Keeping up with social media is a pain. There are trends to consider, rules to follow, content to generate, and data to track. And that’s not to mention the need to post consistently.
Thankfully, the right tools and processes can help you alleviate this pain and find success in all of the social media platforms that you use.
Here are five of my favorites to get you started.
Canva
Canva is, by far, the best tool for creating graphics, banners, videos, logos, and any other type of visual media. They have thousands of templates to spark your creativity. Plus, the free version contains enough graphics, photos, and other features to get the job done (and to make it look professional).
Or, if you want a little extra, their pro version is only $12.99 a month. With it, you get access to all their premium templates, icons, and much more.
Either way, it’s the best graphic design tool on the market today and should be in everyone’s toolbox.
Metricool
If you need an all-in-one scheduling tool, this is it. Metricool lets you schedule across platforms and connects to all the major social media sites today. And that includes LinkedIn and Google Business.
Their free plan allows you to manage one brand across platforms (except LinkedIn- you have to pay for that one) and up to 50 pieces of content a month. Therefore, it’s perfect for small businesses on a budget.
If you need more, they have paid options ranging from $18/month to $139/month (if paid annually). No matter the price, each one brings new features to the table.
Also, one of Metricool’s best features is its data analytics, which you can access directly from your dashboard. You get three months of data with the free plan, so there’s plenty of information to work with when planning your next social media campaign.
ChatGPT
If you get stumped on generating content ideas, ChatGPT can help. It’s the premier AI writing tool, and using it is as easy as typing in a few keywords and watching it go.
It can give you ideas for short-form content (like captions and product descriptions), long-form content (like video scripts and Facebook posts), and more. Plus, it’s completely free to use.
My only warning is that you never want to use ChatGPT results as-is. Always go through and edit it for clarity, check the facts, and put your spin on it to make it sound more like your brand and less like AI. However, remember that many others are likely using ChatGPT in the same capacity and you don’t want your posts to sound like everyone else’s.
Google Sheets
Like its Excel counterpart, Google Sheets is a free and easy way to create a content schedule, keep track of content production, organize ideas, and easily find what you need.
Another benefit of Google Sheets is the ability to collaborate with other people. By opening your document, you can gain insight into your content plan, get updates when pieces are finished or published, and keep your content team on the same page.
Excel doesn’t do that.
Meta Business Suite
If your social media is limited to Facebook and Instagram, you’ll want to activate your Meta Business Suite.
The Meta Business Suite is the best way to keep your social media contained within the Meta’s world, and it allows you to schedule posts, run ads, track data, answer messages, and keep your brand consistent. What’s more, you never have to leave your dashboard to do it.
It’s a one-stop-shop that lets you connect with customers across two of the biggest names in social media. Plus, it’s free and doesn’t punish you in the algorithm for using a scheduler.
Final Thoughts
Yes, keeping up with social media is a pain. However, when you have the right tools and resources, you can conquer the digital world like never before.
