Marketing Tools: 21 Essential Ones to Make Your Life Easier

You can’t please everyone all of the time. But as marketers, it’s our job to use marketing tools to disprove this age-old John Lydgate quote (if you’re curious, he was a poet), and get absolutely everyone interested in what you have to say.

Sure, you can’t sell your product to everyone. But the more who know about it, and like your brand, the more exposure you’ll get. In the longer term, this means more leads will trickle through and convert into precious sales.

Sounds tough? Well, for the most part, it is. But thankfully, there are hundreds, if not thousands of marketing tools to help you in every part of the process. From planning all the way through to display advertising tools, there’s software designed specifically to make your marketing life easier.

It can be overwhelming to dig through everything available. So we compiled a list of some of the best marketing tools out there, just for you. 

Let’s take a look at 21 of the tools that can help with some of the most common tasks facing marketers today.

Jump to:
Planning and project management tools
Social media management tools
Content creation and design tools
Analytics and reporting tools
SEO and SEM tools
Email marketing tools
Marketing automation and integration tools
Free vs paid tools

Planning and project management tools

A vital part of any marketer’s job is the planning. It’s the foundation that everything else is built on, so you need to be sure you’re getting this part right. 

1. Trello

Trello’s user-friendly interface and Kanban-style boards make it a favorite among marketers. With features like customizable boards, task assignments, and deadlines, Trello simplifies task tracking and enhances team visibility. Need to ensure that your team stays aligned on campaign tasks? A glance at your Trello board shows project status, pending tasks, and upcoming deadlines.

2. Asana

Asana is a powerhouse for collaboration and task management. Whether you’re launching a product or planning a multi-channel campaign, Asana helps you organize tasks into projects, track dependencies, and set milestones. The tool’s robust integration options with platforms like Slack and Google Drive further streamline team communication and resource management.

3. monday.com

monday.com excels in visualizing workflows. From marketing timelines to resource allocation, this platform provides a holistic view of your team’s activities. Its automation features - like recurring task creation and status updates - save valuable time, allowing marketers to focus on strategic priorities.

Key benefits for marketers

• Task tracking: Make sure all campaign elements are executed on time by assigning responsibilities and tracking progress seamlessly.
• Collaboration: Improve team alignment with shared boards, project notes, and communication features.
• Deadline management: Never miss a campaign launch with clear timelines and automated reminders.

Why these tools are essential

Planning and project management tools not only keep your team organized - they also boost productivity. By reducing time spent on manual task coordination, your team can focus on creating impactful campaigns that drive real results.

Social media management tools

If you want to be where your audience is, some sort of presence on social media is absolutely essential. But navigating the world of social media can feel like juggling a hundred things at once: posting, tracking engagement, responding to followers, and measuring performance. Thankfully, social media management tools are here to save the day. With the right tools, you can simplify your workload, stay consistent, and even boost your campaign results.

4. Hootsuite

Hootsuite is a trusty sidekick for social media marketers. Whether you’re running campaigns on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn, Hootsuite helps you schedule posts in advance and manage everything in one place. Its analytics tools show you what’s working (and what isn’t), so you can tweak your approach and keep your audience engaged.

5. Buffer

Think of Buffer as your efficiency guru. It’s simple to use but packs a punch, letting you plan and schedule posts across multiple platforms in just a few clicks. One of its coolest features? It analyzes the best times to post for your audience, so you’re not just reaching them - you’re catching them at the perfect moment.

6. SproutSocial

If you’re looking for a platform with a bit more depth, SproutSocial has you covered. It goes beyond basic scheduling with robust analytics, sentiment tracking, and even competitor insights. Plus, it’s a dream for teams - it lets you collaborate on content calendars and assign tasks, keeping everyone on the same page.

Key benefits for marketers

• Stay organized: With scheduling tools, you can map out your content calendar weeks - or even months - in advance. No more scrambling for last-minute posts.
• Work smarter, not harder: Detailed analytics show you which strategies drive the most engagement, so you can focus your energy where it counts.
• Connect with your audience: Real-time engagement tracking helps you respond faster, build relationships, and foster brand loyalty.

