A few weeks back I posted about a sore throat hack -- and most of the comments I got from followers was asking how we were feeling, since we were obviously sick! I loved the caring messages so much, but the timing was a bit off. I had written the post a few weeks before when we actually were sick!
So, the secret is out, I use online programs to schedule my posts! For anyone running social media pages that want to be more proactive on posting, here are some programs I've used. Now instead of scrambling to post the day-of, I can put all of the information together in one place, and the program uploads the post at the desired time.
Later.com
Free Features
As of today, I only use the free version of this program. They recently decreased some of their perks for the Free Subscriptions, but it works well enough for me (for now)! An idea of how this program helps me:
- Multi-Profile Scheduling: 10 posts per social media channel each month. This allows me to be ahead on my scheduled posts about 1-2 months. If you are needing more posts, you can upgrade to the paid options, or refer friends to the program to earn more posts.
- Social Media Programs: I use Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Instead of having to post on each site individually, I drop all of the information into the Later scheduler and they auto-publish my post and content at the date and time I choose. Later also posts to TikTok and LinkedIn, but I don't use those channels.
- Linkin.bio: Instagram doesn't allow for external website links in posts, so this gives a way around that. Direct followers to click on the link in your bio, which will pull up your post feed, and make them direct links. I have mine linked to specific website posts.
- Saved Captions: Instead of reinventing the wheel, use the same captions for each social media profile. Or if you have a certain style of post, it's a great way to make a template (website link, disclaimers, ads, etc.). Then you aren't having to rewrite the same information.
Subscriptions with Additional Features
Later.com has other paid subscription options with additional features. I can see how they would be helpful, and will be looking into paying for those as this blog and our social media channels grow. These extra features, and their categories include:
- Planning and Scheduling: Hashtag suggestions, adding text to images, extra media storage
- Instagram-specific: Location and user tagging, auto publish carousel posts, stories, best time to post suggestions, first comment
- Linkin.bio: Customizable color, featured YouTube video
- Analytics: Twitter and Pinterest Analytics
- Instagram-specific: Story performance, audience insights, hashtag analytics, performance report
- Collecting Content: Tags, search by profile, search by hashtag, mentions, contributors
- Engagement: Conversations
- Team Management: Access groups, share calendar, calendar notes
- Support: Human support, live chat
Facebook Creator Studio
I haven't used this program in a few years, but it still seems to be a great option for scheduled posting. The biggest issue for me is that it only includes Facebook and Instagram. Pinterest is where the most of my website traffic comes from, so that's why Later is a better choice for me. But if you are only using programs in the Meta universe, it's a great option and has more free tools than Later if you are more ingrained in the Facebook sphere. For example, Creator Studio connects with your monetization settings, if you are selling product on Facebook.
Note: If you are wanting to share the same content on Facebook and Instagram, you must create the post on the Instagram tab and share to Facebook (option is at the bottom of the creation page). It will not work sharing Facebook to Instagram.
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