Explore the leading social media management platforms of 2024. Discover tools that streamline scheduling and engagement to elevate your social media.
Managing multiple social media accounts can be really hard. It's like trying to juggle a bunch of balls at once. But don't worry, there are special tools called social media management platforms that can help make it much easier!
These platforms are like having a helper to post your social media updates, check how many likes and comments you get, and even talk to your followers for you. They save you a lot of time and make it simpler to have a strong presence on social media, which is super important for businesses and anyone trying to reach a lot of people online.
I'm excited to share with you my top picks for the best social media management platforms in 2024. These tools have all sorts of handy features that will make managing your social media a breeze. Get ready to learn about scheduling posts ahead of time, tracking your success with analytics, collaboration tools for working with a team, and more. Let's dive in!
Social media management platforms are tools that help you handle all your social media accounts from one place. They make it easier to post consistently, check your performance, work with a team, and engage with your followers across networks like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more.
The top platforms I recommend checking out in 2024 are:
Each one has its own special strengths and features. When picking a platform, think about how many social networks you use, what posting and reporting features you need, if you work with a team, your budget, and how easy it is to use.
Before we get into the details of each platform, let's quickly go over what I looked at to compare them. You don't want to end up with a tool that doesn't work on the social media sites you use or is missing features you really need.
First, I checked how many social networks each platform supports. Some only work with one or two, but the best ones handle all the big sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. The more networks it covers, the better, so you can manage everything in one place.
Next is scheduling and publishing posts. This is the main thing these tools help with - letting you plan and schedule content ahead of time so you don't have to manually post every day. Look for ones that make it really easy to schedule and let you set the best times to post.
Analytics reports are also super important. You need to see data on how your posts are performing - things like likes, comments, shares, clicks, and more. The best platforms give you detailed reports so you know what's working.
If you have multiple people managing your social media, then team features are a must-have. Things like approval workflows, task assignments, and shared calendars keep everyone on the same page. And monitoring/engagement features make it easy to track and reply to comments and messages.
Of course, you also have to think about pricing and if it fits your budget. Some are expensive, especially for big businesses. But there are affordable options for smaller accounts too.
Ease of use is a big factor. You don't want something that's confusing and frustrating. The best ones have clean designs that make it simple to find what you need.
Integrations with other tools you use can be really handy. Things like your customer support app, email marketing, etc. And finally, good customer service from the platform is key in case you need any help.
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Sprout Social is one of the top platforms that covers pretty much everything you need for social media management. It's like a multi-tool that can handle publishing posts, reporting, working with a team, tracking messages from followers, and more.
One thing that really makes Sprout Social stand out is its super detailed reports. You can see tons of data on how your posts are doing, with insights on engagement, clicks, growth, and all that good stuff. And you can easily make custom reports to share with your boss or clients.
It's also great for teams, with tools to assign tasks, approve posts before they go out, and share a content calendar. This keeps everyone organized and on track.
Let's break down some of the key things Sprout Social offers:
All-in-one platform: Sprout Social has pretty much every social media management feature you could need in one tool.
In-depth reporting: The reports are super detailed and customizable, so you can really dig into your social data.
Great for teams: Has lots of handy collaboration and workflow tools to keep your social squad organized.
Learning curve: Because it has so many advanced features, it can take some time to fully learn your way around.
Higher price: Plans are a bit pricey compared to some other tools, especially for small businesses or solo users.
Sprout Social gets a lot of love from social media managers and experts. Many praise how it has everything you need in one platform, the powerful reporting, and the helpful team features. But some do point out the learning curve and higher price.
"Sprout Social is hands down my favorite social media management tool. It just does everything so well and makes my job way easier." - Sarah L., Social Media Manager
"While it's on the pricier side, Sprout Social is worth it for the sheer depth of features and reporting. I can't imagine using anything else now." - Javier M., Agency Owner
Sprout Social has a few different pricing plans, mainly based on how many social profiles you need to manage and what features you want.
