When running a small business, time is valuable. Engaging in repetitive tasks for long periods of time is not enjoyable and can distract you from more significant tasks. Fortunately, there are marketing automation tools designed specifically for small businesses that can enhance the efficiency of your operations.
In the digital age, it is crucial to be competitive by understanding the next generation of marketing tools, whether you are new to automation software or have been using it for a while. Today’s marketing automation tools can greatly benefit your small business, enabling campaign optimization and revenue maximization.
What is Small Business Marketing Automation?
Small business marketing automation involves using intelligent tools to enhance marketing operations and boost return on investment (ROI).
According to the latest marketing automation statistics, small businesses can now also benefit from streamlining marketing processes and delivering personalized content to targeted audiences, resulting in significant time, money, and resource savings.
Are you prepared to tap into your brand’s complete potential? Keep reading to get a summary of marketing automation and the top automation software available for small businesses today.
The Benefits of Using Small Business Marketing Automation Software
Marketing automation software provides small businesses with enhanced customization, precision, and optimization capabilities. Here, we outline the main advantages of marketing automation.
- Automate repetitive tasks – By automating mundane marketing activities, automation tools free up human resources and allow teams to focus on more strategic tasks.
- Speed up campaign execution – Automation helps you speed up the process of executing campaigns from start to finish.
- Increase ROI – Automation enables you to personalize content and increase conversion rates, making your campaigns more profitable in the long run.
- Generate more leads – Automation helps you generate and qualify leads faster, enabling sales teams to target prospects and close deals faster.
- Improve customer experience – Automation allows you to personalize the customer journey and create a seamless experience for your users.
What are the Best Small Business Marketing Automation Tools and Platforms?
Small businesses have a variety of marketing automation tools available to assist them in achieving their goals, whether they want to utilize B2B marketing automation or improve their communication with eCommerce customers.
There are various popular automation tools available, with some focusing on specific channels or tasks while others possess multi-channel automation capabilities.
Customer.io
Customer.io is an intuitive marketing automation platform designed for small businesses and startups. It allows users to effortlessly create personalized customer journeys that cater to the specific needs of their target audience. This platform provides a range of features, including a user-friendly email builder, segmentation capabilities, detailed analytics, and more, to enhance the overall marketing experience.
The suite of features it provides enables the generation of leads at a quicker pace and enhances the overall customer experience.
Options are available for businesses of all sizes, starting at a monthly cost of $100.
Advantages:
- Easy-to-use drag-and-drop email builder: The intuitive interface enables users to easily create automated customer journeys tailored to their target audience’s needs.
- Segmentation capabilities: Leverage customer data and segment audiences to create personalized campaigns that get better results.
- Detailed analytics: Gain insight into how customers engage with your brand to make informed decisions on product development and marketing initiatives.
One disadvantage is that
- Limited automation capabilities: The platform does not have the same level of automation available as more comprehensive marketing platforms.
- Limited integrations: Not all third-party tools are supported by Customer.io, limiting your ability to integrate with other services.
ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign is a platform designed to aid small businesses in growing through comprehensive email marketing automation and customer engagement. It provides various features like message personalization, audience segmentation, A/B testing, and others. Users have the ability to create impactful campaigns for email, web push notifications, SMS messages, and webinars.
ActiveCampaign’s easy-to-use interface facilitates the quick implementation of automated campaigns for teams of any size, while its comprehensive analytics and reporting capabilities aid in real-time performance evaluation.
The pricing for up to three users begins at $49 per month, and there are professional and enterprise packages available to assist teams at all stages.
Advantages:
- Message personalization: Create personalized messages that engage customers on a deeper level and drive conversions.
- Audience segmentation: Leverage customer data to develop targeted campaigns that connect with your ideal customers.
- A/B testing: Test different versions of emails and other messages to determine which ones get the best results.
- Comprehensive analytics: Monitor performance in real-time and adjust strategies for maximum efficiency.
