Hootsuite vs. Buffer
Social media is no longer just an optional marketing outlet; it's become an essential component that businesses must embrace to thrive. Fortunately, there are numerous marketing automation software available that make managing social media content much more manageable. Two of the most popular software in the market are Hootsuite and Buffer. In this post, we'll take an unbiased look at the two software and help you decide which one suits you the best.
Overview
Both Hootsuite and Buffer are robust marketing automation software that make social media content management more organized and efficient by consolidating your social media accounts in one place, allowing you to post updates, schedule posts, and track analytics.
However, there are significant differences between them.
Features
Hootsuite
Hootsuite offers an array of features that are suitable for businesses of any size.
- Analytics tools to track engagement
- User management for assigning workflows
- Integration with over 150 social media platforms
- Training academy for learning how to use the software effectively
- Access to a wide range of social media apps within the software
- Custom streams for observing mentions of your brand name, industry news, and competitors
- Scheduling with a calendar view.
Buffer
Buffer offers features that are simpler and more user-friendly, making it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses who don't require extensive analytics or integration features.
- Integration with six major social media platforms
- A more user-friendly interface
- Daily publishing schedule recommendations based on the previous performance of your social media accounts
- Integration with Pablo, a tool for creating social media images
Pricing
Hootsuite
Hootsuite offers four pricing plans for individuals and businesses, starting at $19 per month.
- Free - Limited features for non-commercial use
- Professional - $19/month for up to ten social profiles
- Team - $129/month for up to twenty social profiles
- Business - Custom pricing for larger businesses with more social profiles
Buffer
Buffer offers three pricing plans for individuals and companies. The pricing starts at $15 per month, and they also offer a free version for up to three social media channels.
- Free - Limited features for up to three social media channels
- Pro - $15/month for eight social profiles
- Premium - $65/month for up to eight social profiles and additional integrations like Instagram
Conclusion
So, which one is better?
The answer is highly dependent on your business's specific requirements.
If you're running a large business and manage multiple social media accounts, Hootsuite is a more comprehensive choice. It offers deep integration with a large number of social media platforms, robust analytics, and user management.
Alternatively, if you are a small business owner or a one-person marketing team, Buffer is a more sensible option. It's more affordable, easier to use, and has most of the essential features required to maintain a small social media presence.
References
- Hootsuite. Retrieved from: https://hootsuite.com/
- Buffer. Retrieved from: https://buffer.com/
- The 16 Best Social Media Management Tools. (2021). Retrieved from: https://blog.hootsuite.com/social-media-management-tools/