With new web tools promoted every single day, it’s no wonder marketing professionals get a little bombarded with what they should (and shouldn’t) be using. At the end of the day, it’s all just trial and error as to what works for you and what doesn’t, but who has the time and patience to try everything!?
We delve into a few of the hottest picks your business should be utilising today. Whether it is to connect with your audience better, or to choose the right channels to market your content through, here are some of the most effective tools that you too can be benefiting from.
1. LinkedIn Pulse
In such a fast-paced industry, having your finger on the pulse is essential – especially when it comes to content marketing. Any blogger or content writer can agree that one of the hardest parts of the job is actually building an audience, and your great work means nothing if you don’t have that engagement.
We’ve all heard of LinkedIn and the business benefits it entails. A few months ago LinkedIn quietly introduced a new blogging tool for publishing articles on their platform – and it’s pretty damn good. LinkedIn Pulse gives you access to an audience that is tailored to your niche, business professionals on every level. If you’re a fan of LinkedIn already, LinkedIn Pulse takes networking to a whole new level and provides content writers a platform that is rich in SEO value and helps drive traffic back to your website. From the other end of the spectrum, those that simply love reading the latest news and insights can keep their finger on the pulse with easy access to professional content to share amongst their social networks.
2. Pinterest Web Analytics
If you’re a Pinterest enthusiast with (or without) a website, then Pinterest web analytics is an absolute must. Whilst it has been out for a while, the magic in the data it brings you is really underestimated. Similar to Google Analytics (but nowhere near as extensive), PA helps business owners and Pinterest account holders to better understand which pieces of their ‘pinned’ content people find most interesting.
It’s as simple as verifying your website and switching your personal Pinterest account to a business one, and then the world is your oyster. With access to who is pinning your content, including the number of unique visitors re-pins and clicks, PA divides its analytics data in two sections – Pinterest data from your website, and Pinterest data from your Pinterest account. This is a useful tool, without complicating things too much, to visually see what content is popular. Tap into this to use for article ideas or to put your work in front of the right people.
3. Google+ Authorship
Google+ Authorship is by no means a new web tool, but it holds more content marketing and SEO value than many people realise. The power of Google+ Authorship is essential to driving your content into the arms of your niches audience. Not only does the use of this tool increase trust and authority within your audience, but by adding an image of the publisher – you – it puts a face to the content and makes it feel more real.
The hype over Google+ is that it’s pretty much become an imperative tool for anyone that actually wants to succeed online. In the eyes of many, this lack of it being an ‘optional social network’ can be quite scary and without a doubt too. As a blogger, content writer or influencer though, it’s one of those things that’s so hard to say no too – especially when it’s so intimately linked to Google search results.
4. SproutSocial
Marketing through social media can get a little hectic, even for the most organised. Unless you have a specific role in social media marketing, no one really has the time to commit to a comprehensive strategy, even more so if you’re a small business.
SproutSocial is a simple, user-friendly tool that allows you to control how you network. Complete with its own set of analytics to help track your contents performance over all your social media accounts, SproutSocial makes it easy to engage with your audience – even when you don’t always have the time too.
The features are extensive, which can get a little overwhelming at first shot but once you’ve got your head around it, it’s worth it. The tool allows you to monitor any brand or keyword mentions, makes collaboration between team players a breeze and has its own CRM system to record your social relationships and notes too. Whilst it is a paid tool, the 30-day trial will give you enough insight to see if it’s right for you.
5. MailChimp
There is a huge amount of businesses that are already taking advantage of the benefits MailChimp offers but if you’re not one of them, now is probably a good time to start. More than just an E-newsletter service, MailChimp is an effective tool for mass messaging and emails too.
The tool is super easy and fun to use and takes the stress out of e-marketing. Because it’s integrated into your already running services, results can be easily tracked through its analytics. It offers a lot of variety in design features so despite many people being on board with the tool, you still feel like it’s your own personal publishing platform by brightening up any dull looking email or online marketing campaign.
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About the author:
This article is written by Jayde Ferguson who writes for White Chalk Road – a specialised SEO and Online Marketing company in Perth. You can catch Jayde on Google+ to discuss this piece.
