Hootsuite is one of the best social media management platforms, it offers businesses and individuals a centralized place to monitor, manage, and measure their social media presence. This review aims to give you an in-depth look into what makes Hootsuite tick and if it would be the right tool for you.
If you want to see our breakdown on the top Social Media tools check out our post here.
Hootsuite Pricing
One of the first things to note in this Hootsuite review is the affordability of its pricing tiers. From small businesses to large enterprises, there’s a plan tailored for every need. The setup is straightforward; within minutes, you can link your social accounts and start scheduling posts.
- $29 / month for the Professional Plan which gives you 10 social profiles and unlimited scheduling.
- $129 / month for the Team Plan which gives you 20 social profiles and unlimited scheduling for 3 users.
- $599 / month for the Business Plan which gives you 35 social profiles and unlimted scheduling for 5-10 users.
- $xxx / month for the Enterprise plan but you would need to call them and discuss requirements.
Hootsuite Review: Its Features and Interface
Hootsuite boasts a user-friendly interface that’s intuitive for both beginners and seasoned marketers. Its dashboard presents a clear view of streams from all linked accounts. Features like bulk scheduling, content curation, and team collaboration make it an attractive choice for businesses.
Engaging with Your Audience: Social Inbox and Interaction
A centralized social inbox in Hootsuite allows users to see and respond to comments, mentions, and messages across different platforms from a single dashboard. This ensures swift engagement and makes certain that no interaction goes unnoticed.
The Pulse of Social: Monitoring and Insights
Social listening tools within Hootsuite give brands the ability to monitor mentions, track hashtags, and understand the sentiment around their brand. This is not just about tracking conversations but also gaining insights into customer preferences and trends.
Streamlining Content Delivery: Post Scheduling and Publication
With the increasing demand for consistent social media presence, Hootsuite’s feature to schedule and publish posts across different platforms is invaluable. Plan your content calendar in advance and let Hootsuite take care of the timely delivery.
Strategic Content Roadmaps: Content Organization and Strategy
One of the cornerstones of a successful social media strategy is effective content planning. Hootsuite offers tools that help in organizing, tagging, and storing content, ensuring a coherent content strategy.
Bridging Blogs and Social: WordPress Synergy
For businesses running their websites on WordPress, Hootsuite’s integration is a boon. Share your blog posts directly from WordPress to your social media channels through Hootsuite, ensuring seamless content dissemination.
Collaboration at Its Best: Team-Oriented Features
Hootsuite understands the dynamics of team collaboration. Assign tasks, approve content, and ensure all team members are aligned in their social media strategies with Hootsuite’s team features.
A Variety of Useful Reports
Underpinning its features are the actionable insights drawn from its robust reporting mechanism. From monitoring brand mentions to tracking post performance, the reports ensure you’re always in the know.
1. Overview Reports
These are the foundational reports that give you a snapshot of your social media performance. Whether you’re interested in the growth of your followers over time, the reach of your posts, or the general engagement rate, overview reports provide a quick look into where you stand.
2. Content Analysis
Understanding which posts resonate with your audience is key. Hootsuite’s content analysis reports provide insights into the most liked, shared, and commented-on posts. It also gives details on the best performing content formats – be it images, videos, or links.
3. Conversion Tracking
For businesses running campaigns with specific goals, Hootsuite offers conversion tracking reports. Measure the ROI of your campaigns, track lead generation, and monitor sales conversions sourced from your social media efforts.
4. Team Performance Reports
If you’re working with a team, it’s essential to understand each member’s contribution. Track response times, resolution rates, and individual engagements with Hootsuite’s team performance analytics. This ensures accountability and helps in identifying areas of improvement.
5. Audience Insights
Delve deep into who your audience is. Hootsuite provides demographic data like age, gender, location, and even the devices they use. This helps in tailoring content and campaigns more effectively.
6. Competitive Analysis
Position yourself ahead of the curve by understanding where your competition stands. Hootsuite’s competitive analysis reports allow you to track competitors’ growth, engagement rates, and overall performance.
7. Custom Reports
Every business has unique needs, and sometimes, predefined reports might not cover all the bases. Hootsuite allows users to create custom reports, choosing the metrics that matter most to them.
