Smart and Free Online Marketing Tools

Any craftsman will tell you, the right tools make all the difference in the world. This is certainly true when it comes to marketing your business online. Online, different tools may be right from some, while other tools are right for others. Moving forward in the program, we’ll cover tons of tools, resources and strategies. Some will be right for you and your business, some won’t. It’s important that you make that call for yourself. To make that easier for you, throughout we’re going to look at what the tools do, how they can save you time, and who they work best for

Note: This post is an excerpt from the 30 Days 30 Ways Free Online Marketing Program

Every tool online, has several alternatives. Some are free, some will cost you. We will focus on tools that are open-source (available to all) and free (or low-cost). We’ll also highlight the best paid alternatives, for those of you who are big ballers. In most cases, open-source and free tools are as good or better… again, your call on which you prefer.

Google Accounts for Online Marketing

Google has become a powerhouse when it comes to online productivity tools. If you plan to be successful online, you’ll need to become familiar with their tools and what’s coming up for them. Google is always ahead of the curve. We’ll frequently reference Google tools throughout the rest of this program, including:

GMail – our preference for online marketing catchall (and used as login for all other accounts).
Google Calendar – used to set up the IMPACT marketing calendar (and much more).
Google Docs – used for surveys, document sharing, and more.
Google Reader – used as your master monitor and information filter tool. You can also get really creative by integrating into social media.

There are many more tools provided by Google, frequent WebSuccessDiva readers will see them referenced often. For the purposes of this program, we’re going to focus on the above.

Note for my geeky friends: We will be covering additional Google tools, including Google Wave, Friend Connect, Video, and Labs later in the program

Google GMail

Why Google GMail Matters

You’ll use GMail as your master account, to access all tools and services.
Provides a scalable, catch all email for your online marketing efforts, separate from business email.
Gmail integrates into all Google tools and comes in handy in your online marketing.
You’ll be much more productive once you master it’s many features.

Google Calendar

Why Google Calendar Matters

Google Calendar a tremendous time management and collaboration tool, referenced often throughout this program. Our one-on-one clients use Google Calendar to manage their online marketing efforts consistently and purposeful.

Google Calendar can be used to collaborate with colleagues and clients.
Use Calendar to create a strategic action plan that helps you stay consistent in your online efforts.
Calendar can be used as part of your online marketing efforts to promote events/news.

Google Docs

Why Google Docs Matters

Google Docs allows you to access documents (PDF, Document, Spreadsheet, Presentations) from anywhere in the world.
Google Docs can be easily attached to Google Calendar and other Google services, for easy sharing and collaboration.
We use Google Docs to access our IMPACT Marketing Action Guide, to work with Google Calendar in our daily online marketing activities.

Google Reader

Why Google Reader Matters

Google Reader will be your online knowledge hub, for monitoring, tracking, and other online marketing activities.
You can subscribe to any information that has a feed associated with it, including blogs, video, and more.
Google Reader is a great way to manage your online reputation.
Google Reader can integrate into Wordpress and various social media sites, for easy sharing.

About the Author...

Angela is known as the infamous right-hand woman of Maria. Working side-by-side with Maria from the beginning days of the WebSuccessDiva team, since 2001, Angela has been an integral part of Maria’s success online. Angela currently manages all Digital Peas & Carrots operations, business development, and client services.