Buffer, a social-media dashboard app for iOS and Android, now lets you schedule Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn updates to post at specific times. CIO.com blogger James A. Martin says Buffer won't replace his favorite social-dashboard app, but it's still worth a look. Buffer, a Web-based, social-media dashboard, just updated its Android app. The new software lets you easily schedule Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn updates. And the Buffer iOS app should also get the new features in the near future. Scheduling your social-media updates for a specific date and time is useful. For instance, you can write a bunch of updates for your business Facebook page before leaving for vacation, so they post while you’re sipping a margarita on the beach. I’ve been using the scheduling feature in HootSuite, a similar social-media dashboard, for several years and love it. Like HootSuite, Buffer can automatically space out your social-media posts. (You can also elect to post updates immediately.) You’re much more likely to increase viewership and engagement if your updates are spaced out through the day, rather than posted all at once. Using the Android app, you can easily create posts based on content you discover in Flipboard, Zite, Feedly, Google Currents, your Web browser and other installed apps. Buffer also shows you analytics for each post. For example, you can see the number of retweets, favorites, replies and views for each tweet, along with the potential audience–your total Twitter following. Buffer’s analytics are slightly more detailed than what you get with HootSuite. (I didn’t test Buffer on iOS.) Buffer has a clean, simple interface that’s easy on the eyes thanks to lots of clean white space. The free version isn’t as generous as HootSuite’s free option, however. I use HootSuite to monitor five social-media profiles, including two Facebook accounts, for free. Buffer’s free plan only lets you add one profile per network. Buffer’s paid plan costs $10 per month and lets you add up to 12 social media profiles. If you’re trying to boost your social media profile, and you’re often on your Android or iOS device, give Buffer a try. Personally, I prefer HootSuite, and I appreciate the ability to monitor multiple streams (say, my Twitter retweets and mentions) at a glance. (Screen shot by Buffer, Inc.) Related content brandpost Sponsored by Palo Alto Networks Operational technology systems require a robust Zero Trust strategy in 2024 Zero Trust provides a foundation for creating a stronger security posture in 2024. By Navneet Singh, vice president of marketing, network security, Palo Alto Networks Dec 05, 2023 6 mins Security brandpost Sponsored by AWS in collaboration with IBM How digital twin technology is changing complex industrial processes forever As the use cases for digital twins proliferate, it is becoming clear that data-driven enterprises with a track record of innovation stand the best chance of success. By Laura McEwan Dec 05, 2023 4 mins Digital Transformation brandpost Sponsored by AWS in collaboration with IBM Why modernising applications needs to be a ‘must’ for businesses seeking growth Around one-third of enterprises are spending heavily on application modernisation and aiming for cloud native status. The implications for corporate culture, structure and priorities will be profound. By Laura McEwan Dec 05, 2023 5 mins Digital Transformation opinion 11 ways to reduce your IT costs now Reorienting IT’s budget toward future opportunities is a big reason why CIOs should review their IT portfolios with an eye toward curbing unnecessary spending and realizing maximum value from every IT investment. By Stephanie Overby Dec 05, 2023 11 mins Budget Cloud Management IT Governance Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe