Buffer
Buffer is a mobile app that allows users to schedule social media posts across some of the most popular social media networks. The app works in a very similar way to the company's website, which allows users to customize messages for multiple platforms while still scheduling everything from a central area.
- Allows posting to multiple social media networks
- Features an easy-to-use queue for scheduling posts
- Allows for customization of messages across multiple platforms
- Small business and pro versions available
- Connects to all of the major social media networks
- Actual posting interface is easy to use
- No real need to upgrade unless you are planning more than 1,000 posts ahead
- Good default tools
- Easy to switch between profiles
- Interface isn't always easy to use
- Too many features locked behind pro/small business versions
- No free analytics
- Pinterest posting isn't on by default
- Support is mediocre
- Constant attempts to upsell
Posting to a social media platform is easy. Keeping a regular posting schedule, though, is tough - especially if you are trying to make the most out of multiple platforms. A huge issue for businesses and online personalities alike, the fact that all of the platforms are so closed off from one another has traditionally made it very time-consuming to hit one's posting schedule. Fortunately, Buffer has stepped in with an app that makes it easy to post and schedule all of your content from a single app. Buffer's not a particularly fancy app, and that's part of the charm. With a single click, you can open up a text window that will allow you to post your content to any accounts that you have connected to your Buffer profile. Enter your text, attach a picture, and hit the button - your message will be simultaneously posted across every account you've decided to add. If you take a little more time, you can even customize your message for the various social media accounts. The real benefit of Buffer isn't the ability to post to multiple accounts, but rather the ability to schedule that post. Buffer allows you to create a queue of messages, which can be very useful if you are trying to hit certain targets. The average user will be able to set up over a month's worth of posts without any trouble, though there are pro and small business plans for which you can pay that will allow you to fill your buffer with thousands of posts. Buffer isn't without its problems, and most of them can be tracked back to those higher account levels. The company seems to be int he process of stripping content from the base version, which will make it necessary for more people to pay than necessary. The total lack of analytics is a real problem at the free level - you'll have to pay the small business rate to get those numbers, which really isn't necessary for most. Locking such important features behind an incredibly expensive monthly fee just doesn't make sense. Buffer is a good app that suffers slightly from being a bit too greedy. If you just need to post to multiple accounts and schedule your posts, it's a good fit. If you need data, though, there are better places to look.