The 20 Best Marketing Apps for Small Businesses in 2024

We’ve rounded up the 20 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.

After making website improvements, rerun your audit.

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

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.

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:

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.”

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:

• Search volume: The average number of Google searches per month
• Difficulty score: A measure of how hard it’ll be to rank highly

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.

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.

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.

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

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.”

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

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.

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.

7. Link Building Tool

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.

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

Then, go to the corresponding tab.

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

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

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

Here, you can ensure your backlinks remain intact.

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.

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.”

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

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

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:

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.

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. 

And monitor your reputation over time.

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.

Just follow the simple step-by-step instructions.

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

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

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.

Then, scroll down for a full breakdown.

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.

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. 

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

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.

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.

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

Availability 

You can access Semrush Social apps through a web browser.

Pricing 

Semrush Social comes with a free seven-day trial. Then, it’s $29.99 per month.

Productivity Apps

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

16. AI Social Content Generator

The AI Social Content Generator allows you to easily create branded social media posts at scale. The app supports the creation of unlimited posts, captions, hashtags, and various content types, including videos, carousels, and images.

To begin, pick the type of content you’d like to create. 

For example, when choosing Business to Post, AI automatically generates posts related to your business goals. 

Start by simply filling in the blanks with your business info. 

Then choose a template (or let AI choose it for you). 

The app will generate fully editable social posts that are ready to be shared with your audience.

With this app, you can streamline your social media content creation process, ensuring that your posts are consistent with your brand and engaging to your followers.

Availability: AI Social Content Generator can be found in the Semrush App Center.

Pricing: Plans start at $35/month after a seven-day free trial.

17. 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:

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.

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.

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.

18. 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:

And map out customer journeys: 

And brainstorm event ideas:

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.

19. Google Workspace

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

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.

20. 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.