Buffer vs Later: Social Media Scheduling Showdowns

Introduction

Social media marketing has become a crucial aspect of any digital marketing strategy. With the rise of multiple social media platforms, managing and scheduling content across these channels can be daunting. This is where social media scheduling tools like Buffer and Later come into play. This article will compare and contrast Buffer and Later, two leading social media scheduling tools, to help you choose the best one for your needs.

Overview

Buffer

Buffer is a popular social media management tool that allows users to schedule posts, track analytics, collaborate with teams, and engage with their audience. It supports various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. Buffer's intuitive interface and ease of use have made it a favorite among individuals and small businesses.

Later

Later is a social media marketing platform designed specifically for visual content, such as images and videos. It offers a range of features tailored to Instagram and Pinterest, including visual planning, hashtag suggestions, and analytics. Later's strength lies in its focus on visual content and its ability to help users create and schedule visually appealing posts.

Feature Comparison

Scheduling

Both Buffer and Later allow users to easily schedule posts across multiple social media platforms. Buffer offers flexible scheduling options, including the ability to schedule posts in advance, set recurring schedules, and bulk schedule content. Later, on the other hand, excels in visual planning, providing a drag-and-drop calendar that allows users to visualize their content calendar.

Content Curation

Buffer has a built-in content discovery tool that helps users find and share relevant content from across the web. It also offers integration with Feedly and Pocket, making it easy to curate and schedule content from various sources. Later, while not having a dedicated content curation tool, allows users to save and schedule content directly from within the platform.

Analytics and Reporting

Buffer provides detailed analytics and reporting on post performance, allowing users to track metrics such as engagement, reach, and clicks. It also offers insights into audience behavior and helps users optimize their social media strategy. Later, while not as comprehensive as Buffer in terms of analytics, offers basic performance data and insights into post engagement and audience demographics.

Collaboration and Team Management

Buffer offers collaboration tools that allow multiple users to work together on content creation and scheduling. It supports roles and permissions, enabling seamless team collaboration. Later, on the other hand, has limited collaboration features, making it more suitable for individual users or small teams.

Visual Planning and Design

Later excels in visual planning and design, with features like a drag-and-drop calendar and visual planning tools. It allows users to create and schedule visually appealing posts, especially for Instagram and Pinterest. Moreover, Later offers image editing tools and filters to help users enhance their content. Buffer, while not as visually focused, offers basic image editing capabilities and supports integrations with third-party design tools.

Integrations and API

Both Buffer and Later offer integrations with a wide range of third-party apps and services, including CRM, analytics, and marketing automation tools. Buffer's open API allows for further customization and integrations with other platforms. Later's integrations primarily focus on visual content and include tools like Unsplash, Canva, and Dropbox.

Pricing and Plans

Buffer and Later offer different pricing plans to cater to various user needs.

Buffer:

• Buffer: Free plan with limited features
• Essentials: $6 per month with basic scheduling and analytics
• Team: $12 per month with team collaboration and advanced analytics
• Agency: $99 per month with full-service features and unlimited users

Later:

• Free: Free plan with limited features
• Starter: $15 per month with basic scheduling and analytics
• Growth: $40 per month with advanced scheduling and analytics
• Advanced: $80 per month with full-service features and unlimited users

Pros and Cons

Buffer

Pros:

• Easy to use and intuitive interface
• Flexible scheduling options
• Comprehensive analytics and reporting
• Strong collaboration tools

Cons:

• Limited visual planning features
• Fewer integrations compared to Later

Later

Pros:

• Excellent visual planning and design tools
• Focus on Instagram and Pinterest
• Image editing and filtering capabilities

Cons:

• Limited collaboration features
• Less comprehensive analytics and reporting
• Higher pricing plans

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between Buffer and Later depends on your specific needs and preferences.

• If you prioritize visual planning, image editing, and a focus on Instagram and Pinterest, Later is the better choice.

• If you need advanced scheduling options, comprehensive analytics, collaboration tools, and a wide range of integrations, Buffer is the recommended choice.

• If you're a small business or individual with a limited budget, Buffer's Essentials plan provides a balance of features and affordability.

• For larger teams or agencies with a focus on visual content, Later's Advanced plan offers a comprehensive suite of features tailored to their needs.

Conclusion

Buffer and Later are both excellent social media scheduling tools that offer unique strengths and features. Understanding the differences between these two platforms will help you make an informed decision and choose the tool that best aligns with your specific requirements. Whether you prioritize visual content or comprehensive analytics, both Buffer and Later can empower you to effectively manage and grow your social media presence.