While the main social media platforms have their own native scheduling tools, there are advantages to using a third party application for your social media management. Managing all your accounts in one place helps to save time and gives you better control over your campaigns. Many of these tools also include useful features to assist you in creating, editing and measuring your content. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming, but in this blog we give you our top 3 recommendations.
Best Social Media Scheduling Tools
1. Most In-Depth: Hootsuite
Hootsuite is probably the most well-known and advanced of these tools. One of the benefits of Hootsuite is it allows you to do all of your day-to-day social media management in the one location. This includes scheduling, boosting, analytics and your notification inbox. When creating post, Hootsuite, provides recommended times for posting, based on your insights. It also has Grammarly and AI features built in to assist with copywriting. You can schedule an unlimited number of posts, and the number of accounts you can link varies by which plan you are on.
However, it is worth noting that Hootsuite removed their free option last year. With plans starting at €99 per month, it may not be the most budget friendly option.
2. Best Free Option: Later
In terms of free scheduling tools, Later have a free plan for those who download the app on their smartphone. Later uses a straightforward calendar view set up for scheduling posts, making it easy to navigate.
The free version allows you to connect one account per social media platform, and schedule 5 posts per month on each. This may be too limited for some businesses, but they also have affordable premium plans which allow you to increase the number of platforms and posts.
5. Best Time Saving Option: Canva
For efficiency, you may want to check out Canva’s scheduling features. These can be found under the share button on your artwork document. This scheduling tool is quite basic, but will enable you to create your graphics, draft your copy and schedule all in one application, saving you time that would have been spent downloading graphics, leaving the app, uploading, and so on.
Streamline your social media management in 2024
As you explore the world of social media scheduling tools, remember that finding the right platform can streamline your social media management efforts. While native scheduling tools offer convenience, third-party applications like Hootsuite, Later, and Canva provide additional features and efficiencies. If you’re seeking further guidance on social media topics or you are looking to move your channels into expert hands, our team at Marla Communications is here to help. Get in touch today at info@marla.ie to leverage our expertise and elevate your social media presence.