The Standard plan is $99/month for up to 5 social profiles. It covers basic publishing, engagement, reporting, and integrations. The Professional plan bumps it up to 10 profiles and adds more advanced tools like scheduling, custom reports, and approval workflows. There's also an Advanced plan for even bigger needs.
It's definitely an investment, but if you want a comprehensive platform, the price can be worth it. They offer a free 30-day trial so you can test it out before committing.
You can learn more about Sprout Social and sign up for a free trial on their website.
Hootsuite has been around for over a decade now and is one of the most well-known social media management platforms. It supports a ton of social networks and is great for teams. The main thing it's known for is its Streams.
Hootsuite Streams let you create customized feeds to monitor different topics and engagements across all your social profiles. For example, you could have a stream for tweets mentioning your brand, one for comments on your Facebook posts, one tracking a certain hashtag, and so on. This makes it super easy to keep an eye on all your social conversations in real-time.
Hootsuite is also popular for its bulk scheduling tool. You can upload a spreadsheet with hundreds of posts and it will automatically schedule them all out.
Here's a rundown of Hootsuite's main features:
Supports lots of networks: Works with 20+ social platforms including some less common ones.
Streams for easy monitoring: The Streams are super handy for real-time tracking of all your social convos and topics in one place.
Bulk scheduling: Can upload and schedule hundreds of posts at a time, saves a ton of effort.
Streams can get cluttered: If you set up a lot of Streams they can start to feel overwhelming and cluttered.
Analytics are basic: Reporting is decent but a bit more basic compared to some other platforms.
People tend to either love or kind of dislike Hootsuite. Those who love it praise the Streams and how it supports so many networks. But others find the interface clunky.
"I've used Hootsuite for years and it's been a huge help. The Streams are a game-changer for keeping up with everything happening on social." - Mike R., Social Media Consultant
"I really wanted to like Hootsuite but I just found it a bit overwhelming and outdated feeling compared to other tools I've used. The Streams are handy but they also make the dashboard feel cluttered." - Lisa G., Marketer
Hootsuite has several pricing tiers to choose from based on your needs:
It's a bit tricky because the tiers are based on both number of users and number of social accounts. So you have to make sure you pick the plan that lines up with your team size and accounts. They do offer a limited free plan and trials of the paid plans though.
To learn more, you can head over to Hootsuite's website. They have a lot of helpful info and resources there too.
Buffer has been a popular social media tool for a long time, especially among small businesses and individuals. It's best known for being simple, affordable, and easy to use. Basically the opposite of overwhelming.
What people love about Buffer is that it has a clean and intuitive interface. Everything is laid out in a way that just makes sense. Scheduling posts is a breeze and the analytics reports are easy to understand at a glance. It just simplifies social media management.
While Buffer keeps things simple, it still covers the essential features:
Clean and intuitive interface: Makes social media scheduling and analytics easy to understand and manage.
Affordable pricing: One of the most budget-friendly tools, with a generous free plan.
Browser extensions: Makes it super quick to add content you find online to your scheduled queue.
Lacks advanced features: Doesn't have some of the more robust features that other platforms offer like social listening or team collaboration tools.
No phone support: Customer support is available through email/webform only, no option to call in.
Buffer is usually praised for its simplicity and ease of use. Many appreciate that it does the basics really well without overcomplicating things. But some do wish it had a bit more depth.
"Buffer has been my go-to for years. I love how uncomplicated it is. Just makes scheduling content a breeze without any fuss." - Rachel M., Entrepreneur "I like Buffer for what it is - a simple, no-frills scheduler. It's reliable and affordable. But it probably isn't the best if you're looking for tons of advanced features or analytics." - Chris L., Marketing Consultant
One of the best things about Buffer is its pricing. It's one of the most affordable social media tools out there.
The free plan includes basic publishing tools, landing page builder, and link shortening. Paid plans start at $5/month for the Essentials plan which adds more advanced scheduling and analytics. Then there's $10/month for Team pack and $100/month for Agency pack which each add more options.
