SOCIAL MANAGEMENT TOOLS: Meaning, Free Tools and Guide

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT TOOLS
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Social media marketing and its tools are crucial to any content marketing strategy today. Multiple daily posts to multiple accounts can be time-consuming. Smart social media marketers schedule content and automate posting with free or paid tools. Social media management tools allow users to publish, monitor, and manage all their social media marketing from one dashboard. So let’s look at the best free social media management tools in 2019 and 2023 and how to choose the best software.

Save time and improve the effectiveness of your social campaigns with the best free social media management tools in 2019 and 2023 in our guide. The Advisor has ranked over a dozen companies by value, features, and customer ratings to find the best options.

Best Social Management Tools 2023

Social media is a popular marketing tool for small businesses. Social media platforms like Meta, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram have billions of users combined. Small businesses can tell customers where they are by using social media.

Compare the top social media management platforms to see which ones offer the best tools and features for companies looking to expand across major networks. If you’re looking for a business platform, keep reading.

Best Social Media Management Tools 2023

#1. Sprout Social

We chose Sprout Social as our best overall due to its usability, publishing features, and analytics across all major social media platforms. This provider has a long free trial.

We chose Sprout Social as the best option for businesses due to their scheduling tools, analytics, mobile app, and paid promotion tools to boost Meta posts. Any Sprout Social plan includes a 30-day free trial. This free trial gives you a month to evaluate the software’s value.

This software supports all the major social media platforms, including Meta, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest, making it an excellent choice for all-in-one management. Paid plans include:

  • Standard: $89 per month
  • Professional: $149 per month
  • Advanced: $249 per month.
Pros
  • Excellent dashboard for managing social networks
  • Utilize social media optimization tools
  • Analytics and reports track user engagement and ROI (ROI)
  • Posting is easy with scheduling tools.
  • Free 30-day trial
Cons
  • Standard pricey
  • Social profile limits

#2. Hootsuite

Hootsuite’s tracking tools and analytics score well. This software analyzes real-time trends and engagement. Their analytics tools cover both regular posting and social media ads.

Hootsuite is the best for analytics because it offers some of the most comprehensive analytics and social media tracking tools on the market, including customizable reports and team productivity reporting.

Hootsuite has four paid options:

  • Professional: $49 per month
  • Team: $129 per month
  • Business: $739 per month
  • Enterprise: Varies (for larger institutions).
Pros
  • Plans start at $49/month for professionals.
  • Free plan available
  • 20+ social networks
  • 30-day trial available
Cons
  • Analytics reports cost extra.
  • If you have many social profiles or spend a lot on ads, plans can be expensive.
  • Limited free tools

#3. Zoho

Zoho is an all-in-one tool that consumers can use to run the social aspects of their business in one place while managing email, projects, accounting, and webinars.

Zoho’s CRM and social media management tools make it the best all-in-one tool. Furthermore, Zoho stores and manages email creates and oversees products, and handles accounting. Zoho offers separate social media management software or all-in-one management.

Zoho offers three business social media management plans:

  • Standard: $10 per month
  • Professional: $30 per month
  • Premium: $40 per month
Pros
  • Zoho’s CRM product combines email, projects, accounting, and more.
  • You can integrate their social media management platform, which works with all major social media networks.
  • Individual social media planning costs $10/month.
  • Upgrade from a free edition with limited features.
Cons
  • Agencies pay $230 per month, which is pricey.
  • Individual and business plans include one to three team members, with more users costing extra.

#4. MeetEdgar

MeetEdgar is automated and schedule-based. Continuous posting automatically curates and reshares relevant social media posts.

MeetEdgar wins for best automation because it helps time-strapped businesses automate their accounts. This software lets you generate posts using a browser extension, schedule them by category to save time, and post continuously to engage your audience.

Furthermore, MeetEdgar offers an unlimited content library that it shuffles and schedules for you. You can set your account to automatically upload new content and use a link shortener to save space on social media.

MeetEdgar has two plans.

  • Eddie: $29.99 per month or $299 per year
  • Edgar: $49.99 per month or $499 per year
Pros
  • Excellent scheduling and automation let you set and forget social media.
  • Response analytics
  • Free trial offered
Cons
  • Meta, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Instagram only.
  • The cheapest plan only allows three networks.
  • No centralized inbox or comment management.

#5. Loomly

Loomly’s plans for up to 30 people make it our top pick for large team collaboration. All plans include audience targeting, post preview, automated publishing, and analytics.

Pros
  • 15-day trial free
  • Plans start at $26/month.
  • One place to manage and share social assets
  • Real-time posting optimization
Cons
  • Costly team plans
  • Large ad spenders may need to upgrade regardless of team size.

Loomly helps large teams collaborate on social media strategies. Their base plan only allows two users, but their business plan can accommodate 30.

