So you've listened to all the social media gurus and set up profiles on all the relevant social media networks for your business. And now you are likely pulling your hair out trying to manage updates to Facebook, Twitter, your blog and more. Social media management software programs, such as HootSuite, can really improve communications and increase efficiency, as well as provide a means to measure and manage networks through one central dashboard. By monitoring all communication in one place, brand management is accomplished more effectively and responses can happen in real time.

Hootsuite allows managers to integrate all of their social networks, including Twitter, Facebook, Google +, Foursquare, WordPress, MySpace and Mixi. HootSuite also includes an app directory to add even more social tools and applications into the mix. Unlike some other dashboard platforms, HootSuite provides detailed analytics on all social media networks included in the dashboard. Metrics include Facebook insights to monitor "likes," fan counts and shared posts, Twitter profile stats, Google Analytics and more.

HootSuite Teams even allow managers to designate permissions by individual role, allowing for greater control and accountability within the social space. HootSuite also increases the collaboration capabilities within the office with Conversations, a tool that allows employees to engage and chat within the HootSuite dashboard and even share posts and messages from the network. The tool is fully mobile and compatible on most major devices.

HootSuite offers three plans with varying levels of features. The basic plan is free and includes monitoring for five platforms, conversations, basic analytics, scheduling and unlimited apps. The basic plan does not include team members, however, so if limited access is desired, permissions would need to be controlled internally. The Pro Plan is $9.99/month and features a 30-day free trial. It includes all of the features of the basic plus one additional team member, unlimited social profiles, advanced scheduling, unlimited RSS feeds, Google Analytics and Facebook insights integration, as well as support and educational training. The most advanced option is the Enterprise Plan, which includes the most comprehensive support, analytics and targeting options.

Signing up for HootSuite is fast and easy. Choose your plan and click the sign-up link for a free or Pro account. (An Enterprise account requires a little more, and you will be contacted by a representative to set up your account and discuss pricing.) Enter your name, email, password, region and promo code, if applicable. You may also sign up with a third-party account such as Facebook or Google.

Once logged in, you will then be directed to start adding your social networks. You can choose a suggested network or browse the directory to find a profile of your choice to monitor. You will need to give authorization, and then HootSuite will import settings and information right into the dashboard as a separate tab. Be sure to click on any groups and apps from your network that HootSuite finds that you want to include on your dashboard as they will not be imported automatically. Make sure you see the green check mark. You can also add apps, such as Instagram, YouTube and Blogger.

Messages can be composed right from the Getting Started tab or from the status bar at the top of the screen, can be scheduled to send at a later date and include an attachment or a link. You can also choose which networks to send messages to by clicking the profile in the dropdown next to the Compose Message field. The left-hand navigation includes quick links for analytics, settings, the app directory, the publisher screen to compose and schedule multiple messages and the stream screen to monitor your networks.

HootSuite is a comprehensive social media management tool that provides insight and capabilities into your business strategy. Try it out for yourself at hootsuite.com.

Did you find this article useful? Yes | No