With so many platforms and so many metrics, it’s difficult (if not impossible) to manage a brand’s online presence without the help of a social media management system. But finding the best tool can be a daunting task in and of itself – not to mention, learning how to make the most of it once you’ve made a decision and an investment.
In the words of Melissa Ayluardo, Likeable’s Associate Director of the social team, choosing the perfect tool is a lot like buying a car: You need to test-drive a few models, but no matter your budget, you can find one that will take you where you need to go. And Likeable’s team of pros can help take your new ride, so to speak, from the parking lot to the racetrack.
But first, you’ve got to find the tool that works for you. Here’s everything to know about two of our favorites.
Sprinklr
Cost: Sprinklr’s one of the pricier tools out there, but users love its versatility, quality, and associated customization options. You can contact the service for a full quote, but expect to pay a first-time implementation fee of around $25,000 and a monthly cost of approximately $12,000.
Features: An extensive and customized tagging system, fully customizable dashboards, up to 5 million listening mentions, competitor analysis, and collaborative tools including a shared inbox and content calendar.
Platforms: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest.
Limitations: Instagram Reels, Instagram Live, and Facebook Stories. Also, TikTok (although a Sprinklr representative says this tool is coming soon!).
Our final thoughts: If you can swing it, there’s a reason Sprinklr comes with such a hefty price tag. It offers more metrics and covers more platforms than any other tool out there. There’s very little that this service can’t do, but because it comes with so many features, you’ll want to make sure you’re utilizing it to its full potential and getting the most bang for your buck. (And – psst – that’s where we can come in.)
Sprout
Cost: Sprout has an option for every budget. There’s the cost-effective Standard plan ($89 a month), Professional ($149 a month, and the service’s most popular offering), and Advanced ($249 a month, and our personal favorite). You can also enjoy a 30-day free trial, no matter which plan you choose.
Features: Up to 10 social profiles, collaborative tools including content calendars and a shared inbox, tagging capabilities, and customized moderation of social channels.
Platforms: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest.
Limitations: LinkedIn tags, Instagram Reels, Instagram Live, Facebook Stories, TikTok, Carousel and video pins on Pinterest.
Our final thoughts: Sprout might be less flashy, but it’s still customizable, sleek, and useful – and we especially love its visuals. If you’re looking to migrate to a new tool or start completely from scratch, Likeable can also help you set up your Sprout account and onboard quickly and efficiently.
Beyond Sprinklr and Sprout
Ultimately, deciding on a tool comes down to two things: your budget and your brand’s specific needs. Whichever service you land on, you’ll want to purchase several seats so numerous team members can log on at once.
Cost-wise, there are several tools that sit somewhere between the above options. Options include Khoros, Social Studio (however, this is set to dissolve in late 2023) and Dash Hudson. The latter has limitations when it comes to tagging, and doesn’t pull in paid Instagram comments or DMs; we’ve also found that the former has limitations when it comes to reports. (Namely, they can’t be exported after three months.) But all four of these tools work across all the major social media platforms aside from TikTok, and all of them have customization options.
Here at Likeable, we’re well-versed in practically every tool out there – and we can work with you to make the most of the one you choose, whether that means onboarding onto a new platform, using a tool’s features and analyses to connect with new audiences, or just navigating the wonderland that is Sprinklr. Interested in learning more? Get in touch today.