Keeping up with social media trends isn’t easy. Not only do the platforms change rapidly, but mobile device hardware and apps change with it. Luckily, some devices and apps are more helpful than others when it comes to staying updated with social media. If you need some help managing your platforms, here are just a few to get you started:

Hootsuite

Hootsuite is an old hand when it comes to social media management, but it’s still a useful tool. Hootsuite allows you to link multiple Twitter accounts so you can manage more than one account at a time. You also can create feeds for specific hashtags you want to follow. Furthermore, Hootsuite lets you schedule tweets to be posted at certain times. This means you can plan out your day or week on Hootsuite, and then let it post your tweets for you.

Buffer

Similar to Hootsuite, Buffer lets you plan tweets and then post them at designated times throughout the day so you don’t constantly need to check in. Buffer also can be linked with Facebook, Google + and LinkedIn. Instead of visiting each site individually, you can set what links and messages you want posted at different times. With Buffer, you can devise a strategy for your day, making it a great tool if you don’t want social media to become your life.

Plus, with the release of iOS 8, Buffer is finally optimized for the iPad, reports Macworld. Buffer developer Andrew Yates explains that they did not just want to make a larger version of the app for the iPad, but rather an optimized app for the larger screen.

Bitly

Bitly essentially is a way to share and save your favorite links from around the web. It links to Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Google + and LinkedIn. Not only can you manage much of your social media outreach, but you also can see your stats. This app works well on Apple and Android and can be linked to your blog. This means you can be in control of all your platforms from just one screen. With Bitly, you can analyze and understand your audience so you can produce a more fulfilling product.

As a bonus, you also can shorten links so you can pack more into every tweet or message you send out.

Sprout Social

Sprout Social lets you monitor brand keywords, track social trends and publish your social messages seamlessly between all devices. This service gets deeper into the nitty-gritty statistics of who you’re targeting and the success you are having. For businesses that rely on a firm social media presence, Sprout Social is a premier option.

Sprinklr

Another leader for businesses when it comes to social media is Sprinklr. Similar to Sprout Social, Sprinklr consolidates many different social media platforms under one roof and then tracks how they perform. It has attracted big clients such as Microsoft, Samsung and Dell, making it a business leader.

With their social engagement and moderation tools, Sprinklr gives your community managers what they need to handle large volumes of social media interactions while still observing analytics to ensure the quality of interactions your business requires.

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This article is published by Will Sherwood | The Sherwood Group |Website Design | Graphic Design | Marketing Communications: The Sherwood Group has over 30 years of experience working with all sorts of companies, small and large. Our clients range from entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 firms, in nearly every business sector, from across the street to around the world (and yes, even Europe, China, and South America). Our goal is to create advertising,  graphic design, website design, and marketing communication that still looks fresh and relevant 10-15 years later. Our mission is to stir your imagination and leave your competition shaken and wondering,  Now what do we do?”  We are located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

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