Local Marketing Tools

Proven Tools for Local Growth

No fluff. No random recommendations. Just the tools that do the job inside
the Local Marketing Method. Some are free, some are paid, all are worth it.

Get Found Tools

These tools handle the visibility work. Google rankings, site fixes, keyword research, and internal linking. Your local SEO foundation.
$

SEMrush

What it does: Keyword research, site audits, backlink checks, and competitor analysis.

How it’s used: Research for content and service pages. Technical checks before and after site updates.

Best for: Teams that want one suite for research and audits.

Try SEMrush

$

Rank Math

What it does: On-page SEO for WordPress with easy schema, redirects, and content scoring.

How it’s used: Standard on every new site. Sitewide settings and page-level optimization.

Best for: WordPress sites that want clean SEO controls.

Get Rank Math

$

Link Whisper

What it does: Internal linking suggestions and automation.

How it’s used: Build topical clusters fast. Fix orphan pages. Improve crawl depth.

Best for: Sites with 30+ pages or blogs.

Get Link Whisper

$

Google Search Console and Google Analytics

What they do: Track queries, clicks, and pages that win traffic. Monitor indexing and site health.

How they’re used: Monthly review and quick fixes. Input for every Local Leads Checkup audit.

Best for: Every site. No exceptions.

Set up Google Search Console | Set up Google Analytics

Get Chosen Tools

These increase conversion. They build trust and improve user experience so more visitors become leads.
$

WordPress

What it does: Flexible platform for local websites and landing pages.

How it’s used: Client sites and funnel pages.

Best for: Any local business that wants control and speed.

$

WP Engine

What it does: Premium WordPress hosting with automatic backups, staging, and security.

How it’s used: Production sites that need reliable uptime and support.

Best for: Businesses ready for hosting that actually works.

Try WP Engine

$

Canva

What it does: Create graphics, PDFs, and social posts.

How it’s used: Brand kits, service one-pagers, post templates, presentation graphics.

Best for: Small teams that need professional assets without a designer.

Try Canva

$

Creative Market

What it does: Fonts, templates, and design assets.

How it’s used: Licensing brand elements and templates for client projects.

Best for: DIY brand upgrades and professional design resources.

Browse Creative Market

$

Divi Theme

What it does: Visual builder for WordPress that enables fast page creation.

How it’s used: Build service pages, offer pages, and landing pages without touching code.

Best for: WordPress sites that want to move fast without custom development.

Get Divi

$

MemberPress

What it does: WordPress plugin for memberships, courses, and protected content.

How it’s used: Training portals and paid resources. Powers Learn Local Marketing.

Best for: WordPress sites adding education or member areas.

Try MemberPress

$

Termageddon

What it does: Privacy policy and terms that auto-update with new laws.

How it’s used: Installed on every site that collects leads. Set it and forget it.

Best for: Any business with forms or analytics.

Get Termageddon

Get Referred Tools

Reviews and relationships drive referrals. These tools help you request reviews, stay present, and build authority.
$

HighLevel

What it does: Fonts, templates, and design assets.

How it’s used: Licensing brand elements and templates for client projects.

Best for: DIY brand upgrades and professional design resources.

Try HighLevel free for 14 days

Read full HighLevel review →

$

SocialBee

What it does: Plan and schedule your social posts across platforms.

How it’s used: Keep brands visible. Publish offers, tips, and behind-the-scenes content.

Best for: Teams that want simple scheduling without complexity.

Try SocialBee

$

Buzzsprout

What it does: Host your podcast and distribute to all major directories.

How it’s used: Simple, reliable podcast hosting for local authority building.

Best for: Owners building authority in their local market through podcasting.

Try Buzzsprout

Operations + Legal

The behind-the-scenes tools that keep everything running smoothly.
$

Google Workspace

What it does: Email, Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Calendar.

How it’s used: Client folders, collaboration, asset storage, and professional email.

