10 Must-Have Social Media Planning Tools For 2024
Social media has become an integral part of modern marketing strategies.
As a leading provider of social media strategy and analytics, Social Think understands the importance of leveraging the right tools to streamline your social media efforts and drive business results.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the world of social media planning tools, their benefits, and how to choose the best one for your needs.
What Are Social Media Planning Tools?
Social media planning tools are software solutions designed to help businesses and social media marketers manage their social media presence more efficiently. These tools offer features like scheduling posts, collaborating with team members, analyzing performance metrics, and creating content calendars. By centralizing social media management tasks, these tools save time and ensure a consistent brand voice across all social profiles.
How Social Media Planning Tools Help Businesses and Marketers?
Managing multiple social media accounts can be time-consuming and challenging. Social media planning tools simplify the process by providing a single dashboard to handle all your social media tasks.
With these tools, you can:
- Schedule posts in advance
- Collaborate with team members
- Analyze performance metrics
- Create content calendars
- Monitor brand mentions
- Respond to comments and messages
Benefits of Using Social Media Planning Tools
Including a social media planning tool in your social media marketing strategy offers numerous benefits:
- Time-saving: Schedule posts in advance and save hours each week.
- Consistency: Maintain a consistent social media posting schedule and brand voice across all social profiles.
- Collaboration: Easily collaborate with team members and streamline approval workflows.
- Analytics: Gain valuable insights into your social media performance and adjust your strategy accordingly.
- Content Calendar: Plan and organize your social media content in a visual calendar.
Top Social Media Planning Tools
With so many options available, choosing the right social media planning tool can be overwhelming.
Here are some of the top tools recommended by Social Think:
Buffer
Buffer is a user-friendly social media management tool that’s perfect for small businesses and individuals.
It lets you schedule posts, analyze your performance, and collaborate with your team – all without breaking the bank. The clean interface makes it a breeze to manage your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest accounts from one spot.
One standout feature is the queue system that automatically fills up your posting schedule so you maintain a steady presence. The browser extension is also clutch for adding content to your queue on the fly while surfing the web.
All in all, Buffer keeps things simple while still giving you the core functionality you need to crush it on social media.
Hootsuite
Hootsuite is the OG of social media management platforms, making it a must-have tool for any social media manager.
It’s an all-in-one solution used by tons of big brands and agencies. You can handle pretty much anything social-related: scheduling posts, monitoring your brand mentions, running ads, you name it.
It plays nice with over 35 social networks which is clutch. The analytics are also top-notch for getting the full picture of how your social game is doing. The learning curve is a bit steeper and it’s pricier than some other tools out there.
But if you need a super robust tool and have the budget, Hootsuite is a solid bet. It’s got all the bells and whistles to help you become a social media rockstar.
As a social media manager, having Hootsuite in your toolkit is essential for effectively managing and optimizing your social media presence and creating a landing page for your Instagram bio.
Moreover, Hootsuite connects with Google Business Profile. It is a great tool that can help you plan and watch posts for your business on Google.
Sprout Social
Sprout Social is another powerhouse social media management platform.
It’s got all the good stuff like scheduling, monitoring, smart inbox, and killer reporting. But what sets Sprout Social apart is its focus on customer care. It’s one of the few tools that has legit CRM features baked in.
So if engaging with your target audience is a big part of your social strategy, Sprout Social has your back. It is on the spendier side, but you get what you pay for. The reports alone are so slick you can send them straight to your boss or client without any extra work.
Plus, with its advanced analytics and audience insights, Sprout Social helps improve social content performance by providing valuable data on what resonates with your audience.
If you’re ready to get serious about social and focus on building real relationships with your followers, check out Sprout Social.
Later
If you’re all about the ‘gram, Later is your jam. It’s a scheduling tool built specifically for visual platforms like Instagram and Pinterest.
The calendar view lets you see exactly what your grid will look like, so you can create that perfect aesthetic. Plus it suggests the best times to post for max engagement. It’s also got some handy features for collecting and reposting user-generated content.
