Hootsuite
Hootsuite is at the top of my list because it allows you to manage 3 social media accounts using the free plan. If you need more than this, you can always upgrade to a paid plan. Now, Hootsuite can be used for most social media accounts, but the two I use it the most for are Twitter and LinkedIn because these platforms don’t have the option to schedule within the app. I’ve heard that Twitter now has a new scheduling tool that I have not tried yet. One day, I’ll get around to trying it out, but for now it’s Hootsuite.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Twitter, LinkedIN
Planoly
Want to see how your feed will look when you add some new images? Then, Planoly is the tool that allows you to do just that. The only problem is you can’t auto-post stories and multi-pic posts. But it does allow me to schedule 3 months worth of content in advance and can send you a ‘reminder’ to post the stories and multi-pics, so there’s that. Try it, even if it’s just to see your curated feed.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Instagram
Facebook Scheduler
Now, according to most social media management gurus, it’s best to use the scheduling tools within Facebook to allow for maximum reach without having to boost posts or pay for ads. Which makes sense, as I would think the platform would want you to utilize their features versus going elsewhere. So grab your social media content calendar and log into the Facebook Publishing Tools area to schedule away.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Facebook, Facebook Groups
JetPack
I’m sneaking this WordPress plugin on the list because it’s a major help for blog posts like this. It allows you to autopost your blogs on most social media platforms when you hit publish. Kills plenty of birds with one stone. (Don’t hate me. I love animals and metaphors.) The only thing I don’t like about it, is that I can’t post to multiple accounts on the same platform at the same time (e.g., my Facebook Group and personal Facebook page).
RECOMMENDED FOR: WordPress Blog Posts (and pages)
My recommendations may change in the future, but for now these are my current top 4.
Other Tools Apps
Here are other platforms that I’ve heard of, but not personally tried yet. If the above options don’t work for you, check these out as well.
Tried one of these tools and loved it? Have some suggestions of your own? Leave a comment below and share which social media scheduling/automation tool(s) works for you.