HootSuite vs Alternatives: Social Management Tools for Small Businesses
When it comes to social media management and productivity, HootSuite is widely considered to be one of the best tools you can use. Not only does it have an affordable cost per month — making it perfect for small businesses — it also allows for integration with a whole host of social media platforms.
For example, small businesses can start using HootSuite with:
- Foursquare
- WordPress
- Tumblr
- Google+ Pages
- Myspace
- Storify
- Flickr
In fact, this isn’t even the full list. These recommendations are ideal for small businesses who aren’t likely to step outside of the major channels. HootSuite is also popularly known for social media update scheduling, collaboration features, weekly analytical reports, RSS integration, and the brilliant mobile app that works with iPad, Android, and Blackberry.
That being said, HootSuite isn’t perfect. Detailed analytics can be expensive and ow.ly is the only URL shortening tool you can use. Also, it’s not possible to integrate CRM systems while the mobile app doesn’t handle team accounts. With this in mind, there could be room for an alternative to step in and help your business. Whether you’ve tried HootSuite or not, here are some of the best alternatives to the popular platform.
Social Media Management Tools
- Sendible
Firstly, we have what Sendible calls the ‘complete social media management platform.’ From the second you visit the website, you should notice that the service is geared towards the end user. The service is high-quality, the features are endless, and the interface has been designed with the user in mind. When we first used Sendible, we couldn’t believe how easy it was to navigate.
Just like HootSuite, it connects with all the major social media platforms and goes even further with Instagram, Pinterest, and Medium. When you have a busy calendar, Sendible will assist you with content suggestions, an RSS feed poster, and access to Canva.
Within 15 minutes, you’ll be able to create reports that look appealing. Some other perks with Sendible are: a mobile app for Android and iOS, various automation tools, and a smooth path to setting up team workflows.
Potential Drawbacks — With each of our suggestions, we’ll go into reasons why you might think about steering clear of the tool, as not every platform is perfect for every user. With Sendible, the downside is the lack of a free plan (which is noteworthy for small businesses with tiny budgets). Also, some have had problems with the accuracy of geographic keyword monitoring.
2. AgoraPulse
Next we have AgoraPulse, which is a tool based in the cloud. Designed specifically for scheduling and productivity, it boasts a social inbox system that allows users to re-queue any content that gets good engagement. Best used on Facebook, we’ve seen small businesses have great success with the tool because it allows them to run contests, quizzes, sweepstakes, and similar events.
On the positive side, many find the smart social inbox more effective and organized than the ‘streams’ on HootSuite. As soon as you start adding multiple streams on HootSuite, the problems start to arise, and management becomes difficult. Fortunately, every channel has an inbox on AgoraPulse, a feature we appreciated.
Elsewhere, AgoraPulse allows for the categorization of an audience, monitors hashtags, creates an overview of engaged users, and offers one simple dashboard for all channels.
Potential Drawbacks — Some users have had problems with Facebook Groups and uploaded images. Additionally, video publishing isn’t an option for LinkedIn; some have had issues with LinkedIn integration full stop.
3. Buffer
For our third suggestion, we come to a virtual queueing program that works across a number of social media platforms. Whether you have videos, articles, or photos lined up, add them to the queue and they will be uploaded at a time of your choosing (regardless of where you are in the world!). Not only will Buffer take your commands, it will also post at the time where it has the best chance of engagement if you choose this option.
To stay on top of scheduling, we recommend downloading the browser extensions. Not only is it available for Google Chrome, there’s an opportunity to access the tool on Android and iOS. Over time, you’ll get reports and insights so that you understand what is and isn’t working with your posts and your chosen target market.
Potential Drawbacks — If you do use Buffer, one potential downside will be the payment plans. Since we’re aiming this guide at small business owners, you might be disappointed to hear that all paid plans are designed for at least five members. Even if you want to use Buffer alone or with one colleague, you still need to pay for five.
4. ViralHeat
If you want to track conversations across all social media platforms, ViralHeat is the way to go. You can highlight and keep tabs on trends, gather data, schedule posts, and take advantage of an extensive content calendar. If you’re a small business with the aim of interacting with audiences in real time without missing a beat, we highly recommend ViralHeat.
If you choose this platform, you will have access to all the major social media websites, including YouTube. If a new trend arises, you will be alerted through a personalized email.
Potential Drawbacks — Not so long ago, Cision bought the company, which could lead to changes in the features that have made the tool so popular. Sadly, we have yet to see an updated page on the ViralHeat website breaking down pricing or explaining the packages in detail. Also, you won’t be able to test the platform through a free trial (we know, extremely disappointing!).
5. eClincher
Another cloud-based solution, eClincher is a tool that offers full activity monitoring, content scheduling, and tracking of essential metrics. If you’re wondering why you should choose this over every other in this list, it comes down to the sheer number of features.
On a basic level, you will be able to post, monitor, listen, report, and analyze. On a deeper level, the content suggestion feature helps with engagement. The platform is also known for having a brilliant customer service team. If ever you have problems or requests, get in touch. They have a talented team willing to help you out.
Potential Drawbacks — We have two main problems with eClincher. Firstly, you will find a better and more updated interface with other tools. Secondly, there’s somewhat of a learning curve before you can acclimate to all the features.
6. SocialPilot
Much like what we’ve seen before, this tool is all about scheduling, monitoring, and assessing data with social media. Across a number of different social media platforms, you can engage with prospects as well as track important engagement metrics.
So what does it do differently? There are many reasons why we like SocialPilot, but one of the biggest is the collaboration tool. Not only can teams split all work on social media into individual tasks, they can also assign tasks to specific members. And don’t worry about price, because SocialPilot isn’t unreasonably expensive. We believe that even the smallest businesses can stretch to $30 per month given the benefits that come with it.
Potential Drawbacks — Some users have complained that the reports aren’t detailed enough. Also, HootSuite allows users to post messages to groups on Facebook, a function that SocialPilot lacks. There also seems to be some problems posting to Instagram.
Read More: How to Use Instagram Stories in Your Marketing Strategies
7. SocialOomph
Finally, we want to mention SocialOomph since they seem to just keep getting better. Just over a decade ago, they launched to help businesses who operated on Twitter. In the time since then, they have added an autoresponder (something not available on HootSuite), notifications for mentions, more social media integration for extra productivity, and more. In fact, they even allow free users to work with unlimited accounts.
Potential Drawbacks — One reason why you might not choose SocialOomph is because they don’t offer the extensive integration that HootSuite does. They have certainly expanded, but can’t compete quite yet.
Summary
So there you have it, seven alternative social management tools for small businesses to HootSuite. If you’re now feeling even more confused about which platform to choose, don’t. Embrace the choice and see it as an opportunity to find the tool that will help your small business the most. Rather than being forced into using something that doesn’t add value, write a list of your top social media management goals and find the tool that most closely matches your list.
In our experience, all of these tools will help in your desire to manage social media accounts and increase productivity. However, it’s worth testing because it could be something as simple as the interface that steers you one way over the other!
