The Ultimate DIY Digital Marketing Toolkit: Free & Low-Cost Tools for Small Business Owners

You’re Wearing Too Many Hats—Marketing Shouldn’t Be One of Them

You started your business to do what you love—not to spend hours figuring out SEO, social media, and email marketing tools. But here you are, juggling everything:

• One minute, you're designing graphics for Instagram.
• The next, you’re watching YouTube tutorials on Google Analytics.
• And somehow, your email list is still collecting dust instead of bringing in sales.

Sound familiar?

Marketing your business shouldn’t feel overwhelming or expensive. Yet, many small business owners find themselves spending hours scheduling social media posts, struggling to interpret analytics, or wasting money on ineffective ads—without clear results. That’s exactly why we created this DIY Digital Marketing Toolkit—a carefully curated list of free and budget-friendly tools designed to help you grow, without the stress.

Why the Right Marketing Tools Matter

Just like assembling furniture requires the right screwdriver and hammer, effective DIY marketing depends on using the right tools to streamline efforts and maximize results. Without the right tools, you’re wasting time and missing opportunities to reach your audience efficiently.

With the right resources, you can simplify your strategy, save time, and achieve measurable results—without breaking the bank.

To remove the guesswork from marketing, goalskeeper.io provides clear insights into what’s working—helping you make informed decisions and focus on growing your business.

Ready to market smarter? Let’s dive in.

SEO & Keyword Research Tools (Get Found on Google)

Why SEO & Keyword Research Matter

SEO and keyword research tools are essential for helping businesses get found online. Without them, your content may go unnoticed, buried beneath competitors in search engine results.

Key Benefits of SEO & Keyword Research:

• Increases Visibility – Helps your website rank higher in Google search results, driving organic traffic.
• Targets the Right Audience – Ensures you're using keywords that potential customers are actively searching for.
• Improves Content Strategy – Provides insights into trending topics and what people are searching for.
• Competitive Edge – Helps you analyze what keywords your competitors rank for and how you can outperform them.

For a deeper dive into SEO basics and keyword research strategies, check out our detailed guide: SEO Basics for Small Business Owners: A DIY Guide

Google Keyword Planner (Free)

Getting your business found online can feel impossible when you don’t know what people are actually searching for. You might spend hours writing blog posts or tweaking your website, only to see little to no traffic. The problem? You’re guessing at the keywords instead of using the ones people are already looking for. That’s where Google Keyword Planner comes in—it helps you find the exact words your potential customers type into Google so you can use them in your content and get found more easily.

Originally designed for Google Ads, Google Keyword Planner is a free tool that businesses use to discover the best keywords for paid advertising. But here’s the secret: it’s just as powerful for SEO. Even if you’re not running ads, you can use it to find high-traffic keywords with low competition, helping your website rank higher on search results. Whether you’re writing a blog post, updating your homepage, or creating product descriptions, this tool gives you data-backed keyword ideas instead of leaving you to guess.

By using the right keywords, you make it easier for Google to connect your business with people who are already searching for what you offer. Instead of hoping the right audience finds you, you show up exactly when they need you. No wasted effort, no wasted money—just smarter marketing.

If you’re serious about getting more visitors and growing your business, Google Keyword Planner is worth a try. It’s free, easy to use, and can help you take the first step toward smarter SEO and better online visibility.

Ubersuggest (Freemium)

Getting your business noticed online can be tough, especially when you don’t know which keywords will actually bring people to your site. Guessing isn’t enough—if you’re not using the right words, your website won’t show up in search results. That’s where Ubersuggest comes in. This tool helps you discover the best keywords for your business, showing you exactly what people are searching for so you can create content that attracts the right audience.

While Ubersuggest is known for its SEO tools, it also provides valuable insights for paid ads, just like Google Keyword Planner. It shows keyword search volume, competition level, and even suggests long-tail keywords that are easier to rank for. Whether you're running ads or focusing on organic traffic, it helps you find keywords that can get you in front of potential customers without wasting money or effort.

But Ubersuggest goes beyond just keywords. It also offers SEO audits, backlink data, and content ideas to help improve your website’s ranking. Instead of spending hours trying to figure out what works, you get clear recommendations on how to optimize your site and content.

If you want a simple, beginner-friendly way to improve your SEO and get more traffic, Ubersuggest is a great place to start. It takes the mystery out of keyword research and helps you focus on what actually works.

AnswerThePublic (Freemium)

Coming up with the right content ideas can be frustrating when you’re not sure what your audience wants to know. You might be guessing what topics to cover, only to see little engagement. AnswerThePublic solves this by showing you exactly what questions people are asking on Google. Instead of guessing, you get real insights into what your potential customers are curious about—helping you create blog posts, FAQs, and social media content that actually gets attention.

Owned by the same team behind Ubersuggest, AnswerThePublic is a keyword research tool focused on search intent. It takes a keyword and generates a visual map of related questions, comparisons, and phrases that people are actively searching for. This makes it a perfect tool for SEO, helping you create content that directly answers your audience’s biggest questions—boosting your chances of ranking higher in search results.