Integrations Aplenty
For those who use various tools in their digital marketing stack, this Hootsuite review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the myriad integrations available, from CRM systems to content discovery tools.
1. CRM Integrations
The ability to link Hootsuite with popular Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems like Salesforce and HubSpot allows businesses to streamline lead tracking. As leads interact on social media platforms, their activities can be logged into the CRM, ensuring a unified view of customer interactions.
2. Content Discovery and Curation
Integrations with platforms such as UpContent and Feedly simplify the content discovery process. Businesses can source trending articles, videos, and more, making content curation a breeze.
3. Social Advertising Tools
Platforms like Brandwatch and AdEspresso integrate seamlessly with Hootsuite, allowing users to create, monitor, and optimize social media advertisements from the Hootsuite dashboard itself.
4. E-commerce Platforms
For businesses that have an e-commerce component, integrations with platforms like Shopify ensure that product launches, customer reviews, and sales can be monitored and promoted efficiently through social channels.
5. Collaboration Tools
Hootsuite’s compatibility with tools like Trello and Slack means that social media campaigns can be planned, discussed, and executed collaboratively. It brings the power of teamwork directly into the social media management space.
6. Analytics and Measurement
While Hootsuite has its own robust reporting system, integrations with Google Analytics and Adobe Analytics provide an added layer of depth to data interpretation. Businesses can correlate their social media performance with website metrics, giving a holistic view of their digital presence.
7. Customer Support and Feedback
Connecting tools like Zendesk or SurveyMonkey allows brands to handle customer queries, complaints, or feedback directly through Hootsuite, ensuring a rapid and efficient response mechanism.
Marc’s Take:
Hootsuite’s strength doesn’t just lie in its standalone capabilities but also in its ability to integrate with other critical business tools. This seamless connectivity ensures that businesses can manage almost every facet of their digital presence from a single dashboard, making Hootsuite not just a tool, but a digital command center.
Hootsuite’s User Experience
New users often rave about Hootsuite’s simplicity and I found the same while experimenting. The drag-and-drop features, easy account toggling, and centralized inbox make social media management a breeze.
1. Setting Up Hootsuite: A Walk in the Park
Embarking on your Hootsuite journey is refreshingly straightforward. With a user-centric onboarding process, Hootsuite guides its users step-by-step, ensuring a hassle-free setup that even those new to social media management tools can navigate with ease.
2. Linking Your Social Accounts: Seamlessness Defined
One of the foundational steps in using any social media management tool is linking your social profiles. Hootsuite simplifies this with an intuitive interface, where users can quickly connect their various social media accounts, be it Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or others, in just a few clicks.
3. Bringing in Additional Tools: Easy App Integrations
Hootsuite’s App Directory is a treasure trove of integrations. But what stands out is the effortless experience of adding new apps to your dashboard. With clear instructions and prompts, integrating tools like Google Analytics, WordPress, or Canva becomes a task that’s both quick and straightforward.
4. Overview of Your Content Calendar: Staying On Top
One of the many challenges of social media management is keeping track of what’s being posted when. Hootsuite shines here with its visual content calendar. At a glance, users can view, edit, and rearrange scheduled posts, ensuring they have a clear picture of their content strategy for the days, weeks, or even months ahead.
Marc’s Take:
One of the standout points I’ve found in this Hootsuite review is its commitment to user-friendliness. While Hootsuite is packed with features, its intuitive design ensures that complexity never becomes a barrier. From setup to daily operations, Hootsuite’s ease of use is apparent, making it a favorite among both novices and seasoned social media professionals.
Hootsuite’s Analytics and Reporting Brilliance
Hootsuite offers detailed analytics. Track your growth, post engagements, audience demographics, and more, ensuring your campaigns are data-driven and effective.
1. A Cut Above: Twitter Analysis with Hootsuite
When it comes to Twitter metrics, Hootsuite truly stands out. Beyond the usual retweets and likes, it delves deeper, offering insights into user engagement, sentiment analysis, and influencer identification. This comprehensive view ensures brands can harness Twitter’s potential to its fullest.
