Top digital marketing tools and software recommendations for beginners: my Klaviyo insights and tips

Getting started with digital marketing can feel like assembling IKEA furniture without instructions—except instead of shelves, you’ve got fourteen browser tabs open and no clue what half these tools actually do.

Here’s the thing…

• You don’t need more tools.
• You need a handful that work together, help you grow, and don’t burn you out.

That’s what this list is. A straight-to-the-point tool stack built around Klaviyo, made for beginners who want to start strong without drowning in tech.

Let’s ground this: what you actually need

If you’re just starting, your tools should help you:

• Grow your list
• Send the right emails to the right people
• Track what’s working
• Turn first-time buyers into repeat customers
• Keep things running without babysitting every step

And if they integrate with Klaviyo? Even better.

Everything below does exactly that.

7 beginner-friendly tools that integrate with Klaviyo (and actually matter)

1. Meta (Facebook + Instagram)
Still one of the best channels for getting in front of the right people. When you connect Klaviyo to Meta, you can sync your email list to run ads that feel more personal—like reminding someone to finish their order or showing your products to people similar to your best customers.

Pro tip: Start with one ad that targets people who visited your website but didn’t buy—it's an easy way to bring them back.

2. Google Analytics
You don’t need to be a data expert. Google Analytics shows you which pages people visit, where they’re coming from, and whether they’re taking action—like signing up or buying.

Pro tip: Use the links in your Klaviyo emails to track which emails get clicks and lead to sales, so you know what’s working.

3. Hotjar
Hotjar lets you see how visitors move through your website. You’ll learn where they get stuck or what they’re missing—so you can fix it.

Pro tip: Watch a few recordings of people using your site. You’ll quickly see if your pop-up shows up too soon—or not at all.

4. Smile.io
Loyalty programs help turn customers into regulars. With Smile.io, you can give points for purchases and connect it to Klaviyo to send emails when someone earns a reward. You can also connect Smile.io to Klaviyo’s Customer Hub (now in beta) so customers can see exactly how many points they need for their next reward, right inside their personalized experience.

Pro tip: Send a simple email that says, “You’ve earned points!”—it’s a small nudge that brings people back to buy again.

5. AfterShip
Most people open shipping emails. AfterShip lets you send those updates through Klaviyo, so you can stay on-brand and helpful after someone buys.

Pro tip: Add a thank-you message or a “what to expect next” section to your shipping emails. It makes the customer feel taken care of.

6. Okendo
Reviews help new customers feel confident. Okendo helps you collect those reviews and send automatic follow-up emails asking for feedback.

Pro tip: After someone gets their order, send a friendly email like: “How did we do?”—and ask for a quick review.

7. Gorgias or Zendesk
If someone reaches out to customer service, you want to follow up the right way. These tools connect with Klaviyo so you can check in after a refund, question, or issue. Gorgias also connects directly with Klaviyo’s Customer Hub—helping you manage both pre- and post-sales questions in one place.

Pro tip: Set up an email that goes out a few days after a support ticket is closed—just to ask, “Everything good now?” It shows you care. Or use Customer Hub to answer questions right in the moment—while customers are already engaged and shopping.

Why Klaviyo’s still the best starting point

Let’s be clear—Klaviyo isn’t just for the pros.

It’s built for B2C brands, and it gives beginners exactly what they need to get moving:

• Pop-ups and forms to start growing your list (no extra tools required)
• Drag-and-drop email builder (so you don’t need a designer)
• Prebuilt automations that actually drive revenue (Welcome, Abandoned Cart, Post-Purchase)
• Revenue tracking tied to every email
• Seamless integration with your store’s product data, customer history, and site activity

Klaviyo helps you build the foundation. The rest of the tools? They help you scale it.

Pick tools based on what you’re trying to solve

Here’s how to keep it simple and strategic:

You don’t need all seven right away. Start with 2–3 that solve a real problem today, then build as your business grows.

You’re not here to become a tech expert. You’re here to grow your business.

Klaviyo gives you the starting point. These tools help you go further—without overwhelming you or draining your time. The best stack is the one that fits your goals, connects your systems, and helps you spend more time selling and less time struggling.

Start smart. Stack strategically. And let your tools do the heavy lifting.