25 Best Social Media Marketing Tools for Small Businesses 2024
Updated: May 19
Photo by Hookle
Small businesses often face a unique challenge when it comes to social media marketing – they need to make a big impact with limited time and resources. To help them conquer this challenge, we've compiled a list of the 25 best social media marketing tools for small businesses in 2024.
These tools are designed to simplify the social media marketing process, save time, and drive results. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, these tools will make your social media journey smoother.
These tools are designed to simplify the social media marketing process, save time, and drive results
We've given priority to evaluating these tools from a small business perspective and just the key features of each tool. Therefore, once you have found say 1-3 tools you like, you should try them out yourself. Additionally, this list is presented without any ranking, specifically highlighting the features we believe are crucial for facilitating the ease of social media marketing for small businesses to succeed.
When we refer to small businesses, we're targeting entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, freelancers, micro-businesses, and other small business owners, typically involving fewer than 10 workers. While there are numerous comparisons of management tools for large enterprises, there's a gap in information for small-business owners.
Each of the tools we've reviewed excels in its unique ways and many times caters to specific niches. Undoubtedly, there are additional outstanding tools that haven't been included here, and we invite you to share your experiences if you've explored other social media management tools you think are a good fit for small businesses.
Tools evaluated
1. Hookle
Hookle, as our headline tool, is a fantastic starting point for small businesses. It's a user-friendly, AI-powered app designed for entrepreneurs. With its straightforward yet powerful AI features, including the AI writer and Image Suggestions, it stands out as the simplest and most user-friendly option in the market.
Hookle is a fantastic starting point for small businesses
Hookle simplifies the entire social media marketing process, starting from AI-generated ideas (Hookle AIDE) and posts to image suggestions and smart scheduling for auto-publishing at the best times across multiple social networks - all through a single mobile app. This reduces the time spent managing various platforms. Its mobile-optimized design and features ensure top performance and user-friendliness, making it the top choice for those who want to manage their social media marketing with one app and the freedom to work on the go.
Hookle offers both a free plan and a 14-day free trial for its paid plans. And even the paid plans are affordable, given the number of channels you can connect and the features they offer.
Pros:
AI-powered social media marketing app.
Extremely easy to use; perfect for beginners, entrepreneurs, and startups.
Generates and schedule entire posts across multiple platforms.
Time-saving features for busy small business owners.
Very budget-friendly option
Cons:
No desktop version is available.
May lack features necessary for larger businesses.
2. Hootsuite
Hootsuite is primarily designed for enterprises and medium-sized businesses, but it can also be useful for small businesses that have deep knowledge of social media marketing. This tool is a well-established player in the social media management arena.
It's a powerful tool that enables you to schedule and track posts across different platforms. While it might seem a bit complex at first, its features and analytics are a boon for those who want to take their social media marketing to the next level.
Pros:
A comprehensive social media management platform.
Allows scheduling and monitoring of posts.
Offers detailed analytics.
Supports integration with various social networks.
Cons:
No free version is offered, and the paid plans come at a relatively high cost.
May be overwhelming for beginners.
The mobile app has limitations
3. Buffer
Buffer is another popular choice for medium-sized businesses, but is also used by small businesses. It's known for its simplicity and ease of use. You can schedule and analyze your posts, making it a valuable tool for time-strapped businesses.
Pros:
User-friendly interface.
Allows scheduling and analytics.
Supports multiple social networks.
Offers a browser extension.
Cons:
The free plan has limitations.
The available plans are still relatively expensive.
The mobile app has some limitations
4. Sprout Social
Sprout Social is a comprehensive tool that offers a wide range of features. While its primary focus is on enterprises and medium-sized businesses, small businesses with a strong grasp of social media marketing can also find it valuable.
Although it comes at a higher price point, its robust analytics and dedicated customer support position it as a reliable option for businesses seeking a comprehensive social media solution.
Pros:
Robust social media management platform.
Provides in-depth analytics.
Excellent customer support.
Ideal for medium-sized businesses as well.
Cons:
Higher pricing compared to some alternatives.
May have more features than needed for very small businesses.
The mobile app may have features that suit better for enterprises
5. Later
Later is perfect for businesses that prioritize Instagram. It offers an intuitive content calendar and scheduling tools specifically tailored for this visual platform. Once more, Later primarily targets enterprises and medium-sized businesses, yet small businesses proficient in social media marketing can also benefit.
Pros:
Specializes in Instagram scheduling.
Visual content calendar.
User-friendly interface.
Free plan available.
Cons:
Focused on Instagram, so not ideal for businesses heavily reliant on other platforms.
6. SocialBee
SocialBee is designed to simplify the process of scheduling and recycling content across various platforms. It's a great choice for small and medium-sized businesses looking to maintain a consistent social media presence, especially on the desktop app.
Pros:
A comprehensive social media scheduler.
Offers content categories and recycling.
User-friendly interface.
Cons:
May lack advanced features required by larger enterprises.
