Managing social media as a small business can feel like a juggling act, right? There’s posting schedules, engagement, and analytics that all have so many moving parts. Thankfully, in 2024, there are more free tools than ever to help lighten the load. I’ve been there, and I understand how important it is to find tools that don’t eat into a tight budget. So, here’s a roundup of some of the best free options that I’ve personally found useful and think you’ll appreciate too.
1. Buffer (for scheduling)
Buffer has been around for a while, but it’s still one of my go-to tools for scheduling posts across platforms. The free version lets you schedule up to 10 posts per platform, which is great for businesses just getting into the rhythm of posting consistently. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to organize content in advance. It’s perfect if you’re managing a couple of accounts and don’t need anything too complex.
2. Canva (for design)
Canva comes in handy for almost anything graphic design. The free version offers hundreds of templates for social media posts, stories, and ads. It’s super easy to customize images, even if you’re not a design pro. Canva is definitely a must-have for creating eye-catching content that keeps your brand looking polished.
3. Hootsuite (for managing multiple accounts)
If you’re handling several accounts, Hootsuite’s free plan is solid. It allows you to manage up to two social profiles and schedule five posts at a time. Sure, the limit might feel tight if you’re scaling up, but for small businesses, it’s a practical solution for keeping things streamlined. Plus, you get basic analytics so you can track what’s working.
4. Google Analytics (for social traffic insights)
Speaking of tracking, you really can’t talk about analytics without mentioning Google Analytics. It’s free, powerful, and it gives you a detailed view of how your social media efforts are driving traffic to your site. I always recommend linking your social profiles to Google Analytics so you can see what content resonates most with your audience and adjust your strategy accordingly.
5. Later (for Instagram-first scheduling)
Later is perfect if you or your client are primarily focused on Instagram. The free plan allows you to schedule up to 30 Instagram posts a month. You can also visually plan your feed, which is such a great way to make sure your grid looks cohesive. I also love the free Linkin.bio tool they offer. It acts as a mini landing page where you can add multiple links, similar to what Linktree does.
6. HubSpot CRM (for social media monitoring)
Even though HubSpot is primarily known for its CRM, the free version has a decent social media monitoring feature that allows you to track engagement across multiple platforms. This is ideal for keeping an eye on conversations around your brand or industry without spending a dime. It’s definitely a useful bonus if you’re already using their CRM tools.
7. Bitly (for tracking links)
I’m sure you’ve used Bitly before, but it’s worth mentioning because link tracking is essential for measuring your social media success. Bitly lets you shorten URLs and track how many clicks they get. This is super useful for figuring out which posts are driving traffic. The free version gives you a pretty solid breakdown of performance metrics.
8. Trello (for content planning)
When it comes to planning out content, I love using Trello. It’s a simple project management tool, but it works wonders for social media calendars. You can create boards for different campaigns, collaborate with team members, and move tasks around as needed. For businesses managing their own social content, it’s an easy way to stay organized and on track.
Conclusion:
Using free tools is a smart way to get the most out of your social media without a huge investment. Of course, as your business grows, you might want to upgrade to paid versions for more features. But for now, these tools can absolutely help you manage your social media effectively. Whether it’s scheduling posts, designing visuals, or analyzing performance, there’s no shortage of great free options in 2024.
Ready to Grow Your Social Media & Ads Sales?
