Top 5 Free Tools Every Social Media Manager Should Use
Managing social media effectively requires the right tools to save time, improve productivity, and deliver better results. While there are countless options available, you don’t need to break the bank to get started. Whether you’re a small business owner, a freelancer, or a full-time social media manager, the right free tools can simplify your workflow and help you create better content without adding extra costs.
In this guide, we’ve curated five of the most powerful and versatile free tools, breaking down their benefits, limitations, and alternatives.
By the end of this post, you’ll have actionable insights into how each tool can enhance your social media game. Whether you’re looking to design standout visuals, streamline your posting schedule, or track campaign performance, these tools have you covered. Note, we aren’t affiliated with any of the following platforms, we’re simply shouting out what we use! Let’s get started.
1. Create Stunning Visuals with Canva:
Canva is a user-friendly graphic design tool that makes it easy to create professional-quality visuals for social media. With a vast library of templates, stock images, and design elements, Canva helps even non-designers produce eye-catching content. My personal favorite feature is that you can use the mobile app to edit designs on the go.
Pros:
Drag-and-drop interface that’s easy to use.
Extensive library of templates for various platforms (e.g., Instagram posts, Facebook banners, TikTok thumbnails).
Free version includes access to hundreds of templates and design elements.
Collaborative features allow teams to work on designs together.
AI-integration to help craft the perfect design (although it’s still in the early stages as of this article).
Cons:
Some premium templates and features are locked behind the paid version (Canva Pro).
Advanced design tools (e.g., vector graphics) are limited.
The free version only allows for 5GB of Cloud Storage, which may not be enough to keep all of your content.
Paid Version:
Canva Pro: $15/month or $120/year. Includes unlimited premium templates, access to brand kits, background remover, resizing tools, and a massive stock photo library.
Alternative:
Adobe Express is a design tool from Adobe that offers templates, stock images, and branding tools similar to Canva.
What Sets It Apart:
Seamless integration with other Adobe products like Photoshop and Illustrator.
Advanced editing capabilities compared to Canva.
Free version includes basic tools, while premium starts at $10/month with a free 30-day trial.
2. Buffer: Simplify Scheduling and Posting with Buffer:
Buffer is a social media scheduling tool that helps streamline the posting process. The free version allows users to schedule posts for up to three social accounts, making it perfect for small businesses or individuals.
Pros:
Clean, intuitive interface that’s beginner-friendly.
Provides post-scheduling for major platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Basic analytics included in the free version.
Basic AI integration.
Cons:
Free version limits the number of scheduled posts to 10 per account.
Advanced analytics and team features require a paid plan.
The free plan could be an issue for businesses with more than three accounts.
Paid Version:
Essentials Plan: Starts at $5/month or $60/year for unlimited posts, advanced analytics, and link shortening.
Alternative:
Later specializes in visual social media scheduling, especially for Instagram and Pinterest.
What Sets It Apart:
Drag-and-drop visual planner lets you preview your Instagram feed before scheduling.
Paid plans start at $16.67/month for more features like analytics, link-in-bio page, and hashtag suggestions.
3. Track Website Traffic from Social Media with Google Analytics:
Google Analytics is an essential tool for tracking how your social media efforts drive traffic to your website. By setting up specific parameters, you can measure the effectiveness of individual campaigns and posts.
Pros:
Completely free with robust tracking capabilities.
Provides insights into user behavior, demographics, and traffic sources.
Allows you to track conversions and set measurable goals.
Extremely reputable name-brand.
Cons:
Steep learning curve for beginners.
Requires proper setup to track social media campaigns effectively.
Paid Version:
Fortunately, Google Analytics is free for most users. For enterprises, Google Analytics 360 starts at $150,000/year for advanced features and support.
Alternative:
Matomo is a privacy-focused analytics tool that provides detailed insights into website traffic and user behavior.
What Sets It Apart:
100% data ownership and GDPR compliance.
Easier to use for small businesses that want a more focused dashboard.
Free version available for self-hosting, with cloud plans starting at $26/month. Plans go up after 100,000 hits.
4. Grammarly: Craft Polished Copy with Grammarly:
Grammarly is a free writing assistant that helps you produce error-free, engaging copy. Whether you’re writing captions, blog posts, emails, or ad copy, Grammarly ensures your text is clear and professional. I recommend Grammarly for everyone, even if you’re not the main person posting on social media.
Pros:
Detects grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors in real time.
Offers tone suggestions to improve the readability of your content.
Free version covers basic grammar and spelling.
Can be used across apps and websites.
Cons:
Advanced suggestions (like style or tone) require a Premium subscription.
May not integrate seamlessly with all social media scheduling platforms.
Paid Version:
Grammarly Premium: Starts at $12/month (billed annually) for advanced writing suggestions, tone adjustments, and plagiarism detection.
Alternative:
Hemingway Editor is a desktop and web app that simplifies your writing by focusing on readability.
What Sets It Apart:
Highlights complex sentences and suggests easier alternatives.
No subscription required; one-time cost of $19.99 for the desktop app.
Best for making copy concise and accessible.
Premium version includes AI integration and other features.
5. Trello: Stay Organized with Content Planning with Trello:
Trello is a project management tool that can be adapted for social media planning. Its visual, card-based interface makes it easy to organize ideas, track progress, and collaborate with team members. While Trello can be useful for individuals, if you have a social media team or multiple collaborators, Trello can come in handy.
Pros:
Flexible and highly customizable.
Ideal for brainstorming, content calendars, and team workflows.
Free version includes up to 10 boards per workspace and unlimited cards.
Unlimited activity log.
Cons:
Lacks built-in social media integrations for scheduling.
Can get cluttered without proper organization.
More suited for teams and multiple collaborators.
Paid Version:
Trello Standard: Starts at $5/user per month, with features like unlimited boards, advanced checklists, custom fields, and better collaboration tools. However, if you plan to pay for Trello, I’d opt for the Premium option for $10/user per month for data export, more viewing screens, unlimited automation, and AI integration.
Alternative:
Asana is a robust project management tool that helps teams collaborate on tasks and timelines.
What Sets It Apart:
Built-in timeline and workflow tools for more structured project tracking.
Better suited for larger teams and long-term projects.
Free plan supports up to 15 team members, with premium plans starting at $11/month per user.
In Conclusion…
These free tools—Canva, Buffer, Google Analytics, Grammarly, and Trello—provide a solid foundation for managing social media efficiently. Each tool offers premium upgrades for additional features, but even their free versions deliver incredible value for beginners and experienced social media managers alike. Feel free to pick and choose what will work best for you, and don’t be afraid to explore the alternatives, all are great options! By leveraging these resources, you can save time, improve your workflow, and focus on creating content that drives results. Remember, the best tools are the ones that you enjoy using consistently!
Finally, you’re ready to take your social media management to the next level, 9fiftyfour Social can help with tailored strategies and professional support. Book your free consultation today, and let’s build your brand together!
