Social media management tools are now crucial as platforms continue to change. With Twitter’s transformation into X, the rapid rise of AI, Bluesky emerging, and the ongoing discussions about TikTok’s potential ban keeping up can be overwhelming. However, despite these shifts, social media remains an invaluable asset for businesses. It offers opportunities to acquire new clients, drive more traffic to websites, and engage with current customers, fostering loyalty and promoting business growth.
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You can automate, analyze, and manage social media accounts, so you can focus on creating the kind of content your audience loves. Here are the five best social media tools:
The best social media management tools
Buffer (Web, iOS, Android)
Buffer Pros:
- Easy-to-use scheduling for multiple social media accounts.
- Affordable pricing, with a decent free tier and low-cost options for small businesses.
Buffer Cons:
- Has a history of making significant changes to its pricing and features.
Buffer offers a straightforward scheduling tool for managing various social media profiles. Its free tier is generous, and the pricing structure is designed to be budget-friendly, especially for small businesses. However, users should be aware of Buffer’s tendency to make major adjustments to its pricing plans and features, which can lead to unexpected changes.
Hootsuite (Web, iOS, Android, Chrome)
Hootsuite Pros:
- Comprehensive social media management platform with tools for scheduling posts, monitoring inboxes, and managing content.
- Exceptional integration with X (formerly Twitter).
Hootsuite Cons:
- High cost.
Hootsuite is a robust, all-in-one social media management tools solution that caters to virtually every need. From scheduling posts and managing content to monitoring inboxes and running boosted advertising campaigns, it offers a complete suite of features.
One standout feature is its seamless integration with X (still occasionally referred to as Twitter in the app). Hootsuite enables users to reply to posts, track mentions, and monitor competitor activity—all within the platform. This makes it an excellent choice for marketers seeking a versatile and efficient tool.
Vista Social (Web, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox)
Vista Social Pros:
- Affordable team collaboration features compared to many competitors.
- Includes tools for scheduling, inbox management, and task organization.
Vista Social Cons:
- The web interface could use some improvement.
Vista Social is a versatile social media management tools that goes beyond simple scheduling. It offers messaging, social listening, a link-in-bio feature, and task management to help teams stay organized and assign responsibilities efficiently.
The platform supports a wide variety of networks, including Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTok, Pinterest, Google Business Profile, Threads, Snapchat, Reddit, Bluesky, and Tumblr. It also features an AI assistant, ensuring a seamless experience. With its comprehensive tools and budget-friendly pricing, Vista Social is an excellent choice for teams managing multiple social platforms.
Loomly (Web, iOS, Android)
Loomly Pros:
- Custom social network integration allows posting to any channel through Zapier.
- Each social platform can have its unique scheduling calendar.
Loomly Cons:
- Not the most advanced or refined app compared to others.
Loomly stands out with its custom social network feature, enabling users to post to virtually any channel by integrating with Zapier. It also allows for a tailored scheduling calendar for each social platform, making it easier to manage content. However, in terms of advanced features and polish, Loomly falls behind some other tools in the market.
Iconosquare (Web, iOS, Android)
Iconosquare Pros:
- Offers some of the best Instagram management features available.
- Strong performance across a variety of functions.
Iconosquare Cons:
- Features for other social media management platforms are somewhat limited.
Iconosquare excels with its top-tier Instagram features, providing an exceptional experience for users managing their Instagram accounts. It performs well across other areas as well, offering solid functionality. However, its tools for managing other social media platforms are not as robust, making it less versatile for businesses managing a broader range of channels.
Which social media management tool is best for you?
There isn’t a single best approach to managing social media; the right choice depends on your business requirements. These tools are all constrained by the access social networks grant to third-party apps, meaning most social media management platforms offer similar features and functions. The tools featured in this list stood out for specific reasons, but nearly every app I tried was effective enough to schedule a week or two of posts. You may prefer how certain features are implemented or find one better suited to your unique needs.
If the apps on this list don’t fully meet your needs, here are some additional excellent social media management tools worth considering:
Agorapulse, Sprout Social, and Statusbrew are all strong alternatives to Hootsuite. Their plans with most features typically start at over $1,000/year, so you may need approval from the purchasing department.
On the more affordable side, tools like SocialPilot, Nuelink, Publer, ContentStudio, Planable, MeetEdgar, and SocialBee generally range from $100 to $600/year for entry-level plans. While these apps offer great value, the features they provide can vary widely. Some excel in areas like automation or scheduling but may fall short in other aspects.
These platforms can be tough to compare, as they offer similar services. The right choice for you will depend on the specific features you need, your team size, and your budget. If your customers are paying attention to the social media management tool you’re using, something unusual is likely happening.
The tools I’ve highlighted are a solid starting point, each with its own strengths. I recommend taking advantage of their free trials to see which one fits your needs best.
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