Even though it's not designed for ads like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest, it still helps you refine your marketing strategy. Whether you’re writing a blog post, optimizing your website, or brainstorming video ideas, AnswerThePublic gives you a clear roadmap of what people want to learn—helping you attract more traffic and build authority in your industryIf you struggle with content ideas or want to make sure you're targeting the right topics, AnswerThePublic is an easy-to-use, must-have tool. It takes the guesswork out of SEO and content planning, so you can focus on creating content that connects with your audience.

Website & Landing Page Builders (Set Up Fast, No Coding Needed)

Why Website & Landing Page Builders Matter

Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. A well-designed website or landing page helps establish credibility, build trust, and drive conversions. However, not every small business owner has coding skills or the time to manage complex website development.

Key Benefits of Website & Landing Page Builders:

• Ease of Use – Drag-and-drop editors make creating a website simple, even for beginners.
• Customization & Branding – Allows businesses to create a professional look that aligns with their brand.
• Lead Generation & Conversions – Well-structured landing pages help capture leads and drive sales.
• Cost-Effective – Many tools offer free or budget-friendly plans, making it accessible for small businesses.

Choosing the right website builder depends on your business needs—whether you require a full website (WordPress + Elementor), a simple one-page site (Carrd), or a visually appealing portfolio (Canva Website Builder).

WordPress + Elementor (Free & Paid Options)

Building a website or landing page can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t have coding skills. You know you need a professional-looking site to attract customers, but hiring a developer can be expensive and time-consuming. That’s where website and landing page builders come in. These tools make it easy for anyone to create a beautiful, high-converting website—no coding required. With drag-and-drop functionality, pre-made templates, and built-in optimization tools, they simplify the entire process, so you can focus on growing your business.

One of the most popular builders is Elementor, a powerful tool designed for WordPress websites. Elementor allows you to create stunning pages with an intuitive drag-and-drop editor, eliminating the need for complex coding. Whether you're building a full website or a high-converting landing page, it gives you complete control over design while keeping everything fast and responsive. Plus, with its extensive library of widgets and templates, you can create a professional-looking site in minutes, even if you’re not a designer.

Unlike basic website builders, Elementor is highly customizable and SEO-friendly, making it a great choice for business owners who want a flexible yet easy-to-use solution. It works seamlessly with WordPress, giving you the freedom to optimize your pages for search engines and integrate with marketing tools like email automation and analytics. Whether you need a simple landing page or a fully functional website, Elementor helps you build it without technical headaches.

If you’ve been putting off creating or improving your website because it feels too complicated, Elementor makes it easy. With its user-friendly interface and powerful features, you can build a site that looks great, converts visitors into customers, and grows your business—without hiring a developer.

Carrd (Free for Basic, $19/year for Premium Features)

Creating a website shouldn’t be complicated or expensive, especially if you only need a simple page to showcase your business, product, or idea. But many website builders come with too many features, overwhelming options, and a steep learning curve. Carrd is the perfect solution if you just need a clean, professional, and lightweight website—without the hassle.

Carrd is a simple, one-page website builder designed for ease of use. Whether you’re creating a landing page, a personal portfolio, or a sign-up page for your business, Carrd lets you build it in minutes with a straightforward drag-and-drop editor. Unlike other website builders that focus on multi-page sites, Carrd is specifically made for one-page designs, keeping things simple and focused while still offering beautiful layouts and customization options.

Despite its simplicity, Carrd doesn’t sacrifice functionality. It includes responsive designs that look great on any device, form integrations for email sign-ups, and even pro features like custom domains and analytics. It’s also incredibly affordable compared to other website builders, making it a great option for small business owners, freelancers, and anyone who needs an effective online presence without a big budget.

If you’re looking for a no-fuss way to build a stunning, single-page website quickly, Carrd is the perfect tool. Whether you need a landing page for a new product, a personal portfolio, or a simple business page, it gives you everything you need—without overcomplicating the process.

Canva Website Builder (Free & Paid Options)

When you think of Canva, you probably picture easy-to-use design tools for social media posts, presentations, and marketing materials. But what many people don’t realize is that Canva also has a website builder, offering a simple and visually stunning way to create a website without any coding or technical skills. If you’re already comfortable using Canva for design, their website builder is a natural extension that makes it easy to create a professional online presence.

Unlike traditional website builders, Canva’s Website Builder is focused on design-first simplicity. It provides fully customizable templates, drag-and-drop editing, and seamless integrations with Canva’s vast library of images, fonts, and design elements. Whether you need a portfolio, event page, or business landing page, you can create a stylish and functional site in just a few clicks—without dealing with complicated settings or overwhelming features.

While it doesn’t offer the advanced customization or e-commerce tools of platforms like WordPress or Shopify, Canva’s Website Builder is perfect for those who need a quick, beautiful, and mobile-friendly website without the learning curve. Plus, it includes built-in hosting, so you don’t have to worry about domain setup or technical maintenance.

