There are pros and cons to using scheduling apps for your social media, but they certainly do help.
We all want to save a bit of time here and there whenever we can, right? So why not schedule social media posts using apps and get them out of the way?
Let’s start with the downside.
Social platforms don’t like scheduling. The whole point is to get you onto their website and be social.
Facebook, in particular, can be pretty ruthless. If you use an outside scheduler, they will put a wee message somewhere on the post that says “posted via (e.g.) Hootsuite” or something similar.
Also, and again more so with Facebook, your scheduled post can have a reduced reach.
However, the upside to scheduling is that you can batch your posts and do the whole lot in one sitting. It’s also a handy tool when you want to go on holiday, or you know you have a busy week ahead.
I suggest that you restrict the scheduling to a week’s worth at a time.
You can always do more, but keep them in a folder on your computer ready to go.
Tip: In these changing times, don’t ever schedule a post that is to do with current events. By the time it gets published, the information may be outdated.
So which apps are the best?
Facebook has its own scheduling platform, and if you use it, you won’t get penalised in any way. You can also use it for Instagram. However, if you want to make full use of the 30 hashtags allowed for Instagram, you will have to make two different entries. (Only use three hashtags for FB).
You will find it in the Meta Business Suite. The menu on the left shows the Planner, which is a calendar. Here you can create your posts to schedule. Once you have completed the post, click the arrow next to the word “Publish”, and you will be able to set the time and check the date.
As for the other platforms, e.g. LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok and even YouTube, I recommend Publer. Again they have a calendar option. You do need to know your 24 hour clock times, but that’s what you have fingers for!
1 p.m. = 13 etc.
Once you get the gist of scheduling posts, it does make the job easier. However, and I am stressing this, always go into your social media, preferably at least once a day, to reply to comments and have some social interaction.
I can certainly help you with your social media, blog, and newsletter. Please click through to my services HERE.