Social Media Management Tools: HootSuite

Posted on 09. Mar, 2010 by Krista Abbott in Business Tools, Facebook, Social Media, Syndication, Techie Stuff, Tribes, Twitter

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How to stay active in all your social media outlets and still be productive in your business.

It seems one of the most challenging things for any entrepreneur or busy professional is the task of effectively and efficiently managing the social media platforms while still getting “real business” done.   Honestly, social media is a HUGE key in building your business and is one of the primary places “real business” occurs, but that’s another blog post for another day!  :-)

Today, I want to focus on your social media platforms and time management.

There is so much you can do with social media to help you grow your business or get your message out, but if not managed correctly, it can be a time eating monster!!  Social media is fun, engaging, and an awesome way to build relationships, so it’s easy to spend way too many hours on  Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, You Tube, or any of the other popular social media outlets.

Recently, a friend asked me how I manage to stay connected and active with all my social media accounts on a consistent and continual basis while still getting important things done.   I shared my secret with him, and today I am going to share it with you.  Are you ready?

It’s HOOTSUITE!!!!  And…you can see it in action in my video below…

Well, there you have it.  Hootsuite is my secret tool for staying active in social media all day long without even being in front of my computer.  A few hours on the weekend to set up and schedule my tweets, facebook status updates, facebook  business page updates (aka: “fan page”), and even my linked in updates and I’m rolling in activity and driving traffic all week long!

Now I still spend some “live time” on these sites periodically throughout the week, in the evenings and on weekends when I have some spare time.  This is when I usually have my responses, and do some re-tweets, etc.  I have another amazing tool (TweetDeck) that I use for those “live social media actions”…again, that’s another post, for another day.  :-)

So, what do you do to manage your time on social media?

Drop down below and let me and the community here, know your tips, secrets, and tricks to being active AND productive with social media.

To YOUR Social Media Success!!!

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57 Responses to “Social Media Management Tools: HootSuite”

  1. Val Wilcox

    09. Mar, 2010

    Krista,
    Thank you for explaining HootSuite! It’s so much easier for me to learn how to use a new tool for Social Media when the steps are laid out.
    I appreciate you for sharing this information. I will definitely use this,
    Val :)
    .-= Val Wilcox´s last blog ..The Power of YOU! =-.

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 4:37 pm

    @Val Wilcox,

    Val,
    It is my pleasure. Glad you were able to find the post useful. :-)

    See you in the tribe!
    Krista

  2. DONNA MERRILL

    09. Mar, 2010

    Thank you for explaining HootSuite so easily. I was confused about it but now you cleared it all up. Thanks for giving us this valuable information!

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 4:35 pm

    @DONNA MERRILL,
    Hi Donna,

    You are very welcome my friend. When I first started using it, not very many had discovered it yet and I found very little info on how to use it. So, you know me…being the ‘problem solver’ that I am…I created a solution. :-) hahaha!

    Gotta love it.

    See you in the tribe!
    Krista

  3. John McGinn

    09. Mar, 2010

    Krista,

    Excellent job! Starting tomorrow I will download and switch to using HootSuite. I so appreciate you sharing your techie stuff with us. Keep ‘em coming. You ROCK!

    Blessings,

    ~DrJohn
    .-= John McGinn´s last blog ..Executive Coaching and Foggy Mirrors =-.

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 4:33 pm

    @John McGinn,

    Hey John,
    Awesome. Glad to hear you are giving it a whirl. I believe you will find it very helpful during our tribe power hours.

    Talk to you soon buddy! (or should I say “Dr. buddy”…LOL)

    Krista

  4. debbie turner

    09. Mar, 2010

    Hi Krista,

    Boy do I love Hootsuite! I was using TweetDeck for awhile but more often than not, it wouldn’t load and problem this and problem that. I haven’t had any trouble at all with Hootsuite and I love the functionality of it.

    I’m teaching my daughter just tonight actually, how to program it. She’s going to do some assistant work for me. But, great video with your show and share. :) Keep rockin’ out .

    Debbie

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 4:32 pm

    @debbie turner,

    Debbie,
    I need an assistant!! You know anyone in Florida?

    Krista

  5. Joe Emmet

    10. Mar, 2010

    Hi Krista,

    Have used TweetDeck in the past, but found it limited (and had some problems like Debbie did).

    Definitely going to be checking this out. Thanks for bringing Hootsuite to my attention.

