Running a startup takes a lot of time, effort, and resources. Not only do business owners have to keep track of product sales and customer inquiries, but they must also ensure that the business is being promoted properly.
Fortunately, social media scheduling tools can help with just that. By leveraging these free online tools, business owners can easily keep track of business profiles, audience engagement, and ensure that marketing goals are being met.
If you’re looking for the best tool to start with, we’ve prepared a list of some of the best options available online. Let’s begin!
What is the Use of Social Media Scheduling Tools?
Before we go over the top 5 social media scheduling tools you can use to boost your startup, let’s first take a look at what these tools can actually help with and how they can benefit your business.
Here are the different advantages of using a social media scheduling tool:
1. Saves Time
An effective social media scheduling tool can help optimize your promotional plans by helping you keep track of your goals. Not only that, but you can also plan your future posts in advance, along with specific captions for more efficient posting.
2. Consistent Content
We all know how much of a hassle it can be to jump from one business profile to another, but social media scheduling tools can help ensure that you are following a regular posting schedule, which can further increase the chances of audience engagement.
3. Manage Different Platforms
Whether you’re managing a social media page on Instagram, Facebook, or 10 other platforms, a social media scheduling tool can provide you with one convenient dashboard where you can access all notifications and engagement on your different profiles
4. Analytics Reports
Marketing goals can be easier said than done, but social media scheduling tools can help ensure that your strategies are actually making a difference. With analytics tools, you can get a thorough and accurate review of which strategies work and which ones don’t.
The Top 5 Scheduling Tools for Social Media: Comparison Guide
For a quick comparison overview of the different social media scheduling tools you can choose from, here is a quick guide:
| Buffer | Hootsuite | Zoho Social | Sprout Social | PosterMyWall | |
| Free Plan Inclusions | ✅10 scheduled posts per channel ✅100 ideas ✅1 user account ✅AI assistant ✅Basic analytics | ❌30-day free Trial only | ✅1 Brand ✅1 Team Member ✅zShare Browser extension | ❌30-day free trial only | ✅Audio/video recorder and editor ✅Animations and effects ✅Social media marketing ✅3.330 templates for email marketing ✅Business Profile |
| Number of Social Accounts Supported | ✅Up to 3 social media channels on free version | ✅Up to 5 social media accounts on standard plan | ✅Up to 6 channels on free version | ✅Up to 5 social profiles on standard plan | ✅1 social media account on free version ✅Connect unlimited accounts on Premium Plus |
| Ease of Use | Easy | Moderate | Easy | Moderate | Very Easy and Beginner-friendly |
The Most Effective Scheduling Tools For Boosting Engagement
For your easy reference, we’ve rounded up the top 5 most effective social media scheduling tools you can readily access online:
1. Buffer
Overview
Buffer is a dedicated social media management tool that allows users to schedule posts, generate analytics reports, and manage various social media accounts from the app’s main dashboard.
Key Features
- Integration with other CRM/Design tools
- Smart recommendations for posting time
- One inbox for all social media platforms
Why it’s great
One of the more user-friendly social media scheduling tools online, Buffer is generally an accessible software that can be used by small teams or individual creators. While not as comprehensive when compared with apps like Hootsuite, Buffer can provide most tools necessary for basic social media management.
2. Hootsuite
Overview
Similar to Buffer, Hootsuite is another social media management tool that can help businesses manage different social media accounts all at once. However, Hootsuite is generally better suited for large-scale companies that require more thorough analytics reports and management features.
Key Features
- Data summaries for business performance
- Discovery streams for trending topics
- AI content generation tools
Why it’s great
While it’s not the most beginner-friendly app available, Hootsuite is a suitable choice for larger businesses or expert marketers who value in-depth marketing features and advanced analytics. Unfortunately, Hootsuite does not come with a free plan, but users can still request a demo to try out the app’s features.
3. Zoho Social
Overview
Zoho Social is a social media management tool specifically catered to businesses and agencies. While it comes with many of the same features as Hootsuite, Zoho Social can be considered a cheaper alternative while still offering similar tools for a smaller team.
Key Features
- Brand Health dashboard for tracking audience engagement
- SmartQ predictions for best posting times
- Social Monitor for tracking brand mentions, hashtags, and reviews
Why it’s great
Although there’s nothing that makes Zoho Social particularly stand out when compared with other tools in terms of features, the app is generally user-friendly and easy to navigate, especially for those who might not already have experience with marketing.
4. Sprout Social
Overview
Sprout Social is another social media management tool with a particular focus on customer service features. While it also offers similar tools like team collaboration, scheduling, and analytics, Sprout Social puts more emphasis on streamlining tasks for large teams.
Key Features
- Task assignment for team collaboration
- Asset library (can be integrated with other apps)
- Social listening for identifying online trends
Why it’s great
Due to its emphasis on customer relations and team collaboration, Sprout Social makes for a great social media scheduling tool for startups that focus on increasing audience engagement. While not generally a suitable choice for small businesses just starting out due to its advanced and pricier subscriptions, Sprout Social can still be a great pick for large teams or businesses.
5. PosterMyWall
Overview
Rather than just a simple social media management tool, PosterMyWall also provides users access to marketing and design tools, all accessible from one convenient dashboard.
Key Features
- Social media templates for creating publication materials
- AI-powered features, including an AI background remover, AI Images, and an AI writer
- Content Planner for easy organization of social media posts
Why it’s great
PosterMyWall is generally suitable for most users, but especially for small business owners and marketers with little to no experience. With PosterMyWall, businesses can directly create social media graphics and schedule them for posting all directly from the app. This makes PosterMyWall a great entry point for those new to social media management tools, and even for those already with experience.
Which is the Best Social Media Scheduling Tool?
While the best social media scheduling tool will depend entirely on your specific needs, we often recommend PosterMyWall as our top pick due to the app’s versatile yet easy-to-navigate interface.
Not only that, but PosterMyWall is also one of the most cost-efficient options due to the various tools it offers, even on the free plan. For just an additional $9.99 a month, however, businesses can get access to useful and exciting features like an AI writer for more efficient caption writing.
Boost Your Audience Engagement Today
If you’re looking for a new and efficient way to boost your startup’s online presence, leveraging a social media scheduling tool can give you the support you need. Not only will you be able to save time on your marketing plans, but you can also help ensure that your strategies are making a significant difference.
So, what are you waiting for? Check out our top 5 recommendations for social media scheduling tools and get started with boosting your online presence today!