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly way to create a sleek and visually appealing website, Canva’s Website Builder is a great option—especially if you’re already using Canva for your marketing and design needs. It’s a simple, no-fuss solution that helps you get online fast while keeping your brand looking polished and professional.

Social Media Marketing Tools (Create & Schedule Posts Like a Pro)

Why Social Media Marketing Tools Matter

Social media is one of the most effective ways for small businesses to connect with their audience, build brand awareness, and drive sales. However, managing multiple social media accounts manually can be overwhelming and time-consuming.

Key Benefits of Using Social Media Tools:

• Saves Time – Automating posts and scheduling content in advance helps maintain a consistent presence.
• Boosts Engagement – Insights and analytics allow businesses to see what’s working and adjust strategies.
• Simplifies Multi-Platform Management – Manage Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other platforms from one dashboard.
• Enhances Content Quality – Design tools like Canva help create eye-catching visuals that grab attention and increase interaction.

Using social media tools allows businesses to focus on growing their audience and driving meaningful engagement rather than spending hours on manual posting and tracking.

Meta Business Suite (Free)

Managing multiple social media accounts can quickly become overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling posts, messages, and ad campaigns across Facebook and Instagram. Instead of switching between apps and struggling to stay organized, Meta Business Suite streamlines everything into one easy-to-use dashboard. Designed by Meta (formerly Facebook), this free tool helps businesses manage their presence on both platforms efficiently—saving time and making social media marketing more effective.

With Meta Business Suite, you can schedule posts and stories, respond to messages and comments in one inbox, and track performance with built-in insights. Whether you’re running paid ads or focusing on organic content, the tool provides real-time analytics to help you understand what’s working and what needs improvement. This means you can make smarter marketing decisions without having to rely on guesswork.

Beyond content management, Meta Business Suite simplifies ad creation and audience targeting. Instead of navigating Facebook Ads Manager separately, you can create and track ads directly from the dashboard. Plus, with automated suggestions and performance insights, even beginners can optimize their campaigns to reach the right people.

If you’re using Facebook or Instagram to grow your business, Meta Business Suite is a must-have. It centralizes everything, helping you stay consistent, engage with your audience, and improve your results—all without spending extra on third-party tools. Whether you’re a small business owner or a solo entrepreneur, this free tool makes social media marketing easier and more effective.

Buffer (Freemium)

Keeping up with social media can be a challenge, especially when you're managing multiple platforms and trying to stay consistent. Posting manually every day takes time, and without a clear strategy, it’s easy to fall behind. Buffer is a simple yet powerful social media scheduling tool that helps you plan, schedule, and analyze your posts—all in one place. Whether you're handling social media for your own business or managing multiple accounts, Buffer makes it easy to stay organized and consistent.

Unlike Meta Business Suite, which is limited to Facebook and Instagram, Buffer supports multiple platforms, including Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and TikTok. You can create posts in advance, schedule them to go live at the best times, and manage everything from a single dashboard. Plus, Buffer’s intuitive interface makes it easy to use—even if you’re not a social media expert.

Beyond scheduling, Buffer provides valuable insights to help you improve engagement. With its built-in analytics, you can track what’s working, see which posts perform best, and adjust your strategy accordingly. It even offers tools for team collaboration, making it a great option for businesses with multiple people managing social media.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, no-fuss way to manage social media more effectively, Buffer is a great choice. It saves you time, keeps your content strategy on track, and helps you grow your online presence without feeling overwhelmed.

Canva (Freemium)

Creating eye-catching social media content consistently can be a struggle, especially if you don’t have design experience. You know visuals matter—posts with strong graphics get more engagement—but hiring a designer or using complicated software isn’t always an option. That’s where Canva comes in. This easy-to-use design tool helps anyone create professional-looking social media posts, ads, stories, and banners in just a few clicks—no design skills needed.

With Canva, you get access to thousands of customizable templates designed specifically for platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Whether you need a stunning Instagram story, a polished LinkedIn graphic, or a carousel post for Facebook, Canva has a template for it. Just pick a design, swap in your text and images, adjust colors to match your brand, and you’re ready to post.

Beyond static images, Canva also allows you to create animated posts and short videos, making your content stand out even more. Plus, with features like the content planner, you can schedule and publish posts directly from Canva, streamlining your workflow and saving time. If you're collaborating with a team, Canva makes it easy to share designs, get feedback, and maintain brand consistency.

If you’re managing social media for your business, Canva is a must-have tool. It simplifies content creation, helps you maintain a professional look, and makes it easy to stay consistent with your branding. Whether you’re creating posts, ads, or marketing materials, Canva ensures your social media presence always looks polished and engaging.

Take Control of Your Marketing

You don’t need a big budget or an expert team to market your business effectively. By using the right free & low-cost tools, you can streamline your marketing, save time, and grow your brand without the guesswork.

If you want to take it a step further, goalskeeper.io helps DIY marketers by consolidating insights from multiple tools into one easy-to-use dashboard. Instead of juggling separate platforms, you get clear, actionable insights to make smarter decisions.

💡 Ready to stop guessing and start growing?

Sign up for a free trial at goalskeeper.io today and take the stress out of digital marketing!