This blog originally appeared on the site of Buchanan Public Relations – our Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) affiliate from Philadelphia. PRGN is a connected network of 50 public relations firms serving key markets around the world. The author is
Today’s digital landscape is chaotic, with more social media platforms than ever before and the number of users continues to climb. But with social media platforms frequently updating their algorithms to prioritize non-business content, it’s hard for business pages to cut through the noise organically. Here’s some good news: there are hundreds of tools to help you amplify your social media presence, that won’t break the bank in the process.
Below are seven of the best social media management and content marketing tools and resources. And best of all, they are free to use.
Google Analytics
This is one of the most valuable and widely-used tools for analyzing and measuring your social media marketing efforts. Google Analytics can tell you just how many people visited your website from social media sites, which pages they frequented, how long they stayed on a page and much more. All you need is a working website to set up the tool, and you’ll be on your way.
TweetDeck
This is a great tool to help you remove some of the extra noise on Twitter and focus solely on the people and posts relevant to your brand. With TweetDeck, your feed is segmented into four columns: page, notifications, messages and follower activity. Each of these sections can be further customized and tailored to fit exactly what you want to see, or exclude, in your feed. Looking for a tweet from 2016 you’ve been mentioned in? There’s a simple, user-friendly control for that.
Canva
Another way to capture a user’s attention is through graphics. Canva will make you feel like a graphic designer with its free stock photos and simple templates for creating beautiful images. Get your creativity on and start designing eye-catching graphics to accompany your social media posts.
Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn’s Native Analytics Tools
These social media channels are extremely user-friendly, and the same goes for each site’s built-in analytics and insights tools. If you’re looking for a quick rundown on how your social posts are doing month-to-month, the demographics of your viewers and what times work best to post, look no further than your own platform’s analytics tool.
Keyword Planner
Unable to sign up for an expensive SEO service to help you determine keywords to use for your business? No problem. Google’s Keyword Planner is a great place to start. Just enter the words or phrases related to your business, and the planner will queue up hundreds of keywords, the number of monthly searches they’re in, how competitive each word is and more. Keyword Planner allows you to create campaigns and reports, as well.
Social Media Examiner
Have a question about a new social media trend or update? Social Media Examiner has the answer. It offers how-to articles, starter guides, tools and two weekly podcasts to help you hone yourskills. For free, you can also receive a copy of its latest social media marketing industry report, as well as access to upcoming industry events and webinars.
Skillshare
For $15 per month or $99 per year, you can sign up for thousands of online courses in just about any topic you’d like. Want to learn more about SEO, Google Analytics, social media or graphic design? There are hundreds of comprehensive video courses for each. OK, so this one isn’t completely free, but there are some classes and three-month trials you can take free of charge.
What’s your favorite social media management tool? Tell us below
Glad to see that, in the ever ending battle between Hootsuite and Tweetdeck, that the latter comes out on top!
I’m obsessed with Canva. It really changed the LCI Instagram game. I’m eager to explore Social Media Examiner and Skillshare. Great tips!
Very helpful – thanks for the tips.
Thank you so much to our Philadelphia PR partner, Buchanan Public Relations, for this primer on social media management tools. I’ve loved Hoot Suite for years, but they are beginning to offer less and less analysis due to privacy issues. Google Analytics is still the big megillah and I’m going to try some of the other suggestions as well. And Buchanan team – we’re delighted that you’re a part of our Public Relations Global Network. Cheers, David
Love TweetDeck. Otherwise it’s just so much noise. Thanks for sharing!