Free Marketing Tools That Actually Work
At Express Strategic Services, we’re all about making marketing easier and more accessible for small business owners juggling a million things. We know budgets can be tight, and you can't always afford to spend a million dollars on marketing. That’s why we love sharing powerful (and free) tools and resources that help you work smarter, not harder. If you're looking to level up your marketing game without spending a dime, here are our favorite free tools to get you started:
1. Free Marketing Courses from HubSpot & SimpliLearn
If you’re craving more marketing knowledge but don’t know where to start, HubSpot Academy and SimpliLearn are two top-tier platforms offering free online courses. From email marketing and SEO to social media strategies and Google Ads basics, they are designed with small business owners in mind. They're easy to follow, genuinely helpful, and best of all, self-paced, so you can learn on your lunch break, in bed, or while drinking coffee!
2. ChatGPT
Struggling to write a social post, email subject line, or product description? ChatGPT is a game-changer. You can use it to brainstorm ideas, draft content, improve existing copy, or even map out a marketing strategy. It won’t replace your voice (or a good marketing team 😉), but it’s a brilliant creative partner for getting unstuck and saving time when you need it.
3. Meta Business Suite
If Facebook and Instagram are part of your marketing strategy, you need to be using Meta Business Suite. It’s a completely free tool that lets you schedule posts, track performance, and manage your DMs across both platforms in one place. You can even boost posts and run ads when you’re ready to invest a bit more. It’s surprisingly robust for a free tool and a great way to stay consistent on your socials without the stress.
4. Canva
Every business needs eye-catching visuals, and Canva makes it easy, even if graphic design isn’t your thing. Use it to create social posts, flyers, business cards, presentations, and more. The free version includes thousands of templates and design elements to help you stay on-brand and look polished, fast.
5. AnswerThePublic – Find Out What People Want to Know
Need content ideas that actually connect with your audience? AnswerThePublic helps you discover what people are really searching for. Just type in a keyword related to your business, and it’ll show you a visual map of related questions, prepositions, and comparisons. It's great for planning blog posts, FAQs, or even new service offerings.
Marketing doesn't have to be expensive, it just needs to be strategic! With the right tools and a little guidance, small business marketing can be manageable (and even fun). These free resources can help you stay consistent, show up professionally, and grow confidently, even if you’re doing it all yourself for now.
If you need help turning these tools into a full-blown strategy, we would love to help. At Express Strategic Services, we help small businesses like yours take what’s working and make it work even better with custom support that fits your brand and your goals!
