While the ArcGIS Online suite strikes the right combination of robust features and ease of use for many, there are lots of other tools for geospatial analysis out there with different strengths and uses.
In-browser tools for manipulating and displaying geographic data
Powerful software-based tools for doing advanced GIS analysis and visualization
One very popular type of geospatial project, a StoryMap combines maps, images, text, and other media into a cohesive, compelling narrative.
Several programming languages have packages to perform or enhance your geospatial analysis tasks.
All Iowa State University students, faculty, and staff get free access to Esri's ArcGIS Online with their ISU logins. This suite of tools can be used to find map data, create high-quality static or interactive maps, and integrate those maps into web apps such as StoryMaps.
The ArcGIS Online Tutorial Gallery contains a robust collection of guides for using a variety of features and tools.