There's a plan for pretty much every budget and the pricing is very clear and straightforward. No complex tiers to figure out.
Ready to check out Buffer? Head to their website to see all the details and sign up for a plan.
SocialPilot is a platform that's really risen in popularity recently as a powerful tool with affordable pricing. It offers a ton of features that are typically only found in more expensive platforms.
One of the big things SocialPilot is known for is its social media calendar view. You can see all your scheduled posts laid out in an actual calendar that makes it easy to spot gaps. It's a great way to visually plan and manage your content strategy.
It also has some handy bulk scheduling tools. You can recycle evergreen posts, schedule posts from RSS feeds, or create posting queues that act like a conveyor belt.
SocialPilot Features
SocialPilot is packed with features that rival more expensive tools:
Excellent value: Offers advanced features at a relatively affordable price point.
Content calendar: The calendar view is super helpful for planning and spotting any gaps or clashes in your scheduled content.
Suits agencies and teams: Has a lot of handy features for agencies who manage social for multiple clients like white-label reports.
Can be slow at times: Some users have reported occasional lags or slowness, especially when bulk uploading.
Lack of training materials: Doesn't have as many how-to guides or tutorials as some other platforms.
SocialPilot gets a lot of love for being a hidden gem of sorts. Many praise it for offering powerful features and agency-friendly tools at an affordable price. Some do mention a few technical quirks though.
"SocialPilot has been a game changer for my agency. We can manage all our clients from one place, create great reports, and stay organized with the calendar. All without breaking the bank." - Jen K., Agency Owner
"I'm a big fan of SocialPilot. It has most of the same features as the big expensive platforms but at a fraction of the price. I do wish it was a bit faster at times and had more help docs though." - Matt P., Freelance Marketer
SocialPilot has straightforward pricing that's based on the number of social accounts and users you need:
This makes it easy to choose the right plan and scale up or down as needed. It's also very affordable compared to many enterprise social tools. They even offer a 14-day free trial so you can test it out first.
If SocialPilot sounds like it could be a good fit, you can explore and sign up on their website.
Agorapulse is an increasingly popular social media management platform that offers a nice balance of power and simplicity. It's known for having robust features in an easy to use package.
One of its standout features is the social inbox. It pulls in all your comments, messages, and mentions from all your profiles so you can efficiently manage engagement. It's like having a unified inbox for social media.
Agorapulse also has some great reporting tools. The PowerPoint-style reports are perfect for sharing results with clients or stakeholders.
Here are some of the key features Agorapulse offers:
Unified inbox: Having all your social conversations and engagements in one inbox is super convenient.
Reporting: The PowerPoint-style reports are top-notch and great for client or executive presentations.
Easy to use: Although it's powerful, the interface is intuitive and easy to navigate.
Higher price point: While not the most expensive tool, Agorapulse is pricier than some of the budget options.
No Pinterest support: Doesn't currently support Pinterest, which could be a deal breaker for some.
Agorapulse often gets praise from social media managers for being powerful yet user-friendly. Many appreciate the unified inbox and reporting features. But some do wish it integrated with Pinterest.
"I've used a lot of social tools over the years and Agorapulse is a clear favorite. It strikes a great balance of having all the features I need without being overly complex. The inbox is a huge time-saver." - Sophie G., Social Media Manager
"Agorapulse has been a stellar tool for my team. It makes collaboration and client management so much easier. It's a bit pricier than what we used before but it's been worth it for the great features and ease of use." - Liam R., Agency Director
Agorapulse has four different pricing plan options:
The paid plans are definitely an investment but could be worth it if you need the advanced features. Having a free option is also nice for testing it out or for solopreneurs with just a couple profiles to manage.
Think Agorapulse could work for you? Visit their website to explore features, compare plans, and start a free trial.
Sendible is all about making social media management easier and more efficient, especially for agencies and larger teams. It's a robust platform with some unique features that set it apart.