2. Dissecting Content Performance: In-depth Analytics
For any business, understanding the impact of content is paramount. Hootsuite offers detailed content analytics, shedding light on which posts resonate the most, the best times to post, and the type of content formats that engage audiences. This means more informed content strategies and better results.
3. Crafting Customized Reports: Tailored Insights
Hootsuite understands that businesses have unique needs. Its reporting tool allows users to create custom reports, choosing metrics that matter the most to them. Whether it’s a monthly overview or a deep dive into a particular campaign, crafting reports is intuitive and results-driven.
4. Enriched Data: Extending Capabilities through Apps and Tools
Hootsuite’s ability to integrate with other analytics platforms amplifies its reporting prowess. By connecting tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics, users can correlate social media performance with web metrics, offering a 360-degree view of their digital landscape.
Marc’s Take:
In the realm of social media management, actionable data is king. This section of our Hootsuite review underscores its commitment to delivering powerful analytics and reporting tools. With Hootsuite, businesses aren’t just tracking numbers; they’re deriving insights, strategizing effectively, and achieving measurable results.
Hootsuite’s Stellar Support
1. Diverse Knowledge Base: Self-help at Its Best
For those who prefer finding solutions on their own, Hootsuite offers an extensive knowledge base. Filled with articles, tutorials, and FAQs, users can quickly find answers to common questions, troubleshooting steps, and best practices to optimize their experience.
2. Live Chat Assistance: Real-time Problem Solving
There’s undeniable comfort in knowing that help is just a chat box away. Hootsuite’s live chat support ensures that users can get immediate assistance with any challenges they might face, making the platform more accessible and user-friendly.
3. Webinars and Training Sessions: Mastery through Learning
Hootsuite goes the extra mile by offering regular webinars and training sessions. Catering to both beginners and advanced users, these sessions cover a range of topics, from basic setup and operations to intricate strategies for social media success.
4. Community Forums: Peer Insights and Shared Experiences
The Hootsuite community forum is a vibrant space where users from around the world discuss, share, and learn from one another. Whether it’s a unique challenge someone faced or a novel use-case, the community often offers valuable insights and solutions.
5. Dedicated Account Managers: Personalized Guidance
For businesses that opt for premium plans, Hootsuite provides dedicated account managers. These experts not only help with platform-specific queries but also offer strategic advice, ensuring businesses make the most out of their social media efforts.
6. 24/7 Helpline: Around-the-Clock Support
Understanding the global nature of social media and the diverse time zones of its users, Hootsuite offers 24/7 helpline support. This ensures that no matter when an issue arises, assistance is always available.
Marc’s Take:
A platform’s features can be groundbreaking, but without robust support, users might find themselves stuck and searching endlessly on the internet for help. This section of our Hootsuite review shows the platform’s unwavering commitment to its user base. Hootsuite doesn’t just provide a tool; it ensures users have all the resources and assistance they need for a seamless experience.
Comparison
When stacked against competitors, Hootsuite stands tall. Its mix of affordability, features, and customer support makes it a preferred choice for many.
Hootsuite vs. The World: A Comparative Analysis
1. Hootsuite vs. Buffer
- Usability: Both tools offer intuitive interfaces, but while Hootsuite provides a comprehensive dashboard that aggregates feeds and activities, Buffer emphasizes a streamlined approach primarily for scheduling and posting.
- Features: Hootsuite offers a broader set of features including social listening and deeper analytics. Buffer, on the other hand, shines in its simplicity and efficient content scheduling.
- Pricing: While both tools have tiered pricing models, Buffer’s straightforward plans might appeal to small businesses or individual users. Hootsuite, with its extensive features, can offer more value to larger teams or businesses looking for in-depth analytics and management.
2. Hootsuite vs. Crowdfire
- Usability: While Hootsuite offers a feature-rich interface, some users might find it a bit cluttered. In contrast, Crowdfire provides an intuitive, sleek design that many find easy to navigate, especially for those new to social media management tools.
- Features: Hootsuite boasts a suite of tools covering everything from post scheduling to analytics. However, Crowdfire shines in its content curation capabilities, making it easier for users to discover and share relevant content tailored to their audience. Additionally, Crowdfire’s “Smart Posts” feature optimizes post times to enhance engagement.
