So you have been on social media for some time now… using Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and others, but there has to be a more efficient way to “manage” your efforts on these platforms…Right? Social Media Management Systems (SMMS) have been around for several years now, but over the last year to 18 months many of them have really made strides in functionality, and can prove to be a real benefit to an organization.
So how do you choose? Which one should you use?
Here are a couple of thoughts I have on the subject after demoing/using quite a few of the options.
- There is not a “one size fits all” – I will tell you now there is not a tool that does everything you want the way you want it. Remember you a subscribing to something that exist not building from scratch.
- Get use to using a 3rd party tool by trying out a free version – If you have not already, try a free tool. The features will be scaled back, but it will give you an idea of what you might like before you find yourself paying money. I would recommend the free version of Hootsuite, and even Tweetdeck.
- Dont get lost in the features, understand what you need and don't need – There are some amazing tools that do amazing things. Be sure you are filing your needs and not trying to stretch your needs to what a tool offers. The ROI of features you are not using or using effectively is $0.
- Your needs will evolve as will the platforms – You needs as an organization will change. Make sure you talk with the vendors about their product roadmap and what you can expect down the road.
- Value comes with adoption – Might sound obvious but these tools are only as good as the administrator(s). If no one uses them they are worthless.
Below is a simple chart you can take and use. I only charted the top-of-mind SMMS and compared their features (via their websites) – hopefully this will help you narrow in on what might be the best platform for you to start with/or features to research.
Now there are many, many other platforms and even features not listed below, again the goal is to find what works for you.
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Hootsuite does have YouTube integration?
Sorry I missed your comment. Yes, I believe it is though their App Directory.