Social media management has become critical to growing a brand, engaging with an audience, and boosting conversions. With the right tools, businesses can save time, boost productivity, and achieve impressive results.
“A social media management tool should not just be a scheduling platform; it should provide insights and foster genuine engagement with your audience”. Neal Schaffer, Social Media Strategist
In this comprehensive guide, Techafricana will take a look and cover the top 10 social media management tools you should consider in 2024. These tools offer a mix of scheduling, analytics, collaboration, and more, making them essential for both solo entrepreneurs and large teams.
Why Use Social Media Management Tools?
Social media management tools provide various benefits:
- Efficiency: Automate posting, streamline workflows, and save time.
- Consistency: Plan and schedule content in advance.
- Analytics: Track metrics to refine social strategies.
- Engagement: Manage responses, comments, and mentions.
Investing in a good social media management tool is essential for achieving maximum impact from your social efforts.
What are Social Media Management Tools?
Social media management tools are software applications that help users manage, schedule, analyze, and engage with content across multiple social media networks. They can simplify your work by providing a central platform to schedule posts, track metrics, engage with followers, and measure the ROI of your campaigns.
Why Use Social Media Management Tools in 2024?
With the evolution of social media trends and platforms, businesses are constantly adapting to stay relevant. These tools offer features like:
- Content Scheduling and Automation: Save time by planning posts in advance.
- Analytics and Reporting: Gain insights into performance metrics.
- Collaboration Tools: Improve teamwork among social media managers.
- Multi-Platform Support: Manage all your social networks from one place.
- Trend Tracking and Listening: Stay ahead by monitoring industry trends.
Key Features to Look for in a Social Media Management Tool
- Content Scheduling: Plan and automate posts across platforms.
- Analytics and Insights: Robust data to track and improve performance.
- User-Friendly Interface: Simple navigation to save time.
- Engagement Features: Respond quickly to comments and messages.
- Platform Integration: Connect with major social networks seamlessly.
Top 10 Social Media Management Tools You Should Consider In 2024
Below are the top 10 top social media management tools you should consider in 2024
#1: Hootsuite
Overview of Hootsuite
Hootsuite has been a leader in social media management for years, known for its wide range of integrations and reliable performance. It supports dozens of platforms, from Facebook and Twitter to LinkedIn and Instagram.
Pros and Cons of Hootsuite
Pros:
- Supports multiple social networks.
- Robust analytics and reporting capabilities.
- Collaboration features for team workflows.
Cons:
- Higher learning curve for beginners.
- Some features can be costly.
Best Features of Hootsuite in 2024
Hootsuite’s content calendar and analytics suite are particularly robust, helping marketers monitor their campaigns’ effectiveness in real time. New AI-driven scheduling and optimization features also add value in 2024.
Pricing Information
Hootsuite offers tiered plans, starting from a basic package suitable for small businesses to advanced options designed for enterprises.
#2: Buffer
Overview of Buffer
Buffer is a user-friendly social media management tool known for its intuitive dashboard and ability to schedule posts easily.
Pros and Cons of Buffer
Pros:
- Simplicity and ease of use.
- Affordable for small businesses.
- Strong customer support.
Cons:
- Limited features compared to some competitors.
- Analytics may not be as advanced.
Unique Features of Buffer
Buffer focuses heavily on streamlined publishing, content analytics, and post engagement insights, making it ideal for individual marketers and small teams.
Buffer’s Pricing Structure
Buffer offers a free plan with basic features, with premium plans starting at competitive rates.
#3: Sprout Social
Overview of Sprout Social
Sprout Social is a popular all-in-one social media management solution known for its comprehensive analytics and excellent customer relationship management (CRM) features. Its robust suite of tools helps businesses manage social media interactions, schedule posts, and generate in-depth reports, making it a preferred choice for businesses aiming to refine their social media strategies.
Key Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros:
- Detailed reporting and analytics.
- Strong social listening tools.
- Excellent customer support.
Cons:
- Higher price range compared to competitors.
- May have more features than necessary for small businesses.
Unique Selling Points for Sprout Social in 2024
In 2024, Sprout Social has continued to lead the way with its advanced social listening capabilities and customer insights features. This allows businesses to understand audience trends, track brand mentions, and even gauge competitor activity.
Cost of Sprout Social
Sprout Social offers several plans, starting at $99/month. While it may be pricier than some other options, the depth of its features justifies the investment for many mid-to-large businesses.
#4: Later
Overview of Later
Later is a tool particularly favored by visual content creators, focusing on platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. With its drag-and-drop interface, Later simplifies content planning, making it highly popular among influencers and brands with heavy visual content needs.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Ideal for visual content.
- User-friendly interface.
- Affordable pricing.
Cons:
- Limited capabilities for platforms like LinkedIn.
- Analytics features can be basic.
Key Features
Later’s visual content calendar and Instagram-first approach make it stand out. The tool offers hashtag suggestions, a Linkin.bio feature for Instagram, and post previews, making it invaluable for marketers focused on aesthetics.
Pricing Overview
Later offers a free basic plan, with premium features starting from $12.50/month.
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#5: SocialBee
Overview
SocialBee is known for its focus on content categorization and evergreen content recycling, allowing users to keep their social media profiles consistently active without constant manual intervention.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Pros:
- Strong content recycling capabilities.
- Affordable and accessible.
- Good for growing businesses.
Cons:
- Interface may not be as intuitive.
- Limited integrations compared to other tools.
Top Features
SocialBee excels at helping marketers maintain an active presence through automated content queues, posting evergreen content on rotation, and targeted audience engagement.