    Joe

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 4:31 pm

    @Joe Emmet,

    Hey Joe,

    My pleasure my friend. I still use Tweet Deck for live interactions. I agree, it can be “quirky” at times. Hootsuite is like clock work for me though. Love, Love, Love it!

    They should give me kick backs for promoting their product huh?

    Krista

  6. Kara Grabenhorst

    10. Mar, 2010

    Hey Krista,

    I downloaded hootsuite a couple months back but really haven’t taken the time learn about utilizing all the functions . The way you explain everything, makes it much easier to understand. Thanks for sharing this great information!
    .-= Kara Grabenhorst´s last blog ..What Kind of Ride Are YOU On? =-.

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 4:30 pm

    @Kara Grabenhorst,

    Hey Kara,

    You have been sitting on a gold mine of time my friend. :-)

    I’m glad you have it and are ready to rock with it. As much as you rock the social scene, I’m sure you will love it.

    Krista

  7. Deirdre Rutherford

    10. Mar, 2010

    Hi Krista,
    I too, am one of the converted to Hootesuite, it has so many benefits and makes life a lot easier to manage all of the social networks
    You’re video was great to describe all of the functionality.
    .-= Deirdre Rutherford´s last blog ..Lessons From The Secret =-.

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 4:29 pm

    @Deirdre Rutherford,

    Hi Deirdre,

    Nice to meet another converted Hoot fan. :-) Great minds think alike!

    Krista

  8. Nelson Schroeder

    10. Mar, 2010

    Great stuff;, thanks so much I’m setting up Hootsuite today..

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 4:26 pm

    @Nelson Schroeder,

    Hi Nelson,
    Awesome! Let me know how you like it!

    Krista

  9. Danielle Zack

    10. Mar, 2010

    Awesome post Krista! Time management in social media has been a challenge of mine. I’ve heard of hoot suite but haven’t checked it out. I don’t know what I was thinking waiting so long!! You made it so easy to understand. It’s going to save me so much time. Thank you!

    You’ve got awesome content here! Can’t wait to read more. :)

    ~Danielle
    .-= Danielle Zack´s last blog ..Where’s Your Magic Wand?? – Overcoming Any Obstacle =-.

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 4:25 pm

    @Danielle Zack,

    Hi Danielle,

    It is an amazing tool. I can’t even remember what life was like before Hoot Suite! LOL (just kidding).

    Krista

  10. Glyna Humm

    10. Mar, 2010

    Great tips on time management and HootSuite. Thanks for taking us step by step and making it look easy to use
    .-= Glyna Humm´s last blog ..Internet Marketing and Social Networking – A Match Made in Cyber Space Heaven =-.

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 4:24 pm

    @Glyna Humm,

    My pleasure Gyna. Thanks for stopping by and taking in the tutorial. Appreciate you!
    Krista

  11. Jennifer Hart

    10. Mar, 2010

    Wow Krista. That was such great information! So glad I have Hootsuite…now it’s time to utilize all the cool tools they have. Thank u for a terrific post!

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 4:19 pm

    @Jennifer Hart,

    Hi Jenn,
    Thanks! Appreciate you taking the time to take it in and coment. Hope Hoot Suite can help you manage your social time as much as it has me!

    Krista

  12. donna Merrill

    10. Mar, 2010

    I had downloaded Hootsuite, but was so confused. Thanks for making my life simple by this blog.

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 4:18 pm

    @donna Merrill,

    My pleasure Donna!

    :-)
    Enjoy the Hooting!
    Krista

  13. Don Enck

    10. Mar, 2010

    This was a very informative and helpful post. I’m currently using TweetDeck and have pretty happy with it. I’ve heard of HootSuite but was not familiar with what it offered and what it could do. I particularly like that you can schedule your updates. Decisions decisions….

    Thanks Krista!
    .-= Don Enck´s last blog ..Honey….Did You Pack The Bags? =-.

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 4:17 pm

    @Don Enck,

    Hey Don,
    I have an answer for you…USE BOTH!!!

    I do, I use TweetDeck for live and real time interactions…then I use Hoot Suite to schedule things. The best of both worlds my friend – you can have your cake and eat it too!

    Krista

  14. Linda Secretan

    11. Mar, 2010

    Krista, you have a great way of putting things. Not only is this useful info, you’ve managed to share it in such an elegant and economical way.

    Thank you, Krista!