Drawbacks:
- No free trial option: You will need to sign up for a subscription plan to use ActiveCampaign.
- Limited integrations: Not all third-party tools are supported by ActiveCampaign, limiting users’ ability to integrate with other services and across multiple channels.
- Learning curve: The platform is complex and may require a learning period for users unfamiliar with marketing automation.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp, known as one of the most popular marketing automation platforms for small businesses, offers several features such as an easy-to-use drag-and-drop design tool, segmentation capabilities to personalize campaigns, customer support options, and various other functionalities.
By thinking in a systematic manner, marketers have the ability to swiftly generate and plan specific emails and push notifications. This assists in expediting the process of lead generation, enhancing return on investment (ROI), and amplifying customer involvement. Furthermore, its comprehensive analytics dashboard supplies immediate campaign performance insights, enabling users to promptly adjust their strategies and achieve optimal outcomes.
With a free trial account, users can send up to 1,000 emails per month using MailChimp, and its basic package starts at $13 per month.
Advantages:
- Intuitive design tool: Mailchimp’s drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to create and schedule automated campaigns in minutes.
- Segmentation capabilities: Leverage customer data to develop targeted campaigns for maximum engagement.
- Comprehensive analytics: Get detailed insights into campaign performance in real time and adjust strategies for maximum efficiency.
- Free trial: Test out Mailchimp’s features with up to 1,000 emails per month before committing to a subscription plan.
Disadvantages:
- Email scheduling reserved for paid accounts: Users will need to upgrade their plans to schedule emails and other messages.
- Limited pre-built automation: Mailchimp’s automation library is limited compared to some other platforms.
- Multi-channel limitations: Inability to manage multi-channel campaigns across different platforms.
Constant Contact
Constant Contact is an email marketing service that is ideal for small businesses as it allows you to establish a series of automated emails for new subscribers. Moreover, you have the capability to send messages depending on the actions or lack of actions taken by your subscribers.
Creating emails using Constant Contact’s simple drag-and-drop functionality is a simple task. Additionally, advanced marketers can utilize its features such as audience segmentation, dynamic signup forms, A/B testing, SMS marketing, and more.
Constant Contact offers a 60-day free trial, allowing you to test the tool before making a payment commitment.
You can reach the Constant Contact support team through live chat, phone, and email.
The price is to be thought about in a step-by-step manner, with no additional information to be added or removed.
To access basic marketing automation features, you can subscribe to Constant Contact’s ‘Email’ plan, which is priced at $20 per month. If you require advanced automation features, you can opt for the ‘Email Plus’ plan, which starts at $45 per month.
Brevo (Formerly Sendinblue)
Brevo, previously named Sendinblue, is a top-notch tool for email marketing and SMS marketing. It provides a variety of customizable email templates to assist in the creation of your email marketing campaigns.
Brevo enables the creation of personalized automation workflows that automatically send emails. It also allows the utilization of a contact’s actions on your website to activate the sending of emails. As an example, you may set up an automated email to be sent if a customer adds an item to their cart but does not complete the purchase.
The cost is:
Brevo provides a no-cost account allowing a maximum of 300 emails per day, with unlimited contacts. For exceeding this limit, paid plans begin at $25 per month.
Drip
Drip is a robust email marketing platform that offers excellent integration with WooCommerce. It is particularly beneficial for those operating an eCommerce website, as it provides intelligent marketing automation tools and efficient email segmenting.
Drip offers a wide range of customer support options including real-time live chat, webinars, detailed online courses, and comprehensive documentation. While it may not be the most affordable choice, it is highly valuable for anyone looking to optimize their marketing endeavors.
The cost:
Drip provides a 14-day free trial, following which their plans commence at $19 per month, granting access to 500 subscribers. By paying $39 per month, you can increase your subscriber limit to 2,500.
