Top Online Marketing Tools to Consider
Marketing online can feel like walking into a hardware store with no list. There are hundreds of tools screaming for attention—but what do you actually need?
Let’s cut the noise and zero in on the tools that make a real difference for your business.
Why the Right Tools Matter
You don’t need 20 tools—you need the right 5
If you’re just starting out, it’s tempting to collect tools like Pokémon. Been there. But more tools usually mean more confusion and more subscriptions draining your budget.
Instead, think toolbox, not toy box. The goal is to build something—your business—not just play with shiny things.
How tools can save time, money, and sanity
Smart tools take things off your plate: scheduling emails, building sales pages, automating follow-ups. That’s time you get back to focus on what matters—serving your audience.
The Core Categories of Online Marketing Tools
Email Marketing Tools
Top Picks:
– MailerLite: Clean, beginner-friendly, free plan
– ConvertKit: Great for creators
– Systeme.io: Email + funnels + automation all-in-one
Funnel Builders & Landing Pages
Top Picks:
– Systeme.io: Drag-and-drop funnel builder
– ClickFunnels: Powerful but pricey
– Leadpages: Focused on high-converting pages
SEO & Content Tools
Top Picks:
– Ubersuggest: Affordable keyword research
– SurferSEO: Optimize content to rank
– AnswerThePublic: Understand what people are asking
Automation & Integration Tools
Top Picks:
– Zapier: Connect everything to everything
– Make (Integromat): Affordable Zapier alternative
– Systeme.io: Built-in automation workflows
Design & Visual Content Tools
Top Picks:
– Canva: Templates for everything—free and fast
– VistaCreate: Canva alternative with extras
– Lumen5: Turn blog posts into videos
My Favorite Tools (Tried & Tested)
Systeme.io – All-in-One Workhorse
This one’s my go-to. Funnels, emails, automations, digital products—Systeme.io does it all. Perfect if you hate duct-taping 5 tools together.
Why I like it:
– Beginner-friendly
– Free plan with a LOT included
– Great for affiliates, coaches, course creators
Canva – Beautiful Graphics Made Simple
Need a social post, YouTube thumbnail, or lead magnet? Canva saves you hours. You’ll feel like a pro designer—even if you’re not.
MailerLite – Lightweight Email Automation
It’s clean, quick, and perfect if Systeme.io isn’t your flavor. Set up automations without feeling like you need an engineering degree.
SurferSEO – Rank-Worthy Content, Fast
SEO doesn’t have to be guesswork. Surfer shows you what your content is missing based on top-ranking pages.
Zapier – Make Your Tools Talk to Each Other
Automate repetitive stuff—like adding leads to Google Sheets or sending Slack alerts—without code.
Free vs Paid: What’s Worth It?
Where to save money
Start with free plans. Systeme.io and Canva are extremely generous. You might not need to upgrade for months.
When to upgrade
Once you’re making money or need more automation (like tagging email segments), that’s your green light to upgrade.
Tool Overload? Here’s How to Keep It Simple
Focus on your goals, not shiny features
Every tool should help you do one of three things:
1. Get traffic
2. Convert leads
3. Deliver value
If it doesn’t? It’s noise.
Start lean and build as you grow
You don’t need the “ultimate stack.” You need a lean setup that helps you grow—without burnout or budget bloat.
Here’s What to Do Next
You don’t need to be a tech wizard. You just need the right tools in your corner.
- ✅ Start with 1 or 2 from this list
- ✅ Build something simple and functional
- ✅ Grow from there