools are only as effective as the strategy behind them. If you’re unsure where to start or want help choosing the right tools for your business, our team at Porter John Digital is ready to help. Let’s talk about what you’re trying to build, and we’ll help you set up the systems that make growth feel natural and manageable.