Category:
Tools
Trends and channels in marketing change over time. When it comes to marketing channels, some fads come and go rapidly, but email is one that has been rather constant over time. Email is still the most effective route for distributing material for both B2C and B2B companies. B2B marketers utilize it at a rate of 87%, while B2C marketers use it at a rate of 77%.
Other marketing platforms, such as social media, can benefit from it as well. To put it another way, email marketers still have a lot of work cut out for them. One of the biggest issues is the time it takes to start from zero and generate an attractive email. To avoid wasting time and effort developing and sending emails that don’t look great, marketers should use effective tools. This reduces efficiency and lowers the return on your email marketing investment.
Many businesses are content with the current state of affairs because they are unwilling to make an investment in a tool that would make things easier. Email marketing tools, on the other hand, do not have to be costly. There are numerous free email marketing solutions available to you.
1. HubSpot Email Marketing
In addition to their well-known marketing automation software, HubSpot has now developed a free email marketing solution that can help small businesses with their transactional email demands.
HubSpot Email Marketing’s free edition may let you send kickback emails from lead offers, thank you emails after purchases, or just promote current initiatives. The fact that HubSpot’s free email tool is so simple to use is a huge plus. In addition to an intuitive drag-and-drop visual editor, the program includes ready-made templates to help you get started quickly.
It’s the integrated connection with HubSpot solutions like the free-for-ever CRM that really sets HubSpot Email Marketing apart. Both capabilities are included in your free Google Apps for a Business account once you sign up so you can construct a contacts database and manage and track email performance all in one place.
2. Sender
There are several free email marketing tools available, but Sender is one of the best because it has capabilities to ensure delivery. Without any prior understanding of HTML, you can easily write eye-catching newsletters using this tool. Simply pick a template and add images, videos, and text to make it your own. Your newsletters can even be personalized to make a stronger effect on each individual recipient.
3. Sendinblue
In addition to email marketing capabilities, Sendinblue has other features including client relationship management and the ability to create landing pages. Using Sendinblue’s email design tools, you can quickly and easily create eye-catching emails with over 70 pre-built design themes. To top it all off, all of these templates are mobile-friendly, so you can see how your design will look on a variety of devices.
A/B testing and segmented recipient lists can help you save time and eliminate uncertainty when it comes to fine-tuning your campaigns and reaching your ideal customers.
4. Omnisend
All your communication platforms are integrated into one place with Omnisend, an advanced e-commerce marketing tool. It only supports email in its free plan, but that’s more than enough to support small and medium enterprises’ email marketing campaigns. You can use behavioral triggers to automate email distribution and simply time your emails based on the convenience of your customers.
You may make better use of the information it provides about your audience by sending out more targeted email messages. Time-saving features like the Product Picker enable you to select all the products you wish to include in your email while still delivering eye-catching newsletters. Scratch cards, discount coupon codes, and gift boxes can all be included in your email campaign to increase its effectiveness even more.
5. SendPulse
Even though SendPulse claims to be a multi-channel marketing platform, its email marketing component is the most popular. Hundreds of professionally designed email templates are included, and a simple drag-and-drop editor lets you make quick changes to them. These personalized emails can then be programmed to send themselves based on user behavior, event triggers, and other variables at the correct moment.
A great way to find your most valuable subscribers is to use SendPulse’s subscriber rating tool. Open and click rates, as well as read and unread rates for each subscriber may all be tracked using this tool. There are several ways to personalize your emails, including the use of replaceable text fields such as first and last names as well as dates of birth.
6. Benchmark Email
Using Benchmark Email’s responsive email design tool, you can create emails that look fantastic on any device. You may even alter photographs directly on the site if you need to include them in your email. You can use the email editor’s effects, stickers, and text to make your message stand out.
There are numerous pre-designed templates based on industry, type, and occasion from which to choose. You can even start from scratch in the code editor if you’re an HTML pro. With the dual view function, you can see your email design as you’re updating it, which makes the entire email creation process easier.
7. Mailchimp
You’ve probably heard of Mailchimp, an industry leader in email marketing software. Basic email marketing services like email generation and scheduling are included in their free plan. Its smart recommendations function, which gives you vital audience insights to help you enhance your marketing efforts, makes this an excellent email marketing tool.
Create emails with the platform’s Content Manager, which lets you store images and files for quick access in the future. If you use Mailchimp’s automation features, you may send emails at key points in the buyer’s journey, such as welcome messages, order confirmations, and cart abandonment reminders.
