In today’s always-connected world, social media has become essential for brand engagement. While consumers use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and industry-specific forums for entertainment and connection, businesses see them as vital tools for building brand awareness and fostering customer loyalty. Social media offers a direct, impactful way to reach your target audience, making it a cornerstone of modern marketing strategies.
However, managing multiple social media accounts can be overwhelming, with the demands of maintaining a consistent posting schedule, engaging with audiences, and tracking results. Hootsuite addresses these challenges by providing a comprehensive social media management platform that simplifies and streamlines these tasks, enabling brands to manage their online presence more efficiently.
With Hootsuite, you can schedule updates across all your social channels at once, eliminating the need to jump between platforms or rush to meet deadlines. This guide explores how to use Hootsuite, from its features and best practices to user insights and the latest updates. By the end, you’ll be ready to harness the power of Hootsuite to enhance your brand’s social media strategy.
What Is Hootsuite?
Hootsuite is a social media management tool that helps you to schedule and post updates to any social media platform (Facebook, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Instagram, WordPress and others) from one place known as the HootSuite dashboard.
Hootsuite allows users to implement and analyse marketing campaigns in all their accounts simultaneously. Moreover, for premium users, it provides advanced features that analyse social analytics, audience engagement, team collaboration and security across all your accounts on social media. The analysis works with both Google Analytics and Facebook Insights.
The platform offers free accounts and premium accounts as well. Premium accounts provide more features and functionality to users. These accounts are divided into four options. The first options are designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners and can handle up to 10 social profiles. Signing up for a professional account will offer you a 30-day free trial of Hootsuite. After that, $19/ month will be paid.
The other three options are designed for teams and organisations. The team account costs $99/ month and allows managing up to 20 social profiles by 3 users. In addition, the business account costs $499/ month and allows managing up to 50 social profiles by 5 users. Last but not least, the enterprise account is customisable to the company’s own needs and costs are calculated accordingly.
Importance of Hootsuite
While social media offers immense potential, navigating its complexities can be daunting. Here’s a closer look at some common challenges businesses face, and how Hootsuite equips you to overcome them:
Content Consistency: Maintaining a regular posting schedule is crucial for audience engagement. Hootsuite’s scheduling features let you plan and publish content in advance across all your social platforms, ensuring a consistent brand voice and presence.
Juggling Multiple Platforms: Switching between different social media accounts is time-consuming and inefficient. Hootsuite’s central dashboard provides a unified platform to manage all your social media activities, from composing posts to monitoring mentions.
Engagement Overload: Responding to comments, messages, and mentions promptly is essential for building relationships with your audience. Hootsuite’s social listening and engagement tools help you stay on top of conversations, identify brand mentions, and interact with your audience in real-time.
Data Overload & Analytics Woes: Measuring the effectiveness of your social media efforts is vital. Hootsuite’s built-in analytics provide valuable insights into post performance, audience demographics, and engagement metrics. You can track key data points and make informed decisions to optimise your social media strategy.
Collaboration Chaos: For larger teams, managing social media can be a collaborative effort. Hootsuite’s team features allow you to assign tasks, share access to social profiles, and streamline workflow amongst team members.
Hootsuite’s Powerhouse Features
While scheduling updates is a core function, Hootsuite offers a treasure trove of features to empower your social media strategy. Here’s a glimpse into some of its functionalities:
Content Curation and Inspiration: Discover engaging content to share with your audience through Hootsuite’s built-in recommendations and integrations with content creation tools.
Social Listening and Influencer Identification: Stay ahead of trends, identify brand mentions, and discover potential influencers through Hootsuite’s advanced social listening tools.
Paid Social Media Management: Manage and analyse your paid social media campaigns directly within Hootsuite, streamlining your advertising efforts.
Customisable Reporting and Dashboards: Tailor reports to your specific needs and generate insights that matter most to your brand.
Integrations with Marketing Tools: Connect Hootsuite with other marketing platforms you use, such as CRM software or email marketing tools, creating a unified marketing ecosystem.
How to Use Hootsuite: Getting Started
Using Hootsuite effectively involves several steps, from setting up your account to scheduling posts and analysing performance. Here’s a guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Create a Hootsuite Account
First, you must create an account by signing up at https://hootsuite.com. After opening the website, click Sign Up in the top-right corner. Select the plan type that fits your needs. Enter your information (name, business email and a password you can easily remember).
