Why Small Businesses Should Use Scheduling Tools
Small businesses have to be smart and efficient with their time if they want to succeed. This means that using social media scheduling tools is a must. By using these tools, you can plan your posts ahead of time and make sure they are seen by the right people at the right time.
This blog will discuss what scheduling tools are, why they matter, and how best to use them to your advantage.
What Are Social Media Scheduling Tools?
Basically, social media scheduling tools are apps that allow you to schedule your content ahead of time. This means that on a Monday, you can plan for your post to go out on a Friday down to the minute without even logging into your social media platform on that Friday.
However, scheduling is just one feature that these tools include. Depending on which app you use, they can also include these features:
post timing optimization
link management
analytics
adding location
tagging
alt tags
Why Do They Matter?
They matter for a number of reasons. One of them might be obvious: small businesses don’t usually have the time to post on their social media manually.
If you read our blog, you will notice that our advice to grow your brand on any platform is to post frequently and consistently - which isn’t always possible
They matter for a number of reasons… and one of them might be obvious: small businesses don’t usually have the time to post content manually.
Posting manually means that you have to log into your account, post your platform-specific content, then log into your other social media account, post content that is specific to that platform, and then do this process over and over depending on how many different social media accounts you have. Not only that, but posting manually means that you have to stop everything you’re doing to post at an optimal time (the time when your audience is most likely on their own social media and are ready to engage).
Having a scheduling tool matters because it means that you can set time aside in the beginning of the week to schedule your content for the following seven days (or more if you’re feeling ambitious), and have the rest of the week to focus on your business.
Another reason why they matter is because of their additional tools:
Post timing optimization is a huge one, because it allows you to skip the research process you would normally have to do in order to track when would be the best time to post your content. Post timing optimization does all the work for you.
Link management is another great one because it allows you to shorten your links so that they don’t take up too much space and repel your audience.
Analytics are an amazing resource if your scheduling tool provides you with them. They provide a lot of insights into your audience’s behavior and how they react to your content.
Adding location, tagging, and alt tags are great brand awareness and engagement features that (if they’re included) you should definitely consider using.
How To Use These Tools To Your Advantage
Plan ahead - don’t wait until the last minute to post your content
Make a schedule and stick to it
Be aware of the best times to post on different platforms
Create high-quality content that people will want to share
Analyze your results and keep track of your progress
Need Further Guidance?
You can schedule a free consultation with Jamie Cocco, Founder of Empowered Social Media. We are always excited to help small businesses start and grow on social media, from offering social media tips to giving advice on what type of content can strengthen your social media marketing! We are here to help.