8. MailerLite
Features like the landing page builder and pop-up customizer set MailerLite apart from other free email marketing platforms. There’s also a powerful text editor and a photo editor included in the tool so you can produce visually great emails.
You may develop landing pages that are responsive to the emails you send, which can increase your conversion rates. Split testing can be used to determine which variations of your email are most effective at generating clicks and converting recipients. A detailed campaign report generated by MailerLite lets you know the click-through rate, unsubscribe rate, and open rate of your campaigns, among other things.
9. Mailjet
When you use Mailjet, you get easy-to-use tools that make it simple to create email marketing campaigns. Use the pre-designed templates to produce responsive emails that look great on any screen and will leave a lasting impression on your recipients. Working in a group will be a breeze with the platform’s real-time collaboration function.
You may also use this email marketing tool to add dynamic content to your emails, allowing you to produce communications that are relevant and customized for each reader. As a result, your email marketing strategies will yield far greater outcomes in the long run. Using a single dashboard, you can quickly manage your mailing list and integrate the platform with your CRM.
10. Moosend
Moosend is a great solution for email marketing because it allows you to automate time-consuming operations. You can create behavioral email campaigns based on the data and/or activity of your subscribers. Using its powerful segmentation tool, you can send highly accurate emails to each recipient, enhancing open and click-through rates as well as ROI.
This tool gives you an in-depth analysis of the performance of your efforts, so you know exactly how to improve them. It can also be integrated with some of your favorite third-party apps to allow for the easy transfer of important data between them. Other free email marketing solutions will add their logo in your emails, but not MailChimp.
Working in the corporate sector, you’ll find that everything you need to complete your job is already there for you. Have your own Freelancing workstation or office, depending on your preference. Your laptop, phone, and possibly even a business car are all likely to have been provided by your employer. Pens, paper, notepads, and permanent markers are among the office materials at your disposal. If you can think of it, your office administrator can probably get it. Needs of the Virtual Professional
It is your responsibility to obtain your own materials and tools if you are a virtual professional with clients who do not always give them.
For an internet freelancer, what does this mean? The following are the top five necessities:
1. Sturdy Gear
A laptop or desktop computer, at least two additional monitors (for work that need split screens or a more expansive view of interfaces), and noise-canceling headphones or earphones with a microphone are all you need. Some people choose small, portable laptops or tablets that they can carry with them everywhere they go and use to access the software they need to get the job done.
You may be able to examine the hardware specifications depending on your virtual assistance services. Freelance microphones, a webcam, or a DSLR may be required, as well as USB hubs for many connections. Let us know if you have any further suggestions for vital equipment.
2. Reliable Internet Connection
As a result, virtual assistants must have access to high-speed Internet. Dial-up internet access, on the other hand, is prehistoric. Telecommunications firms have made an effort to boost the speed of their internet connections to as many megabits per second (Mbps) as possible. Those who prefer Wi-Fi have that option as well, but keep in mind that the speed at which they connect and the amount of data they transmit will all vary. Having a mobile hotspot is an option for some, but your data plan will determine whether or not you may use it.
3. Production-inducing workspace
It’s critical where you work as a digital nomad. Online freelancers who work near the ocean, in a national park, or along scenic routes may post about their experiences on social media. But in the end, it’s all about how effective you are. They may have chosen these locations for their workspaces because they are looking for motivation. Cozy coffee shops appeal to some people due to the presence of free coffee and the resulting relaxed atmosphere (as opposed to a stressful environment). Co-working spaces now include reliable Wi-Fi, basic office necessities like a landline, a photocopier, a printer, and even a coffee maker.
Many virtual assistants choose to work from home because it is the most convenient location for them. You don’t have to plan ahead or think about what to wear or how long it will take to go to work. Working from home has several advantages, one of which is having your own dedicated internet connection (unless there are other family members in your house sharing it with you.)
4. Food and Beverages
Remote workers, like many others, rely on nutritious snacks to keep them going. Because you’re sitting in front of your laptop in your pajamas at home, it’s possible you’ve forgotten about cooking in favor of getting your work done. Especially if your schedule conflicts with your existing office’s usual hours, don’t forget to drink, eat, and eat healthfully.
A sandwich and a cup of coffee are two of my go-to options for staying awake and fueled during the day. And last but not least, a water bottle.
