Buffer vs. Hootsuite or something else?

Nate Holbrook Founder / CEO at Lilac

July 28th, 2015

I’m partial to Hootsuite because it’s the only social media management tool I’ve used. But I’m starting to see some other tools out there that people are raving about, Buffer included. What social media management tools have people found to be both easy to use and helpful in terms of the analytics it provides you after content goes out?

Kate Hiscox

July 28th, 2015

This is very timely as we're going through the same thing. We really like Sprout Social but its too expensive. Ideally, we're looking for something that will run all the major social media channels including LI. Would really love something that updated Angel.co but I don't think that exists currently. Would like analytics, auto scheduling, dynamic re-posts and so

Claude Théoret Founder CEO, Nexalogy

July 28th, 2015

HootSuite + the free apps in the app store solves a lot of the problems of hootsuite alone...

Antonio Santos Coordinator of the ATOS UK & IE, Social Media Center of Analytics

July 28th, 2015

Please don't compare the two... HootSuite is a more powerful resource than Buffer.

I'm using both... Buffer is extremely limited in their options

Todd McMurtrey Global Marketing Operations Manager | Digital Marketing at Medtronic

July 28th, 2015

From an analytics perspective, I've loved a system called NUVI (no affiliation - though I've recommended it so often that I should start asking for a commission at this point). It has all of the response/posting features as well, but it really excels in terms of data (and it is beautiful). I also like that it goes well outside of standard social platforms (FB/Twitter) and captures user conversation from across the web.

In past agency jobs I've used a lot of other platforms, but NUVI was by far my favorite. The only downside is that it is a paid service, but it still comes in much cheaper than R6 and Sprout if you plan to have multiple users.

Artem Petrov General Manager Mobile at Provectus Inc

September 15th, 2015

Buffer is great, indeed. Our SMM team at Provectus has long been using it. Initially, we had the same discussion on the tools, but the latest updated Buffer rolled out have pretty much won over any other tool.

It's the best in terms of UI/UX, which matters A LOT when you're dealing with multiple accounts. Even though Hootsuite seems to be better in integration. Would be great to have Instagram with Buffer, too, but as for now Hootsuite wins this one. Oh yes, and there's Pinterest, too.

There are these two dimensions with the two products: the scheduling and analytics. You have to stick to your priorities when choosing among them.

Anonymous

July 28th, 2015

Buffer is a great tool for what it does. But that is not social media management, per se. Buffer is great for allowing me to curate and share lots of great content across multiple accounts and networks with some analytics.

I haven't used Sprout for a few years but liked its style and access to analytics. I've always struggled with HootSuite. It's just too fiddly and ugly.

I'm back using Tweetdeck for one client which I am liking and I'm happy with the native tools for Facebook.

For extensions, the Shareaholic Chrome extension helps me share content on other platforms including Buffer, Flipboard and Tumblr.

https://www.shareaholic.com

Analytics - All the tools have useful post action analytics but you are locked into their tools and will only really give you insights for the updates done through their system which puts you at a disadvantage if you want to move around.

www.bit.ly has always been a great resource for tracking click data, coupled with GA for 'results' whilst I rely on the native apps for measures of reach and engagement.

For Analytics I also had to mention my company. BirdSong provides on demand analytics for Twitter, Instagram and Facebook - any account any size. I am happy to share more about it elsewhere. www.birdsonganalytics.com

Craig Conlee

July 28th, 2015

Buffer is more of a content curation tool. Almost like Feedly or Flipbook.

I like using Sprout Social. Its pricey, but its seriously so easy to use if you are looking to post intelligently.

David DeMember Co-Founder at Toi

July 28th, 2015

This is a great post on social software. It's not complete, but a nice overview of the categories of social.

http://www.convinceandconvert.com/social-media-tools/clearing-clouds-of-confusion-the-5-categories-of-social-media-software/

Anthony Miller

July 28th, 2015

Hi Nate! I used Buffer back in 09' for a few years then switched over to Hootsuite, and both have their own style. I appreciate the UI in Buffer to Hootsuite's, and have been thinking of switching back. Hootsuite will be rolling out an advertising beta feature sometime, so I'm in a holding pattern until I see what it's all about.

So, for me it's really a push. Wanna get in on this action @Buffer and @hootsuite?

helloandyhihi

July 28th, 2015

Buffer is an option with a great UI/UX and a simple, focused feature set, we use it for Arithmetic. Hootsuite is uglier, full of more complicated options, and we hated using it. For 99% of what we do with social media, Buffer rocks.

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