Why these tools are essential

Social media marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These tools take care of the heavy lifting, leaving you free to focus on the fun stuff: creating great content and connecting with your audience.

Wondering how to plan your social media strategy? Read up on some key social media advertising to keep on your radar to help you get started. 

Content creation and design tools

Display advertising is at the heart of every successful marketing campaign. But creating eye-catching designs, polished copy, and engaging visuals doesn’t have to be a daunting task. 

Content creation and design tools simplify the process, empowering marketers to produce professional-quality content without needing advanced technical skills.

7. Canva

Canva is the ultimate go-to for marketers looking to create stunning visuals without the steep learning curve. Whether you need social media graphics, banner ads, or infographics, Canva’s drag-and-drop editor makes design a breeze. Plus, with thousands of templates at your fingertips, you can create polished designs in minutes - even if you’re not a designer.

8. Adobe Spark

If you want your content to stand out, Adobe Spark delivers. This tool is perfect for creating short videos, web stories, and branded graphics. Its sleek templates and customization options help marketers craft dynamic, scroll-stopping content that’s tailored to their audience.

9. Grammarly

While design tools get the visuals just right, Grammarly makes sure your copy is pitch-perfect. This tool catches typos, improves sentence structure, and even offers tone suggestions, so your messaging always hits the mark. Whether you’re working on an email campaign or a blog post, Grammarly ensures your words work as hard as your visuals.

Pro tip: While these types of platforms are great for content creation alone, using a Creative Management Platform (CMP) can be even better for your workflow. Design your creatives and publish them all in the same place, effortlessly. Read more about the benefits of using a CMP (like Bannerflow) right here.

Key benefits for marketers

• Simplified design: Say goodbye to complicated software. These tools let you create professional-quality content quickly and easily.
• Time efficiency: Pre-built templates and intuitive interfaces help you focus on creativity, not logistics.
• Enhanced Quality: Polished visuals and error-free copy improve your brand’s credibility and help your content stand out in a crowded market.

Why these tools are essential

Using content creation and design tools means producing engaging, high-quality content that resonates with audiences. From a bold Instagram post to a persuasive product email, these tools make sure every piece of content aligns with your brand and drives results.

Check out some of the best banner ads for inspiration on your next campaign.

Analytics and reporting tools

In the age of data-driven marketing, understanding how your campaigns perform is non-negotiable. Analytics and reporting tools give marketers the insights they need to measure success, optimize strategies, and demonstrate ROI. 

These tools are indispensable for keeping tabs on website traffic, analyzing user behavior, and crafting campaigns that deliver real results.

10. Google Analytics

It’s a staple in every marketer’s toolkit. Google Analytics (GA) provides an in-depth look at your website's performance. From page views to bounce rates, GA helps you understand how users interact with your site. Plus, with features like goal tracking and conversion reports, you can directly measure the effectiveness of your campaigns.

11. HubSpot

HubSpot is a great all-in-one tool for marketing automation and analytics. It offers detailed reporting on everything from email performance to workflow analytics. Its CRM integration ensures you have a complete view of the customer journey, making it easier to identify what’s working and what’s not.

12. Mixpanel

Mixpanel goes beyond basic metrics, offering advanced analytics for user behavior and engagement. It’s perfect for businesses with apps or interactive platforms, and tracks user flows, retention rates, and in-app actions. These insights help marketers refine their campaigns for better user experiences and higher conversions.

Key benefits for marketers

• ROI Tracking: Clearly measure the impact of your campaigns by tracking metrics like conversions, revenue, and customer lifetime value.
• Actionable insights: Use data to identify trends, uncover opportunities, and make informed decisions to improve future campaigns.
• Performance optimization: Pinpoint what’s driving results to allocate your team’s resources effectively and maximize impact.

Why these tools are essential

If you’ve not adopted data-driven marketing yet, get ready to get left behind. Analytics and reporting tools are the compass guiding your marketing efforts. They turn raw data into meaningful insights, helping you understand your audience and optimize your campaigns for better outcomes.