Omnisend
Omnisend, designed for eCommerce businesses, is a powerful solution for omnichannel marketing automation. Included in its features are pre-built marketing automation workflows that aim to assist in boosting revenue.
You have the ability to easily establish campaigns for welcoming new customers, recovering abandoned carts, upselling and cross-selling products, nurturing leads, and carrying out transactional email workflows triggered by purchase activity.
Omnisend provides built-in SMS and web push notifications, eliminating the need for acquiring a separate software and incurring additional expenses.
The price is to be thought of step by step.
Omnisend offers a fully free plan that enables you to send a maximum of 500 emails per month to a maximum of 250 subscribers. This plan includes all advanced features of Omnisend, including pre-built automation workflows, subscriber segmentation, A/B testing, performance metrics, SMS, and additional features.
Once your list increases in size, you have the option to switch to a paid plan, which begins at a cost of $16 per month.
OptinMonster
With its exceptional features, OptinMonster stands out as the top choice for conversion optimization software available. By employing OptinMonster, you can effortlessly transform your website visitors into both subscribers and customers.
Included in this package are lightbox popups, slide-in forms, welcome mats, coupon wheels, landing pages, and various other easy-to-integrate features.
OptinMonster collaborates with all widely-used email marketing services to facilitate the rapid expansion of your email subscriber base.
It contains numerous features that enable you to automatically target users and display personalized campaigns. For example, you have the ability to exhibit tailored messages for various pages on your website. Additionally, you can present campaigns depending on user activity and geographical location.
The cost:
If you choose to use our OptinMonster coupon, you will receive a 10% discount on the cost of OptinMonster, which is $9 per month when billed annually.
FunnelKit Automations
FunnelKit Automations, previously known as Autonami, ranks among the top marketing automation platforms for WooCommerce websites.
The feature enables you to effortlessly establish automated email and SMS campaigns for various purposes such as recovering abandoned carts, distributing win-back coupons, nurturing leads, celebrating purchase anniversaries, and more. You have the option to select a pre-designed email sequence from the provided library or design your own personalized workflow using the visual email automation builder.
By utilizing the drag-and-drop email builder, you have the ability to personalize the default WooCommerce emails to align with your brand. Additionally, the CRM tool allows you to monitor the number of times emails are opened, clicked, and the revenue generated from each contact.
Uncanny Automator
Uncanny Automator stands out as the top automation plugin for WordPress, enabling code-free setup of onsite automation and seamless integration of various WordPress plugins.
The plugin assists in the creation of effective workflows, resulting in time saved. Furthermore, it decreases errors and guarantees seamless automation by eliminating the need for code.
Uncanny Automator is compatible with a variety of widely used WordPress plugins, including WPForms, Slack, WooCommerce, Google Sheets, WordPress, and others.
Uncanny Automator offers a wide range of use cases. To illustrate, it allows you to establish a connection between Slack and your WordPress site, seamlessly integrate Zoom meetings and webinars with WPForms, connect any WordPress form with Google Sheets, or effortlessly send SMS notifications from a WooCommerce store.
The cost is as follows:
Starting from $149 per year, Uncanny Automator offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, with a free version also provided.
ChatBot
ChatBot is a sophisticated automated bot that is able to interact with potential customers just like a live chat agent does. It is comparable to a virtual assistant for your website that is accessible round the clock and capable of providing instant responses.
You have the option to use ChatBot for various purposes, such as making bookings, scheduling calls, or selling products through the chat window. The integration with LiveChat ensures that if the user requires additional assistance, a live agent can easily join the conversation.
The cost:
The cost of ChatBot is $50 per month, and it offers up to 1000 chats. Additionally, there is a 14-day free trial available.
Intercom
Intercom is commonly perceived as a live chat tool, however, it offers a range of capabilities beyond that. With Intercom, you can incorporate chatbots and seamlessly merge your chats with other components of your marketing workflow to deliver an interactive customer experience through conversations.
