The 19 Best Marketing Apps for Small Businesses in 2024

We’ve rounded up the 19 best marketing apps for small businesses (in no particular order).

This digital toolkit has everything you need to gain a competitive edge, earn your audience’s attention, and streamline your marketing processes.

Every app does something different. And it’s possible to use them all in combination for under $200 per month.*

Let’s dive into our first category:

Website Analysis Apps

Your business website is probably your most important marketing asset. So, it’s crucial to ensure it’s well-optimized.

Use these small business marketing apps to see how it’s performing. And identify any issues holding you back.

1. Site Audit

Semrush’s Site Audit tool scans your website for over 140 technical and on-page SEO issues. 

Including:

  • Duplicate content: Identical or near-identical text across different pages
  • Broken links: Hyperlinks pointing to invalid URLs
  • Non-HTTPS pages: Pages that use HTTP rather than the secure protocol
  • Slow load speeds: Pages that don’t meet Google’s speed recommendations
  • Missing alt attributes: Images that don’t have alt descriptions for accessibility

Fixing these issues is good for your website’s SEO and user experience.

Work through them in order of priority (“Errors,” then “Warnings,” then “Notices”). And follow the advice provided.

You can click “Send to…” to create a task via Trello or Zapier.

A list of found "Errors" in the Site Audit tool

After making website improvements, rerun your audit.

You should see your site’s overall health score improve.

"Site Health" widget showing "58%" in the Site Audit's overview dashboard

Availability 

Site Audit is a web app available through Semrush.

Pricing 

With a free Semrush account, you can crawl 100 pages per month.

If you upgrade to a Pro plan, you can crawl 100,000 pages per month. This costs $108.33 per month when you pay annually. And it gives you enhanced access to dozens of small business marketing apps.

2. Accessibility Scan & Monitor

The Accessibility Scan & Monitor app checks your website for accessibility issues and prioritizes them based on severity.

Accessibility Scan & Monitor app dashboard

This allows you to improve compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other standards.

Plus, accessibility can play an important role in improving:

  • User experience
  • Conversion rates
  • Website traffic

Availability

Accessibility Scan & Monitor is a web app available through Semrush’s App Center.

Pricing

You can scan five pages per month for free. In-app purchases are available if you want to scan more, with prices starting at $39 for an additional 25 pages.

3. Google Analytics 4

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is one of the best free marketing apps for small businesses. Because it gathers data about the users visiting your site. And what they do when they get there.

For example, you can find out:

  • How many users visit your site and what channels they come through (e.g., organic search)
  • What percentage of visits generate conversions (e.g., online purchases)
  • Which pages on your site are most popular and how long users typically spend on them

Here’s a quick snapshot from the demo account:

Google Analytics 4 home snapshot

For help grasping the basics of GA4, check out our Google Analytics guide.

Availability 

You can access GA4 through your browser. Or use the Google Analytics mobile app (available for iPhones and Android) to access key metrics on the go.

Pricing 

GA4 is free to use. 

Content Creation Apps

Content creation tools can help you produce high-quality blog posts, images, videos, and more.

Here are our favorite apps for small businesses marketing teams and individuals in this category:

4. ContentShake AI

ContentShake AI makes it nearly effortless to create SEO-friendly blog posts.

Simply enter a few terms to describe your business. And click “Start writing.”

"how to make lattes at home," and "how to make chai latte at home" entered into the ContentShake AI tool

Then, the tool will identify relevant keywords (also called search queries) and give each one an efficiency rating. Which takes the following metrics into account:

You can also see the type of search intent (the reason behind a searcher’s query) at a glance. 

When you find a keyword you want to pursue, click “Start writing” next to your favorite idea.

"Star writing" button highlighted next to "The ultimate guide to making a delicious latte at home with instant coffee" idea in ContentShake AI

ContentShake AI will then produce an SEO-optimized outline complete with a title, an introduction, subheadings, images, some initial body copy, etc. Which you can then add to and adjust. 

Make sure to leverage the built-in AI tools, competitor data, and improvement ideas provided.

ContentShake AI editor with an article on the left-hand side and an AI chat on the right-hand side of the screen

When you’ve finished, you can send your article to Google Docs, publish it via the WordPress plugin, or create a shareable link to send to other stakeholders.

Availability

ContentShake AI is an online app available through Semrush’s App Center.

Pricing

The free version of ContentShake AI lets you create three articles per month (with some additional limits). You can upgrade to the paid version and unlock higher limits for $60 per month.

5. Canva

We’ve picked Canva as the best graphic design app for small businesses because it’s versatile and easy to use. And has a free option.

If you don’t have graphic design experience, start with one of their templates. They’re available for infographics, presentations, videos, and much more.

