7 Cool Tools that are Super Hot for Budget Conscious DIY Marketers

Imagine if you could wave a magic wand, and your marketing would be done, miraculously!

It would be awesome if you could outsource everything for your marketing from the get go, and not have to bother with it so you can focus on what you do best, but this is not always possible, or practical.

I’ve collated a few of my ALL TIME FAVOURITE tools that are easy and fun to use, to reduce marketing overwhelm, and keep it simple.

Check ’em out, and let me know what you think! Got a tool? Share it with us in the comments below.

Create awesome images

1. Canva

Canva is still in beta mode (testing) but its rocking the infographic world by storm. From Facebook covers, social media image shares, presentations, posters and cards, you can create them here. One of the beautiful things is that if you require a paid image that’s royalty free, (t’s only $1!) There are also many free images ready for all kinds of purposes. Go to www.canva.com to get started. No more copyright issues!

Worthy mention: Picmonkey

Headline and blog ideas made easy!

2. Portent Title Generator

If you struggle with coming up with fun and catchy titles (I know I do), then the Portent Title Generator is for you. All you do is enter your keyword, press enter, and voila! A fun and topical headline will be created ready for tweaking to your needs.  You can play with the free title generator here: http://www.portent.com/tools/title-maker/

Note: Grammar alert! Some great headlines, but they may need adjusting for correct grammar. Just sayin’.

3. AMI Headline Analyser

This is a really interesting one! Good copywriters will tell you that a headline needs to emotionally connect with your audience. The headline analyser will grade your headline based on spiritual, empathetic and intellectual elements. It’s amazing what difference altering a word or two can make to your score! Incidently, this blog headline scored 58% and is empathetic. Pretty good when you consider an average score for a professional copywriter is 30-40%. Rate your headlines here: http://www.aminstitute.com/headline/

Disclaimer:  Don’t despair if you get a low score. It’s meant  for use as a guide. Knowing your target market intimately and writing a headline that suits is most important.

4. Hubspot  Blogs Topic Generator

Ever struggle to come up with blog topics for your key industry areas? Hubspot’s Topic Generator allows you to enter 3 key topic and will provide you with 5 awesome headlines ready for use! Enter your topics here: http://www.hubspot.com/blog-topic-generator

Ninja tip: You have the option to get a years supply of headlines if you share your email address with them. Don’t worry, they’re not into spamming! That’s one less excuse not to blog!

Evaluate your marketing

5. Hubspot Marketing Grader

Have you ever wondered how you are doing? This is another gem from Hubspot, that will grade the marketing impact your website is having, and give you a shortlist of improvements to make. You can then make the adjustments and increase your score. Nothing like insight, and hindsight so that you can focus your efforts in the right place (rather than cramming your to do list with stuff you don’t need to worry about!) Grade your site now: http://marketing.grader.com/ 

Online newsletters made easy

6. Mailchimp

Ah yes, an oldie but a goodie! The mailchimp platform is super easy to use and creatsd great looking formatted newsletters with minimal technical skill. Free for up to 2000 subscribers! Start your newsletter today at www.mailchimp.com

Help to craft your media release

7. Write-on Press Release Producer

I’ve used this tool for years to successfully generate FREE press for me and my clients. If you want a fool-proof formula for creating a press release, this tool is brilliant. Create a press release for free now! www.writeoncreative.com/pressreleaseproducer/

Moment of truth: Your story needs to be newsworthy to get attention, not everything is media savvy, but I know you have a story in you, have you found it yet??

So there you have it, 7 hot little tools to breathe life into your marketing.

Remember though, that none of this are of value if you aren’t clear on who your market is and how best to reach them. I know you are passionate about what you do, so if you want to get it right, come and join us in 10 days for the Passionate Marketing Plan, and get your own plan together including crafting messages that deeply engage your audience. Join us here and let’s get aquainted over at www.passionatemarketing.com.au/

Big blessings, and have fun!

Krishna