Every entrepreneur who has started their own business knows it’s a challenge to convince potential customers you’re just as trustworthy and professional as the more established competition.
But the fact is you only get one chance to make a first impression and it can be the difference between winning and losing new business.
So how can you project a professional image when time and money are scarce?
The right tools, of course.
Any entrepreneur, on any budget, can leave a lasting professional impression with just a handful of the right marketing tools.
But, what are the right tools and where do you find them?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Here are 7 cheap marketing tools that’ll give you and your startup instant credibility and a winning first impression:
1. Placeit
What is it?
Placeit marries design and technology to create high-quality branding and marketing tools so anyone can create amazing visual assets for their brand regardless of technical or artistic skills.
Who is it for?
Placeit is for anyone from individuals to large companies who wants their business to look professional.
How does it work?
Every tool Placeit offers is super easy-to-use and intuitive. You just drag and drop.
Why is it awesome?
Placeit turns complex design and layout problems into ridiculously easy to use tools and templates like their logo maker and the ability to make amazing business card mockups.
When would it be used?
When you need to create mockups, logos, videos, and designs to give your business a professional touch.
2. Squarespace
What is it?
Squarespace is the all-in-one solution for anyone looking to create a beautiful and professional website. You can create a blog, store, or whatever your business needs. It’s one of the best turnkey website builders out there. No question.
Who is it for?
Entrepreneurs who want a professional-looking website. No web development skills needed.
How does it work?
Just go to Squarespace and sign up. You pick your template and start adding content. It walks you through the entire process and it couldn’t be easier.
Why is it awesome?
It’s an all-in-one solution including domain, website, and email. You pick your domain name, you set up your website, and you can even set up a business Gmail account so your email address matches your business’s URL. There’s a ton of built-in tools you can use to create forms, set up blogs, and sell products.
When would it be used?
When clients visit your business online, they’ll see that you have a professional website and that there’s an easy way to get in touch with you.
3. Visme
What is it?
Visme is a simple and powerful tool to translate your ideas into engaging content in the form of: presentations, infographics, reports, and other web content.
Who is it for?
Entrepreneurs who need to create professional content. No graphic design skills needed.
How does it work?
Just go to Visme and sign up. You pick the type of content you want to create (like a presentation or infographic), choose a template and start designing.
Why is it awesome?
Every template is completely customizable. Change colors, move and delete items, add text and images at will. Visme makes customization easy, especially with its built-in library of icons and stock photography. And when you’re done with your design, you can download it, share it directly through social links, or embed it on your site.
When would it be used?
If you have to create a presentation to wow a client and you don’t have a graphic design team.
4. UniTel Voice
What is it?
UniTel Voice is a virtual office phone system that allows entrepreneurs to run their business from anywhere while staying connected and sounding professional.
Who is it for?
Entrepreneurs who want to run their business using cell phones yet sound like they have a Fortune 500 company business phone system.
How does it work?
Just go to UniTel Voice and sign up in three steps: pick your number, pick your plan (how many minutes you need per month) and enter your account info. Once you sign up you set up a greeting and your call forwarding. Super simple.
Why is it awesome?
It’s a cheap and easy way to get a toll free number and set up a business phone system. There’s no equipment needed, no setup fees, and no contracts. Every customer gets access to a free professional voice studio where you can select a voice talent to record your greetings all backed by amazing USA-based support customers rave about.
When would it be used?
If a customer calls your company, they’ll hear a professional greeting that routes their call to the proper department or employee or voicemail.
5. Moo
What is it?
Moo is a print on demand company printing business cards and other material based. You can print customized business cards with a different image on each business card – upload your own design, logo, text, and photos online.
Who is it for?
Entrepreneurs who need professional business cards and marketing collateral printed on a budget.
How does it work?
Just go to Moo, select the type of print material you need and it walks you through the design/order process.
Why is it awesome?
Great pricing. Fast delivery. Super intuitive online interface. Tons of options. Satisfaction guaranteed. MOO’s quality is second to none. Just ask their customers.
When would it be used?
When you first meet a potential customer or partner, your business card is the first thing you hand them. Make an impress them with Moo.
6. Stitch Fix
What is it?
Stitch Fix is a personal shopping service for men & women that sends clothing to your door (with free shipping & returns).
Who is it for?
Entrepreneurs who need to look professional in formal and in informal settings, that don’t have time to shop and like to get discounts.
How does it work?
Just go to Stitch fix, and select “men” or “women”, then order in three simple steps:
- Fill out your style profile: Tell your personal stylist about your fit, size and style preferences.
- Receive a fixed delivery: Get 5 pieces of clothing delivered to your door.
- Keep what you want: Only pay for what you keep. Returns are easy and free.
Why is it awesome?
It’s a cheap and convenient way to look professional with an on-demand personal shopper/stylist. No subscription is necessary. Set your own pricing by telling your stylist how much you’d like to spend per item. Each item is hand-selected by your personal stylist to fit your size and build.
When would it be used?
If you want to make a good first impression you’ve got to dress for success. It’s science.
7. Albacross
What is it?
Albacross is a B2B Lead Generation Network that enables you to generate leads and get extra information on companies interested in your business.
Who is it for?
Entrepreneurs who want to automatically generate leads from their company’s website and convert them into paying customers.
How does it work?
Just go to Albacross and sign up. After that, you will need to install a lightweight tracking code on your website. Once that process is complete, however, you will have real-time updates to your lead list.
Why is it awesome?
Albacross is a very powerful tool perfectly designed for lead generation. You’ll get an overview of which companies visited your site, and how they interacted with it. Besides that, you’ll get access to a detailed profile of each lead including company size, revenue, industry, location, and contact details of their decision-makers.
When would it be used?
When your prospects visit your company’s website and you know exactly who they are and what they are interested in. Having this intel handy ensures your sales pitch will impress potential customers and leave a lasting professional impression.
Editor’s Note: This article is part of the blog series Start Your Business brought to you by the marketing team at UniTel Voice, the virtual phone system priced and designed for startups and small business owners.
