With the kids back in school, learning is in the air. Even if you have no intention of sitting in a classroom again, you can still continue your business education on your own.
The social media tools that are hot today may not have even existed a year ago. Because marketing is an ever-changing beast, it’s imperative that you stay sharp on your options so you can remain competitive in your industry. Here are some of the best places to grow your knowledge.
1. HubSpot
This marketing software company understands the value of providing useful resources, and has invested heavily in its marketing library of resources. Here, you can find ebooks, infographics, webinars and templates to help you:
- Grow blog traffic
- Create a social media content calendar
- Design a website
- Develop appealing slide presentations and more!
The cost: HubSpot’s repository of information is free, but you may need to give them your email address to access certain documents. It’s a small price to pay.
Not only is the SBA’s website a wealth of information for the business owner, but it also has the added benefit of in-person resources. Local branches often offer webinars on marketing, and you can connect with a marketing expert who can mentor you through big marketing decisions.
The cost: Totally, beautifully free.
Another website full of really valuable (and free) knowledge about marketing is QuickSprout. Its videos and tutorials are targeted to every level of technical know-how and are highly specific. Some examples include:
- How to Build an Email List With Facebook
- How to Get Exposure and Links Using HARO
- How to Measure Guest Posting ROI
QuickSprout’s blog is also heavily referenced as a leading expert in marketing and is chock-full of real-world examples.
The cost: Free.
If you’ve worked your way through the first three resources and still crave more marketing knowledge, MarketingProfs’ resources will keep you busy. This site has articles, podcasts, seminars, tutorials, guides and reports on every facet of marketing, from customer behavior to mobile marketing.
The cost: Most resources are free, but some require a Pro subscription, which costs $279 a year. Otherwise, you can buy single sessions starting at $10 each.
There you have it. Ample marketing resources to keep your skills sharp and make your business more competitive.