The analytics are focused on the unique metrics that matter for visual platforms. While it may not have all the features of an all-in-one tool, Later is clutch for anyone who wants to level up their Instagram or Pinterest game without getting bogged down in tons of extras.
Zoho Social
Zoho Social is a hidden gem of a social media management platform. It covers all the basics like scheduling, monitoring, and reporting.
But it’s the little extras that make it stand out. Like the super clean, intuitive interface that makes it easy to get the hang of. Or the built-in Zia AI assistant that can help write captions and analyze your posts’ performance.
Another big plus is that it integrates with Zoho’s other business tools, so you can plug your social data into your CRM or customer service setup. It’s a great affordable option for small-to-medium businesses that want a solid all-arounder without tons of confusing extras.
Sendible
Sendible is a social media management tool that’s found its niche with agencies. It’s got all the scheduling and reporting features you’d expect.
But where it shines is the client management side of things. You can set up separate dashboards for each client, complete with your branding. There are also some nifty automation features to make your life easier, like being able to plug in RSS feeds or content libraries to auto-post.
The collaboration tools are also clutch for keeping your team on the same page. It’s a bit pricier and has more of a learning curve than some tools. But for agencies juggling multiple client accounts, Sendible is a lifesaver that can help you deliver some serious wow factor.
Agorapulse
Agorapulse is a well-rounded social media management platform that hits the sweet spot between power and ease of use.
In addition to the usual suspects like scheduling and reporting, it’s got some pretty unique features. The automated inbox assistant helps make sure you never miss an important message.
And the built-in CRM lets you track your interactions with followers over time to build stronger relationships. It’s also one of the more affordable tools out there, especially considering all the features you get. The interface is super clean and easy to navigate.
All around, Agorapulse is a great pick for small-to-medium businesses or agencies that want a serious social media sidekick without having to take out a second mortgage.
CoSchedule
CoSchedule is similar to the offspring of a content calendar and a social media scheduler.
It’s all about helping you coordinate your blog posts, email newsletters, and social media updates in one place. The drag-and-drop calendar interface is a thing of beauty that lets you see all your content plans at a glance.
And the ReQueue feature is clutch for keeping your social feeds full of your best evergreen content. It’s also got some handy workflow features like task templates and approval processes to keep your team in sync.
One thing to note is that it’s primarily geared towards content marketing teams. But if your social media ties in closely with your blog and email strategy, CoSchedule could be the missing piece to tie it all together.
Planable
Planable is all about one thing: helping social media teams collaborate without the chaos.
It’s built around a visual content calendar that shows you exactly what your posts will look like before you hit publish. Team members can comment, suggest edits, and approve posts right on the platform.
And the best part? It’s dummy-proof. Approvers can just click a thumbs up or down without having to learn a whole new system. Planable may not have all the bells and whistles of other tools.
But if you’re tired of endless email chains and confusing spreadsheets, it’s a breath of fresh air. The pricing is also super reasonable, making it a great pick for smaller teams. Say goodbye to the social media scheduling circus and hello to Planable.
SocialBee
SocialBee is a scheduling tool with a twist. Its superpower is content categories. You can sort your posts into different themes or types, and then let SocialBee automatically publish a mix of them on a schedule you set.
It’s a great way to keep your social and instagram feed fresh without having to constantly come up with new ideas. The evergreen recycling feature is also killer. It’ll automatically re-share your best posts over time so they don’t just fade into the abyss after one go.
Other handy features include content creation suggestions and the ability to work in multiple workspaces. SocialBee may not be the flashiest tool out there, but it’s a solid workhorse for solopreneurs or small teams looking to put their social media on autopilot.
Types of Social Media Planning Tools
Social media planning tools come in various forms, each serving a specific purpose. Here are the main types:
All-in-One Social Media Management Platforms
These tools, like Hootsuite and Sprout Social, offer a comprehensive suite of features, including scheduling, analytics, and team collaboration. They are ideal for businesses looking for a one-stop solution for their social media needs.