Best for: Any business. This is non-negotiable.

Get Google Workspace

$

LastPass

What it does: Secure password management and sharing.

How it’s used: Client access and vendor logins without sending passwords over email.

Best for: Any team handling multiple logins.

Try LastPass

Resources

The training that builds foundational skills.

Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing

Practical, ethical affiliate strategy that works.
Start Affiliate Marketing

Sticky Blogging SEO

Essential SEO for anyone building a blog or content hub.
Sign up for sticky seo

Favorite Books

$100M Offers

How to Make Offers So Good People Feel Stupid Saying No

Chillpreneur

The New Rules for Creating Success, Freedom, and Abundance on Your Terms

What Are the Odds?

A Mom Shares Her Good, Bad and What the F–K Moments in Life & Business

We Should All Be Millionaires

A Woman’s Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth, and Gaining Economic Power

You Are a Badass at Making Money

Master the Mindset of Wealth

Marketing Made Simple

A Step-by-Step StoryBrand Guide for Any Business

Secrets of the Millionaire Mind

Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth

How this fits the Local Marketing Method

Get Found comes first. Search visibility and accurate data. Get Chosen turns that attention into trust and calls. Get Referred keeps the pipeline full with reviews and relationships.

No random tasks. Just systems that keep your phone ringing.

Ready to put these tools to work?

Need to see what’s working (and what’s not)?
Book a Local Leads Checkup
Ready to implement or need accountability?
Explore Learn Local Marketing
Here’s the deal: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you click and buy, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We’re telling you this because it’s the right thing to do (and also because it’s the law).

Any affiliate commissions earned go right back into this business to bring you better resources. And possibly some hot yoga.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click on a question to see the answer.

What are the best local marketing tools for small businesses?

Start with the free essentials: Google Business Profile, Google Search Console, and Google Analytics. Add Rank Math for WordPress SEO. When you’re ready to invest, HighLevel for CRM and automation, plus SEMrush for deeper research. That combination covers 90% of what local businesses need.

Are free marketing tools enough for local businesses?

For starting out, yes. Google’s free tools (GBP, Search Console, Analytics) are powerful. But paid tools save time and unlock features you can’t get free. HighLevel replaces 5+ separate tools. SEMrush shows you what your competitors are doing. The question is whether your time or the tool subscription costs more.

How much should I budget for marketing tools monthly?

Minimum: $0 (using only free tools). Realistic for growth: $200-400/month. This typically covers hosting ($30-50), HighLevel ($97), SEMrush ($99-120), plus smaller subscriptions. One new client covers this for months.

Do I really need expensive SEO tools like SEMrush?

Not at first. Start with free tools and Rank Math. Add SEMrush when you need competitor research, deeper keyword data, or site audits beyond what Search Console provides. If you’re consistently creating content or running client campaigns, it pays for itself.

What tools do I need for Google Business Profile optimization?

Google Business Profile Manager (free) is the baseline. Add a review management system like HighLevel for automated requests and monitoring. For audits and rank tracking, SEMrush works well. For photos, Canva. Most businesses can start with just GBP Manager and add tools as they grow.

Can I use these tools without technical skills?

Most of them, yes. HighLevel, Canva, and SocialBee are built for non-technical users. WordPress with Divi requires some learning but no coding. SEMrush and Rank Math have learning curves but good documentation. If you can manage email and social media, you can learn these tools.

Which tools help with getting more Google reviews?

HighLevel for automated review request campaigns via email and SMS. Google Business Profile for responding to reviews quickly. That’s it. You don’t need expensive reputation management platforms. You need a simple system to ask consistently and respond professionally.

What's the difference between HighLevel and HubSpot?

HubSpot is enterprise-level CRM with higher pricing and more complexity. HighLevel is built for small to medium businesses and agencies, starting at $97/month versus HubSpot’s $800+/month for similar features. HighLevel is easier to set up and includes tools HubSpot charges extra for.