Social enterprises play a crucial role in addressing our society’s most challenging issues, which also means they have to be innovative when it comes to getting customers and staying relevant in our digital-first economy.
That’s why, in the 21st century, having a strong online presence is essential for the growth and success of any organization, including social enterprises.
However, limited budgets often pose a challenge.
Fortunately, there are several cost-effective tools available that can help social enterprises grow online without breaking the bank.
Let’s explore the top five tools that can help your social enterprise thrive and maintain your bottom line.
1. Hootsuite
Hootsuite is a social media management tool that allows you to manage all your social media accounts in one place. It enables you to schedule posts, monitor engagement, and track your analytics. Hootsuite isn’t free. But with its most basic plan, you can manage up to 10 social media accounts and you get a ton of value, including access to recommended times to post, content inspiration and hashtag suggestions. Those features alone make it an excellent tool for small social enterprises. Hootsuite also offers a paid plan that provides more advanced features and allows you to manage more accounts.
2. Canva
Visual content is crucial in today’s digital age, and Canva is an excellent tool for creating eye-catching graphics and visual content. It has a user-friendly interface, and you can use it to create social media posts, infographics, flyers and other marketing materials. Canva offers both free and paid plans, with the free plan providing access to many design templates and images.
3. Google Analytics
Google Analytics is a free web analytics tool that can help you track your website’s traffic and performance. It provides valuable insights into your audience, including demographics, behavior and interests. With this information, you can optimize your website and marketing strategies to attract more visitors and customers.
4. Mailchimp
Email marketing is an effective way to engage with your audience and promote your social enterprise. Mailchimp is a popular email marketing tool that offers a free plan for up to 2,000 subscribers. It allows you to create and send professional-looking emails, automate your campaigns and track your performance.
5. WordPress
WordPress is an open-source content management system that can help you create a professional-looking website for your social enterprise. It has a wide range of themes and plugins that can add functionality and improve your website’s performance. With WordPress, you can create a website that reflects your brand and communicates your mission to your audience.
And here are some pro tips with WordPress: Before you can start using WordPress to its fullest potential, you’re going to need to purchase a domain name, an SSL certificate and web hosting. And while many commercials make people feel like they can design a professional-looking website from scratch without any previous experience, it’s always better to hire a website designer that can build your WordPress website for you. It will save you a lot of time and headaches down the road.
Growing your social enterprise’s online presence doesn’t have to be expensive. The tools mentioned in this article—Hootsuite, Canva, Google Analytics, Mailchimp and WordPress—offer cost-effective and efficient ways to enhance your online presence, engage with supporters, and drive growth without straining your limited budget. By leveraging these tools and embracing the digital landscape, your social enterprise can reach new heights and make a lasting impact.
FAQs
Q: Are these tools suitable for small social enterprises with limited resources?
A: Absolutely! These tools are specifically chosen for their affordability and user-friendly features, making them ideal for small social enterprises with limited resources.
Q: Can I use multiple tools simultaneously?
A: Yes, you can integrate and use multiple tools together to create a comprehensive digital strategy that suits your social enterprise’s specific needs.
Q: Are there any hidden costs associated with these tools?
A: While most of these tools offer free plans or affordable pricing tiers, it’s essential to review their pricing structure and features to ensure they align with your requirements.
Q: Can these tools help my social enterprise expand its online reach globally?
A: Absolutely! With a strategic approach and leveraging these tools, your social enterprise can reach a global audience and expand its online reach significantly.
Q: Are there any alternatives to the tools mentioned in this article?
A: Yes, while these tools are highly recommended, there are other alternatives available in the market. It’s essential to research and choose the ones that best suit your social enterprise’s specific needs.