Standalone Scheduling and Publishing Tools
Tools like Buffer and Later focus primarily on scheduling and publishing content across multiple social media platforms. They are perfect for businesses looking to streamline their posting process and maintain a consistent presence.
Content Creation Tools
These tools, like Canva and Adobe Spark, help businesses create visually appealing social media content. They offer templates, graphics, and editing features to make content creation easier and more efficient.
Analytics and Reporting Tools
Tools like Quintly and Keyhole specialize in providing detailed analytics and reporting for social media performance. They help businesses track key metrics, monitor competitors, and make data-driven decisions to improve their social media strategy.
How to Choose the Right Social Media Planning Tool?
With so many social media planning tools available, it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your business needs.
Consider the following factors when making your decision:
- Supported platforms: Ensure the tool supports the social media networks you use.
- Features: Look for features that align with your social media goals, such as scheduling, analytics, or team collaboration.
- Ease of use: Choose a tool with an intuitive interface that your team can easily navigate.
- Pricing: Consider your budget and look for a tool that offers the features you need at a price point you can afford.
- Integrations: Check if the tool integrates with other social media management software you use, like your CRM or content management system.
- Customer support: Opt for a tool with reliable customer support to help you troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Tips For Getting the Most Out of Social Media Planning Tools
To maximize the benefits of your social media planning tool, follow these tips:
- Set clear goals: Define your social media objectives and use your planning tool to create a strategy that aligns with these goals.
- Create a content calendar: Use your tool’s content and social media calendar feature to plan and organize your social media posts in advance.
- Collaborate with your team: Leverage your tool’s team collaboration features to streamline your social media workflow and ensure everyone is on the same page.
- Analyze your performance: Regularly review your social media analytics to identify what’s working and what needs improvement.
- Engage with your audience: Use your tool’s social inbox or monitoring features to respond to comments, messages, and brand mentions in a timely manner.
FAQ’s:
What is the Best Free Social Media Planning Tool?
Some of the best free social media planning tools include Buffer, Hootsuite, and Later. These tools offer limited features in their free plans but can be a great starting point for small businesses or individual creators.
What Makes a Social Media Planning Tool Essential?
A social media planning tool is essential because it helps businesses save time, maintain a consistent brand voice, collaborate with team members, and analyze performance metrics. By centralizing social media management tasks, these tools make it easier to execute a successful social media strategy.
How Can Social Media Tools Save Time in Content Creation?
Social media planning tools can save time in content creation by providing features like content calendars, post templates, and media libraries. These features help businesses plan and organize their content in advance, streamlining the creation process.
What Should You Look for in a Social Media Planning Tool?
When choosing a social media planning tool, look for features that align with your business needs, such as scheduling, analytics, team collaboration, and integrations with other software. Also, consider the tool’s ease of use, pricing, and customer support.
How Much Do Paid Social Media Planning Tools Typically Cost?
The cost of paid social media planning tools varies depending on the features and the number of users. Basic plans can start at around $10 per month, while more advanced plans for larger teams can cost several hundred dollars per month.
Can I Manage All My Social Media Accounts in One Place With These Tools?
Yes, most social media planning tools allow you to manage multiple social media accounts from a single dashboard. This makes it easy to schedule posts, respond to comments and messages, and analyze performance metrics across all your social profiles.
Do Social Media Planning Tools Work With Instagram?
Yes, many social media planning tools, like Later and Hootsuite, offer Instagram-specific features. These may include visual content planning, hashtag suggestions, and Instagram analytics.
Conclusion
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, social media planning tools have become essential for businesses looking to streamline their social media efforts and drive results.
By offering features like scheduling, analytics, and team collaboration, these tools help businesses save time, maintain a consistent brand voice, and make data-driven decisions to improve their social media strategy.
At Social Think, we understand the importance of leveraging the right tools to achieve your social media goals. Whether you’re a small business owner or a marketing professional, our team of experts can help you choose the best social media planning tool for your needs and develop a comprehensive strategy to maximize your results.
Ready to take your social media presence to the next level? Contact Social Think today to learn more about our social media strategy and analytics services, and discover how we can help you achieve your business objectives through the power of social media.
