I am on a search for a great social media scheduling tool. With so many out there, how do we choose? In this article, I'll explore some of the best social media scheduling tools available for small businesses in Ireland, along with approximate costs per month, helping you make an informed decision to step up your social media game, but before we do, let's take a look at what we should consider before signing up to one of these tools. This list won't be exhaustive, and I'll keep updating as new and great tools emerge.
(FYI, I am not affiliated to any of the companies mentioned below)
What should I consider?
When signing up for a social media scheduling tool, there are several important factors to consider to ensure that the tool meets your business needs and enhances your social media management. Here are some key considerations:
O N E
Features and Compatibility
Review the features offered by the tool and check if they align with your social media marketing strategy. Ensure that the tool supports the social media platforms you use, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, etc. Look for features like post scheduling, content curation, analytics, social listening, team collaboration, and any other functionalities relevant to your goals.
T W O
User Interface and Ease of Use
A user-friendly interface is crucial for smooth navigation and efficient social media management. Consider signing up for a trial or checking out video tutorials to assess how intuitive the tool's dashboard is and how easy it is to schedule posts, monitor analytics, and manage accounts.
T H R E E
Pricing and Plans
Compare the pricing plans of different tools to find one that fits your budget. Look for transparent pricing structures that clearly outline the features included in each plan. Check if there are any hidden costs or limitations in the lower-tier plans that might affect your social media management needs.
F O U R
Analytics and Reporting
Effective social media marketing requires analyzing performance metrics. Ensure that the tool provides detailed analytics and reporting to measure the success of your campaigns. Look for insights on engagement, reach, clicks, conversions, and other relevant metrics.
F I V E
Customer Support
Consider the level of customer support offered by the tool provider. Look for options like live chat, email support, or phone support. Responsive and helpful customer support can be invaluable, especially if you encounter technical issues or have questions about using the tool effectively.
S I X
Integration with Other Tools
Check if the social media scheduling tool integrates with other marketing tools you already use, such as email marketing software, CRM systems, or content management platforms. Integration can streamline your workflow and improve overall efficiency.
S E V E N
Security and Privacy
Since social media scheduling tools often require access to your social media accounts, ensure that the tool follows industry-standard security practices. Check their privacy policy to understand how they handle your data and ensure it complies with relevant regulations.
E I G H T
Trial Period
Whenever possible, take advantage of any trial period offered by the tool. This will allow you to test the features and usability of the tool firsthand and see if it meets your expectations and requirements.
N I N E
Reviews and Reputation
Look for reviews and testimonials from other users to get insights into their experiences with the tool. Check online reviews, social media, and industry forums to gather information on the tool's reputation and reliability.
By considering these factors when signing up for a social media scheduling tool, you can make an informed decision and select a tool that best suits your business needs, streamlines your social media management, and helps you achieve your marketing goals effectively.
So what are they and how do they compare?
In today's digital age, social media has become an indispensable platform for businesses to connect with their audience, build brand awareness, and drive engagement. However, managing multiple social media accounts efficiently can be quite a challenge, especially for small businesses. This is where social media scheduling tools come to the rescue, streamlining your social media marketing efforts and saving you valuable time and resources.
Feed Alpha
This company founded in Ireland makes managing your content marketing and social media planning easier – freeing up more time to focus on creativity and strategy. They also provide lots of resources and have one of the most competitive print models out there (that I can find). And have Canva integration, which is an absolute must for me!
Cost
FeedAlpha's pricing begins at approximately €12 per month, for 5 channels providing excellent value for small businesses with diverse content needs.
Free trial?
Yes, 14 days
Website:
SocialBee
SocialBee is an all-in-one social media tool that helps you curate, schedule, and recycle content effortlessly. It also offers category-based scheduling, which allows you to share content tailored to specific audience segments.
Cost
SocialBee's pricing begins at approximately €21 per month, for 5 channels providing excellent value for small businesses with diverse content needs.
Free trial?
Yes, 14 days
Website:
Buffer
Buffer is another fantastic social media scheduling tool that allows you to schedule posts, analyze performance metrics, and manage multiple accounts with ease. Its intuitive design and reliable customer support make it a favorite among small businesses.
Cost
Buffer's pricing plans begin at approximately €15 - €30 per month, depending on how many channels, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious businesses in Ireland.
Free trial?
Yes, 14 days
Website:
https://buffer.com
Later
Later is a specialized tool for visual platforms like Instagram, allowing you to visually plan and schedule your posts, stories, and videos. It simplifies the process of maintaining a cohesive and visually appealing social media feed.
Cost
Later offers a free plan with limited features, and their paid plans start at roughly €30 per month, for three channels, making it an affordable choice for businesses that primarily focus on Instagram.
Free trial?
Yes, 14 days
Website:
Hootsuite
Hootsuite is a powerful and popular social media management tool that allows you to schedule posts across various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and more. Its user-friendly interface and comprehensive analytics make it a top choice for businesses of all sizes.
Cost
Hootsuite offers flexible pricing plans, starting from around €99 per month for small businesses, making it an affordable option for those on a budget.
Free trial?
Yes, 30 days
Website:
Sprout Social
Sprout Social is a comprehensive social media management platform that not only lets you schedule posts but also provides robust social listening and reporting features. It's an excellent choice for businesses looking to gain deeper insights into their social media strategies.
Cost
Sprout Social's pricing starts at around €200 per month, making it a bit more on the expensive side. However, its advanced features may be worth the investment for businesses seeking comprehensive social media management.
Free trial?
Yes, 30 days
Website:
Conclusion
In today's competitive digital landscape, social media presence is crucial for the success of small businesses in Ireland. Investing in a reliable social media scheduling tool can significantly improve your efficiency and allow you to focus on core business activities.
While each of the mentioned tools offers unique features and benefits, the ultimate choice depends on your business's specific requirements and budget constraints. Whether you opt for FeedAlpha, Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social, Later, or SocialBee, the key is to leverage these scheduling tools to create engaging and consistent social media content that resonates with your audience and drives growth for your business. So, pick the one that best aligns with your needs and take your social media marketing to new heights!
I'd love to hear about your experience and recommendations when it comes to social media scheduling tools, please share in the comments below.