Top 5 Social Media Management Platforms Every Beginner Should Try

Social media is not just a way to connect with friends; it’s a powerful tool for marketing and brand growth. For those just starting out, the sheer number of social media platforms can feel daunting. Social media management tools help simplify this complexity, providing users with the ability to manage various accounts, schedule posts, and analyze performance metrics from a single dashboard. Let's go over my pics for the top five beginner-friendly social media management platforms, highlighting their key features and benefits that can make your social media strategy more effective. Additionally, social media management is by far the easiest side hustle to start in the world of digital marketing so if you're looking to make some extra cash, keep reading.

1. Metricool

Metricool stands out with its simple interface and robust features designed especially for beginners. It allows users to manage multiple platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, YouTube, Bluesky, Pinterest, TikTok, and more all from one convenient place.

A key highlight of Metricool is its scheduling feature. Users can plan their posts in advance, ensuring they maintain a consistent online presence without needing to log in daily. If you're using Metricool to manage client accounts the scheduler will be your bestie. Notably, its analytics tools let users track important metrics such as engagement rates and audience reach, helping beginners understand what works best.

Metricool offers a free plan with essential capabilities, making it an ideal starting point. As users become more equipped, they can upgrade to paid options to access even more advanced features. This is the best deal I've seen for the features offered at this price point.

This is the ultimate side hustle. At the time of this post, I charge small businesses $297/mo for optimized daily posting that includes trending topics research, weekly analytics reporting, and competitor analysis. The profits are amazing since the platform only charges $22/mo($18/mo if you pay for the year) for access to manage 5 brands. Let me repeat that...I pay $22/mo but make $1,485/mo by managing 5 clients at $297 each. If that isn't motivation to start social media management as a side hustle then I don't know what is.

2. Vista Social

Vista Social is designed with usability in mind, especially for beginners eager to enhance their social media presence. Its content calendar feature allows users to visualize their posting schedule, which helps in balancing promotional content with engaging posts. Scheduling posts is what changed my thoughts about social media management. When I was posting on demand I dreaded it but once I began scheduling everything I realized I could actually turn it into a business and do it for businesses.

For instance, if you're planning to launch a new product, you might schedule engaging teaser posts followed by promotional ones to maximize reach. The platform also includes templates that simplify graphic creation, making it easy to produce visually appealing content quickly. Vista Social integrates with Canva which I have realized is a favorite amongst beginners. This makes it extremely easy to design and post from the same place. Anything that saves time is a win-win.

The analytics tools in Vista Social provide valuable insights, such as a 30% increase in engagement when specific types of posts are used. With affordable pricing plans, it's a great choice for novices looking to make a mark in social media. Additionally, as I mentioned earlier, social media management is an easy and low-cost entry into starting your own business or side hustle so don't overlook this idea.

3. Zoho Social

Zoho Social fits well within the broader suite of Zoho business tools, making it ideal for beginners who might also benefit from services like CRM and email marketing. A standout feature is its SmartQ function, which recommends the best times to post based on when your audience is most active. For example, if your audience is most engaged on weekends, this tool ensures you post at the right times. If you are using Zoho to start your side hustle the SmartQ feature can be offered as an upsell increasing your revenue from clients. I really like that Zoho Social goes with the Zoho ecosystem. Everything needed to run your business can be found withink Zoho's massive offerings.

The comprehensive analytics dashboard allows users to track growth metrics and engagement, providing the data necessary to refine their strategies. Especially beneficial for small businesses, Zoho Social’s integration with other Zoho applications streamlines overall business management while enhancing social media performance. This is one of the best dashboards I've seen. It's easy to digest and not too overwhelming which is good for beginners.

4. HubSpot

HubSpot is recognized in marketing circles for good reason, and its social media management tools are beginner-friendly. The platform enables users to schedule posts, track social media interactions, and review performance metrics. I love HubSpot. I've been using it for many years and it offers so much in one place that it's truly a one stop shop.

One unique feature is HubSpot's ability to integrate with other marketing tools, such as email campaigns and customer relationship management (CRM). This means beginners can easily create marketing strategies that connect all their channels. For example, if you send out an email newsletter, you can share the recap on your social media simultaneously. This is a game-changer when you're doing social media management as a side hustle or online business because it sets you apart from competition.

With a free plan available, HubSpot offers essential features that are accessible and valuable for anyone new to managing a social media presence. I ran my entire business on free tools until I could afford the $14/mo plan. If you're on a budget but need top features, start here.

5. Adobe Express

While not a traditional social media management tool, Adobe Express (formerly Adobe Spark) is perfect for those who want to spice up their social media posts with eye-catching graphics. Offering a vast selection of templates, design elements, and customization tools, it enables users, even those without a design background, to create professional-looking visuals. I use Adobe Express daily and it's my go-to for graphics creation.

For instance, you can easily resize graphics to fit different platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. This flexibility is crucial as content must be visually compatible with each platform's requirements to improve engagement rates. Many users report a 50% increase in likes and shares on visually appealing content. Being able to quickly resize graphics for posts across many different platforms is a must have and you'll agree it's worth the extra click.

Adobe Express complements your social media strategy by enhancing content quality, ultimately leading to better audience engagement. I've been using Adobe Express for a few years now and can't imagine using something else to create and schedule content.

At the time of this post, the Premium plan is only $9.99/mo and gives you access to manage 3 different brands. Remember when I said earlier that I charge businesses $297/mo for social media management? Yeah, apply that same strategy here to make an extra $891/mo with Adobe Express. Charge small businesses $297 for daily posting, trending topic research, and weekly analytics. Plenty of business owners are willing to pay in order to get their time back and grow their online presence. Find clients by posting your service on your own social media, messaging accounts that have low engagement, or by chatting with people you meet in person to uncover opportunities.

It's Time to Grow

Selecting the right social media management platform is essential for beginners aiming to build their online presence or start a business in social media management. The platforms discussed—Metricool, Vista Social, Zoho Social, HubSpot, and Adobe Express—each offer distinct features that cater to different needs and preferences.

Using these tools effectively can help automate your social media tasks, create engaging content, and analyze your performance metrics. As you start your social media journey, you'll want to test a few of these platforms to find the best fit for your needs. With the right support, you'll be well on your way to mastering social media management and establishing a compelling online presence and maybe even a new side hustle.

To learn more about how to make money online join our Discord for free resources.