1. Wrike is a cloud-based collaboration and project management software that scales across business teams. Billie Jo Mathusek, director of marketing for Top 40 distributor AIA Corporation (asi/109480), says Wrike streamlines her team’s efficiency. “Wrike has been instrumental in keeping everyone on the same page and collaborating effectively,” says Mathusek. “Since implementation, we’ve witnessed interconnectivity and share information in a way never before possible.” For example, AIA marketing team members always know what the creative workload looks like and can identify bottlenecks before they happen, says Mathusek. “Knowing this workflow allows us to better communicate realistic deadlines to both our internal and external customers,” she says.

2. Sendible is software that helps users manage social media for brands. It aims to aid with everything from planning and collaboration to engagement, analytics and post scheduling. “Don’t rely on manual posting alone; a social media scheduler like Sendible is vital,” says Elizabeth Italia, executive director of marketing content for ASI. “Put some planning into your strategy and schedule as many posts as you can in advance. This keeps you present on social without a second thought. Plus, you can schedule to post after work hours, so your brand is working even when you aren’t.”

3. Smartsheet is a software-as-a-service work execution platform. Organized in a spreadsheet-like user interface, Smartsheet helps with assigning tasks, tracking project progress, managing calendars, sharing documents, and managing other work. Within the last year, Top 40 supplier BIC Graphic North America (asi/40480) has implemented Smartsheet across the company. “Its mobile app allows us to track and update dashboards in real time, so we’re always seeing the most accurate information to relay to our teams,” says Melissa Ralston, BIC Graphic’s chief marketing officer. “Smartsheet makes it easy for us to collaborate, access and share info across multiple sites and while traveling.”

“Smartsheet makes it easy for us to collaborate, access and share info across multiple sites and while traveling.” — Melissa Ralston, BIC Graphic

4. Canva is a graphic design tool website that offers drag-and-drop features that let marketers create attractive graphics for print and digital formats. “This app comes with loads of free templates for everything from Instagram stories and Facebook covers, to business cards and posters,” says Italia. “Even if you have a fully staffed design team, you can use the templates for inspiration.” Leveraged by laymen and professional designers alike, Canva provides access to photographs, vector images, graphics and fonts.

5. Sprout Social, like Sendible, is a social media management solution. The platform aims to help marketers understand and reach desired audiences, engage targeted communities and measure performance. Sprout Social is a favored marketing technology tool for AIA. “It allows us to optimize our efforts by connecting with the right audience,” says Mathusek. “Our Sprout administrator loves that she can see content holistic publishing plans on an easy-to-understand calendar and schedule blasts at optimum dates and times regardless of whether or not she’s in the office. Once the message is delivered, the inbox tracking reports allow us to further enhance messaging and audience, as well as conduct A/B split testing.”

6. Pardot by Salesforce, another platform for executing and tracking email marketing, is a smart investment, says Italia. Additional options include SendGrid and Mixmax. “Use one that provides easy-to-understand reporting and covers everything from opens, clicks and hard leads to sender and time of day,” adds Italia. “If you see some sad numbers, that’s OK — figuring out what doesn’t work is just as important as learning what works.”