Managing social media can be overwhelming without the right tools. Two popular platforms that promise to streamline scheduling, analytics, and social publishing are Hootsuite and RecurPost. But which one is better suited for your needs as a business or social media manager? This comparison guide dives deep into both platforms to help you make an informed decision.
TL;DR
Hootsuite is a robust, enterprise-ready platform ideal for large teams and multinational brands that need comprehensive analytics and real-time collaboration. RecurPost, on the other hand, shines in its simplicity and powerful content recycling features, making it perfect for solopreneurs, small agencies, and SMBs. Your choice largely depends on whether you need deep analytics and integrations or a streamlined scheduler with evergreen content reuse. For budget-conscious users, RecurPost offers more than decent value at a lower price point.
1. Overview: Hootsuite and RecurPost in a Nutshell
- Hootsuite: Launched in 2008, Hootsuite is one of the earliest social media management platforms. It offers a wide range of features suitable for enterprise-level businesses, including team collaboration tools, in-depth social monitoring, and advanced analytics dashboards.
- RecurPost: Emerging as a more recent contender, RecurPost focuses on content automation and evergreen post recycling. It is ideal for businesses that want to publish consistent content without constantly creating new material.
2. User Interface and Ease of Use
Hootsuite: While powerful, Hootsuite’s dashboard can be overwhelming, especially for new users. It includes multiple tabs, streams, and integrations that present a steep learning curve.
RecurPost: RecurPost offers a cleaner, more intuitive interface. The user-friendly dashboard makes it easier for beginners to jump right in and start scheduling without much prior experience with social media tools.
3. Scheduling and Automation
Both platforms offer post scheduling, but the way they handle automation differs significantly:
- Hootsuite: You can schedule posts across multiple platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and YouTube. It supports team-based approvals and has a calendar view for better planning.
- RecurPost: Its standout feature is evergreen content recycling. Users can create content libraries that automatically republish content at intervals, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Verdict: If set-it-and-forget-it automation is your style, RecurPost is more efficient.
4. Social Media Platforms Supported
Hootsuite supports:
- Facebook (Pages and Groups)
- Instagram (Posts and Stories)
- YouTube
RecurPost supports:
- Facebook (Pages and Groups)
- Instagram (direct publishing supported for business accounts)
- Google My Business
Observation: While Hootsuite covers more traditional platforms, RecurPost offers something unique for local businesses by including Google My Business—a platform Hootsuite does not support.
5. Analytics and Reporting
Hootsuite: Known for powerful analytics dashboards and customizable reports, Hootsuite provides detailed insights that help you measure ROI, understand social engagement, and support campaign tweaks.
RecurPost: Offers basic analytics like post performance and engagement metrics. It’s enough for small businesses but may fall short for users who need granular data.
Verdict: Hootsuite leads in this area, offering deeper analytics ideal for data-driven decision-making.
6. Team Collaboration Tools
Hootsuite: This tool is built with collaboration in mind. It allows multiple team members, establishes roles and permissions, and even supports internal messaging to streamline content approval workflows.
RecurPost: Offers basic collaboration features, suitable for small teams. However, it lacks the sophisticated approval processes found in Hootsuite.
7. Pricing Comparison
Hootsuite:
- Free Plan: Limited to 2 social accounts and 5 scheduled messages
- Professional: $99/month
- Team: $249/month
- Business: $739/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
RecurPost:
- Free Plan: Includes 3 social accounts and 100 monthly scheduled posts
- Personal: $25/month
- Agency and Advanced: Starting at $66/month
Verdict: RecurPost is significantly more affordable. Ideal for freelancers, solopreneurs, and SMBs.
8. Customer Support and Resources
Hootsuite: Offers 24/7 support for business and enterprise plans, detailed help guides, and a certified academy for training and certification.
RecurPost: Provides responsive email support and an in-depth knowledge base. While lacking in chat or phone support, its simplicity makes assistance less often needed.
9. Unique Features
- Hootsuite:
- Social listening integrations
- Boosting posts with paid ads
- In-app message replies and team chat
- RecurPost:
- Evergreen content recycling
- Google My Business integration
- White label reports (in higher-tier plans)
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Hootsuite if:
- You manage large teams and need enterprise-level features
- Data analytics and social reports are crucial to your strategy
- You’re managing campaigns across multiple departments or regions
Choose RecurPost if:
- You’re an individual or small team focused on efficiency and automation
- You want to make the most out of evergreen content
- You’re looking for cost-effective scheduling with sufficient metrics
FAQ
1. Can I use both Hootsuite and RecurPost together?
Yes, though it may lead to redundancy. Some users use Hootsuite for monitoring and messaging, while relying on RecurPost for evergreen content automation.
2. Is scheduling to Instagram Stories possible?
Hootsuite supports Instagram Stories scheduling with reminders. RecurPost focuses on standard posts and may require manual steps for Stories.
3. Do both platforms support TikTok?
No, neither platform currently supports direct TikTok publishing as of the last update. Users generally use manual workflows via phone reminders.
4. Which tool is better for LinkedIn automation?
Both handle LinkedIn scheduling well, but RecurPost’s content libraries help maintain a professional presence with recurring value posts.
5. Is there a free trial available?
Yes. Hootsuite offers a limited 30-day trial on premium plans. RecurPost has a forever-free plan that’s quite generous and useful for testing.
Ultimately, choosing between Hootsuite and RecurPost boils down to your business size, goals, and budget. Each tool offers meaningful features—select the one that aligns with your unique workflow.