Canva's recommended templates page

Here are some of the things you can do with your design:

  • Change colors to match your branding
  • Generate new images using AI
  • Upload your own image, video, and audio files
  • Input data to create charts
  • Add and edit royalty-free photos
Canva's design editor

When you’ve finished, you can easily share, download, or embed your content.

Availability 

You can use Canva online or download the app for iOS, Android, Windows, or Mac.

Pricing 

A free Canva account gives you access to lots of tools, features, and media. But you can access even more with a paid subscription (prices start at $14.99 per month).

SEO Apps

Without the right SEO tools, it can be difficult to compete on search engine results pages (SERPs).

Let’s explore the best SEO marketing apps for small businesses:

6. Keyword Magic Tool

Semrush’s Keyword Magic Tool makes it easy to conduct keyword research.

In other words, it helps you find out what your audience searches for. And gives you the data you need to make strategic SEO decisions.

To get started, enter a term to base your search around.

Then, choose your country and click “Search.”

"recipes" entered into the Keyword Magic Tool search bar

The tool will provide “Broad Match” keywords that contain your starting term or a close variation.

Some of the most useful metrics include:

  • Intent: The type of search intent
  • Volume: The average number of monthly searches
  • KD %: The keyword difficulty score, which measures ranking difficulty
  • SF: The number of SERP features (results that differ from traditional search results) triggered—click to see a detailed list
Keyword Magic Tool's "broad match" results for "recipes"

Various filters and sorting options allow you to home in on the best ideas.

For example, small businesses might want to focus on keywords with lower difficulty scores.

"KD" filter set to "Very easy 0-14%" in Keyword Magic Tool

Availability 

Keyword Magic Tool is available through the Semrush platform.

Pricing 

You can get limited access to Keyword Magic Tool with a free Semrush account. But we recommend upgrading to a Pro plan. 

This costs $108.33 per month when you pay annually. And it gives you enhanced access to dozens of small business marketing apps.

Semrush’s Link Building Tool streamlines the link building process. Which entails getting other sites to link to your site.

During setup, you’ll enter your target keywords and competitors. So the tool can use them to identify backlink prospects (i.e., sites that might link to you).

The rating considers how valuable the backlink might be and how hard it’ll be to acquire.

"Rating" column highlighted in the Link Building Tool's prospects table

When you’re ready to pursue a backlink, click “To In Progress.”

Then, go to the corresponding tab.

Add prospect to " in Progress" tab

At this stage, you can connect your email inbox and start contacting prospects.

The tool will keep track of each email’s status.

Start email outreach directly from the Link Building Tool

When you secure a backlink, move the prospect to the “Monitor” tab.

Here, you can ensure your backlinks remain intact.

"Monitored Domains" dashboard in the Link Building Tool

Availability 

Link Building Tool is a web app available through the Semrush platform.

Pricing 

Semrush’s Link Building Tool is free to use. You’ll only need to upgrade if you want to import more than 100 prospects of your own. Or access the many other benefits that come with a Pro subscription. 

(As a reminder, the Pro plan costs $108.33 per month when you pay annually.)

8. Google Search Console

Google Search Console is one of the best marketing tools for small businesses looking to improve their technical SEO. Because it allows you to:

  • Submit your XML sitemap (to help Google understand your site structure)
  • Check your Core Web Vitals (speed metrics that affect Google rankings)
  • Ensure all your pages use HTTPS (a security protocol)
  • See which pages aren’t in Google’s index (database of possible results) and why

You can also use Google Search Console to track your Google rankings.

Head to “Performance” > “Search results” to see your average position for your most popular queries. 

Along with the number of impressions (views) and clicks your rankings generated.

Google Search Console's queries table

To learn more about the tool’s functionality, check out our Google Search Console guide.

Availability 

You’ll need to access Google Search Console through an internet browser.

Pricing 

Google Search Console is free to use. 

9. Position Tracking

Semrush’s Position Tracking tool lets you monitor your site’s rankings for target keywords.

Unlike Google Search Console, it shows whether each query triggers any SERP features (e.g., a featured snippet). And if so, whether your site appears in them.

For example, this site owns the featured snippet for “red complementary color.” But not for “baking soda and vinegar.”

Position Tracking tool shows whether each query triggers SERP features

You can also see keyword difficulty scores and search volumes at a glance.

"KD%" and "Volume" columns highlighted in the Position Tracking tool

This makes it easier to understand your performance and determine plans of action.

Position Tracking is particularly helpful for local businesses, because:

  • In addition to tracking rankings by country, you can track rankings in specific states/regions, cities, and ZIP codes
  • You can see whether your Google Business Profile appears in local map results
Position Tracking tool shows whether your Google Business Profile appears in local map results

We’ll share more of the best local marketing apps for small businesses in the next section.