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 4:16 pm

    @Linda Secretan,

    Hi Linda,
    Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I appreciate your feedback.
    I just want to share the information that has come into my life and helped me be more efficient with others. I know how much we are all pressed for time and this is a saver of time for me.

    Cheers,
    Krista

  15. Darlene Davis

    11. Mar, 2010

    Krista,
    Had heard about HootSuite but I didn’t know it had so many variables attached to it. That was an excellent training video on its use, and based on your recommendation I’ll get it tonight. You’re awesome … thanks for sharing!
    .-= Darlene Davis´s last blog ..The Phenomenon of Time =-.

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 4:15 pm

    @Darlene Davis,

    Hi Darlene,

    My shining star…always love to see you stopping by my friend.

    I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts on Hootsuite after you’ve used it for a while. I can’t imagine managing all my outlets without it.

    Krista

  16. Stew Shaw

    13. Mar, 2010

    Krista this was a very informative walk-thru of HootSuite, a tool I hadn’t ever gotten close to before.

    You asked: “What do you do to manage your time on social media?” Well as a matter of fact I’m pretty much a haphazard social media user. I only do “live” time interactions.

    You also mentioned TweetDeck. I tried a similar tool and hoped to earn affiliate $ off it but from my testing it was released too early and was too buggy for my iMac. So that’s kinda put me off apps that organize Twitter.

    Final point – I’m all for saving time – then I wouldn’t be still up at 0114 hours, but I’m not comfortable scheduling things in the name of staying connected by social media. Just my modus operandi.
    .-= Stew Shaw´s last blog ..Frank Kern Fail – Toys R Not Us! =-.

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 4:13 pm

    @Stew Shaw,

    Hi Stew,

    I totally understand where you are coming from. It took me a long time to decide to streamline some of my social media activities. I think one of the things that pushed me over the edge was when my connections grew outside the boundaries of the US and I had international people in completely different time zones (and sometimes different days…LOL) that I was trying to interact with. I wanted to find a way to be in touch with them while they were awake…so scheduling some activity seemed to work good for that.

    Nothing replaces the “live time” I get on my social media outlets though. I still do that on a daily basis, but can feel free to work on other things during my business committed hours.

    Krista

  17. Kellie Hosaka

    14. Mar, 2010

    Wow, Krista! Thank you for the instructional video! I have been using Hootsuite, however, I was not using all of it’s capabilities! I learned a lot from your post. You have some incredible content.:)
    Aloha,
    Kellie:)
    .-= Kellie Hosaka´s last blog ..Our Deepest Fear – Marianne Williamson =-.

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 4:10 pm

    @Kellie Hosaka,

    Hey Kellie,
    Thanks! I appreciate your kind words and the beautiful spirit with which you deliver them.

    Look forward to connecting with you soon!

    Aloha.
    Krista

  18. Kellie Frazier

    16. Mar, 2010

    You’re a great teacher Krista! You attract us Kellie’s anyhow. :-) I’ve been utilizing several different applications without realizing hootsuite does it all so thank you for opening my eyes to that great tip! Looking forward to learning more from you in the future.
    .-= Kellie Frazier´s last blog ..Do You Know Your Purpose? Try This Short Exercise to See if You Know. =-.

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 4:09 pm

    @Kellie Frazier,

    Hey Kellie,
    Thanks so much, I appreciate your compliments. I enjoy sharing knowledge that’s for sure!

    Look forward to hearing how Hootsuite works out for you!

    Krista

  19. Dr Linda Douglas

    16. Mar, 2010

    Krista:

    As always, an amazing teaching video on HootSuite! I so appreciated how you went through each application and showed us how to properly and successfully use it.

    You are a leader! Thank-you for all that you share.
    .-= Dr Linda Douglas´s last blog ..HOW TO HAVE YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS MIND PRODUCE INFINITE RICHES =-.

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 4:08 pm

    @Dr Linda Douglas,
    Dr. Linda,
    Thank you so much for the comps. I love sharing the info that has helped me with others. That’s what it’s about – giving giving giving.

    :-)
    Krista

  20. Marie Delorme

    17. Mar, 2010

    Thanks for the HOOTSUITE demo Krista. I signed up this morning…and I’ll talk to you tonight!

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 4:07 pm

    @Marie Delorme,
    Awesome! Look forward to hearing about your Twitter Adventures!