SEO and SEM tools

In a digital-first world, being seen by your audience starts with ranking high in search results. That’s where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and SEM (Search Engine Marketing) tools shine. These tools help marketers uncover valuable keywords, analyze competitors, and refine their strategies to boost visibility, drive traffic, and convert leads.

13. SEMrush

SEMrush is a powerhouse for all things SEO and SEM. This tool provides everything from in-depth keyword research to competitor analysis, giving you what you need to stay ahead. Its features include domain comparison, backlink analysis, and content optimization suggestions, helping you craft campaigns that not only attract but also convert.

14. Ahrefs

Ahrefs is known for its robust backlink database and is ideal for tracking your site’s authority and building strong SEO strategies. Beyond backlinks, it offers tools for keyword research, rank tracking, and competitor monitoring. Ahrefs also provides content gap analysis, helping you discover opportunities to outrank competitors.

15. Google Keyword Planner

This one’s a favorite for its simplicity and accuracy. Google Keyword Planner helps identify relevant keywords and their search volume - it’s perfect for aligning your content and PPC campaigns with what your audience is searching for. Whether you’re launching a new campaign or refining an existing one, this tool provides the foundation for success.

Key benefits for marketers

• Keyword research: Discover high-performing keywords that resonate with your audience and drive traffic to your site.
• Competitor analysis: Gain insights into what’s working for competitors and identify opportunities to outperform them.
• Campaign optimization: Use data to refine content, improve ad targeting, and maximize ROI.

Why these tools are essential

SEO and SEM tools are vital for ensuring your brand stands out in a crowded marketplace. They help marketers make data-driven decisions, adapt to changing search trends, and connect with audiences at the right time. With these tools in your arsenal, reaching (and converting) your ideal customer becomes easier than ever.

Email marketing tools

Despite what you might hear and see, email marketing is very much alive and well. In fact, over half of all respondents to this survey actually preferred companies to contact them via email over any other method.

With the right email marketing tools, you can automate campaigns, segment audiences, and create highly personalized experiences that keep customers coming back.

16. Mailchimp

Mailchimp is a go-to platform for marketers of all experience levels. It combines powerful automation with an intuitive interface, making it easy to set up campaigns, create visually appealing emails, and track performance metrics. Its segmentation features ensure you’re sending the right message to the right audience at the right time.

17. Klaviyo

Known for its deep integration with e-commerce platforms, Klaviyo takes email personalization to the next level. By leveraging customer data, it enables highly targeted campaigns based on behavior, preferences, and purchase history. Whether it’s a post-purchase thank-you email or an abandoned cart reminder, Klaviyo helps you make sure every interaction feels tailored.

18. Constant Contact

For small businesses, Constant Contact is a reliable choice. Its drag-and-drop editor and customizable templates make designing emails simple. Beyond email, it also offers event marketing and survey tools, making it a versatile option for engaging with your audience.

Key benefits for marketers

• Automation: Save time and scale your campaigns with automated workflows for welcome emails, follow-ups, and more.
• Segmentation: Divide your audience into targeted groups based on demographics, behavior, or preferences to deliver more relevant messaging.
• Personalization: Create memorable customer experiences with personalized content that resonates on an individual level.

Why these tools are essential

These tools simplify the complexities of email marketing, allowing marketers to focus on crafting impactful messages and strategies. By automating repetitive tasks, segmenting your audience, and personalizing content, you’ll foster stronger connections with your customers and drive meaningful results.

Marketing automation and integration tools

Managing multiple marketing channels and platforms can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where marketing automation and integration tools come in. 

By automating repetitive tasks and enabling seamless connections between your favorite apps, these tools save time, reduce errors, and boost campaign efficiency, all while delivering a unified experience for your audience.

19. Bannerflow

As a leader in programmatic advertising, Bannerflow takes marketing automation to new heights. It streamlines everything from the creation and management of display ads, enabling marketers to scale campaigns effortlessly. With features like creative personalization, real-time updates, and cross-platform compatibility, Bannerflow ensures your ads reach the right audience at the right time.

20. Zapier

Think of Zapier as the glue that connects your favorite marketing tools. It allows you to create "Zaps" (automated workflows) between apps like Mailchimp, Google Sheets, and Slack. Whether it’s syncing data or triggering an action based on specific conditions, Zapier simplifies integrations so you can focus on strategy, not logistics.