With the digital marketing solution, you have the ability to transmit automated in-app messages that extend beyond mere text. You have the option to incorporate images, videos, emojis, and even apps to enhance your marketing efforts.
You can easily select from various message styles without requiring assistance from a developer.
Intercom offers various optional add-ons, such as product tours, advanced lead generation, and advanced customer engagement.
The cost or amount of money required for something.
Intercom subscriptions begin at $39 per month, with additional costs for optional add-ons. As your subscriber base increases, the monthly expenses can easily escalate into thousands of dollars.
Smash Balloon
There are four WordPress plugins provided by Smash Balloon that allow you to incorporate social feeds into your website. These plugins cater to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. They serve as an effective means to maximize your social media efforts. You have the option to automatically feature posts from your account, as well as posts associated with a particular hashtag, if applicable.
You have the option to customize your social feeds in various ways. As an example, you can set up a shoppable Instagram feed where Instagram photos of your products can be clicked on and will be automatically included on your website.
Reviews Feed Pro, a recent release by Smash Balloon, enables automatic display of reviews from platforms such as Google and Yelp on your website.
The cost:
Smash Balloon offers its plugins in separate options as well as in a bundle. The most cost-effective choice is the ‘All Access Bundle’ priced at $299 per year, which includes all the plugins along with priority support.
If you only want one plugin, the price for each is $49 per year.
RafflePress
RafflePress, the top WordPress plugin for contests and giveaways, enables you to reward user engagement on your website.
One of the possible actions that readers can take on your website include visiting a page, participating in a poll or survey, watching a video, and various other activities. You can also encourage readers to leave comments or create additional actions.
By generating competition among your readers, you can significantly enhance their engagement level with your content. Additionally, you have the capability to establish actions that encourage readers to share your content on social media platforms.
Outbrain
You can display your content on popular online publications through Outbrain. Outbrain has collaborations with various sites such as CNN, US Weekly, MSN, the Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, BuzzFeed, and numerous others.
Instead of your full articles being republished in those publications, readers will be shown a thumbnail, title, and the name of your brand, which will directly link to your own website.
The cost is…
Outbrain applies a cost-per-click (CPC) rate, whereby charges are incurred based on the amount of clicks your content receives. It is possible to establish a budget limit for each campaign.
Zapier
Zapier, a user-friendly tool, allows you to connect various apps together, offering a wide range of options. This tool is an excellent solution for transferring content between different platforms. A prime example would be setting up a ‘Zap’ that automatically generates a new story on Medium whenever you publish a new post on WordPress.
You can also streamline various marketing tasks by automating them, such as posting new content on social media, recording new leads in a spreadsheet or database, or generating a Trello card for new orders on WooCommerce.
Price is to be thought of step by step. Do not include additional information and do not exclude information.
Zapier offers a free plan which includes 5 Zaps and allows for 100 tasks per month. For those interested in a paid option, plans begin at $19.99 per month with annual billing.
Google My Business Auto Publish
Google My Business Auto Publish is a WordPress plugin that is both simple and beneficial. It enables automatic publication of content to your Google ‘My Business’ account, ensuring that your posts promptly display on your Google business profile.
You have the ability to publish posts or pages and also have the option to create a default share message, which helps save time. If there is a specific post you do not wish to publish, you can easily indicate this by checking a box or adjusting the plugin settings to prevent automatic publication of new posts.
The price is to be thought about in a step-by-step manner, without adding or removing any information and while still keeping the same meaning.
Google My Business Auto Publish doesn’t cost anything.
ManyChat
ManyChat enables the sending of automated Facebook messages, allowing customers to make purchases directly through Facebook Messenger. The bot assists customers in choosing the right product and handling payment within Messenger.
