Best Digital Marketing Tools for Small Businesses

Running a small business is a full-time job; there’s always more to do. You’re juggling customers, inventory, payroll, and maybe even cleaning the place yourself. The last thing you want is to spend hours figuring out how to run ads or set up email campaigns.

But marketing is how people find you. And the more people find you, the more your business grows. So, how do you manage marketing without it consuming your day?

Let’s look at two main options:

1. Doing it all yourself (DIY marketing), or
2. Using a digital marketing platform built for small businesses like yours.

What Is a Digital Marketing Platform?

Think of a digital marketing platform as your personal assistant for small business marketing needs. Digital marketing tools and platforms designed specifically for small businesses can help owners like you:

1. Enhance your online presence through local search engine optimization (SEO).
2. Use email marketing tools to connect with past and future customers.
3. Run ads online without guesswork.
4. Track campaign performance using analytics tools.

You don’t need to be a tech expert, hire a team, or spend hours learning new systems. The right platform does the heavy lifting while you stay in control.

Comparing Your Options: DIY vs. Digital Marketing Platforms

Every small business is unique, and the ideal marketing approach depends on your specific time, budget, goals, and experience. Some business owners may prefer a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves approach, while others want tools and support that help streamline their efforts. 

Below, we break down the pros and cons of each path so you can decide what’s right for your business, whether you're just getting started or looking to scale. 

Digital Marketing Platform: Pros and Cons for Small Business Owners

DIY Marketing: Pros and Cons for Small Business Owners

Why a Digital Marketing Platform Makes Sense for Small Business Owners

Most small business owners aren’t full-time marketers. You started your business to help people and do what you love, not to manage ads, track analytics, or send blog posts.

A platform like DirectHub helps you:

• Maximize productivity. Spend less time on marketing efforts and more time with your customers.
• Use your budget wisely. Reach more people with expert-backed campaigns that boost your return.
• Grow your customer base. More visibility leads to more leads and sales.
• Simplify your tools. Get all the top marketing and lead generation tools in one easy spot.
• Nurture leads and build customer relationships. We’re here to help you hit your goals, from writing content to finding keywords.

Is a Digital Marketing Platform Right For Your Business?

Not every business needs a platform from day one, but if you’re spending more time on marketing than your core business, it’s worth considering. Here are some helpful criteria to decide if a platform is right for you:

1. You’ve tried DIY tactics but aren't seeing consistent results.
2. You want to grow, but don’t have time to manage marketing yourself.
3. You have a monthly marketing budget of at least $100.
4. You’d benefit from tools that optimize ad spend, SEO, and email marketing.
5. You want to track what’s working and what’s not, without hours of research.

Typical starting budgets for platforms like DirectHub range from $100 to $500 per month, depending on the combination of products, including ads, SEO, email marketing, and other services. Optimal budgets typically include a mix of services and often yield the highest return on investment (ROI), ranging from $300 to $750 per month. Here’s what you could get budget-wise when you work with DirectHub: 

1. Local SEO + Google advertising = $600/mo.
2. Local SEO + Email = $525/mo.
3. Local SEO + Display = $300/mo. 

The Bottom Line: A Digital Marketing Platform is Perfect for Small Business Owners

If marketing your business takes too much time or isn’t working, it may be time for a more effective solution. DirectHub brings together top digital marketing tools for small businesses. They are simple to use, work great, and take the stress out of marketing. Let us help turn your time, budget, and goals into results without the stress.

Try DirectHub today and make your marketing one less thing to worry about.