One thing Sendible is known for is its content suggestion tool. It uses AI to recommend post ideas based on topics relevant to your industry. This can be a big help when you're struggling with what to post.
It also has some smart automation features. You can set up rules so that certain types of posts or content from RSS feeds automatically get added to your queue. Or auto-responses to common questions.
Let's take a look at some of the main features Sendible offers:
Content suggestions: The AI-powered post ideas are super helpful when you have creator's block.
Automation: Features like RSS auto-posting and content recycling can save a lot of time.
Useful integrations: The Canva integration makes it easy to create graphics right in the dashboard.
Less intuitive: Some find the interface less intuitive compared to other tools and say it takes some time to learn.
Slow support: A few users have reported slow response times from customer support.
Sendible tends to be popular among agencies and social media managers who appreciate its robust features and automation. But some do say it takes some time to learn and get set up.
"Sendible has been an excellent tool for my agency. The automated posting features and content library save us so much time. And the post suggestions help a ton with writer's block. It did take a bit to get the hang of it but it's been worth it." - Kai T., Agency Owner
"I tested out Sendible and while I was impressed with all the features, especially the AI suggestions, I did find it tricker to navigate than some other platforms I've used. The learning curve was steeper. But it could be great for a larger team." - Aiden L., Social Media Consultant
Sendible offers a few different pricing tiers to choose from:
There's also an option for larger enterprise needs. The plans are structured well for different team sizes. And while not the cheapest tool, the prices are reasonable for the features. You can also get 2 months free by paying annually.
If you want to explore Sendible further, head over to their website. They offer a 30-day free trial so you can test it out.
eClincher is a powerful and comprehensive social media management platform. It stands out for supporting a wide range of social networks and having some unique features.
One of those special features is the smart queues. You can set up different queues for different types of content, like blog posts vs. curated content vs. promotions. Then eClincher will automatically publish from those queues at the times and frequencies you set. It's a hands-off way to keep your social profiles active.
eClincher is also known for its auto-posting capabilities. It can automatically share your new blog posts or YouTube videos to social media as soon as they're published.
Here are some of the key features you'll find in eClincher:
Extensive network support: Connects to more social networks than most tools, including TikTok.
Smart automation: The smart queues and auto-posting features can majorly streamline your publishing.
Content curation: Makes it easy to find and share relevant third-party content to supplement your own posts.
Clunky UI: Some users find the interface a bit clunky and say it could use a design refresh.
Pricey for solopreneurs: The pricing may be a bit steep for individuals compared to some tools with solo plans.
eClincher gets mixed reviews. Many praise its extensive features and automation capabilities. But some find the UI clunky or say it's pricey for solo users.
"eClincher has been a lifesaver for automating our social media. The smart queues and auto-posting save so much time. And I love that it supports so many different networks. The interface could be a bit sleeker but it's super customizable." - Priya S., Marketing Manager
"I had high hopes for eClincher but to be honest, I found it overwhelming and clunky to use as a solopreneur. It has a ton of features, which is great, but the UI needs some work. And the price is quite high if you're just a one-person show." - Marco P., Entrepreneur
eClincher has three main plan tiers:
There are also customized plans available for larger needs. The plans are more geared toward teams and agencies, so it may not be the most economical choice for individuals. But they do offer a 14-day free trial.
Want to check out eClincher for yourself? Visit their website for more details or to start a free trial.
MavSocial is a user-friendly social media management tool that offers a good range of features. It's aimed at making social media easier for businesses of all sizes. One thing users appreciate about MavSocial is the clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate and use all the features.
A standout aspect of MavSocial is its content management system. You can store, organize, and edit all your visual assets right within the platform. It even has a built-in photo editor. This streamlined content library can be a big time-saver.
Let's summarize some of MavSocial's key features:
Intuitive interface: The clean and user-friendly UI makes it easy to learn and use all the features.
Content library: Having a centralized hub to store, edit, and manage all your visual content is super handy.
Good range of features: Covers all the bases from scheduling to social listening to analytics.
