{"id":41188,"date":"2016-08-04T05:30:20","date_gmt":"2016-08-04T12:30:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bruceclay.com\/blog\/?p=41188"},"modified":"2023-11-27T17:44:43","modified_gmt":"2023-11-28T01:44:43","slug":"choosing-social-media-tools","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bruceclay.com\/blog\/choosing-social-media-tools\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Your Company Ready to Invest in Social Media Tools? Which Factors Should You Consider?"},"content":{"rendered":"
As your company grows and your social media activity expands, you\u2019ll find that your business needs social media tools to keep up with your social media management.<\/p>\n
Of course, you\u2019ll want to find the right social media software that aligns with your needs and goals. In this article, I will explore the factors to consider when choosing social media tools so that your social media marketing strategy has the power it deserves.<\/p>\n
As you search for the right social media tool, here are seven factors to consider:<\/p>\n
The price range of a social media tool can vary from $50 to $1,600 per month.<\/p>\n
Lower-priced options usually offer basic features like follower growth tracking and reporting. On the other hand, higher-priced tools provide advanced features like social listening reports, competitive analysis, hashtag tracking, and more.<\/p>\n
(Some tools even offer free versions that give you basic functionality.)<\/p>\n
Consider your budget and the specific features you require to make a cost-effective choice for your business.<\/p>\n
Most social media software providers require a year-long contract. However, some options like Sprout Social and Quintly offer month-to-month payment plans, providing flexibility for your business.<\/p>\n
Be sure to carefully review the contract before signing so that you know what you\u2019re signing up for.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll want to see if your social media marketing strategy is actually bringing in traffic, so you may want to consider a tool with integrated Google Analytics.<\/p>\n
Some social media tools generate reports similar to Google Analytics’ Social Referrer Report. Evaluate whether separate data platforms are acceptable for your reporting needs or if integration with Google Analytics is necessary for your business.<\/p>\n
Social media marketing is not a one-size-fits-all, so decide which social networks your target audience spends time on.<\/p>\n
While platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook are typically included, some tools offer additional integrations with platforms such as Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, and more.<\/p>\n
Different social media software packages allow varying numbers of user logins.<\/p>\n
Assess the size of your team and the number of individuals who require access to the software. Ensure that the chosen tool offers adequate user access to facilitate efficient collaboration and management.<\/p>\n
Historical data can help you identify which messages and strategies resonate with your audience. However, not all tools provide access to data that existed before you started using the software.<\/p>\n
Nuvi is an exception, offering historical data for X (formerly Twitter).<\/p>\n
White labeling allows you to customize the software’s branding to match your company’s identity. This provides a seamless integration of the software into your overall brand experience.<\/p>\n
While lower-priced accounts often lack this feature, higher-priced options like Nuvi offer white labeling at an additional cost.<\/p>\n
Consider whether white labeling is essential for maintaining a consistent brand image across social media management tools.<\/p>\n
Now that we’ve covered the key considerations let’s take a closer look at some popular social media software options and their associated features and costs.<\/p>\n
To get the most out of your social media marketing, it\u2019s obvious you need a tool. Be sure to analyze your target audience and what has worked in the past to identify which tool you need.<\/p>\n
There are many options, and most offer free trials, so be sure to try out a few before choosing the tool that will supercharge your social media marketing strategy.<\/p>\n