No mobile app is available
There is no free plan, and the available plans are still relatively expensive.
7. MeetEdgar
MeetEdgar is all about automating your social media posting. It's good for businesses that want to recycle evergreen content and save time on scheduling.
Pros:
Automates social media posting.
Evergreen content recycling.
Saves time on content scheduling.
Cons:
May not offer the same level of customization as other tools.
There is no free plan, and the available plans are moderately priced.
8. Sendible
Sendible is a feature-packed social media management platform with a strong emphasis on analytics. It's suitable for businesses that need a comprehensive solution and if you love to analyze metrics.
Pros:
Robust social media management platform.
Offers a content calendar and scheduling.
Provides detailed analytics.
Cons:
Higher pricing compared to some alternatives.
May be overwhelming for beginners.
9. SocialPilot
SocialPilot offers a comprehensive range of features without compromises. It's an excellent option for medium-sized businesses, and it can also be suitable for slightly smaller ones, aiming to effectively manage their social media presence.
Pros:
Supports multiple social networks.
Offers detailed analytics.
Cons:
May lack advanced features required by larger enterprises.
A bit higher pricing compared to some alternatives
10. CoSchedule
CoSchedule is more than just a social media tool; it's a marketing calendar that helps businesses plan and execute their marketing strategies. It's suitable for businesses with a heavy focus on content marketing.
Pros:
Comprehensive marketing calendar.
Offers social media scheduling.
Integrates with popular platforms.
Ideal for businesses with a content-heavy marketing strategy.
Cons:
May have more features than needed for very small businesses.
Pricing can be on the higher side.
11. Loomly
Loomly is a collaborative content calendar and scheduling tool, making it a good choice for teams working on social media marketing. While it may not be the ideal choice for entrepreneurs, it can be a good fit for certain small businesses.
Pros:
Content calendar and scheduling tool.
Supports multiple social platforms.
Collaboration features for teams.
Suitable for medium-sized businesses.
Cons:
May not offer as many advanced features as some competitors.
Pricing may not be the most budget-friendly.
12. Agorapulse
Agorapulse is a feature-rich social media management platform with strong collaboration features, making it suitable for teams working on social media marketing.
Pros:
Robust social media management platform.
Offers content scheduling and analytics.
Collaboration features.
Cons:
Higher pricing compared to some alternatives.
May be overwhelming for beginners.
13. Brandwatch
Falcon.io now part of brandwatch is a powerful tool designed for businesses with advanced social media marketing needs like social media listening and analytics. It's suitable for businesses looking for a comprehensive solution, prioritize reputation management, and want to monitor brand mentions.
Pros:
Comprehensive social media management platform.
Offers content scheduling and analytics.
Supports multiple social platforms.
Ideal for businesses with advanced social media needs and shields from threats.
Cons:
Pricing may not be budget-friendly.
May have more features than needed for very small businesses.
14. SocialFlow
SocialFlow by Piano is all about optimizing your social media publishing for maximum impact. It's ideal for businesses that prioritize data-driven marketing strategies. Nevertheless, a strong grasp of social media marketing is required to effectively utilize this tool.
Pros:
Social media publishing and optimization tool.
Social account security management.
Streamlined workflow.
Real-time analytics.
Suitable for businesses with a focus on data-driven marketing.
Cons:
May not offer as many features as some competitors.
Pricing may not be budget-friendly.
15. BuzzSumo
BuzzSumo is a content discovery and research tool that's invaluable for businesses focused on content marketing. It helps you identify trending topics and content that resonates with your audience.
Pros:
Content discovery and research tool.
Helps identify trending topics.
Suitable for businesses focused on content marketing.
Cons:
Lacks social media management features.
May not be suitable for businesses without a strong content focus.
16. Crowdfire
Crowdfire is a versatile tool that caters to the needs of small businesses and entrepreneurs striving to make their mark in the digital realm. Its all-in-one approach simplifies social media management, saving you time and helping you make informed decisions to drive your brand's success. The mobile app add-on enhances the user experience, but the free version has certain limitations.
Pros:
Multi-Platform Management.
Content Scheduling.
Content Curation.
Competitor Analysis
Boost your visibility with well-chosen hashtags
Cons:
While Crowdfire is user-friendly, some features may take a bit of time to master.
The free version of Crowdfire has limitations, and the pricing for premium plans may not be budget-friendly for very small businesses.
17. PromoRepublic
PromoRepublic is a tool that combines social media scheduling with content creation. It's great for businesses that need visually appealing posts but have limited design resources.
Pros:
Social media scheduling and content creation.
Offers templates for various industries.
Suitable for businesses with limited design resources.
Cons:
May lack some advanced social media management features.
No mobile app is available
Pricing may not be the most budget-friendly.
18. Followerwonk
Followerwonk is now part of Fedica. It's a Twitter-specific tool that helps you analyze and research Twitter trends and influencers. It's perfect for businesses with a strong Twitter presence.
Pros:
Twitter analytics and research tool.
