When it comes to technology, we are lucky there are so many online options to help us manage a career. From page management on social media networks to running an entire business remotely, a lot can be accomplished with apps and devices. Each year brings a new crop of social media tools to help the self-employed. Check out some of the leading apps for 2019.
Keeping track of a business or professional page is one thing, but tracking post reach and engagement is what drives a brand. Facebook Pages Manager is the backend office for page administrators. The look and feel of Pages Manager is similar to the actual Facebook app, which makes it very user friendly. The biggest difference between the normal Facebook site and this app is you can get managerial information regarding posts and interactions. The app's homepage provides ratios, reach information, and more. Pages Manager can allow singers to track and manage up to 50 pages at any given time. This is a free app, which can make it a great tool for small business owners or new entrepreneurs.
2. Hootsuite
For managing Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook at the same time, Hootsuite might be the perfect tool for you. From Flickr to YouTube to Instagram, Hootsuite allows singers to schedule and track content for 35+ media channels at any time. In addition to providing valuable insight on page reach and engagement, Hootsuite can also provide information to help you make the best decisions for your business. They provide real-time analytics which allows you to track each piece of content on your networks. Additionally, Hootsuite can be an ideal investment for individuals working around the world. The company has 500 locations and provides service to over 175 countries worldwide. If you find Hootsuite having a technical issue while abroad, customer service is likely just a call away. Hootsuite offers a free 30-day trial to allow users to get to know the platform. After the initial trial, plans run at $29 per month for a professional account (1 user, up to 10 social media profiles, and unlimited scheduling). If you are looking to just managing your personal page or a single business, Hootsuite also offers a limited plan that allows you to manage up to 3 pages and schedule up to 30 posts at a time. Hootsuite is a great option if you are singer who's managing personal and professional pages, as well as a business pages such as a private voice studio.
3. TweetDeck
Do you rely heavily on Twitter? If so, TweetDeck is the tool for you! Similar to Facebook Pages Manager, TweetDeck was developed as a Twitter-only management tool. To keep singers ahead of the trends, TweetDeck maintains a flexible queue for subscribers. This feature means posts can be scheduled and organized so they are distributed to the correct audiences at the right time. In addition, the management tool keeps users as up to date as possible. It provides real-time notifications when any content from you or your business receives a reaction, comment, or mention on another page. TweetDeck is a free service. This would be a good investement for an emerging singer who is trying to get their name out there, but may not have a significant budget to invest in marketing.
4. Iconosquare
If Instagram is your preferred platform to connect with your business or personal page, this is a great tool for you. This program offers guidance on what posts are the most successful, which can inform your future business decisions. It also allows you to view separate categories to track engagement, analysis, and management in posts. To stay on par with your brand, you can also use Iconosquare to help design templates for landing pages that fit your brand. In addition, Iconosquare helps you identify influencers and segment them accordingly. With help from this feature, you can see who is following you back. Like Hootsuite, Iconosquare offers a 14 day free trial to get to know the program.
5. Buffer
This tool is used by over 4,000,000 marketers worldwide, and the number continues to grow each year. Buffer provides quick and easy scheduling for Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google+. Similarly to the other tools listed, Buffer allows users to track analytics of each social media channel for easy review. What makes Buffer stand out is their ability to provide excellent visual enhancements (GIFs, video, etc.) to add to your content. In addition, a Pablo Image Creator is also available. This helpful tool gives you access to 600,000+ images to create posts that captivate and engage visitors. Buffer offers a variety of plans, including a free plan as well as monthly subscriptions for as low as $15 per month.
Before investing in social media tools, it is important to sit down and make a plan. Ask yourself if you would like to market on multiple channels or just focus on one. To get a feel for which tools might be best for your needs, consider signing up for a trial subscription. Many of these programs offer a free trial period, and during this time, you can make important decisions on how these tools will help propel your brand forward.