5. Access to the Lavatory
After all that coffee and water, you’re going to need a bathroom break. The comfort room is also a great place to get away from online freelancing’s grind. Because you have to stand and flex other portions of your body, this will also help control other biological functions. When you’re seated for hours on end, tapping on the keyboard or the mouse can become very taxing.
The end result is as follows: According to my personal experience, those are the most important considerations. Let me know if you think of anyone else who should be on this list, and why.
Document management systems have evolved significantly during the last few decades. When it came to documenting generation and editing in the past, Microsoft office software was always mentioned as the go-to option. It’s only that the situation has shifted. Despite the fact that Microsoft Office is still a prominent participant in this market, there are other options, both free and premium. As a Freelancer its really important to manage your documents
File formats such as Excel spreadsheets, PDFs, PowerPoint presentations, and Word documents play an important role in both personal and professional lives. For your essential projects to run smoothly, you must deal with a large number of these documents on a daily basis. However, there are circumstances when extensive editing is required to bring a document up to standard. If you need to make modifications to your papers, third-party software or applications can assist you. Here are a few of the top document editing programs available right now:
1. PDFelement:
PDFelement is an excellent Adobe Acrobat replacement that allows you to edit PDF files. You’ll have complete control over your PDF files with the software’s extensive edition features, which include graphics-based cropping, mirroring, and rotating. In addition to table recognition, the software offers an enhanced OCR experience. The app is available for Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows, and it supports nine distinct languages. PDFelement allows you to convert static documents into dynamic ones.
2. Microsoft Office:
You can edit everything in Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint presentations, Excel sheets, Outlook messages, OneDrive notes, Access databases, Publisher documents, and Word documents. After subscribing, you’ll always have access to the most recent versions of the software because it is regularly updated. Microsoft Office is a multipurpose program that can be used at home, at work, or in the classroom. Being able to utilize it from wherever you choose is convenient for everybody, regardless of their age.
The free online version of Microsoft Office from Microsoft has struck a chord. Office Online can be used without a Microsoft Office desktop license. It’s designed to be an add-on to desktop applications, and it has many of the same capabilities as Google Docs. The Share button located in the upper right corner of Office Online documents makes it very simple to share them with others. There is no need to keep storing the file as it operates in the browser. Everything is immediately saved when you make a modification. Editing PDF files isn’t possible with this program.
3. Evernote:
Evernote is a well-liked tool for taking, organizing, and revising notes online. Your work will be more organized if you use it. Evernote allows you to store all of your information in one location. Even handwritten notes can be searched for using the software. Tables, checklists, links, audio recordings, and attachments can all be added to your notes. Simply join up for a free premium trial edition of Evernote to see what it can do for you. You may also collaborate and share your notes with others using this application.
Evernote is often regarded as the best app for taking notes. There will always be a need to jot down quick notes, no matter how many pages and documents you create. Fortunately, there’s a solution in the form of Evernote. Slack, Google Docs, Outlook, Salesforce, and many more apps may be readily integrated.
4. Acrobat DC:
Adobe Acrobat DC is the tool to use if you want to do more than just edit PDF files. It has a number of features that let you work from your computer, smartphone, or the internet. Several premium options are available on this website, so take a look around. You’ll be able to make changes to both the text and images in your PDF file using these tools. Forms can be created, signed, and filled out quickly and easily with this software. You may also create PDF files in Acrobat Pro DC and then import them into other programs like PowerPoint, Excel, or Word.
5. Apache OpenOffice:
These tools enable you to create and edit documents and spreadsheets in the same way Microsoft Office does. Downloading, distributing, and using Apache OpenOffice are all completely free of charge. Due to its long history and wealth of experience, the software has amassed a devoted following that numbers in the millions. It can be used for a wide range of things, including education, the private sector, the government, and even commercial enterprises and public administration. Downloading this software gives you access to a variety of tools, including Writer, Calc, Impress, and Base, as well as Draw and Math.
6. Google Docs (Sheets, Slides, Forms):
Google Docs is probably something you’ve encountered in your professional or academic career. If you use Google Docs and its companion applications, you can accomplish just about everything with documents right from your browser. There is no need for a separate piece of software.