Helps identify influencers and trends.
Suitable for businesses heavily reliant on Twitter.
Cons:
Limited to Twitter analytics.
May not be suitable for businesses focused on other social platforms.
19. Tailwind
Tailwind is ideal for businesses that heavily use Pinterest and Instagram. It offers visual scheduling and analytics tailored for these visual platforms.
Pros:
Specializes in Pinterest and Instagram scheduling.
Visual content calendar.
Suitable for businesses with a focus on visual platforms.
Free plan available
Cons:
Primarily designed for Pinterest and Instagram, may not cater to other platforms.
20. Sprinklr
Sprinklr is a robust social media management platform suitable for large businesses with complex social media needs. Therefore, for small businesses looking to leverage Sprinkl, a strong understanding of social media marketing is essential to make the most of this tool.
Pros:
Comprehensive social media management platform.
Offers content scheduling and analytics.
Suitable for businesses with advanced social media knowledge and needs.
Cons:
Pricing may not be budget-friendly for small businesses.
May have more features than needed for very small businesses.
21. Lately
Lately is a platform with a unique approach to content creation and distribution. It's about making the most of your existing content and ensuring that your social media feeds are not only active but also filled with engaging and thought-provoking posts.
Pros:
Lately is renowned for its cutting-edge feature that transforms your blog posts, videos, and podcasts into engaging social media content. This not only saves time but also ensures a consistent and captivating online presence.
Lately provides an all-in-one solution for your multi-channel social media campaigns.
Lately offers insightful analytics and reporting tools to monitor your social media performance. Track audience engagement, measure the success of your campaigns, and make data-driven decisions to refine your strategy.
Cons:
Like many feature-rich tools, Lately may have a learning curve, especially for users new to content generation wizards and marketing automation platforms. However, the investment in time might pay off with good results.
While Lately offers a range of pricing plans, very small businesses with budget constraints may find some premium features to be relatively expensive.
22. StatusBrew
StatusBrew is not just a social media scheduling tool; it's a comprehensive solution designed to enhance your social media marketing efforts. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or part of a small team, StatusBrew can be your trusted ally in conquering the digital landscape.
Pros:
Save time and maintain a consistent online presence with StatusBrew's content scheduling feature
Offers a centralized platform to manage all your social media accounts.
Provides comprehensive analytics and reporting tools.
Cons:
Like most robust social media management tools, StatusBrew may take some time to fully grasp, especially for those new to such platforms.
While there's a free plan available, small businesses with more advanced needs may find that premium plans offer additional features that are beneficial but come at a cost.
23. eClincher
eClincher is not merely a social media management tool; it's a comprehensive solution that empowers businesses to succeed in the digital landscape. With its array of features, eClincher simplifies social media management, enhances engagement, and helps you make data-driven decisions for your marketing strategy.
Pros:
eClincher provides a centralized hub for managing all your social media accounts, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and more.
eClincher's visual content calendar offers a bird's-eye view of your content schedule, making it easy to plan, adjust, and maintain a cohesive online presence.
Gain valuable insights into your social media performance with eClincher's comprehensive analytics.
Cons:
eClincher's pricing may be a bit steep for very small businesses.
Users need to pay to get access to add-on services.
24. ContentStudio
If you want a dynamic tool that transforms your social media game, then consider ContentStudio. With its multi-channel publishing, content discovery superpowers, and seamless automation, it's your ticket to engaging content, effortless management, and a powerful online presence
Pros:
ContentStudio simplifies your social media management across various platforms.
Discovering engaging content is key to captivating your audience. ContentStudio’s content discovery feature equips you with trending and viral content within your niche.
Plan your social media content effectively with ContentStudio.io's visual content calendar. It provides a bird's-eye view of your posting schedule.
Cons:
ContentStudio pricing may be on the higher side for very small businesses with tight budgets.
While ContentStudio is user-friendly, its feature-rich nature may take some time to fully explore, especially for those new to social media management tools.
25. Post Planner
Post Planner is a comprehensive social media marketing solution meticulously crafted to elevate your engagement levels, expand your follower base, and enhance your revenue streams. While many social media tools primarily focus on post-scheduling, Post Planner is uniquely tailored to drive engagement.
Pros:
Post Planner simplifies posting calendar by allowing you to automate your posting schedule, ensuring consistent content delivery even during your busiest days.
Connect all your social profiles under one roof.
Post planning is not just about posting; it's about posting strategically to ignite conversations, capture attention, and build a loyal community
Cons:
Limited Advanced Features.
Post Planner's analytical features might be considered less advanced when compared to the comprehensive analytics offered by more feature-rich social media management tools.
Final Words
These 25 social media marketing tools for small businesses cater to various needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive social media management platform, a content creation tool, or a niche-specific solution, there's a tool on this list that can help you streamline your social media marketing efforts.
Remember that the right tool for your business depends on your specific goals and requirements. So, explore these options, take advantage of free trials where available, and find the one that suits your business best. Happy social media marketing!
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