By Tourism Kamloops
Digital marketing is more than just e-newsletters and occasional Facebook posts. It’s about creating quality content to capture your target audience’s attention.
Your organization may not have the time or resources to hire a graphic designer or social media coordinator. Luckily, you are not alone. Here are 4 free platforms to enhance your business’ digital presence that only require access to the internet and some patience while you learn the basics.
Canva
Canva is a graphic design platform with free & paid plans. Users can use – or create – templates for resumes, certifications, menus, and invoices.
Canva regularly updates its templates with current design trends. Although users can experiment with themes and color schemes, it is recommended to keep your brand consistent by sticking with the same color palettes, font, and imagery. Users can download the file as a PNG, JPG, PDF (standard or print), Video, or GIF which makes designs adaptable depending on its use.
Canva also offers tutorials, courses, and online learning to hone the art of graphic design. Canva’s basic plan is free and provides users access to 8,000 templates and 100+ designs formats.
Google My Business
Google My Business is the easiest and cheapest way to get your business at the top of the page on Google.
Businesses that ‘claim’ their listing are added to Google’s Search and Maps features. It’s also a free tool for customers to rate and review your organization. This matters because 90% of search engine users (read: people who use Google, Yahoo, Bing, and Amazon, etc.) use Google. Utilize this free advertising.
Take a minute and google your business. Do you have a Google listing? If so, have you claimed it? Your Google listing should have information such as a link to your business’ website, directions, contact information, and reviews. Click here for instructions on setting up & optimizing your Google My Business listing.
Hootsuite
Hootsuite is a Vancouver-based, social media management platform. Organizations can connect their YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter accounts – just to name a few- in order to streamline social media messaging into one platform.
Hootsuite’s resource library has articles to support industries – ranging from healthcare to sports to government- and share relevant insights into digital trends and client success stories. Test out the free subscription for 1 user to connect 3 social profiles. The basic subscription starts at $29/month and allows 1 user to connect 10 social profiles with unlimited scheduling.
Bitly
Bitly is a simple program that shortens web links to create a better user experience for your readers and clients. One tip is to use Bitly to shorten links you post on Twitter to take full advantage of the 280 character limit. The paid subscription offers additional value like branded links and analytics to gauge the open rate.
Digital literacy has evolved in recent years and can be overwhelming across different platforms. Take bite-sized chunks and celebrate your successes such as your newly designed menus on Canva or updating your business hours on Google My Business.
For more articles on digital marketing, check out articles from The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Kamloops.
Comments are closed.