Google Analytics 4, Search Console and Tag Manager for measurement, Google Business Profile for local visibility, Canva for design, MailerLite for email, Metricool or Buffer for scheduling, HubSpot's free CRM and Looker Studio for reports. Together they run a real small campaign at no cost.
Email free plans shrank in recent years, so the limits below matter; everything else here is free enough to run a real campaign for a college club, a small business or your own portfolio.
The 12 picks
Swipe or use the arrows.
FreeGoogle Analytics 4
Website and app analytics: traffic sources, conversions and funnels.
FreeGoogle Search Console
Search queries, clicks, indexing and site issues straight from Google.
FreeGoogle Business Profile
Your listing on Google Search and Maps, with reviews and posts.
FreeGoogle Trends
Compare search interest over time and by region.
FreeGoogle Tag Manager
Add and manage tracking tags and events without editing code.
FreeLooker Studio
Dashboards connected to GA4, Search Console, Sheets and Ads.
Free planCanva
Social posts, ads, decks and simple video with templates.
Free up to 500 subscribers and 12,000 emails a month (check current limits)MailerLite
Email campaigns, automations and landing pages.
Free plan for one brandMetricool
Schedule posts and track analytics across social networks for one brand.
Free plan with limited channelsBuffer
Simple scheduling across a few channels.
Free plan with monthly link limitsBitly
Short links and QR codes with click analytics.
Compare in a table
Show the full comparison table
| Tool | Best for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|
| Google Analytics 4 | Measuring every campaign | Free |
| Google Search Console | SEO measurement | Free |
| Google Business Profile | Local businesses | Free |
| Google Trends | Topic and seasonal research | Free |
| Google Tag Manager | Event tracking and conversions | Free |
| Looker Studio | Client-ready reports | Free |
| Canva | Design without a designer | Free plan |
| MailerLite | Newsletters and welcome sequences | Free up to 500 subscribers and 12,000 emails a month (check current limits) |
| Metricool | Content calendars | Free plan for one brand |
| Buffer | Solo creators and clubs | Free plan with limited channels |
| HubSpot CRM | Tracking leads | Free tier |
| Bitly | Tracking offline and social links | Free plan with monthly link limits |
Get started this week
- Install GA4 and Tag Manager on a site you can edit.
- Claim or audit one Google Business Profile.
- Run one email sequence to a list you own with UTM-tagged links.
How to choose
- Set up GA4, Search Console and Tag Manager first; measurement before channels.
- Add UTM parameters to every link you share so GA4 can attribute it.
- Use one scheduling tool and one design tool; more tools do not mean more reach.
- Free email plans cap subscribers; clean your list instead of upgrading early.
Free plans change. Limits above were checked on 31 Oct 2026; confirm on each tool's pricing page before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
What free tools do I need to start digital marketing?
Google Analytics 4, Search Console, Tag Manager, Canva and one email or scheduling tool cover most beginner campaigns.
Is there a free CRM for small businesses?
Yes, HubSpot's free CRM handles contacts, deals and forms without a time limit.
Which free tool is best for social media scheduling?
Metricool for one brand with analytics; Buffer for a simple queue across a few channels.
Can I do email marketing for free?
MailerLite's free plan supports a few hundred subscribers with automations, enough for a club, a side project or a small shop.
Learn this with mentors
Digital marketing programmes with admissions open: live classes, mentors and project work.