Loomly plans include:

  • Base: $26 per month (2 users)
  • Standard: $59 per month (6 users)
  • Advanced: $129 per month (14 users)
  • Premium: $269 per month (30 users)
  • Enterprise: Price available upon request

#6. Buffer

Buffer’s $5-per-month plans helped them rank well. Any Buffer plan is free for 14 days, and a free plan for one user lets you access three social channels and schedule 10 posts.

Pros
  • $5/month plans
  • Free 14-day trial
  • Free plan available
  • Works for Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn
Cons
  • Not as integrated as rivals
  • Three social profiles are free.

Buffer is the best budget-friendly social media management tool for small businesses with a few employees. One user can access three social channels for free. Team Pack allows unlimited social channels and users for $5 per month.

You can start with a 14-day trial, and all plans let you schedule posts. Buffer’s plans include a posting scheduler, link shortener, hashtag, tag, and mention optimization tools. All plans include a browser extension, mobile app, two-factor authentication, social media integration, email, and community access.

#7. SocialPilot

SocialPilot’s Small Team plan allows up to three users, so it’s best for small teams. Many competing software plans allow only one user.

Pros
  • $25.50/month is the cheapest plan.
  • One-year upfront payment discount
  • 14-day free trial available
  • Any plan includes 10 social media profiles.
Cons
  • For the lowest price, pay a year upfront.
  • Basic plans lack tools and features.

SocialPilot is the best social media software for multiple users. A Small Team costs $42.50 per month for up to three users.

Available plans include:

  • Small Team: $42.50 per month (20 social media accounts; 3 users)
  • Studio: $85.00 per month (30 social media accounts; 6 users)
  • Agency: $106.25 per month (50 social media accounts; 9 users)
  • After your 14-day trial, you must pay for a year of access to get this pricing.

#8. Sendible

Sendible is the best for integration due to the number of platforms it works with. Furthermore, Sendible integrates with Meta, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Google My Business, YouTube, WordPress, Canva, Google Analytics, and Google Drive. Moreover, Sendible integrates 17 tools.

Pros
  • More integration options than some other providers
  • Social media dashboard to track your social game.
  • Starter plans start at $29 per month
  • You can save 15% if you pay for a year of management upfront
  • 14-day free trial available
Cons
  • Basic plans are one-user.
  • No free option

Sendible topped our integration ranking because it syncs with all the top social media networks and tools like Canva and Google Analytics. This saves time by letting you manage your social media strategy in one place.

Sendible has four plans for different-sized businesses.

  • Creator: $29 per month
  • Traction: $89 per month
  • Scale: $199 per month
  • Expansion: $399 per month

To get these low prices, you must pay for a year of software access or pay 15% more per month.

Best Social Management Tools 2019

Finally, a review of the best free social media management tools in 2019 for your social media manager.

#1. Nimble

First on our list of free social media management tools is Nimble CRM, an advanced cloud solution for small and medium businesses integrated with popular social platforms like LinkedIn. It can track customer interactions at each stage of the sales funnel and handle some social media management tasks.

A free trial is available (it will remain active for 14 days after the date of registration). A $19-per-month subscription is also available.

#2. Lately

Lately uses AI to turn blogs, online articles, videos, and podcasts into dozens of social media posts, so small businesses can market themselves like mega-brands without breaking the bank, losing their minds, or lifting a finger. It costs $49 per month.

Companies can now replace social media agencies. They can even ensure corporate and editorial compliance.

#3. PostPlanner

PostPlanner helps social media managers automate their Facebook profiles and business pages. You’ll have access to features like post queuing (with posting times), targeting (to determine your target audience), placing links as images, automating RSS feeds, auto-searching for relevant content online, etc.

This service’s pricing is very low, ranging from $3 per month (supporting 3 accounts and publishing 30 posts per day) to $19 per month (supporting 25 accounts and publishing up to 250 posts per day). As your business grows, you can upgrade to 200 accounts.

#4. IFTTT

The free IFTTT app rivals iOS’s Workflow. It automates smartphone actions at the service level. This should help a social media manager immensely. You can program your smartphone to perform a sequence of actions if a certain event occurs.

#5. Agorapulse

Agorapulse manages social media content from multiple accounts. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Google+ are integrated. Here you can see all the messages from your followers and readers, compare your profile to competitors’, monitor SMM indicators, launch promotions, etc.

Free 14-day app trial all users, regardless of plan, have access to free tools. Paid versions cost $79 (ideal for small businesses) to $459 per month.

#6. BuzzSumo

BuzzSumo analyzes social media and manages content marketing. This app searches the web based on your search queries and statistical data like likes, shares, etc. BuzzSumo can help you find niche-specific content. Furthermore, BuzzSumo helps you track your competitors’ social media activity and determine who leads your niche in SMM.

It’s paid. Depending on functionality, monthly subscriptions cost $79 to $499. (although it may be higher – this depends on the general list of features you choose when customizing this service).

#7. Likeable

Likeable Local is a social media management and marketing tool for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. It lets users create and schedule posts, launch ads, and increase followers (automated likes, shares, unfollowing old profiles and following new ones, etc.).

