It’s not business as usual!

It’s hard to comprehend the economic, social and emotional loss that will come from COVID-19. It’s vital to keep riding the waves, and to stay as operational as possible, even if it does mean flipping daily processes upside down. In a bid to help we’re planning to host some free marketing workshops as webinars (watch this space). For now, we’ve put together a list of ten FREE online tools to help you create assets, manage your social pages, host meetings, work collaboratively, and stay connected as we work in isolation!

Let’s go!

1. Google Docs

Work collaboratively and creatively with Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and Forms. Google’s web and phone based applications allow you to easily work on documents, spreadsheets and presentations across devices, solo or with teammates. Simply sign up with your gmail account (you can also connect your regular email to a gmail account) to use the app’s benefits. Use Google Docs for Free

2. Facebook Creator Studio

The holy grail of scheduling tools, released in the later part of 2019. If you have a Facebook Business Page, simply connect your account by selecting the publishing tools button on your Facebook homepage and click Creator Studio under the Tools segment. Creator Studio allows you to schedule, analyse and boost posts, as well as view your content library for both Facebook and Instagram. Use Facebook Creator Studio for Free

3. Hootsuite (For LinkedIn)

Similar to Facebook’s Creator Studio, Hootsuite is a social media scheduling, analytics and management software. Enjoy a 30-day free trial, or create a free account for small businesses (one user to manage three social profiles). Hootsuite is also offering free access for Hootsuite Professional for small businesses and Not For Profit’s until July 1st 2020.

4. Canva

Use Canva to create visual assets, documents and designs for print and digital. Canva offers Free, Premium and Pro accounts, try their free subscription now - you won’t regret it.

5. Zoom

Don’t cancel client and staff meetings - host them on Zoom instead! Work collaboratively with up to 100 participants and unlimited one on one meetings for up to 40 minutes throughout the pandemic with Zoom, with their free subscription (Pro, Business and Enterprise paid plans also available).

6. Dropbox

Store all your files online for easy access! Dropbox are offering free Business and HelloSign Enterprise subscriptions for three months to Not For Profits during COVID-19. Alternatively their Plus plan starts at just over $15/month and Professional plans start at just over $25.50/month.

7. Pexels, Unsplash and Pixabay

Revel in royalty free imagery! These three websites showcase images that are free for commercial use, which you can include in various digital and traditional assets. Visit their websites and download images for free to get started.

8. MailChimp

Stay connected and stay relatable to your clients and network through email campaigns with MailChimp. With easy to use and customisable templates, MailChimp’s all-in-one marketing platform, you can manage your email campaigns from one place. Better yet? Their free plan lets you start off with one audience up to 2,000 contacts, with other paid plans and pay as you go options available too.

9. Grammarly

Spellcheck? Check! Grammarly’s writing assistant checks spelling and grammar when writing online, so you can maintain your professional standard - even while working from home. Sign up with a free account today.

10. Calm

I think we’ll all need this one! Calm’s meditation and relaxation app is available on the App Store or Google Play Store. Their audio content helps relieve stress and anxiety - Calm also has free resources to take care of minds and stay grounded, supporting mental and emotional wellness during the time of the pandemic.

We’ll explore these free tools, and others, in our online workshops, but please reach out should you need any advice over the phone for your business.

Remember to stay connected with your customers. #wereinthistogether

Chloe Sawtell

Digital Account Manager.