- Pricing: Hootsuite has varied pricing tiers catering to different business sizes, but Crowdfire’s flexible pricing model, along with its unique features, offers value that many individuals and budding businesses might find more cost-effective and suitable for their needs.
2. Hootsuite vs. Sprout Social
- Usability: Sprout Social offers a clean and modern interface that some users might prefer. Hootsuite’s interface, while packed with features, may have a steeper learning curve.
- Features: Both platforms offer robust features, including scheduling, analytics, and social listening. However, Sprout Social tends to focus more on team collaboration and CRM functionalities.
- Pricing: Sprout Social generally comes in at a higher price point, given its advanced CRM features. Hootsuite offers a broader range of pricing options suitable for both small businesses and larger enterprises.
3. Hootsuite vs. SocialBee
- Usability: SocialBee offers a user-friendly experience with a focus on content categorization and recycling. Hootsuite, while comprehensive, requires a bit more acclimatization.
- Features: While Hootsuite provides a holistic social media management solution, SocialBee is more content-centric, emphasizing evergreen content and post recycling.
- Pricing: SocialBee’s pricing is based on content categories and integrations, while Hootsuite’s pricing considers features and the number of social profiles.
4. Hootsuite vs. Agorapulse
- Usability: Agorapulse boasts a user-friendly interface that’s straightforward to navigate. Hootsuite, with its multifunctional dashboard, may seem busier in comparison.
- Features: Agorapulse and Hootsuite both offer scheduling, analytics, and social listening. However, Agorapulse’s emphasis on competitor analysis might give it an edge for businesses keen on market positioning.
- Pricing: Both platforms offer a range of pricing options, but Agorapulse’s pricing is typically higher, reflecting its in-depth competitor analysis tools.
Marc’s Take:
Hootsuite, without a doubt, is a powerhouse in the realm of social media management. While its comprehensive feature set stands tall, the right tool often depends on specific business needs, team sizes, and budget considerations. This section of our Hootsuite review aims to provide clarity, but the ultimate decision always rests on what aligns best with a business’s goals and operational nuances.
Who is Hootsuite for?
From solo entrepreneurs to global corporations, Hootsuite is tailored for anyone keen on leveraging social media to its full potential.
Hootsuite’s Target Audience: Is It Right for You?
1. Small Business Owners
For entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to expand their digital footprint, Hootsuite offers a cost-effective and efficient way to manage multiple social media platforms. With its tiered pricing options and user-friendly dashboard, it makes social media management approachable even for those new to the digital realm.
2. Large Enterprises & Brands
With its robust analytics, extensive integration options, and team collaboration features, Hootsuite is aptly equipped to handle the complex demands of large enterprises. Brands looking for deep insights, competitor analysis, and a unified platform for global teams will find Hootsuite to be a perfect ally.
3. Digital Marketing Agencies
Agencies managing multiple clients’ social media accounts can benefit from Hootsuite’s ability to handle numerous profiles and its detailed reporting capabilities. The tool simplifies content scheduling, monitoring, and reporting, ensuring agencies can offer top-notch services to their clientele.
4. Social Media Enthusiasts & Influencers
For influencers and content creators, staying engaged with their audience is paramount. Hootsuite not only aids in scheduling content but also in monitoring mentions, tracking engagement, and understanding audience sentiment. It’s a one-stop solution for influencers looking to optimize their online presence.
5. Non-Profits & Community Organizations
Hootsuite offers special plans for non-profits, recognizing the importance of these organizations in community building and outreach. By streamlining their social media efforts, Hootsuite ensures these entities can focus on their core mission while maintaining an active and engaging online presence.
6. Educational Institutions
Educational entities, be it schools, colleges, or e-learning platforms, can leverage Hootsuite to disseminate information, engage with students, and monitor relevant online discussions. The platform aids in creating a cohesive communication strategy, vital for educational success in today’s digital age.
7. Freelancers & Consultants
Individual professionals offering consultancy services or freelancing can harness Hootsuite to build their brand, engage with potential clients, and establish thought leadership in their domain. With its affordable options and scalability, Hootsuite grows alongside one’s professional journey.
