As the COVID-19 pandemic spread, many technology marketing leaders found themselves having to make major strategy and budget pivots as they adjusted to changes in their buyers’ journeys.
At ARPR, we understand that adjusting the purposeful marketing strategy you started 2020 with is challenging. (We’re in the same boat!) But with a little optimism and the right tools, you can set your company up for success in the second half of the year. Even with limited budget and shifting priorities, these affordable martech tools can help you create eye-catching, informed and measurable campaigns.
HubSpot’s Marketing Platform
When COVID-19 hit, many businesses felt the effects of declining sales and leads. In order to stay top of mind for prospects, your team needs one central platform that not only offers an array of inbound marketing tools but also collects the data you need to make smart and informed business decisions. HubSpot’s marketing platform offers tools such as live chat, forms, ads, reports, and more with pricing options that fit any budget.
SEMRush’s SEO Tracking
Effective search engine optimization not only helps increase a company’s visibility, but it can also improve the quality of website traffic, searchability and more. Check out SEMRush’s free features for tracking SEO and staying on top of changing search patterns to enhance your site’s credibility.
MailChimp’s Email Marketing Suite
During the COVID-19 outbreak, email marketing engagement increased by over 200% due to shifting schedules and more “always online” habits. MailChimp can help businesses with any marketing budget reach target audiences through email marketing and added tools such as branding, content studio, digital ads and more, with a variety of affordable pricing options.
Sprout Social’s Management Tools
We are all adjusting to online lifestyles as our daily and work lives transform. With this changing atmosphere, social platforms have become more important tools than ever before for connection. If you’re looking for a way to understand, reach and engage your audience all while measuring social performance and success, look no further than Sprout Social’s all-in-one social media management platform.
Canva’s Design Technology
Speaking of social, did you know that tweets with images receive 150% more engagement than those without images? That’s why tech marketers should utilize multimedia in their company’s social media strategy. Canva’s design tools can help you spruce up your marketing efforts, and you don’t have to be a designer!
Google Analytics
At the base of any good marketing strategy is the intent to engage current customers and attract new prospects. And what better way to do that than knowing your customer’s purchase intent, virtual behavior and more? You may be overlooking the most valuable (yet free) tool in your martech stack – Google Analytics. Despite online behaviors changing due to COVID, you can use this source to find information and customer insights to help influence your company’s pivoting marketing strategy.
Google’s Free Media Alert System
Despite many aspects of our lives slowing down, the news cycle around COVID-19 has picked up. Instead of refreshing your browser repeatedly every day, create free Google Alerts to monitor the web for sentiment and coverage around your brand or news on the latest relevant business trends.
Slack’s Community Management
As many businesses continue to operate virtually, employees need a quick and easy way to stay in touch and collaborate with colleagues. Whether you’re looking for video call options for team meetings or want to bring your team together when physical gatherings aren’t an option, click here to learn about this collaboration tech tool that your company can use to keep your business running smoothly.
Now that you know about the affordable tools you can leverage in your marketing strategy, check out our COVID-19 resources page for more ways your team can adjust to our “new normal.
