Social media is one of the most effective marketing tools out there. Right now, social media platforms have about 3.48 billion users worldwide. That represents an increase of 9% from last year alone. To put this another way, upwards of 45% of the global population is using social media. In the past year alone, social media platforms have adopted 366 million new users.
As you can see, taking advantage of social media platforms is one of the most important things you can do to boost your marketing across the board. While the platforms alone are powerful, each can be made more powerful by a series of specialised social media tools. In this post, we're going to share a few of our favourite social media tools, and a bit of background on how each can help grow your business. Let's dive in.
Why Use Social Media Tools?
Do you really need to add social media tools to your marketing stack? The answer is yes. Yes, you do. Social media management tools have a variety of powerful purposes. For one, they help your company build, manage, and monitor your social accounts and activities. Here are a few stats that demonstrate why so many companies need social media management tools:
- 52% of marketers say measuring ROI is difficult
- 48% of companies don't have a robust social media strategy
- 67% of web users think companies could do more to cater to customers on social media
- More than 81% of companies intend to increase their social media marketing budget in the coming years
- More than 42% of social media managers don't know how to use data they've collected from social media strategy and incorporate it into the company's broader marketing plan
- As many as 86% of the marketers aren't sure whether they should be using social media tools, and which ones are ideal
- More than 42% of customers expect to receive a reply from a brand on a social network in less than 60 minutes.
- Most businesses are unable to respond to 8 out of 9 essential customer messages on social networks. In some cases, it takes companies as long as three days to respond to customers on social platforms.
Even if your business is running smoothly, adding a social media management tool can enhance your daily social interactions and ensure you're providing the best possible communications for your customers.
7 of Our Favorite Social Media Tools
Ready to add a social tool to your stack? Here are seven we recommend:
1. HootSuite
HootSuite is one of the world's top social media management tools, and for a good reason. The platform allows you to manage multiple social accounts from a single, easy-to-view dashboard. Currently, HootSuite supports more than 35 different social networks, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and more. The tool is available in 16 language translations and is used by many of the world’s top Fortune 1,000 Companies.
2. Buffer
Buffer, like HootSuite, allows you to schedule posts on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. While HootSuite offers arguably more metrics and information than Buffer, Buffer offers a few unique features, like built-in support for link-shortening, assigning tasks to team members, and supporting multiple accounts and profiles.
3. Canva
Canva isn't truly a social media management tool, but it's an excellent tool for your social media efforts. A cloud-based graphic design platform, Canva is an excellent addition to your stack. Take to the platform to create easy, professional-looking social graphics, blog headers, and more. The tool offers both free and paid account options and is easy for multiple team members to use.
4. IFTTT
IFTTT is a unique social tool that provides "if this then that" logic. The tool connects social networks and uses formulas to trigger a given action. For example, if a customer leaves a review on Facebook, the tool can post it to your Twitter account automatically. It's an easy way to set up automated channels that boost your overall marketing efforts.
5. Audiense
Audiense is similar to a few other social tools out there. The tool is an official Twitter and Instagram partner, and it works best on those platforms. With the help of Audiense, you can find key influencers, identify your most productive posting times, and boost user engagement across the board.
6. Sprout Social
Sprout Social is a comprehensive social media management tool that works on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. It offers all the standard scheduling tools as well as a simple Queue, which allows you to schedule posts at a time that works for you. This tool is unique in that it will enable you to tag updates so that you can recall them later for use in your analytics tracking.
7. Iconosquare
Iconosquare is THE tool for Instagram social media management. The tool allows you to publish, analyze, and monitor your Instagram content to grow your business. Offering an easy-to-use, responsive dashboard, Iconosquare is simple to navigate - even for beginners. A great addition to any marketing stack, this will go a long way to help your company thrive, both now and in the future.
Make Your Social Presence Blossom This Year
Social media marketing can be a confusing landscape. After all - there are so many options and so many ways to go. Which one is right? Which one is the best for your business? There's some trial and error involved in the process, no matter how you cut it, but these seven tools are a great place to start.
If you need a bit of extra assistance, contact our team today. Our social media management specialists can work with you to ensure you're getting the social services you need, and that your social presence is growing because of it. Whether you're a small business or a rapidly-growing empire, our team is here to help you get exactly what you need. Ready to learn more? Contact us today.
