There are 5 marketing tools that I can not live without, all are free or very low cost, and all make my life much easier! Being a "marketer" is an important skill everyone needs to take stock in. Even if you do not own your own business or are not in marketing, it is now very important to brand yourself. If you are looking for a new job, to volunteer for an organization, or apply to a school, your digital footprint will be scrutinized. How you show up in your social media or a google search can make or break your next move in life, these are my favorite tools to make you stand out!
1. Canva
Canva.com is a free design tool (or a low cost subscription option) that I use almost everyday. I use it for graphics on this site, my social media, and for clients. It's so quick and user friendly that if you have a decent eye for design and some time, you can create stunning graphics all on your own. I also find myself turning to Canva more often than I use Photoshop lately. It's web based and I can log in and access anywhere. I pay the $10/month to utilize storage to access my designs anywhere, it's extremely convienant if you use multiple computers or workspaces.
2. Adobe Lightroom
As most of you know, I am a huge proponent of using original photography. Whether its from your iPhone or using a professional camera, take your own pictures people. I use Lightroom to easily edit photos basically anywhere. It's an Adobe product so I think that speaks for itself, and organization of you pictures is a snap. Organize them by date, or client, whatever you fancy. Plans start as low as $9.99/month.
3. Instagram
So there are the obvious reasons why Instagram is pivotal for a marketer, but many don't think of it as an on the go design tool. Often times on the road I have used Instagram to make quote graphics using the tools available through stories. Try this:
Take a photo, any photo.
Add an emoji that features a color you would like as a background, say that perfect pink of a heart.
Expand that emoji until the color you desire fills the screen and then hit "save" on the bottom left of the screen.
Discard the current photo.
Open the frame you just saved with the color you desired, and then add copy, quotes, gifs, emojis and save! You're done- post away!
4. Wix
I host my website through Wix.com , and it is basically the easiest platform for those who have no web experience. I have managed tons of websites, Wordpress, Square Space, I've used them all. But Wix offers extremely easy templates, free website options, and also continues to expand the abilities to customize for the more advanced web designers out there. I pay for a Premium plan, which is under $15/month and Wix continues to role out new features to make it your own.
5. Calm
The Calm app is not for marketing exactly, but a meditation app. I meditate every morning to get my day started and put me in a high vibration. It is important to clear your mind and focus on what you want to put out into the universe, and receive the bounty around us everyday. Along with taking a walk to get physically active this is how I start my most productive days. The days that I think I am too busy to get quiet and meditate for 20 minutes, are the days I really end up not focusing and struggling to get anything accomplished. So make the time.
Get out there and market yourself! Know that you are capable of setting yourself apart for that job, to get clients, or just to brighten up your digital footprint and make incredible designs for your family and friends.
~ No matter our path in life, dress fabulous and let's practice some social graces.
Amanda xoxo