The website will then take you through a series of steps. First, it will ask you to connect your social Profiles. You can either add the accounts you would like to manage from the Hootsuite dashboard, or you can skip this step for later. Then, it will ask you to add your company name and industry.
Step 2: Add Social Networks
Now that your Hootsuite account is ready, you have to ensure all your social profiles are connected to post and schedule content and monitor customer engagement.
This can be done from the top left side of the Hootsuite dashboard. Click on Streams, then click on Add Social Network. Select a social network from the list, click Connect and authorise your accounts (by adding your username and password) to connect to the dashboard. You can manage up to three social profiles with a free plan.
Step 3: Set up Tabs and Streams
After connecting all your social media profiles to your dashboard, it is important to set up streams for each one. Streams are the main things you care about in a platform. For example, Facebook streams include messages, Facebook home, comments and mentions. Hootsuite wants to know the streams that matter most to you in each social platform to display them. This will also help in monitoring your content.
To set up streams, Select Streams from the launch menu at the top of the dashboard. Click Add Tab in the top-left corner, type a name for it, then press ENTER. Inside each tab, click Add Stream. A box will pop up with your profiles on the list. Select a social platform from the list on the left, and then select a profile from the drop-down list. Click the streams you want to add to that profile. You’ll see that you can choose from a list of common streams. You can choose as many as you want; however, if you add more than your screen can fit, it’ll just put a scrollbar on the bottom of your screen.
Step 4: Publish Messages
This step will allow you to schedule and post a single message to multiple social networks simultaneously. All you must do is hover over the compose message box on the top-left to expand it. This will allow you to select the social networks that you want to post the messages. Then, type your message in the compose message box. Click send now to post it to any of your social accounts linked to Hootsuite.
You can also add a link or a photo. To include a link, just copy the URL you want to use and paste it into the section that says add a link and then click Shrink. Here, you can also schedule messages by clicking on the calendar icon. There are two ways to schedule your message: one with the auto-scheduler, which will choose a time for your post to have the most optimal impact. This will automatically schedule posts when you don’t have any posts scheduled. The other option is to manually schedule your post by selecting the day and the time you need it posted.
Step 5: Install Apps
The Hootsuite App Directory is a library of free and paid third-party apps established for the Hootsuite dashboard. To install an app, Select App Directory from the launch menu. Then click Install App beside the app. Click Finish.
Step 6: Download the Hootsuite Mobile
Hootsuite offers mobile apps for Android, iPhone and iPads to help manage your accounts on the go. Apps can be downloaded from your device’s app store.
Step 7 (Team Plan): Collaborate With Team Members
Hootsuite allows you to invite team members and collaborate with them through sharing access to social profiles. This can help manage social media platforms if the Hootsuite plan is developed for an enterprise or a company.
With these 8 simple and easy-to-follow steps on using Hootsuite, using this social media management tool should be as simple as using a normal social networking platform.
Users can access HootSuite via the website or mobile apps. The system organises all activity into easy-to-manage streams. Advanced features of the platform include audience targeting, A/B testing for posts, customisable reports, and more.
HootSuite Upsides and Downsides
Hootsuite offers several advantages that make it a valuable tool for social media management.
First, it saves significant time by allowing users to manage multiple social media accounts from a single dashboard, streamlining the process of posting, monitoring, and engaging with audiences across different platforms. The scheduling tools are particularly beneficial, enabling users to plan and queue content in advance, ensuring consistent posting without the need for constant manual input.
Additionally, Hootsuite’s analytics provide valuable insights into audience engagement, helping users understand what content resonates most with their followers. For teams, the platform facilitates collaboration, allowing multiple users to work together seamlessly on social media strategies and campaigns. The availability of mobile apps also adds to its convenience, enabling users to manage their accounts on the go.
However, Hootsuite does come with some drawbacks that may affect its usability for certain users. For newcomers, the platform’s comprehensive features can be overwhelming, requiring a learning curve to fully grasp its functionality.
Another limitation is its performance on visual-centric social platforms like Instagram or Pinterest, where it may not offer the same level of functionality as other tools designed specifically for these platforms. While Hootsuite does provide analytics, they may not be as detailed or robust as those offered by standalone tools like Google Analytics, which can limit the depth of data analysis for users looking for more comprehensive insights.
Moreover, Hootsuite lacks some advanced features that are becoming increasingly important in social media management. One notable absence is AI-driven tools for automated content creation and writing, which are now available in some newer platforms. These features can significantly enhance efficiency by suggesting or even generating content based on user preferences or past performance.