Using Google’s suite of tools for creating documents, sheets, slides, and forms, you’ll be able to do so quickly and easily. There is no charge for editing or collaborating on things, so you can do it from wherever you are. There are a variety of templates available that will help you do your assignment quickly and efficiently, resulting in high levels of productivity. Even without an internet connection, you can access your files on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. The fact that all of your modifications are automatically stored is a critical feature of this program. The history of revisions is also preserved, allowing you to see who made modifications and what was changed.
Google Docs is constantly being enhanced by the Google team with the addition of new features and tools. So, if you’ve used Google Docs in the past, it’s a good idea to give it another look. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the additions you discover. Sharing papers, allowing other people to edit, chatting, and annotating the document is also a cinch.
7. Apple Pages, Numbers and Keynote:
Using Apple Pages, Numbers, and Keynote in conjunction with an Apple computer, you can create well-organized spreadsheets that include photos and tables throughout. The documents you produce can serve as models for other people’s creativity. Apple Pencil can be used by the user to create pictures and diagrams that enhance the presentation. With the keynote, users may make presentations that showcase their lives through the use of eye-catching effects and innovative software. The more time you invest, the more you’ll learn about this amazing program.
8. WPS Office:
WPS Office, a free all-in-one office productivity suite, has witnessed a lot of growth in recent years. There is a free PC version and a paid mobile device version of this software. Subscription is required to remove the mobile version’s advertising. It has an extensive set of tools for editing and managing documents. It’s possible to edit a broad variety of file kinds with WPS Office, including programming files, and it’s also possible to convert files between different file formats. Dropbox, Google Drive, and One Drive are popular cloud storage options for files created and maintained with WP Office. One of the most useful features of this program is the free PDF editor and manager that comes with it. This is a feature-rich word processor, on par with Microsoft Word.
9. PandaDoc:
Because it has advertised itself as a sales-focused document organizer, PandaDoc has successfully built its own market sector. This document manager has capabilities tailored to the needs of sales and corporate clients. You can store materials that can be reused in the document editor’s picture libraries and content theme templates. It also includes analytics capabilities for tracking how much time users spend on various parts of the site. A document manager who wants to monitor their finances and sales would appreciate this solution. Workspaces can be used for collaboration as well. However, the files cannot be accessed by several users at the same time.
People choose to freelance for a number of reasons—but most often, it is because they desire freedom:
The freedom to do what they love and what they’re good at
The freedom to work with the clients they choose
The freedom to work at their own pace and schedule
Freelancing, on the other hand, is not a bed of roses. Those who operate as freelancers are responsible for managing their own finances (including taxes), finding and closing their own projects (since their income is dependent on having enough work), and prioritizing their time appropriately. Being a successful freelancer, you must wear multiple hats. This can entail recruiting and managing others.
Today’s employment includes a growing number of freelancers. According to an Upwork estimate from 2018, 56.7 million Americans worked as independent contractors. About one-third of the workforce is represented by this group. Fortunately, the industry has responded by offering powerful tools that freelancers can utilize to increase their productivity.
Most of our top recommendations for the finest tools for freelancers integrate with other well-known tools for freelancers, understanding the value of information available regardless of the tool you are currently using.
1. Google Calendar
Many consumers purchase a variety of Apple goods in order to take advantage of the seamless syncing between them. Google Calendar is the gold standard for calendar management for freelancers, especially now that they’ve released new features focused on business use cases, as most people have a Google account.
Google Calendar:
Alerts you before your appointment (you can choose how many minutes before)
Allows you to input the location and other relevant details of your meeting
Allows for rich formatting and hyperlinking so that you can share notes and presentations before the meeting
It is possible to view and manage many calendars simultaneously if you work as a virtual assistant for many clients using Google Calendar events that are shared with other team members.
2. Dropbox
Dropbox is a cloud storage software that is free to use with a set storage limit. You can invite more people to use Dropbox and install it on numerous devices to get more monthly storage space. You can also exchange files with your buddies. Depending on your specific requirements, you may also want to invest in more storage capacity.
Dropbox may be used on your computer as well as within its apps. By doing this, your online files will be immediately synced to your computer, allowing you to access them from anywhere.
3. Boomerang
When it comes to email management, Boomerang is a lifesaver. This program’s key selling point is its capacity to send emails at the most optimal times of the day. Weekends can be productive, but you don’t want your customers to expect a response from you in your “free” time. Instead, use Boomerang to write pending responses and send them at a later time.
