Five top social analytics tools to refine your social media strategy

Looking to level up your social media game? Social media success isn’t just about posting great content; it’s about knowing what works and why.

That’s where social analytics tools come in. They track content performance and provide insights into what’s effective, giving you the data advantage needed for strategic business decisions.

The image below shows an example of a social analytics dashboard, illustrating how data from different platforms can be visualized to help you make informed decisions.

Image via Britopian

This article lists five top social analytics tools to refine your social media strategy. So, let’s get started.

Five top social analytics tools for marketers

Now, let’s explore the top social analytics tools that can truly elevate your social media strategy.

1) Social Status

Social Status is a tool designed for marketers and social media managers, whether you’re a small business owner or part of an enterprise team. If you want to measure the effectiveness of your campaigns, Social Status is one of the best choices for social analytics.

Image via Social Status

Key features:

Advanced full-funnel Social Metrics
Competitive Analysis
Custom Reports

Pros:

In-depth Analytics that help fine-tune social strategies.
User-friendly interface that doesn’t require a steep learning curve.
Detailed Reports that break down the data into actionable insights.

Cons:

No publishing or scheduling features as the tool’s focus is on analytics and reporting only.
Price might be a bit high for smaller businesses with a tight budget.

Pricing:

Free: $0
Micro: $9
Starter: $29
Pro: $49
Business: $99
Agency: $199

Image via Social Status

Usability: It’s super easy to navigate with a clean dashboard. You’ll be up and running quickly, especially if you’re familiar with other analytics tools.

2) Bulk.ly

Image via Bulk.ly

Next up is Bulk.ly. It’s a great tool for social media marketers and influencers who want to streamline content management. It allows users to schedule posts in bulk, making it ideal for time-saving and optimizing posting frequency.

With its detailed tracking features, Bulk.ly helps users assess content performance and improve engagement across social media platforms.

Key features:

Schedules posts and automates your social media campaigns
Allows users to see which hashtags are working and tracks their performance
Measures engagement rates and tracks how well your posts are doing over time

Pros:

Automates your social media tasks, letting you focus on other things
Compared to other tools, Bulk.ly offers great features at a lower price
There is no complex setup or learning curve—just sign up and start using it immediately

Cons:

Primarily works with Twitter and LinkedIn, so it’s not ideal for businesses looking to manage other platforms
While it’s excellent for scheduling, its analytics can be simpler than others

Pricing:

Without Bulkly: $5,998+ per year
Pro: $179 per year
Pro Plus: $369 per year
Pro Plus Agency: $1,399 per year

Image via Bulk.ly

Usability: The interface is simple and easy to use, making it easy for beginners to schedule posts or analyze hashtags.

3) Sprout Social

Image via Sprout Social

If you’re managing a large business or need a tool to handle multiple social media accounts, Sprout Social is just what you need.

It’s a powerful tool that caters to businesses looking to dig deep into social media analytics, manage customer engagement, and streamline their social strategies.

Key features:

Allows users to get detailed engagement, reach, and overall performance reports
Users can track mentions and conversations around your brand or industry
Lets you plan and schedule posts for maximum reach and consistency
Supports team collaboration, making it ideal for larger teams.

Pros:

Provides detailed insights and data to track performance and improve strategies
Offers responsive and helpful support to assist with any issues or questions
Easily integrates with various other tools

Cons:

It’s costly, especially for smaller businesses with limited budgets
It takes time and effort to master the tool, especially for beginners

Pricing:

Standard: $199 per seat/month (billed annually)
Professional: $299 per seat/month (billed annually)
Advanced: $399 per seat/month (billed annually)
Enterprise: Contact for custom pricing

Image via Sprout Social

Usability: The dashboard is user-friendly, though it might take time to learn its features.

4) Hootsuite

Image via Hootsuite

Hootsuite is a popular choice for all-in-one social media management, especially for businesses or managers handling multiple accounts.

Hootsuite makes it easy to schedule posts, track performance, and monitor social conversations from one place.

Key features:

Users can manage and monitor various social accounts in one place
Plan content weeks or months ahead using a drag-and-drop calendar
Track performance with detailed reports and insights
Makes collaboration easy, with shared access and the ability to delegate tasks

Pros:

It has a user-friendly interface, which is great if you’re new to social media tools
Customizable reports allow you to track engagement, follower growth, and more
It is affordable for small teams

Cons:

Limited functionality on lower tiers
It can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re just looking for simple scheduling

Pricing:

Professional: $99 per month
Team: $249 per month
Enterprise: Custom pricing (starts at 5 users)

Image via Hootsuite

Usability: Hootsuite is straightforward for managing a few accounts, though it has many features that can take time to master.

5) Buffer

Image via Buffer

Buffer is a versatile tool that fits well with small to medium businesses looking to streamline their social media strategy, allowing you to post consistently and engage with your audience more efficiently.

Buffer is great for simple scheduling and collaboration but lacks advanced features for deeper social media analysis. It’s best for teams that need efficiency, not in-depth social listening.

Key features:

Monitors brand mentions and discussions across social media, blogs, and news sites
Offers sentiment analysis, trend tracking, and competitive insights
Provides visuals and infographics to highlight trends and engagement patterns
Customizable dashboard to track brand or competitor metrics

Pros:

Buffer is user-friendly, making it suitable for beginners and small teams
Offers competitive pricing and free plans for basic needs, which makes it accessible for small businesses
With the content calendar, getting a big-picture view of your social strategy is easy

Cons:

Limited advanced analytics
No built-in social listening

Pricing:

Free: $0
Essentials: $5 per month (for 1 channel, billed at $60 yearly)
Team: $10 per month (for 1 channel, billed at $120 yearly)

Image via Buffer

Usability: It’s easy to use.

Choose the right social analytics tools for you

To wrap things up, choosing the right social analytics tools to refine your social media strategy is crucial for optimizing your approach.

The right tools can provide valuable insights, boost engagement, and help you tailor your content strategy effectively.

So, take your time, explore your options, and select the social analytics tools to refine your social media strategy that aligns with your goals and needs.