Social media management tools like Hootsuite are as common as avocado toast and cold brew. It seems like every Tom, Dick, and Harry with an internet connection has some new whiz-bang platform that will supposedly make you an Instagram influencer overnight.
But let’s get real here. Hootsuite has been around since the early days of social media marketing. And it didn’t become one of the most widely used social media management platforms by accident.
However, newer tools are catching up and even surpassing the OG Hootsuite when it comes to features and functionality. You may wonder if it’s time to jump ship and swim to another social media management island.
Well, hold your horses there, buddy. Not so fast.
While Hootsuite alternatives can provide fresh air, you don’t want just blindly to leap before you look. Changing social media management platforms is a big decision that can majorly screw your workflow.
So, in this post, we’ll dive into the top 10 Hootsuite alternatives on the market right now. I’ll tell you what makes each one unique and whether or not it’s worth switching over from good ol’ Hootsuite.
Let’s get started.
Sprout Social is one of the top alternatives for Hootsuite on the market today. Its robust feature set makes it popular among social media managers and marketers.
Some of Sprout Social’s standout features include:
The one downside of Sprout is that it can get pricey, with plans starting at $99 per user/month. But for agencies and larger companies, the cost is usually worth it for the functionality.
So, if you’re looking for a powerful social media management platform with tons of bells and whistles, Sprout Social is a smart Hootsuite alternative.
For a more budget-friendly option, Agorapulse packs a big punch. It offers a generous free plan tier along with affordable pricing for small businesses.
Some key features include:
The interface is also super intuitive and easy to use. Even social media newbies can get the hang of it quickly.
The free plan has some limitations, but it’s a great way to try Agorapulse. And the paid plans offer awesome bang for your buck.
Sendible stands out for its focus on collaboration tools. It makes it simple for multiple users to work together seamlessly.
Notable features include:
For agencies and companies with multiple social media managers on staff, these collaboration features are clutch. Sendible also has robust analytics to quantify social performance.
The starter plan is $29/month, so it can get costly for larger teams. However, the collaboration capabilities may make the investment worthwhile.
If you want a pared-down social media management platform that’s super easy to use, Buffer is a stellar choice.
It shines when it comes to scheduling and publishing features:
Buffer keeps things simple by focusing on its core publishing features. You will find fewer bells and whistles than some alternatives. But for busy marketers who need an efficient way to schedule content, Buffer nails it.
And you can try it free for 14 days, no credit card required.
Here’s an off-the-beaten-path option that still packs a serious punch. SocialPilot is like Hootsuite’s hipster little brother.
It has all the key features you would expect:
But SocialPilot combines this functionality into a user interface that’s modern and intuitive. It feels quicker and more responsive than some legacy tools.
There’s also a forever free version, so you can take it for a spin at no cost. SocialPilot keeps innovating, so it’s one to watch if you want a cutting-edge alternative to Hootsuite.
Another emerging social media management platform, SocialBee, was built with collaboration in mind.
Standout features include:
Pricing starts at $49/month for up to 3 users. So, it offers good value for growing companies that need shared workflows.
The interface feels modern, and it’s easy to use once you get the hang of it.
Definitely a sleek Hootsuite alternative for collaborative social media management.
Visual social media managers will love Later. This platform makes it easy to plan gorgeous Instagram feeds and Stories.
Notable features include:
Visual drag-and-drop calendar to schedule Instagram posts and Stories
Later, it also offers scheduling and analytics for Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest. But its bread and butter is building beautiful Instagram content.
They offer a free trial period to test drive those stellar visual tools.
Here’s an enterprise-level alternative for big brands with a global social media presence. Falcon.io offers robust social media marketing and management capabilities.
Key features include:
Brandwatch caters to large companies with a budget for premium social media management. But the price tag gets you best-in-class tools and support from social media experts.
If Hootsuite feels too basic for your global brand, Falcon.io is worth exploring.
Last but not least, Tailwind provides a quick and easy scheduling solution. It’s ideal for Pinterest and Instagram.
Notable features:
Tailwind makes it super simple to keep your Pinterest and Instagram feeds looking fresh and engaging. It’s affordable, easy to use, and offers helpful recommendations.
For social media newbies, Tailwind is a great entry-level tool to try out.
Most alternatives allow you to export your historical data from Hootsuite and import it into the new platform. So you shouldn’t lose your old posts, campaigns, etc. Double-check with customer support before switching.
The account transfer process varies for each platform. Some make it seamless while others can involve more manual work. Expect to spend a few hours connecting accounts and re-establishing post schedules.
You’ll have to re-integrate third-party apps and tools. Look for alternatives that offer integrations with the key services you rely on. And check if they have migration support from Hootsuite.
As you can see, there are tons of excellent Hootsuite alternatives out there. Which one is best for your business depends on your specific needs and budget.
Here are a few key questions to consider:
Once you’re clear on your needs, narrow down your top 2-3 choices. Sign up for free trials to test them out. And don’t be afraid to mix and match different tools based on your workflow.
Just don’t jump ship from Hootsuite without weighing your options carefully. The grass may seem greener, but you want to choose new social media tools strategically.
At the end of the day, the best platform is the one that helps you accomplish your business goals while staying within your budget. So take your time and choose wisely!
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*The information this blog provides is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as financial or professional advice. The information may not reflect current developments and may be changed or updated without notice. Any opinions expressed on this blog are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author’s employer or any other organization. You should not act or rely on any information contained in this blog without first seeking the advice of a professional. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this blog. The author and affiliated parties assume no liability for any errors or omissions.