This post was originally published on the Likeable Local Blog.
As a business owner, entrepreneur, or busy professional, the feeling that there's never enough hours in the day is probably a familiar one. I often find myself wondering how I can even further maximize every minute of every hour of every day, but ultimately end up responding to emails at midnight! Unfortunately, we often get stuck dealing with operations, executing complicated marketing tactics, and building out systems and processes instead of getting to think big and pave the way for the future.
The one thing that every professional really needs is more time. More time to run the day-to-day tasks. More time for innovation. More time spent with colleagues. More time for networking. But, you can't make time stand still (yet!) and as a busy professional or business owner, you can't neglect the important, although at times tedious, everyday tasks. The solution to buying more time is simple: tools. The right tools allow you to save enormous amounts of time to run aspects of marketing your business that are otherwise arduous.
So, what are the tools that you need? To help you choose, I asked my team and Likeable small business customers what their favorite tools are and why.
Here are our favorite time-saving marketing tools:
1) Social Media: Likeable Hub VIP
What is Likeable Hub VIP?
Likeable Hub VIP is a powerful social media marketing platform with an eay to use mobile app designed to help businesses and professionals access their success on social with content, advertising, lead generation, and more all in one convenient spot.
What do they offer?
Likeable Hub VIP includes a post idea library, Likeable Hub mobile websites + landing pages, scheduling, social listening, post amplification tools, analytics, and a mobile app.
Pros: Of course, I'm more than a little biased, but Likeable Hub is the only social tool your business needs because it's an all-in-one solution. Plus, you can get started with Likeable Hub for free!
Cons: If you're looking for super advanced analytics or are a super large business, this tool is not for you.
Price: Free for 30 days to $19.99 /month.
2) Video: SoMedia
What is SoMedia?
SoMedia is a scalable, full-service video production solution. They use cloud-based online platforms and video professionals that shoot and produce content anywhere.
What services/tools do they offer?
You can manage and produce different types of content, which include: an ad platform, a business video platform, and a news platform.
Pros: Videos are today's #1 marketing solution and it's good to get in early.
Cons: With video marketing on the rise, there are many different options that are easily comparable!
Price: 30 second limit to videos ($799), 60 second limit to videos ($1119) and 90 second limit to ideas ($1599).
3) Email Marketing: Constant Contact
What is Constant Contact?
Constant Contact offers email marketing with easy to send customizable templates which include real-time reporting and insights you need to take your marketing to the next level.
What do they offer?
Their in-house professional services team can help set your account with their Quick Start option. This creates custom campaign templates with their Design & Build service. You also get your own personal marketing manager and full service email marketing team.
Pros: You can use CCS, HTML, or designer more to create your marketing pieces.
Cons: It doesn't provide cross-platform inbox previews.
Price: Starts at $20/month
So what are your thoughts on these tools to help you market your business more efficiently? What are your favorites? What did I miss? Make sure to reply in the comments below!
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