One question that keeps coming up, in online groups, in Q&A forums and in conversations, is “what tool should I use to manage my social networks?” Some people even directly ask about the tool I use: Hootsuite.
So in today’s post, I’m going to tell you all of the reasons that I use Hootsuite, and why you should consider making the switch.
But first, I have to get a few things out of the way…
Background Information & Disclosures
I have been using Hootsuite since mid-2009.
Sometime around early 2010, I started paying for the pro account. Therefore, I’m no rookie when it comes to using this tool. I have also tried Seesmic, Tweetdeck, Argyle Social (trial only) and CoTweet. I’ve also tried nearly 20 different Twitter apps between mobile (iOS), desktop and web apps.
All of this is to say, I have history with this product, I have a financial interest in this company, and my experience is sponsored.
HOWEVER…
While I may not be paying for Hootsuite now, I did pay for Hootsuite for nearly 3 years now. I have been a huge fan of Hootsuite since my early days of using it. If you don’t believe me, you can visit my Twitter archive and search for Hootsuite. I appreciate that Hootsuite has hooked me up with this unrestricted account, but my affinity for the product predates that gesture.
So now that my disclosures are out of the way, here’s why I stick with the owl.
Features
Hootsuite has one of the most comprehensive feature sets of any social meda management tool. Some of the more expensive tools have slightly more robust analytics and reporting, but if you compare Hootsuite’s list of features relative to any of the nearby competitors, you will not find a better product on the market.
Hootsuite allows for the simultaneous posting and scheduling of posts to be sent to one or multiple Twitter, Facebook, Facebook Pages, Facebook Groups, Linkedin Profiles, Linkedin Company Pages, Linkedin Groups, Google+ Pages and Foursquare.
Hootsuite is integrated with Facebook Insights and Google Analytics. Hootsuite’s built in link shortener ow.ly (or ht.ly) allows for both shortening and tracking.
Measurement
Hootsuite has some great built in analytics tools. Basic analytics are available to anyone, and with a Pro account, you get enhanced analytics. One way that anyone can use the basic analytics is to monitor the performance of shortened links. I shortened each of our affiliate links and then I get a report of click performance for each link.
In one quick glance, I can see the network growth, website traffic and consumption of shared links. It’s a great feature.
Management
Perhaps my favorite aspect of Hootsuite is the way it enables me to manage and participate in multiple distinct networks simultaneously. If you are anything like me, you use lists to manage the incoming noise. Hootsuite is king when it comes to managing multiple streams of information by giving two distinct ways to organize my dashboard: tabs and columns.
Columns fit inside of tabs. This is particularly useful for setting up unique workspaces. Each tab can accomodate up to 10 columns.
Price
One area where Hootsuite really excels is delivering a great product at an exceptionally reasonable price. For $5.99 / month you get unlimited social profiles and 1 Analytics report. You will not find another product at this price point that gives you this much functionality.
Even when you start adding more features, it’s hard to match this pricing.
A great solution
Hootsuite is a great product and it’s continually improving. If you are in the market for a feature-rich, cost-effective Social Media Management tool…look no further. I recommend Hootsuite.