Pricing
SocialBee’s plans start at around $19/month, making it an affordable option for small to mid-sized businesses.
#6: Agorapulse
Introduction to Agorapulse
Agorapulse provides a social media inbox, publishing, reporting, and monitoring tools. It simplifies managing all your social interactions in one place, making it highly effective for those managing high volumes of engagement.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent inbox management.
- Highly responsive customer service.
- Easy-to-use interface.
Cons:
- Higher cost than simpler tools.
- Could improve mobile capabilities.
Agorapulse’s Top Features for 2024
In 2024, Agorapulse offers advanced collaboration options, a unified inbox for all social interactions, and enhanced reports for campaign optimization, making it a go-to for serious social media managers.
Pricing Information
Agorapulse starts with a free plan that includes limited features. Premium packages start from $99/month.
#7: Zoho Social
Overview
Zoho Social is part of the larger Zoho suite of business tools, making it a great option for businesses already using Zoho products. It offers detailed analytics, customizable reports, and strong collaborative capabilities.
Key Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Seamless integration with other Zoho products.
- Detailed analytics and reporting.
- Affordable for small businesses.
Cons:
- Advanced features may lack compared to some other tools.
- Primarily focused on small to mid-sized businesses.
Unique Features of Zoho Social
Zoho Social shines in its integration capabilities and collaborative options, making it ideal for growing teams. Real-time social monitoring and publishing ensure you stay on top of your brand’s image.
Pricing
Plans start at $10/month for the basic package.
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#8: CoSchedule
Overview
CoSchedule is a marketing calendar tool with social media management capabilities, popular for its seamless project management integration. It enables users to plan, execute, and track both content and social media marketing campaigns in one place.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros:
- Comprehensive content calendar.
- Good for managing multiple campaigns.
- Integrates well with other marketing tools.
Cons:
- Primarily focused on content management.
- Steeper learning curve for new users.
Key Features in 2024
CoSchedule’s 2024 features include enhanced calendar views, drag-and-drop rescheduling, and integration with major content tools like WordPress, making it ideal for managing all forms of content.
Pricing Information
Pricing starts from $29/month for individual marketers and scales up for teams.
#9: MeetEdgar
Overview
MeetEdgar specializes in evergreen content scheduling. This tool is designed to keep your social profiles active by automatically resharing older content and maintaining a balanced posting schedule.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Pros:
- Great for evergreen content management.
- Automation features reduce manual work.
- Simplifies social media maintenance.
Cons:
- Not suitable for complex campaigns.
- Limited support for all platforms.
Best Features
MeetEdgar excels in content recycling, simplifying the process of keeping content fresh and continuously engaging followers with minimal effort.
Pricing
Plans start at $29/month.
#10: Sendible
Overview
Sendible offers comprehensive social media management and offers integrations with platforms like WordPress and Canva. This tool is designed for agencies, making it a robust option for handling multiple client accounts.
Key Benefits and Drawbacks
Pros:
- Strong integration with blogging platforms.
- Customizable dashboards.
- Powerful analytics tools.
Cons:
- Complexity may deter smaller teams.
- Higher pricing tiers.
Best Features for 2024
Sendible’s standout features include in-depth client reports, workflow automation, and integration options for enhanced content creation and scheduling.
Cost Structure
Plans start at $29/month.
How to Choose the Best Social Media Management Tool for Your Needs
Budget Considerations
Define your monthly or annual budget for social media management tools. Start by evaluating free trials and demo options.
Features vs. Simplicity
Complex tools are beneficial if you have advanced needs. If you prefer simplicity, opt for more user-friendly tools like Buffer.
Team Collaboration Needs
Tools like Hootsuite, Agorapulse, and Sprout Social offer strong collaboration features for large teams.
Platform Support
Ensure your chosen tool integrates well with all the social platforms your business uses.
Comparison Table of Top Social Media Management Tools in 2024
| Tool Name | Best Feature | Price (Starting) | Platform Support |
| Hootsuite | Comprehensive Analytics | $29/month | 20+ Platforms |
| Buffer | User-Friendly Scheduling | $6/month | 8 Platforms |
| Sprout Social | Advanced Reporting | $99/month | Major Platforms |
| Later | Visual Content Planning | $12.50/month | Visual Platforms |
| SocialBee | Content Categorization | $19/month | Major Platforms |
| Agorapulse | Unified Inbox | $99/month | Major Platforms |
| Zoho Social | Detailed Analytics | $10/month | Major Platforms |
| CoSchedule | Marketing Calendar | $29/month | Multiple |
| MeetEdgar | Content Recycling | $29/month | Major Platforms |
| Sendible | Client Management | $29/month | Major Platforms |
How to Choose the Best Social Media Management Tool for Your Needs
Budget Considerations
Define your monthly or annual budget for social media management tools. Start by evaluating free trials and demo options.
Features vs. Simplicity
Complex tools are beneficial if you have advanced needs. If you prefer simplicity, opt for more user-friendly tools like Buffer.
Team Collaboration Needs
Tools like Hootsuite, Agorapulse, and Sprout Social offer strong collaboration features for large teams.
Platform Support
Ensure your chosen tool integrates well with all the social platforms your business uses.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right social media management tool for your needs depends on your goals, budget, and team size. From automation to detailed analytics, these tools offer a range of features to help you maximize your social media presence in 2024. Start by considering your priorities, testing free trials, and then committing to the one that best meets your needs. Stay consistent, analyze your performance, and watch your social reach grow!