21. Marketo

Marketo is a robust tool designed for end-to-end marketing automation. From lead nurturing and email campaigns to analytics and personalization, it offers comprehensive solutions for managing customer journeys. Its integration with CRMs and other tools ensures a seamless flow of data, making it perfect for scaling your efforts.

Key benefits for marketers

• Efficiency: Automate time-consuming tasks like email scheduling, data syncing, and campaign tracking to free up valuable resources.
• Integration: Connect multiple platforms and tools to create a unified marketing ecosystem that streamlines workflows and improves collaboration.
• Scalability: Easily expand your campaigns and manage higher volumes without compromising quality or consistency.

Why these tools are essential

Marketing automation tools enable marketers to do more with less, driving better results while reducing manual effort. By simplifying workflows and ensuring smooth integrations, they allow teams to focus on strategy, creativity, and delivering value to their audience.

Find out more about Bannerflow’s creative automation and learn how it can streamline your workflow today. 

Free vs. paid marketing tools: which should you choose?

The benefits of free marketing tools

Free tools like Canva Free and Hootsuite Free are perfect for marketers on a budget. They offer essential features that help you create, schedule, and manage content effectively. For example:

• Canva Free: Design stunning visuals with an array of templates, fonts, and graphics. Ideal for quick, high-quality content creation without breaking the bank.
• Hootsuite Free: Schedule posts for up to two social media accounts, monitor basic analytics, and manage engagement in one place.

Free tools are ideal for small teams or businesses looking to get started without heavy upfront costs. 

The advantages of paid marketing tools

Investing in premium tools, such as Canva Pro or Hootsuite Professional, unlocks features that significantly enhance your capabilities:

• Canva Pro: Access advanced design elements like brand kits, unlimited folders, and team collaboration features, saving time and ensuring brand consistency.
• Hootsuite Professional: Manage up to ten social accounts, access in-depth analytics, and create automated posting schedules tailored to audience behavior.

Premium tools are a smart choice when your needs grow, or you want to optimize workflows for efficiency and scale.

When to invest in paid tools

If your team is growing, your campaigns are becoming more complex, or you need deeper insights, it’s time to consider upgrading. Paid tools often pay for themselves by saving time, improving performance, and providing insights that free options can’t.

Striking the right balance

For many marketers, a hybrid approach works best: using free tools for basic tasks and investing in premium options for high-impact activities. Assess your needs, budget, and goals to create a well-rounded toolkit that works for you and your team.

Creating your marketing toolkit for success with Bannerflow

The right marketing tools can transform how you work: streamlining processes, saving time, and boosting results. From planning and project management to social media, content creation, analytics, and automation, each tool we’ve discussed plays a vital role in helping you achieve your marketing goals. Whether you’re leveraging free options to get started or investing in premium tools to scale, the key is finding a combination that aligns with your strategy and objectives.

For a comprehensive solution that integrates seamlessly across your campaigns, look no further than Bannerflow. Our platform empowers marketers to take control of their advertising efforts with intuitive tools for marketing automation, dynamic content creation, real-time analytics, and programmatic campaign management. Simplify workflows, optimize performance, and create impactful campaigns - all in one place.

Ready to streamline your marketing? Explore the possibilities with a product tour of Bannerflow today, and discover how we can elevate your marketing strategy to new heights.

FAQs about marketing tools

What is a marketing tool?

A marketing tool is any software, platform, or resource that helps businesses execute and optimize their marketing activities. They streamline processes and enhance efficiency, allowing marketers to focus on strategy and creativity.

How many types of marketing tools are there?

There are many different types of marketing tools depending on your team’s needs and your industry. However, some key types are planning and project management tools, social media management tools, email marketing tools, and marketing automation and integration tools, to name a few.

What is the key tool in a marketing strategy?

The key tool in any marketing strategy depends on your specific goals, but marketing automation platforms like Bannerflow often take center stage. By combining analytics, content creation, and campaign management in easy-to-use one platform, these tools streamline workflows, deliver actionable insights, and ensure consistent, impactful communication across channels.