4 Tools Every Association Should Be Using For Their Digital Marketing
These are my little secrets, my swiss army knife of tricks up my sleeve, my free resources that make me look like a rockstar within my team and in front of a client (and I’m sharing them with you!). Whether you are newly tasked with the membership marketing goals of your organization, fully versed in digital marketing lingo, or somewhere in between - I’ve got something here for you. I even especially highlighted these resources for associations and nonprofits.
Whole Whale
I discovered Whole Whale while working on Google search ads for a non profit client and this resource offered short helpful videos specifically for nonprofits. I learned about some of these great resources on this list from Whole Whale (they are adept at sharing great tools and tricks specifically for any non profit organization). They’re a digital marketing coach specifically trained to helping a non profit accomplish big goals using technology and data. I think the best way to utilize this resource is to browse their YouTube videos, WholeWhale TV. They have short videos that dive into how to write an effective subject line, design tricks for non-designers, laws of a landing page, and more.
The Stocks
Chances are you have probably had to use a stock image a time or two as a marketer. In communications, we need a show-stopping, read-my-very-important message all the time - in emails, on landing pages, newsletters, and blogs. The Stocks is a conglomerate of all the free stock photo websites. So, you may have heard of a couple of the ones within this resource, but here they are all in one place. A couple of tabs I use the most: I use visual hunt because it is an easy search feature to look up photos by keyword, startup photography for simple photos of computers and such, and occasionally something in the Gratisography category for something eye-catching (did my photo for this blog catch your eye?). I keep this one bookmarked on my browser.
Canva
I don’t recall a time before Canva, because I never had to get by without it. I’ve always had a free design tool to spin up quick banners, posts, and graphics for a social post or ad. The scoop with canva, sometimes you need your own custom canvas, so use the “Custom Dimensions” feature in the top right corner once you sign in. Next, if you will be utilizing this a lot across a team, there is a great upgrade to the enterprise level. There you can set brand standards that can be used for any piece of visual communication. Between The Stocks and Canva you should be on your way to creating effective visual assets without outsourcing to a design team.
HighRoad Solution Toolkits
Over the last few years, HighRoad Solution has been churning out useful webinars, research reports, and toolkits. HighRoad Solution is not only in the business of helping associations adopt powerful marketing tools, they also practice what they preach and are a powerful content production powerhouse. Here I will highlight the HighRoad U Toolkits that are worthwhile to download and save to your desktop right away. There are power points that break down a content marketing plan into simple steps, excel worksheets that organize the decision making process for choosing a marketing automation tool, and processes for implementing an SEO plan. These are updated regularly with new toolkits, so check back often.
In the association world, marketing may not be your only job. It can be a life-saver to fall back on great resources that help you get your job (or one of your jobs) done. I picked out the tools I use the most to include in this list to help enhance and simplify your job. I know there are more resources, so I'll write a second part to this list with the next line-up of great tools every digital marketer (and especially associations) should be using. Lastly, here's the latest HighRoad Solution Toolkit that just came out (you know if you are into metrics, analytics, and that sort of thing).
About Emily Nash
With a unique background in start-ups-to-studios, and consulting-to-corporate settings, Emily specializes in solving for unknowns, pioneering new services, and collaborating with marketers and strategists. In her community, she served on the board of American Institute for Graphic Arts as their Communications Director to help promote networking and mentorship opportunities for area designers and creatives. She’s also a co-producer for Rethink Association, a podcast for associations.