The absence of such capabilities in Hootsuite also means that users may need to rely on other tools or manual efforts to create content, which could reduce the overall efficiency that the platform aims to provide.
Hootsuite Best Practices
To maximise results with Hootsuite, consider following these comprehensive best practices:
Create an Editorial Calendar: Develop a detailed editorial calendar to strategically plan content around key initiatives, such as product launches, company milestones, seasonal events, and industry trends. This ensures that your content aligns with your overall business objectives and resonates with your audience at the right time.
Schedule Content in Advance: Use Hootsuite’s scheduling tools to queue up posts well in advance. This helps maintain a consistent posting schedule, even during busy periods, and allows for more thoughtful, well-crafted content.
Craft Social Media Policies: Establish clear social media policies for employees that outline guidelines for branded use and online etiquette. This helps maintain a consistent brand voice and ensures that all team members understand their role in representing the company online.
Use Diverse Content Types: Incorporate a mix of engaging post types, including images, videos, polls, and interactive content, to capture your audience’s attention and encourage higher engagement rates.
Optimise Posting Frequency: Aim to post 2-3 times per day per network, adjusting based on audience behaviour and platform-specific trends, to maximise visibility and maintain an active presence without overwhelming followers.
Respond Promptly to User Comments and Questions: Monitor your social channels closely and respond quickly to all user comments, messages, and questions. Timely interactions demonstrate responsiveness and build stronger relationships with your audience.
Leverage Hootsuite Teams: Utilise Hootsuite’s team collaboration features to allow multiple team members to work together efficiently on content creation, posting, and engagement. Assign roles and permissions to streamline workflows and maintain accountability.
Create Separate Monitoring Streams: Set up dedicated streams in Hootsuite to monitor important keywords, hashtags, and campaign performance. This allows you to stay on top of relevant conversations, track competitors, and quickly address any emerging trends or issues.
Analyse Performance with Multiple Tools: Regularly review Hootsuite’s built-in analytics alongside Google Analytics to gain a comprehensive understanding of your social media performance. This dual analysis provides a more complete picture of how social activities are driving traffic, engagement, and conversions.
A/B Test Content: Experiment with different content formats, posting times, and messaging to see what resonates best with your audience. Use Hootsuite’s analytics to track the performance of these tests and refine your strategy accordingly.
Stay Updated on Platform Changes: Social media platforms frequently update their algorithms and features. Stay informed about these changes and adjust your strategies in Hootsuite to ensure continued effectiveness.
Use Hootsuite Integrations: Explore and leverage Hootsuite’s integrations with other tools, such as Canva for design or Zendesk for customer support, to enhance your overall social media management capabilities.
Hootsuite Plans for Businesses
Hootsuite offers a variety of plans tailored to businesses of all sizes and needs. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the ideal option based on your team size, budget, and social media management requirements:
When selecting a Hootsuite plan, consider the size of your team and how many users will need access to collaboration features. It’s also essential to determine the number of social media accounts you need to manage and whether the plan can accommodate them. Additionally, think about your content scheduling needs, especially if you require bulk scheduling to maintain a consistent posting frequency.
Evaluate your analytics and reporting requirements, particularly if you need custom insights to track performance effectively. Lastly, choose a plan that aligns with your budget, ensuring it provides enough flexibility for future growth without straining your resources.
Which Plan is Right for You?
Small Businesses with Solo Management:Professional plan offers basic features for managing a few social profiles.
Growing Teams with Increased Needs:Team plan provides advanced analytics and collaboration tools for a small team.
Marketing Teams with Extensive Networks:Business plan facilitates comprehensive management of many profiles, detailed reporting, and customizability.
Large Enterprises with Complex Requirements:Enterprise plan offers tailored solutions, unlimited scalability, and dedicated support.
Hootsuite 2023-2024 Updates
Hootsuite continues to evolve its platform with new features and updates designed to help businesses manage their social media more effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the most notable additions from 2023 and 2024:
Content Creation and Scheduling
Bulk Composer: Schedule and publish content across multiple platforms simultaneously, saving time and effort.
Carousel Posts: Create engaging carousel posts directly within Hootsuite for platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Content Library Enhancements: Improved organisation and search functionality within the content library for easier asset management.
Video Editing Tools: Basic video editing tools within Hootsuite for trimming, adding text overlays, and creating social media-ready video snippets.