Automated, Custom, Lead, and Social is Likeable Local’s subscription options. To find out the cost of a specific option, send an inquiry with your software requirements.

#8. Crowdfire

Crowdfire manages Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram followers and accounts. Its developers offer four subscription options, ranging from free (for one account) to $74.98 per month (for 50 accounts).

#9. MavSocial

MavSocial is a new player in the market of social media management tools and quickly became a strong competitor.

#10. CoSchedule

CoSchedule has a slightly different niche than other social media management tools. It’s also a marketing and project management software, which affects the price.

Social Media Marketing Tools

The portrayals of the best social media marketing tools are short and simple to give you an overview.

#1. Social Champ

This is one of the best social media management tools available in 2023. Social Champ helps you post to all social media platforms at once. This tool has social media automation features and integrations to help you increase your audience reach by 75%. A plan with 12 social accounts costs $26 per month.

#2. Social Status

This SMM tool analyzes your profiles to automate social media reporting. Social Status generates customized reports for profile, ads, competitor, and influencer analytics. Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter are supported. Price: $29/month for 10 social media profiles.

#3. eClincher

eClincher publishes content. Publishing, engagement, listening, and analytics are aided. eClincher supports Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Simple scheduling. Pick your accounts and post. A basic plan with 10 profiles and 1 user costs $59/month.

#4. SociAlert

SocialAlert tracks hashtags, keywords, and social accounts. Social Alert helps you avoid social noise and focus on keywords and hashtags. Hashtag tracking helps startups grow their digital presence and gain customers. It cost $9.95/month for 2 accounts and hashtag trackers.

#5. Tailwind

Tailwind automates Pinterest planning and research. It will also prescribe the best times to post to reach your audience. Only Instagram and Pinterest can be scheduled. A Pro plan with one Instagram and one Pinterest profile costs $14.99/month.

#6. PostPlanner

PostPlanner helps you schedule automated social media posts for your social media accounts. Most social media platforms are supported. It costs $4/month for 3 profiles and 1 user.

#7. PromoRepublic

PromoRepublic is one of the social media marketing tools for influencers, freelancers, and small businesses. They edit photos, collaborate, and schedule. PromoRepublic is a great social media marketing tool for local tools. It costs $49/month for 10 social media profiles and 2 team members.

#8. Friends+me

Friends+me has almost all the features a social media manager might need. Bulk upload, content creation, and support are available. It costs $9/month for 5 social accounts and 500 scheduled posts.

These are the best social media management tools available in 2023

What is a Social Media Management Tools?

A social media management tool lets users share, monitor, analyze, and manage social media channels from one interface. Social media management tools make it easy to schedule and publish content for multiple social networks from one hub and respond to comments.

Is an Example of a Social Media Management Tool?

SocialBee is a social media management tool that promises to bring you more leads with less effort. Users can add, organize, and share content across social channels from one place (and it even integrates with Buffer).

Which Tool is Best for Social Media Management?

Best Overall: Sprout Social; Best for Analytics: Hootsuite; Best All-in-One Tool: Zoho; Best for Automation: MeetEdgar.

What are the Four main types of social media tools?

Here are four social media tools and apps that can streamline your workflow.

  • Content curation tools. 
  • Social media scheduling apps. 
  • Content creation tools. 
  • Social media analytics tools.

What is social management?

Management of social enterprises and projects is social management. These include social and non-profit businesses, state institutions, foundations, children’s homes, daycare centers, aid organizations, and associations.

Why Do You Need Social Media Management Tools?

Social media management tools allow marketing managers, small business owners, and content creators to save time by scheduling social media posts in advance to multiple accounts, viewing top-level metrics, and generating leads from social media.

How to Choose the Free Best Social Media Management Tools for you?

When choosing the Free best social media management tools for yourself, assess the size of your business and what aspects of social media management you want the tools for. Other tools are better at social media analytics and scalability than others.

If you have a team using these tools, choose one with strong collaboration features. Social media monitoring is a key part of these tools because it lets you track user mentions, competitors, and hashtags. The user interface, learning curve, pricing, and customer support are also important.

Conclusion

Our review of the best free social media management tools available in 2023 for small businesses is complete. The right software can simplify a social media manager’s job and increase the number of supported accounts without sacrificing quality.

Social Management Tools FAQs

What are social tools?

They help companies gather social media data, such as fan count and engagement rate. Google Analytics, Socialbakers, and Pagelever are analytics tools. Listening tools filter social media conversations.

Why are social media management tools important?

Social media management tools help you plan and schedule posts. Plan months ahead to engage with customers.

What is the best social media monitoring tool?

The top social media monitoring tools for 2023 include Meltwater, Sprout Social, Hootsuite, Cyfe, Talkwalker, Digimind Social, Brand24, and Agorapulse.

References

  1. Investopedia
  2. Techradar
  3. Nimble
  4. Socialchamp
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