Online Tools for Small Business
The internet is now a virtual toolbox for the small business owner, offering free or low-cost options for essential services such as marketing, project management, data acquisition, document creation, graphic design, and more. This course provides an overview of five popular online tools — Google Docs, Canva, Trello, Survey Monkey, and MailChimp — and delivers hands-on instruction in their basic functions and use. By the end, you will be equipped to select and apply the right tools for your business needs.
What you'll learn
- Identify popular free online tools available to small business owners
- Understand the basic features and functions of Google Docs, Canva, Trello, Survey Monkey, and MailChimp
- Create and share documents, graphics, project boards, surveys, and email campaigns using each tool
- Evaluate which tools are most appropriate for your specific business needs
- Apply these tools to improve efficiency, collaboration, and marketing in your business
Preview a lesson
Understanding Online Data Acquisition To grow your small business effectively, you need to understand your customers — their preferences, behaviors, and needs. **Online data acquisition** is the process of gathering metrics that help you make smarter, more targeted business decisions. Why does this matter? Because data saves you time and money. When you know what your customers want and where they spend their time, you can: **Focus your marketing budget** on strategies that are more likely to work. **Develop targeted messages** that resonate with your audience. **Convert interested prospects** into paying, loyal customers more efficiently. Instead of guessing what might attract your ideal customer, data-driven decisions allow you to craft focused, relevant invitations — the kind your audience actually wants to read and act upon. **Survey Monkey** is one of the most widely used online survey platforms. It enables you to: 1. **Design customized surveys** using a variety of question formats. 2. **Distribute surveys** through web links, email, social media, and your website. 3. **Analyze results** with built-in reporting tools, charts, and data exports. Survey Monkey offers a **free tier** with limited features that is well-suited for new users and small businesses. Paid packages provide expanded capabilities as your needs grow. To get started, go to **surveymonkey.com**, click **Sign Up Free**, and create an account using your email or an
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Curriculum
Module 1: Google Docs – Online Document Creation
3 lessons- textWhat Is Online Document Creation and Why It Matters
- textGoogle Docs: Key Features Deep Dive
- quizModule 1 Quiz: Google Docs
Module 2: Canva – Online Graphics Creation
3 lessons- textIntroduction to Online Graphics Creation with Canva
- textCanva: Creating, Editing, and Sharing Your Graphics
- quizModule 2 Quiz: Canva
Module 3: Trello – Online Project Management
3 lessons- textWhy Online Project Management Matters for Small Business
- textTrello: Boards, Cards, and Collaboration
- quizModule 3 Quiz: Trello
Module 4: Survey Monkey – Online Data Acquisition
3 lessons- textUnderstanding Online Data AcquisitionPreview
- textSurvey Monkey: Building, Distributing, and Analyzing Surveys
- quizModule 4 Quiz: Survey Monkey
Module 5: MailChimp – Email Marketing
3 lessons- textEmail Marketing and MailChimp: An Introduction
- textMailChimp: Creating, Sending, and Analyzing Campaigns
- quizModule 5 Quiz: MailChimp