Sure, you already know about Canva, HubSpot's built-in AI tools, and Google Analytics. They’re great, but they’re also everywhere. What about the lesser-known free tools that marketers actually use day-to-day to save time, create better content, and find smarter insights?
At The Diamond Group, we’re always testing new software and platforms that make digital marketing more effective (and more fun). Some of the best results we’ve seen come from tools that cost absolutely nothing.
Here are 10 genuinely free digital marketing tools we love and that you’ll actually use.
1. AlsoAsked – Discover What People Really Search For
When you want to understand how people phrase their searches, AlsoAsked is a must. It pulls “People Also Ask” data from Google and turns it into branching visual maps.
Why it’s worth your time:
- Reveals natural language questions and long-tail topics.
- Helps you write SEO-friendly FAQs and blog sections.
- Perfect for conversational and voice search optimization.
👉 alsoasked.com
2. AnswerThePublic – Endless Content Ideas in Seconds
This tool scrapes Google autocomplete data to show what questions people are asking about your topic.
Why we love it:
- Gives instant ideas for blogs, videos, and social posts.
- Visualizes search patterns around your keywords.
- The free plan offers a few daily searches—plenty to fuel your next brainstorm.
👉 answerthepublic.com
3. Claude.ai – Your AI Partner for Creative Brainstorms
Claude (by Anthropic) is an AI assistant built for clarity and creativity. It’s a great alternative to ChatGPT, especially for marketers who think visually.
How to use it:
- Write prompts for ad concepts, social captions, or blog outlines.
- Generate ideas for infographics, charts, or presentation visuals.
- Refine tone or summarize long drafts without losing your voice.
👉 claude.ai
4. Hemingway Editor – Edit Like a Pro
The Hemingway web app helps you write bold, clear copy. Paste your text, and it highlights passive voice and wordy sentences instantly.
Why it matters:
- Improves readability for both people and search engines.
- Keeps your tone approachable—great for blogs and landing pages.
- 100% free in your browser (no sign-up required).
👉 hemingwayapp.com
5. Pexels & Unsplash – Free Photos That Don’t Feel “Stock”
Need images for blogs, ads, or emails? These two sites offer thousands of royalty-free, high-quality photos and videos.
Why marketers love to use them:
- No cost or licensing worries.
- Real, diverse imagery that feels authentic.
- Easy to pair with AI-generated visuals for polished content.
👉 pexels.com | unsplash.com
6. Google Looker Studio – Visualize Your Wins
Formerly known as Data Studio, Looker Studio helps you turn raw data into client-ready dashboards that update automatically.
Why it’s underrated:
- 100% free and cloud-based.
- Connects Analytics, Search Console, and social metrics.
- Turns reporting into a visual story your clients can actually read.
👉 lookerstudio.google.com
7. ChatGPT (Free Version) – The Ultimate Idea Starter
Even with the free GPT-3.5 model, ChatGPT remains one of the most powerful brainstorming tools available.
Smart ways to use it:
- Draft outlines or headlines to beat writer’s block.
- Ask it to simplify complex ideas for your audience.
- Generate email subject lines or social variations fast.
👉 chat.openai.com
8. CapCut – Edit Video Like a Creator
Owned by the makers of TikTok, CapCut makes social-ready video editing fast and intuitive—with no watermark.
Why it’s a hidden gem:
- Free for desktop and mobile.
- Templates sized for Reels, Shorts, and TikToks.
- Adds captions, filters, and transitions in minutes.
👉 capcut.com
9. Google Trends – See What’s Rising Before Everyone Else
Still one of the best free research tools out there. Google Trends lets you track search interest over time to spot trending topics early.
Why it still matters:
- Compare keyword popularity by region or time period.
- Identify seasonal trends for campaign planning.
- Combine it with AnswerThePublic for deeper insights.
👉 trends.google.com
10. Grammarly Free – Your Always-On Writing Safety Net
The free version of Grammarly offers real-time spelling, grammar, and tone suggestions across browsers, emails, and social platforms.
Why it’s essential:
- Catches errors AI can’t always predict.
- Helps maintain brand voice consistency.
- Integrates directly with Chrome, Outlook, and Google Docs.
👉 grammarly.com
Ready to Build a Smarter Marketing Stack?
These aren’t flashy platforms or high-ticket subscriptions, they’re the quiet workhorses that make marketing smoother, faster, and more creative. Each one saves time or adds polish, letting you focus on strategy and storytelling.
We use tools like these to refine our process, enhance creativity, and deliver better results for our clients without unnecessary overhead. Free tools can take you far. Pair them with a data-driven strategy, and you’ll go even further.
Explore how The Diamond Group blends SEO, content marketing, and AI-powered insights to help brands grow with our digital marketing and Momentum system.