Small business owners have to master the art of working smarter not harder in order to stay sane. Automating posting is one way to do just that.
Unfortunately, the sea of analytic options is seemingly endless. Not to mention, downright confusing if you aren’t a social media guru.
What are the features? What’s the best deal? What the heck am I paying for and how do I use it?
All fair questions.
Don’t stress it. We’ve done the research for you and created our top 10 favorite social media automation and analytic applications.
1. JARVEE
Pros
- Works for Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Google+, Twitter, Tumblr, Linkedin, and Pinterest
- Up-to-date with Instagram algorithms
- Extensive customization settings
- Passively grows followers once set up
- Follows targeted users
- Follow back option
(approximately 13% follow back) - Option to automatically unfollow after specified time so you’re not following a million people
- Automatically likes targeted pictures
- Can send direct messages to ideal customers
- Free 5-day trial
Cons
- Computer software only meaning it will not work on mobile devices
- The computer must be on and running software to work unless you pay an additional fee for “Virtual Private Server”
- Not very user-friendly
2. BUFFER
Pros
- Works with Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin
- Analytics showing best and worst post-performance based on engagement
- Easy to use with a low learning curve
- Has free image creation tool (Pablo)
- Free version
- affordable plans starting at $10/month
Cons
- Limited features
- Reliable and easy to use
- Not compatible with Instagram
- Useful for simple publishing and scheduling content but not a one-stop-shop for social media management like Jarvee
3. SENDIBLE
Pros
- Compatible for Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Twitter, Youtube
- Affordable, all-in-one system
- Complete social media management tool
- Can schedule and publish content
- Has a mobile app
- Canva integration to create your own images and edit videos
- Can create analytic reports
- Ability to reply to followers through social media inbox
- 30-day free trial
Cons
- Micro package starts at $24 a month billed annually (more expensive when billed monthly)
- Reported frequent issues with connection but resolves quickly
4. Agorapulse
Pros
- Works for Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
- Analytics to track post-performance
- Fast and friendly support
- Mobile app
- 28-day free trial
Cons
- Small plans starting at $49.99/month
- Unable to customize reports
- Limited tools for Twitter
- No Pinterest integration
5. ICONOSQUARE
Pros
- 14-day free trial
- Provides in-depth analytics
(including an hourly engagement report) - Helps monitor the performance of content and page growth
- Shows consistencies among followers
- Hashtag tracking
- Can plan posts out with drafts, previews, and automated posting
Cons
- The filter system is not super user-friendly
- Costs between $29-$79 per month after the free trial expires
6. CROWDFIRE
Pros
- Option to unfollow inactive accounts
- Curated post feature finds the best content to share
- Follow feature analyzes other profiles
- Cross content posting feature
- Optimal posting time feature
- Completely free up to 2 accounts of each social media platform
- Motivational daily reminders
Cons
- “Quantity over quality” follower strategy
- Premium plans start at $89.76 a year
7. HOOTSUITE
Pros
- Good for monitoring social interactions
- Schedules and automates posts
- Help you monitor competitor profiles
- Can set up user search streams for influencers
- Relatively inexpensive
- 30-day free trial
Cons
- Packages begin at $9 a month to $99 a month depending on the number of social profiles
- More difficult if you’re dealing with bulk updates
8. LATER
Pros
- Free “Forever Plan” (30 photo posts for 1 social profile)
- No limit on uploads to the platform
- Easy to use software
- Basic analytics system
Cons
- Does not include video posting in the free plan
- Paid packages start at $9 to $49 a month for unlimited posts
- Analytics are a little too basic for some
9. TAILWIND
Pros
- Great technical support team
- Ideal for Pinterest but works for Instagram too
- Mobile app with a web browser extension
- “Tailwind Tribe” reaches new audiences
- Free trial for up to 100 pins/posts
Cons
- Can be tricky if you have multiple people managing your social media
- Unable to use for other social media platforms
- Plans start at $9.99/month per account
10. SHORBY
Pros
- Allows you to side-step “one link in bio” rule for Instagram
- Collects leads from any link shared
- Can drive traffic with unique bio customization
- Useful for affiliate marketers, bloggers, email marketing
- Free 5-day trial
Cons
- Reports of technical difficulties with sign up page
- Starts at $9/month
Whichever app you decide to use, social media analytics software makes your content marketing more effective. It allows you to measure if the content your posting is actually reaching your target audience and how you can improve. It also enables you to automate posting.
Both are worth the initial learning curve in the beginning because it will save you time and energy in the long run.
Want to know another way to save time with online marketing?
Learn how to promote user-generated content.