Limited network integrations: Supports fewer social networks compared to some other tools.
Lacks some advanced features: Doesn't have some of the in-depth capabilities you'll find in pricier platforms.
MavSocial generally gets positive reviews, with users appreciating its clean interface and built-in content library. But some wish it integrated with more social networks.
"MavSocial has been great for our small marketing team. It's easy to use and we love having all our assets right there in the content library. The automated responses are also super helpful in managing engagement on our posts." - Aliyah K., Marketing Coordinator
"I like MavSocial for its user-friendliness and the content management features are great. But I do wish it supported a few more social networks. And if you're looking for really advanced analytics or automation, you may need a more robust tool." - Javier R., Social Media Strategist
MavSocial offers four pricing plans:
The plans are structured well for small to midsize businesses and are relatively affordable for the features offered. MavSocial also offers a free 14-day trial so you can test it out.
Ready to explore MavSocial? Head to their website to learn more and start your free trial.
Loomly is a streamlined social media management tool that's all about simplifying your workflow and saving you time. It's perfect for busy marketers, agencies, and small businesses. One of Loomly's standout features is its guided content creation.
When you go to create a post in Loomly, it walks you through all the elements like post copy, images, links, and targeting. It even provides helpful tips and best practices along the way. It's like having a social media coach guide you. This can be especially useful for ensuring quality and consistency across all your posts.
Here's a quick rundown of some of Loomly's main features:
Guided content creation: The post builder with tips and prompts is like having a helpful coach.
Clean calendar view: The calendar makes it easy to see your posting schedule at a glance.
Simplifies workflow: Approval flows and interaction management streamline your processes.
Fewer network integrations: Doesn't support as many social platforms as some other tools.
Analytics are basic: Reporting features are solid but less advanced than some platforms.
Loomly often gets praise for its user-friendliness and guided workflows. Many appreciate how it simplifies content creation and planning. But some do wish it had a few more advanced features.
"Loomly has been a game-changer for keeping our social content organized and consistent. The post builder with tips is genius - it's like a checklist to ensure we're following best practices. And the calendar view makes planning a breeze." - Natalie T., Content Marketer
"If you're looking for a tool that will guide you in creating quality posts and simplify your social workflow, Loomly is great. It may not have all the bells and whistles of more complex platforms, but that's kind of the point - it keeps things streamlined and easy." - Max L., Social Media Consultant
Loomly offers five pricing plans based on the number of users and social accounts:
The pricing is very reasonable, especially for small to midsize teams. And they offer discounts if you pay annually. You can also try it out with a 15-day free trial.
Think Loomly could help streamline your social media management? Check out their website to learn more and start your free trial.
Zoho Social is part of the larger suite of Zoho business tools, which is a big selling point for users of their other products like Zoho CRM or Zoho Desk. It offers a solid set of social media management features with the added benefit of tight integration with the Zoho ecosystem.
One of Zoho Social's most helpful features is the SmartQ prediction. It analyzes your past posts and audience engagement to suggest the optimal times to post for maximum reach. This takes the guesswork out of scheduling.
Let's take a quick look at some of the main features offered by Zoho Social:
SmartQ scheduling: The predictive posting times can help maximize your reach and engagement.
Zoho integrations: If you use other Zoho tools, the tight integration is a big plus for streamlining your workflow.
Affordable pricing: Zoho Social is very cost-effective, especially if you're already using Zoho One.
Fewer networks: Supports a more limited range of social platforms compared to some tools.
Zoho-centric: Most of the integrations are with other Zoho products, so may be less appealing if you don't use their suite.
Zoho Social gets positive reviews overall, especially from those already using other Zoho products. But some feel it may be less appealing if you're not bought into their ecosystem.
