Managing social media accounts might seem easy, but it’s not. The posts have to be timely, relevant, and engaging. Thinking of quality content to publish can also be challenging. The good thing is that there are reliable social media management tools that can help in this regard. With their help, it’s easier to maximize the use of social media.
The most important thing about using social media marketing is engagement. The goal is to make people like the social media accounts and remain loyal followers. Since there are other brands promoting products and services on social media, it’s tough to attract attention. Managing different social media platforms and retaining attention can also be a significant challenge.
With the aid of the tools listed below, the job becomes somewhat easier.
1. Sendible
This tool is one of the most popular options available. It helps in keeping followers engaged. It’s easy to manage messages. There’s an inbox that contains messages sent directly to the company across social media platforms. Unless someone reads the message, it will stay in the inbox. Scheduling posts is also easy. Timing is crucial in social media posting, and relevant information should be posted at the right time. It also depends on the habits of the target users. For instance, older people prefer using social media the first hour in the morning while there’s nothing much to do. Younger people who stay up late tend to use their accounts at night. Sendible can study the behavior and post it whenever appropriate. It’s also possible to repost previous content that gained popularity. The tool analyzes previous posts and republishes them if need be.
2. AgoraPulse
This tool is one of the most affordable options available. It’s easy to use and understand. Even first-timers won’t have a hard time using this tool to manage the social media pages. The inbox works like any other tool where all messages are available. Using the scheduling feature is also easy. There’s no problem in determining which content to publish daily, weekly, or monthly. Progress reports are also available. It tracks the changes since the publication of posts and determines if the previous campaigns were effective. The conversation rate and engagement response rate are among the metrics that this tool can analyze.
3. NapoleonCat
This tool is a one-stop-shop for everything necessary in managing social media accounts. It doesn’t only contain an inbox for private messages. It also allows direct responses to comments and questions. The best part is that it has a feature that analyzes questions posted on comments and direct messages. There will be an automatic response. The user might also get redirected to the appropriate website page. The hands-free approach with the help of this tool makes the job easier. Like other tools, it also allows the scheduling of posts. It can even post the same content to all platforms at once. The good thing is that it can fine-tune publications depending on the specifics of each platform. For instance, it can add links in LinkedIn or tag locations on Instagram. It also uses appropriate hashtags depending on what’s trending.
4. Sprout Social
This tool is probably one of the most popular options available. It’s affordable and flexible. It has an easy to customize inbox. The user can also click on the messages that are no longer useful, so they get hidden. The focus will be on messages that are yet to get a response.
Another excellent feature is that it analyzes the perfect time to publish posts. It’s crucial to maximize engagement. When people aren’t available to respond upon publication, it’s a waste of opportunity. The first hour is the most crucial.
It also has user-based publishing permissions that allow team members to submit responses and messages. Team leaders have to approve the content first before publication. It’s perfect for social media pages managed by a large team. The reporting feature also allows team leaders to monitor the members and determine if they’re responsive and engaged with the audiences.
5. Hootsuite
This tool is unique since it uses streams instead of the inbox to manage messages. It’s easier to determine the content based on the specific social media platform used. It’s easier to assign tasks to specific team members who work on different projects. Tracking their progress won’t be a problem, either. Like other tools, it comes with an auto-scheduling feature, and it allows the quick publication of posts. Uploading content in bulk from different users is also easy. They will be ready to go once scheduled. This tool has a default feature that shows progress across platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Tracking the changes in the social media marketing campaigns becomes easy. Downloading the results using different formats won’t be an issue. Hootsuite has over 35 social media networks. Users can also customize them according to the needs. There’s even a free plan available, but with limited features.
6. TweetDeck
This platform is popular with Twitter users. Businesses that rely on Twitter as the best social media platform should use this tool. It’s easier to organize messages and respond to tweets using TweetDeck. Some businesses focus on Twitter since most of the target audiences are there. Hence, it makes sense to invest in this tool.
7. Tailwind
This tool is also for specific platforms. It includes Pinterest and Instagram. On these platforms, there aren’t too many responses to deal with. Everything is about the quality of the post. It’s also about building links and establishing relationships with the community. This tool is useful in those instances.
Social media management is about responsiveness
The reason why these tools are essential is that engagement is everything in social media marketing. There’s no point in starting a social media campaign if there’s no interaction with the target audiences. They might feel bored. They will even think that there’s nothing in store for them if they follow the accounts. Others will immediately unfollow the page and look for other options. These tools will help in keeping the page alive. If there are comments and private messages, they require an immediate response. There should also be new content available for followers to read. It’s not only about advertising the products and services. Followers also want to know new information about the industry. It gives them a reason to come back even they are yet to decide if they will patronize the brand. The good thing is that there are social media management experts who can help. They also use the right tools to manage the pages.