    Krista

  21. Wes

    17. Mar, 2010

    Krista, this video helped me decide that I really need Hootsuite and I am glad you put this post up. I did not want to jump into a program like it with out an insider track on how it works, Thanks.
    .-= Wes´s last blog ..Compassionate Communication, it’s a choice AND a technique =-.

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 4:06 pm

    @Wes,

    Hey Wes,
    Hootsuite is where the Twitter action happens my friend. And the best news of all…there are no “aliens” there.

    Hahaha :-)

    Love ya man!
    Krista

  22. Sharon Hartman

    19. Mar, 2010

    Awesome info Krista,

    I’m going to switch over to Hootsuite and get Hooting!!
    Great way to make managing the social sites easier!

    Thanks so much for sharing!!

    Regards,
    Sharon
    .-= Sharon Hartman´s last blog ..The Power Of A Tribe? =-.

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 4:01 pm

    @Sharon Hartman,
    Hey Sharon,

    Social media management is a challenge for sure. I love Hootsuite, it’s my “one stop shop”. :-)

    Look forward to hearing how it works for you.

    Krista

  23. Beth Allen

    21. Mar, 2010

    Thanks for this really easy to follow lesson on the power of HootSuite ~ there are so many cool twitter tools and it can be overwhelming, so this is awesome information!

    Thanks Krista, you are a fabulous teacher and leader!

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 4:00 pm

    @Beth Allen,

    Hey Beth,
    Thanks for stopping by for a visit. :-)

    I love Hootsuite, let me know how you are able to use it. Look forward to hearing more from you soon!

    Take Care!
    Krista

  24. Chris Hughes

    21. Mar, 2010

    Hey Krista! Great post.

    HootSuite works great to manage all of the social media presences. You’re doing an excellent job at managing all of your media outlets!

    I’m going to start sharing this with the businesses I’m working with to help them out thanks!
    .-= Chris Hughes´s last blog ..By: Chris Hughes =-.

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 3:59 pm

    @Chris Hughes,

    Hey Chris,
    It’s all part of that “juggling act” I have to do my friend! Got to keep those social media balls in the air!!

    Thanks for stopping by!

    Krista

  25. Jaden Daniels

    23. Mar, 2010

    I have never heard of Hootsuite. Thanks for showing how easy it is to use. I will be downloading and using it myself. Thanks again.
    .-= Jaden Daniels´s last blog ..Does Law of Attraction Work? =-.

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 3:58 pm

    @Jaden Daniels,
    Hey Jaden,
    Hootsuite is an amazing tool. You will love it, I promise!

    Krista

  26. Linda G Cox

    30. Mar, 2010

    Thank you Krista! I am thankful that you have given me the motivation and information to do something that I’ve been procrastinating for months! I am such a copy cat! I’ll follow in your footsteps! Thank you for letting me!
    Linda Grace
    .-= Linda G Cox´s last blog ..Power of Thoughts and the Written Word =-.

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 3:57 pm

    @Linda G Cox,

    Hey Linda,
    It’s all about sharing the info! Look forward to seeing you on Twitter!

    Krista

  27. Eddie Espiritu

    30. Mar, 2010

    Hootsuite is an awesome tool Krista. Thanks for sharing! It’s been a great time saver for me and I highly recommend people use it.

    Eddie
    .-= Eddie Espiritu´s last blog ..What’s Working Now Insights – Mike Dillard =-.

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 3:57 pm

    @Eddie Espiritu,
    Eddie,
    That’s fantastic. Glad you were able to find some benefit. It has been a HUGE time saver for me.

    Krista

  28. Lynn Glaser

    03. May, 2010

    Hi Krista,

    This is such a thorough guide to Hootsuite, thanks so much for going through all the features. I use Hootsuite but I think I need to go back and start using it to its full advantage, can be a real time saver!!

    Cheers,

    Lynn
    .-= Lynn Glaser´s last blog ..Tribe Concept Teaser – Here’s What Can Be Achieved =-.

  29. Steve Hachey

    13. May, 2010

    Great video tutorial Krista,

    I will definitely look into using this tool
    Thanks for sharing and know that you
    are appreciated.

    Cheers
    Steve
    .-= Steve Hachey´s last blog ..Why Blog? What’s The Point? =-.

    Krista Abbott Reply:
    May 15th, 2010 at 10:21 pm

    Steve,
    Awesome! Glad you found the post helpful!

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