1. The number one reason I signed up for HootSuite was the ability to schedule status updates. I like to create content for my social networks once a month. HootSuite allows me to select the day and time to publish a status update.
With a paid account, I am able to create a spreadsheet of status updates and upload all of them at one time. This HootSuite option is a bit quirky and requires a bit of patience in order to work successfully. With practice, I have been able to get adept at formatting the spreadsheet precisely to HootSuite specifications; this includes a date and time format, using a status update one time only, and no more than 40 updates.
2. I can see all my networks in one dashboard. Although I schedule content once a month, I log in frequently to socialize with my connections. Instead of logging into Twitter, networking, log out then logging into Facebook, networking, log out, etc. I log into HootSuite and network on each of my social networks.
This has an added benefit that if I see information one of my connections shared on Twitter, I can very easily share that information with my Facebook followers. For example, I see a Tweet I want to share, I click the “retweet” icon, HootSuite puts the content in the “Compose Message” window. Then I select the social networks I want the tweet to publish.
3. For $5.99 USD per month, I can manage an unlimited number of social networks. Therefore, I can manage all of my social networks and those of my clients. I am able to add Facebook groups and pages, LinkedIn groups and Twitter lists.
If you have been a HootSuite user for a while, some new features may seem unavailable. However, I found if I disconnected a social network, then reconnected I was able to take advantage of the new feature. For example, I connected my LinkedIn account before HootSuite added the feature to manage LinkedIn Groups. Once groups were added, I simply disconnected my LinkedIn account and reconnected. Upon reconnecting, I could add my LinkedIn Groups.
4. Multi-Virtual Assistant teams can add one of their VAs as a team member. You can decide which clients or networks the VA manages.
5. Want more in depth knowledge of HootSuite? For $21 USD per month they offer HootSuite University. You will learn social media strategies and you can earn a certification.