Marc’s Take:
It’s evident that the platform’s versatility makes it suitable for a diverse range of users. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a part of a global enterprise, or anywhere in between, Hootsuite’s comprehensive toolset ensures your social media management needs are covered.
Benefits of Hootsuite
The Many Benefits of Hootsuite
1. Centralized Management
One of Hootsuite’s most notable strengths is its ability to aggregate various social media platforms into a single dashboard. This centralized approach allows users to manage multiple accounts effortlessly, eliminating the need to constantly switch between different platforms.
2. Robust Analytics
Understanding social media metrics is essential for any successful campaign. Hootsuite offers comprehensive analytics that delve deep into user engagement, post performance, and ROI, enabling businesses to fine-tune their strategies based on data-driven insights.
3. Time-Saving Scheduling
For businesses juggling a myriad of tasks, Hootsuite’s scheduling feature is a boon. Users can plan their posts in advance, ensuring consistent engagement with their audience and freeing up valuable time for other tasks.
4. Enhanced Team Collaboration
Larger organizations and agencies can benefit immensely from Hootsuite’s team features. Task assignments, workflow approvals, and shared content libraries ensure that team members can collaborate seamlessly without overlapping efforts.
5. Social Listening Capabilities
In today’s digital age, understanding audience sentiment and staying on top of brand mentions is paramount. Hootsuite’s social listening tools allow businesses to monitor relevant conversations, track brand mentions, and gauge audience sentiment, ensuring they’re always in the loop.
6. Extensive Integrations
Hootsuite’s ability to integrate with a wide array of third-party applications means businesses can amplify their capabilities. Be it CRM tools, analytics platforms, or content repositories, Hootsuite ensures users have all the resources they need at their fingertips.
7. Enhanced Security
With features like two-factor authentication and team permissions, Hootsuite prioritizes security. Businesses can rest assured knowing that their social media accounts are safeguarded against potential breaches.
8. Continuous Learning Opportunities
Hootsuite’s dedication to user growth is evident in its offering of webinars, training sessions, and an extensive knowledge base. Users can continually upskill, ensuring they’re always making the most of the platform’s capabilities.
9. Customizable Dashboards
Every business has unique needs. Recognizing this, Hootsuite allows users to customize their dashboards, ensuring they have quick access to the tools and metrics most relevant to their operations.
10. Cost-Effective Solutions
With a range of pricing options, including a free tier, Hootsuite ensures that businesses of all sizes can access its features without breaking the bank.
Marc’s Take:
Our Hootsuite review emphasizes its multitude of benefits, each tailored to enhance the user’s social media management experience. Whether it’s the ease of use, the depth of analytics, or the collaborative tools, Hootsuite stands out as a comprehensive solution for businesses eager to optimize their digital presence.
Hootsuite: A True Jack-of-all-Trades in Social Media Management
In the dynamic world of social media, adaptability and comprehensiveness are key. Hootsuite emerges as a genuine all-rounder, seamlessly integrating with multiple platforms, offering in-depth yet user-friendly analytics, and scaling to meet the needs of both individual influencers and large corporations. Its combination of robust features, security, and dedication to user growth showcases its prowess not just as a tool, but as a comprehensive solution for all things social media.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
Is Hootsuite suitable for beginners?
Yes, its user-friendly interface ensures even beginners can quickly get the hang of it.
2. How does Hootsuite compare to free social media management tools?
While there are free tools available, Hootsuite’s range of features and integrations makes it a more comprehensive choice.
Can I manage paid social campaigns through Hootsuite?
Yes, Hootsuite allows management and analysis of paid ad campaigns across platforms.
Is Hootsuite suitable for small businesses?
Yes, Hootsuite has flexible pricing plans and a variety of features that can accommodate the needs of small businesses looking to streamline their social media management.
What social media platforms does Hootsuite support?
Hootsuite supports many social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest, among others.
Can Hootsuite schedule Instagram stories?
Hootsuite supports scheduling for Instagram stories, allowing users to plan their content in advance and post it at the optimal time for engagement.