As an added bonus, Boomerang lets you know if your emails have been opened, read, or clicked on while also setting up follow-ups that are automated. Boomerang has both free and premium versions, so you may choose what works best for you.
4. LegalZoom
When it comes to generating legal documents, engaging an attorney who is familiar with both your business and the local regulations is preferable than starting from scratch with free legal document templates (or bronze, perhaps).
LegalZoom charges $7.99/month for access to a template library. For an additional $31.25 each month, you can get attorney support, which comes in handy if you run into problems filling out LegalZoom’s templates. If your firm is brand new, LegalZoom can also assist with the creation of your company (and serve as your registered agent).
5. Canva
Canva is an easy-to-use graphic design tool that allows you to quickly create stunning designs. The best part about this program is that it doesn’t require any PC setup. Visit Canva to get started.
You can also use the Canva mobile app as an alternative. However, if you want to design quickly and easily, I recommend using it on a PC. Using the Canva mobile app for rapid designs will become second nature once you get used to it.
It’s completely free to use. However, Canva Pro, the premium edition, is available for a fee. It’s evident that Canva Pro offers more functionality than Canva for free. However, I can assure you that even with the free version of this software, you can create stunning graphics.
Canva has become linked with the concept of making stunning visuals without a background in graphic design because of social media influencer Guy Kawasaki’s investment in the firm.
6. PayPal
Getting paid via bank transfer can be expensive for freelancers who have clients in other countries, and the money may take a long time to arrive.
Most freelancers want to be paid via PayPal because it is the most convenient payment method. More than 200 countries accept it, 25 currencies can be stored on it, and it’s considered to be quite safe. PayPal is also incredibly adaptable: many online merchants accept it as a payment method.
However, as most freelancers are well aware, PayPal levies a hefty transaction fee as a cost of doing business, which may be quite discouraging. What’s the good news, though? These charges are deductible from your taxable income as a business expense!
7. Asana
Asana is a well-designed project management tool that comes packed with numerous functionalities to the point that it can be overwhelming at times. As a result, it’s best suited to smaller projects requiring teamwork (or when a client adds you to their instance of Asana). When it comes to managing your own projects, you’ll most likely want to utilize something else.
8. 1Password
Keeping track of all the websites and accounts you have might be a daunting task, but 1Password makes it simple by securely storing all your logins for the websites and services on this list of the best tools for freelancers. One further benefit of utilizing 1Password is that when you’re ready to utilize a given username/password combination, it will immediately bring it up in 1Password for you.
9. Proposify
With Proposify’s enormous library of gorgeous templates, you can produce amazing proposals in half the time it normally takes. With Proposify’s tools, you have full control over the typography and layout of your proposals, as well as the ability to add snippets that you may reuse over and over again.
Proposals created using this software are responsive, meaning they look good on a variety of devices. Make your proposal more appealing by include video. Proposify integrates with a slew of other great tools for freelancers, including those on this list. It also tells you whether or not your proposal was accepted by the client and for how long they looked at it.
10. Grammarly
Grammarly is the most cost-effective grammar checker on the market. Even if you’re not a writer, you still want to make sure that you come across as articulate in client emails, personal social media, your freelance portfolio website, and so on, so it’s difficult to imagine a freelancer who wouldn’t benefit from using Grammarly.
Correcting grammatical problems like subject-verb agreement, punctuation, and modifier placement is easy with Grammarly, which can even identify correctly spelled words when they are used incorrectly. When you use Grammarly, you’ll never be left in the dark regarding why a correction was made, which will help you improve your writing skills over time.
If you’re working with other writers, it also has a plagiarism checking tool that may come in handy.
What to look for in a great small business marketing tool
This depends on your freelance’s needs and marketing procedure, not on the marketing tool itself.
Every marketing team needs a great product that is easy to use and gives them back time with automation. Having a growing staff means you’ll need a “great” marketing solution that offers better automation, connects across marketing channels, and is scalable.
Honesty is the best policy, both with yourself and with the companies you demo with. Stick to your budget, especially if it includes free marketing resources. Be honest with yourself about your current situation and your expectations for the next six months, a year, or even two years.
Embrace humility when it comes to your technological prowess and the amount of time you have to learn new applications. Also, be certain of your approach, whether it’s event-based marketing, inbound marketing, or something else.
If you want to get the most out of your marketing investments, you need to know your situation and seek advice on digital marketing best practices and ideas.