What is it:

With the advent of AI, writing and brainstorming tools have become a must-have for any business owner. These tools help create punchy ad copy, generate fresh marketing ideas, and conduct quick market research—saving hours of work while boosting creativity and content quality.

How to set it up:

Sign up for an AI tool like ChatGPT or Gemini. Start with simple prompts to generate headlines, ad copy, or social media captions. Refine outputs with your unique tone and branding.

Quick tips:

• Use AI to create multiple ad variations, then A/B test them.
• Ask AI for competitor analysis or trending keywords.
• Combine AI-generated ideas with your personal brand voice.

Estimate Cost:

Free versions available. Premium plans range from $20–$30/month.

Leading Vendors:

• OpenAI (ChatGPT)
• Google Gemini
• Anthropic Claude

What is it:

Design and branding platforms help you create logos, build a cohesive brand kit (fonts, colors, and styles), and maintain consistency across all your marketing materials.

How to set it up:

Use logo design tools like Looka or Canva Logo Maker. Create a brand kit by choosing your colors, fonts, and logo variations. Apply the same visual style to all online and print materials.

Quick tips:

• Stick to 2–3 primary brand colors and 1–2 complementary fonts.
• Create a simple logo that works in both color and black & white.
• Use Canva’s Brand Kit to automatically apply your branding to templates.

Estimate Cost:

• Free logo tools available. Paid plans for brand kits or high-res logo downloads cost $10–$30 one-time or monthly.

Leading Vendors:

• Canva Brand Kit
• Looka Logo Maker
• Adobe Express Branding Tools

What is it:

Stock photo libraries provide high-quality, royalty-free images that instantly grab attention and communicate your message visually. In marketing ads, the right image can evoke emotion, tell a story, and make your content more memorable—helping you stand out and connect with your audience without the cost of custom photography.

How to set it up:

Sign up with free libraries (Unsplash, Pexels) or paid ones (Shutterstock, Adobe Stock). Search by keywords that match your brand and download the desired resolution.

Quick tips:

• Use lifestyle and candid images to create authenticity.
• Choose images that complement your brand’s color palette.
• Avoid overused stock photos for a fresh look.

Estimate Cost:

• Free on sites like Unsplash and Pexels. Paid subscriptions range from $10–$30/month.

Leading Vendors:

• Unsplash
• Pexels
• Shutterstock

What is it:

Stock video platforms offer ready-to-use footage for ads, social content, or promotional videos, eliminating the need for filming.

How to set it up:

Create a free or paid account on platforms like Pexels Video or Storyblocks. Download clips and combine them with your text or music using an editor.

Quick tips:

• Use 5–10 second clips for social ads or reels.
• Choose video scenes that match your message’s tone.
• Mix stock footage with your own product shots for authenticity.

Estimate Cost:

• Free clips on Pexels Video. Paid libraries cost $15–$40/month.

Leading Vendors:

• Pexels Video
• Storyblocks
• Artgrid

What is it:

All-in-One Design Platforms allow you to combine text, images, video, and music into polished marketing materials using simple drag-and-drop tools. Many of these editors come with free stock photos, videos, music tracks, and professionally designed templates—making it easy to create eye-catching ads and social media content without starting from scratch.

How to set it up:

Sign up for tools like Canva, CapCut, or Adobe Express. Start with templates for social ads or videos, and customize them with your content.

Quick tips:

• Use built-in templates to save time.
• Leverage integrated stock photo/video/music libraries.
• Export your videos in platform-optimized formats (e.g., 1080×1920 for TikTok).

Estimate Cost:

• Free versions available. Pro plans range from $10–$15/month.

Leading Vendors:

• Canva
• CapCut
• Adobe Express

What is it:

Print design tools help create physical marketing materials like brochures, flyers, postcards, and business cards that support offline marketing.

How to set it up:

Use tools like Canva or Adobe Express for pre-designed templates. Customize with your logo, colors, and brand message. Upload your final design to a print-on-demand service for delivery.

Quick tips:

• Keep the design clean with consistent branding.
• Use high-resolution images for sharp print quality.
• Include a clear call-to-action (e.g., “Visit our website” or “Call now”).

Estimate Cost:

• Free for design tools. Printing costs vary:
• Business cards: ~$15–$30 per 100 cards.
• Flyers or brochures: ~$40–$100 per 100 pieces depending on size and finish.

Leading Vendors:

• Canva Print
• Vistaprint
• Moo

What is it:

QR codes allow customers to instantly access your website, menu, social profile, or special offers by scanning with their phone—perfect for flyers, posters, or product packaging.

How to set it up:

Use an online QR code generator (many are free). Enter your URL, customize the design (color, logo), and download the image to place on your marketing materials.

Quick tips:

• Always test your QR code before printing.
• Use short URLs or a link shortener to make QR codes cleaner.
• Add a call-to-action like “Scan to Learn More” near the QR code.

Estimate Cost:

• Most basic QR code generators are free. Custom branded QR codes may cost $5–$20/month.

Leading Vendors:

• QR Code Monkey
• Beaconstac
• QRStuff

• AI: ChatGPT (free version)
• Photos & Videos: Pexels, Unsplash
• Music: Pixabay Music (free tracks)
• Editors: Canva (Free Plan), CapCut (Free)
• Print: Canva Print or Vistaprint starter packs
• QR Codes: QR Code Monkey (free)
• Branding: Canva Logo Maker (free logo drafts)