"We were already using Zoho CRM and Zoho Desk, so Zoho Social was a natural fit. The integration is seamless and has really helped align our social media efforts with our larger business goals. The SmartQ feature is also super helpful for maximizing our post performance." - Tanya S., Business Owner
"Zoho Social is a solid choice if you're looking for an affordable tool and you already use other Zoho products. But if you're not in their ecosystem, there may be better options with a wider range of integrations and social network support." - Ethan C., Digital Marketer
Zoho Social has three pricing plans:
Enterprise plans are also available for larger teams. Pricing is very affordable compared to many other tools, making it accessible for small businesses and solopreneurs. And if you use Zoho One, Zoho Social is included in your bundle.
If you're interested in exploring Zoho Social, especially if you already use Zoho products, head over to their website.
While we've covered many of the top social media management platforms, there are a few others worth mentioning that might be a good fit for specific use cases.
Keyhole is a unique tool that specializes in tracking hashtags, keywords, and accounts. It's great for measuring the impact of your social campaigns and identifying influencers in your niche.
You can learn more about Keyhole at their website.
Sprinklr is an enterprise-grade customer experience management platform that includes extensive social media management features. It's geared towards large enterprises with very complex needs.
If Sprinklr sounds like it could be a fit, check out their website.
Emplifi, previously known as Socialbakers, is an AI-powered marketing platform with a focus on social media. It offers advanced features for audience insights, automated content creation, and influencer marketing.
Head to Emplifi's website to explore their offering.
A social media management platform is a software tool that helps you manage your presence across multiple social networks from a single dashboard. It typically includes features like scheduling and publishing posts, analytics and reporting, team collaboration tools, and inbox management for monitoring social conversations.
Using a social media management platform can help you save time, stay organized, and optimize your social media efforts. By allowing you to manage all your social profiles in one place, you can more efficiently schedule content, track performance, collaborate with your team, and engage with your audience. This can lead to more consistent posting, better targeting, improved customer service, and ultimately, better results from your social media marketing.
Choosing the right platform depends on your specific needs and priorities. Consider factors like which social networks you need to manage, the size of your team, your budget, and what specific features are most important to you (such as robust analytics, automated publishing, or team collaboration tools). It's also a good idea to take advantage of free trials to test out different platforms and see which interface and workflow you prefer.
Yes, social media management platforms can absolutely help improve your online presence and engagement. By making it easier to consistently publish quality content, interact with your followers, and track your performance, these tools can help you build a stronger, more active presence on social media. Features like post scheduling, inbox monitoring, and analytics can directly contribute to increasing your visibility, reaching more of your target audience, and driving more engagement with your brand.
Yes, there are several social media management platforms that offer free plans or low-cost options, particularly for individuals or small businesses just starting out. Tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, and Zoho Social have free plans with limited features that can be a good way to get started. Many other platforms also offer affordable entry-level plans for small teams or businesses. However, keep in mind that free or low-cost plans often come with limitations on the number of social accounts, users, or access to advanced features.
Whew, that was a whirlwind tour of the top social media management platforms for 2024! We covered a lot of ground, from the key features and benefits of using these tools to detailed breakdowns of each platform.
The main takeaway is that social media management platforms can be an absolute game-changer for streamlining your social media efforts and maximizing your results. Whether you're a small business owner, a marketing team leader, or an agency managing multiple client accounts, there's a tool out there that can help you save time, stay organized, and smash your social media goals.
But with so many great options available, it's important to choose the right one for your specific needs. Think about factors like the social networks you use, your team size and collaboration needs, your content creation and scheduling workflow, and of course, your budget. And don't be afraid to take advantage of those free trials to really get a feel for what will work best for you.
Remember, your social media presence is a crucial part of your overall digital marketing strategy. Investing in the right tools and taking the time to optimize your efforts can pay off big time in terms of brand awareness, customer engagement, and even driving sales and revenue.
So what are you waiting for? Dive in, explore these platforms, and start supercharging your social media game today. Your followers (and your bottom line) will thank you.
And hey, if you're also looking to level up your content marketing, be sure to check out Swiftbrief. Their AI-powered content creation tools can help you generate high-quality, optimized content at scale. Could be a perfect complement to your shiny new social media management platform!
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