Availability

Position Tracking is a web app available through the Semrush platform.

Pricing 

With a free Semrush account, you can track up to 10 keywords in the Position Tracking tool. 

To track up to 500 keywords, you’ll need a Pro subscription. It’s priced at $108.33 per month when you pay annually. And you’ll get enhanced access to dozens of other tools.

Local SEO Apps

These are some of the best apps for small businesses marketing to local customers:

10. Google Business Profile

Google Business Profile (GBP) is a free tool that lets you manage your business listing on Google.

This is the listing that can show up in local search results. Like this:

Meddle Coffee Bar's Google Business Profile

To get started with GBP, you’ll need to add or claim your business. And verify its location.

You can then focus on providing complete and accurate information for would-be customers.

For example, you can:

  • Update your opening hours over the holidays
  • Post about sales and events
  • Add photos of new products

It’s also a good idea to read and respond to your Google reviews. So you can gather useful feedback and improve your brand image.

All these efforts can help your profile rank higher in local results. Which can lead to more web traffic, foot traffic, and inquiries.

Availability

To edit your profile, search “my business” in Google Search. Or tap “Business” in the Google Maps mobile app. (You must be signed into a linked Google account.)

Pricing 

Google Business Profile is free to use. 

11. Semrush Local

Semrush Local apps make it easy to manage online citations and reviews.

Enter your business information, and the Listing Management app will submit it to top directories like Apple, Foursquare, and Tripadvisor. So it’s easier for potential customers to find you.

Listing Management app dashboard

This can also help your business profile rank higher in Google. Because it increases your prominence and corroborates your name, address, and phone number (NAP).

Once that’s sorted, head to Review Management

Here, you can read and respond to reviews from multiple directories. 

"Reviews" page in Review Management tool

And monitor your reputation over time.

"Review Progress" graph in Review Management tool

Availability 

Semrush Local apps are available online through the Semrush website.

Pricing 

The Semrush Local Basic plan described above costs $20 per location per month. You can access additional features with the Premium plan, which costs $40 per location per month.

Digital Advertising Apps

If you have the budget available, digital advertising can be a great way to increase your small business’s reach.

These apps will help you spend your money effectively:

12. Ads Launch Assistant

The Ads Launch Assistant is a free app that helps you get started on Google Ads. (The service that lets you advertise on Google properties, including search results pages.)

You can set up search ads like the one below in minutes.

A search ad on Google's SERP for "project management tool" query

Just follow the simple step-by-step instructions.

And take advantage of the AI-generated keyword suggestions, headline ideas, etc.

AI-generated keyword suggestions in Ads Launch Assistant

The app also provides easy-to-understand performance reports. So you can make informed decisions about your future ad campaigns.

"Advertising Results" performance report in Ads Launch Assistant

Availability 

Ads Launch Assistant is a web app available through the Semrush App Center.

Pricing 

The Ads Launch Assistant is free. But you’ll need to budget for your ad campaigns. Check out our dedicated post to learn more about Google Ads costs.

13. Advertising Research

Semrush’s Advertising Research tool lets you analyze your competitors’ search ads.

Just enter their domain to see:

  • How many keywords they’re bidding on
  • Estimated traffic
  • Estimated traffic cost

And how these metrics have changed over time.

"Keywords," "Traffic," and "Traffic Cost" metrics in Advertising Research tool

Then, scroll down for a full breakdown.

"Paid Search Positions" table in Advertising Research tool

These details can help you emulate successful advertising strategies. And determine ways to gain a competitive edge.

Availability 

Advertising Research is a web app available through the Semrush platform.

Pricing 

You get limited access to the Advertising Research app with a free Semrush account. But we recommend upgrading to a Pro account. 

This costs $108.33 per month when you pay annually, and it gives you enhanced access to dozens of small business marketing apps.

Apps for Other Marketing Channels

Let’s look at some of the best apps for small business marketing on other channels.

14. Mailchimp

You can use Mailchimp to build, send, and analyze marketing emails. Which are great for keeping leads and previous customers engaged with your brand.

Just use the email builder to make a professional-looking email packed with interesting content.

You can even import designs from Canva.

Mailchimp's email builder

Then, decide who you want to send it to.

If you don’t have a subscriber list yet, consider adding a sign-up form to your website. 

A sign-up form on Semrush's Blog

And allow users to opt in when they’re submitting other kinds of forms.

"Send me Semrush news, events and exclusive offers" opt-in at the bottom of Semrush's form

After your emails are sent, you can monitor analytics such as:

  • Open rate: The percentage of recipients who opened your email
  • Click rate: The percentage of recipients that clicked a link in your email
  • Unsubscribe rate: The percentage of recipients who opened your email and unsubscribed

And you can then apply anything you learn to your next campaign.