Analytics and Reporting
Enhanced Analytics Dashboards: More customisable dashboards with drag-and-drop widgets for personalised performance insights.
Custom Reporting: Build personalised reports with specific metrics and filter options for deeper analysis.
Competitor Benchmarking: Compare your social media performance against competitors within the same industry using key metrics.
Social Listening Insights: Identify trends, brand mentions, and audience sentiment through advanced social listening tools.
Team Collaboration and Workflow
Content Approval Workflows: Set up defined approval processes for drafts, ensuring brand consistency and content quality.
Shared Calendars and Task Management: Improve team collaboration with shared calendars, task assignments, and progress tracking.
Internal Messaging: Communicate directly with team members within Hootsuite for efficient collaboration on social media campaigns.
Platform Integrations and Expandability
Native Integrations: Expanded integrations with leading marketing and design tools like Canva, Mailchimp, and Google Analytics.
Custom Streams: Create personalised dashboards focusing on specific hashtags, keywords, or competitor activity for real-time monitoring.
App Directory: Explore and connect with additional third-party apps within Hootsuite to extend its functionality.
Emerging Trends and Features
Live Commerce Capabilities: Hootsuite is exploring features and partnerships to support live streaming and social commerce directly within the platform.
AI-Powered Content Creation: Expect further development of AI-assisted content creation tools for generating ideas, optimising posts, and analysing performance.
Advanced Social Listening and Insights: Deeper social listening functionalities to understand audience sentiment, identify influencers, and track brand perception online.
Leveraging these new features effectively can significantly improve your social media management with Hootsuite. Analyse your specific needs and explore how these updates can streamline your workflow, enhance content creation, gain deeper insights, and stay ahead of social media trends.
Remember, Hootsuite’s development is ongoing, so stay updated on future releases and explore their potential benefits for your business’s social media success.
The Final Say
With the increased number of social networks companies have to manage, a need has been created: a market gap for businesses. Hootsuite is a perfect example of a business that capitalised on social media through an indirect route. Kudos to the developers for taking advantage of other companies’ needs. While Hootsuite is marketed as a B2B business solution, individuals can also benefit greatly from this social media management tool. Although there are several competitors in the social media management market, Hootsuite is one of the most well-rounded management tools that help users keep updated on their social media platforms.
The most prominent feature is that it allows you to post to multiple platforms simultaneously or even schedule posts at your preference. Hootsuite is not only beneficial to companies but also to sole users who rely on social media as a full-time job. The developers have even made Hootsuite very easy and simple, so much so that it makes it a viable option even for those who aren’t tech-savvy.
FAQs
Is HootSuite free?
Yes, Hootsuite offers a free plan that’s a great starting point for individuals or small businesses. It allows you to manage up to 3 social media profiles and schedule updates in advance, ensuring a consistent presence across your channels. However, the free plan has limitations on features like analytics and team collaboration. Upgrading to a paid plan unlocks more social profiles, scheduling capabilities, advanced analytics, and team management features.
What’s the difference between free and paid HootSuite plans?
The main difference lies in the number of social profiles you can manage, scheduling features, team collaboration tools, and access to advanced analytics. Free plans are ideal for individual users or small teams managing a few social media accounts. Paid plans cater to businesses of all sizes and offer features like bulk scheduling, advanced analytics reports, and team collaboration tools that enable seamless workflow management.
Can I post to multiple platforms at once?
Absolutely! This is one of Hootsuite’s core strengths. The Multi-Network Publisher allows you to craft a single post and effortlessly schedule it across all your connected social media platforms simultaneously. This saves you immense time and ensures consistent messaging across your brand’s online presence.
How many users can our team have?
The number of team members you can add depends on your chosen plan. The free plan allows only 1 user, while Pro plans offer access for up to 50 team members. Enterprise plans cater to large organisations and provide unlimited team members, perfect for managing complex social media campaigns with a dedicated team.
Can I see how my social media efforts are performing?
Yes, Hootsuite provides built-in analytics that allow you to track the performance of your social media posts. You can see metrics like engagement (likes, comments, shares), reach (number of people who saw your post), and click-through rates. Free plans offer basic analytics, while paid plans provide more comprehensive insights and customisable reports.
Does Hootsuite integrate with other tools?
Yes, Hootsuite integrates with a wide range of marketing and business tools, allowing you to create a unified workflow. You can connect Hootsuite with CRM software, email marketing platforms, project management tools, and more. This streamlines your workflow and centralises all your marketing efforts in one place.
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