By thinking strategically, you can rephrase the text below while preserving the original meaning: Utilizing the conversations and customer responses, you can customize the product recommendations. ManyChat has the capability to send customers coupons as an incentive for making a purchase. Additionally, it seamlessly integrates with well-known payment gateways such as PayPal and Stripe. Furthermore, it can be effortlessly linked with over 2,000 apps through Zapier.
The cost:
ManyChat offers basic features for free. Their Pro plan begins at $10 per month and covers up to 500 subscribers.
Tailwind
Tailwind offers scheduling tools for Pinterest and Instagram, allowing users to schedule posts in advance.
By following step-by-step thinking, you can receive Instagram hashtag recommendations. Using Pinterest, you have the ability to schedule 10 pins instantly. Utilizing Tailwind’s analytical instruments allows you to observe successful strategies and plan your content at optimal periods to enhance engagement.
In addition, Tailwind provides Power-up features that enable you to enhance your social media accounts further. With the SmartLoop Power-up, you can reshare pins, including sharing seasonal content when it is most appropriate.
What is the cost.
Tailwind offers a complimentary trial without the need for a credit card. Following the trial period, the subscription fee for each social media profile is $9.99 per month. Payment for Pinterest and Instagram needs to be made separately. Additionally, PowerUps are available for $4.99 per month for each social media profile.
HootSuite
HootSuite is a well-liked platform for managing social media that enables you to consolidate all your social content within a single application. It allows you to conveniently plan posts in advance, oversee both public channels and private messages, and offers various additional features.
If your small business has a social media marketing team, HootSuite is highly beneficial because it provides comprehensive team management and permission options. Additionally, HootSuite’s analytics enable you to obtain detailed reports on the performance of your posts across various platforms.
The price is to be considered by thinking step by step.
HootSuite offers a free plan that is limited to 3 social profiles and 1 user. Starting from $29 per month, there are paid plans available. The ‘Professional’ and ‘Team’ plans come with a 30-day free trial, which requires a credit card.
AgoraPulse
AgoraPulse functions as a tool for managing social media. It offers numerous flexible scheduling choices for pre-planning social media posts. Additionally, it allows for rescheduling and the ability to upload multiple posts at once. The tool includes a social inbox that enables users to handle all mentions, ad comments, and other significant messages.
AgoraPulse provides unlimited reports to help you determine the ROI of your social media endeavors. You can easily assign draft posts, comments, and messages to various team members. Furthermore, AgoraPulse offers a built-in CRM feature that allows you to categorize and group your audience into segments. You can also attach internal notes to each user and access their conversation history within AgoraPulse.
The cost:
AgoraPulse is priced at $79 per month when paid on an annual basis. It also offers a 28-day free trial, which does not require a credit card.
How to Choose the Right Small Business Marketing Automation Tool?
When faced with numerous choices, it can be daunting to select the most suitable marketing platforms for small businesses. Here are a few essential factors to bear in mind while making your decision:
- Budget: Determining a budget for automation software can be difficult in the beginning. Consider your desired features, the size of your team, and the ROI that a solution may deliver to make the best choice for your business.
- Scalability: Consider selecting a tool that can grow with your business as it expands and changes. An automation solution that is scalable and configurable can help you stay ahead of the curve.
- Integrations: Automation tools should be able to integrate with your existing systems and software to maximize efficiency. Look for a solution that can integrate with your CRM, email marketing tools, analytics, and any other platforms you currently use.
- Features: Different tools offer different features. Some automation software specialize in specific tasks while others deliver comprehensive marketing automation solutions. Make sure to select a tool that has the features you need.
- Customer support: Even when a tool is user-friendly, it is important to consider its customer support options. Good customer service can help you get up and running quickly and minimize frustration should problems arise.
Streamline Your Marketing Operations Today
For small business owners or digital marketers, marketing automation software can make marketing efforts simpler, improve customer engagement, and enhance the ability to personalize connections with the target audience. Ensure to evaluate the budget, scalability, integrations, features, and customer support provided by the solution before choosing the most suitable one for your business.