Availability 

Mailchimp has a web app, iOS app, and Android app.

Pricing 

You can send 1,000 emails per month with a free Mailchimp account. To increase your limits and access advanced features, you’ll need a paid plan. Prices start at $13 per month.

15. Semrush Social

Semrush Social includes a Social Poster app that allows you to schedule posts on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Google Business Profile.

This makes it easier to maintain a regular posting schedule. And repurpose content across multiple platforms.

Social Poster app calendar overview

The Social Tracker app collects your and your competitors’ metrics from Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. So you can monitor all these results in one place. And see how you compare.

"Comparison with competitors" dashboard in Social Poster app

Visit the individual reports to see your and your competitors’ top-performing posts and gain other valuable insights.

"Published posts" on Facebook report in Social Poster app

Availability 

You can access Semrush Social apps through a web browser.

Pricing 

Semrush Social comes with a free seven-day trial. Then, it’s $19.75 per month.

Productivity Apps

These productivity tools help you (or your marketing team) to become more efficient, organized, and focused.

16. Trello

Trello is a project management app that helps individuals and teams stay organized.

You can create a board to get started.

Then, you’re able to add cards to represent individual tasks or notes. And organize them into lists.

Like this:

Trello's kanban board

Cards can include descriptions, comments, checklists, attachments, due dates, and labels.

If you’re working in a team, using the “Members” feature lets you determine who gets notifications on each one.

A task titled "October newsletter" overview on Trello

You might want to use one of your boards as a content calendar for your blog.

In the example below, users can easily track the status of each blog post. And find all the information they need to start writing.

A Trello board titled "Blog Editorial Calendar"

Availability 

Trello offers apps for iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows. But you can also use it through your browser.

Pricing 

Trello has a free plan. But you can upgrade to access higher limits and extra features. If you choose annual billing, prices start at $5 per user per month.

17. Miro

Miro is a digital whiteboard tool that helps individuals and teams to visualize ideas and concepts.

For example, you can use it to create content calendars:

A Miro whiteboard titled "Team Content Calendar 2024"

And map out customer journeys: 

Customer journey map created in Miro

And brainstorm event ideas:

Event storming ideas board in Miro

Availability 

Miro offers apps for mobile, tablet, desktop, and interactive display devices. You can also use the software through your browser.

Pricing 

The free plan allows you to create three boards. You can access higher limits and additional features with a paid plan. Prices start at $8 per user per month billed annually.

18. Google Workspace

Google Workspace provides access to a suite of cloud-based apps, including:

App

Description

Uses

Gmail

Email platform

Sending and receiving emails

Google Meet

Video conferencing platform

Online meetings

Google Calendar

Online calendar

Event planning

Google Docs

Word processing app

Content writing

Google Sheets

Spreadsheet app

Data management and analysis

Google Slides

Presentation software

Creating slide decks

Google Forms

Form builder

Surveying customers

Google Drive

Cloud storage platform

Storing and sharing files 

You can use these apps with a free Google account. But a Workspace subscription gives you access to extra features, better security, and other benefits.

For example, you can use a professional “@domain” email address rather than an “@gmail” address.

And business users get at least 30GB of storage (compared to the 15GB personal users get).

Availability 

You can access Google Workspace apps through your browser. But there are also mobile apps for iOS and Android.

Pricing 

Google Workspace has a Business Starter plan that costs $6 per user per month when paid annually.

19. Zapier

Zapier is an automation platform that helps you integrate various apps for small business marketing.

In other words, when something happens in one app, you can trigger an action in another.

For example, you can set up automations that:

  • Create Google Calendar tasks when new issues appear in your Semrush Site Audit
  • Measure new Mailchimp subscribers as events in Google Analytics
  • Add cards to Trello when images are posted to your Instagram

This can help you to save time and avoid mistakes.

Availability 

You’ll need to set up Zapier automations (or “Zaps”) through the website.

Pricing 

The free plan lets you create an unlimited number of two-step automations. 

If you want to create multi-step Zaps, integrate Premium apps, and access other benefits, you’ll need a subscription. The Starter plan costs $19.99 per month when billed annually.

Try 55+ Apps with a Free Semrush Account

Your free Semrush account gives you access to dozens of the best marketing apps for small businesses, including:

  • Site Audit
  • ContentShake AI
  • Keyword Magic Tool
  • Link Building Tool
  • Position Tracking

And when you’re ready to take things to the next level, you can upgrade to our Pro plan

It costs just $108.33 per month when you pay annually, and there’s a free seven-day trial.

* A combination of Semrush Pro (annual billing), Semrush Social, Semrush Local, Google Workspace (annual billing), and free versions of all other apps. Cost of ads not included. Prices correct as of January 11, 2024.

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