Scheduling a post on Facebook in advance is a powerful solution for small business owners facing the challenge of finding time to post when their audience is most active. This strategy ensures your content reaches your audience at the right time, even when you’re tied up with other tasks.
It helps you stay on top of your social media game without missing out on important events or timely news. By utilizing this method of how to post on Facebook, you can maintain a consistent presence on your page, which is crucial for building stronger relationships with your audience and increasing brand awareness and customer engagement.
In this guide, we will explore different methods, from using Meta Business Suite to third-party tools to queue your posts on Facebook. Whether you’re a small business owner or a social media manager, mastering these techniques can save you time and boost your Facebook engagement.
Understanding the Need for Scheduled Posts
Posting great content is only half the battle on Facebook – you also have to share it at the best times. Based on the research, mid-day and evenings tend to see higher user engagement. Weekdays perform better for B2B content compared to weekends. That is why you might want to delay your Facebook posts.
Why does timing matter so much? Scheduling posts when your audience is most active can significantly increase reach and engagement. More people will see your updates, which leads to more reactions and comments.
Figuring the best time to post on Facebook takes a mix of testing and checking Facebook Insights – a metric small business owners rely on. But this data is only helpful if you have the availability to post content when your audience is online and responsive.
Let’s check out the methods through which we can schedule a post on Facebook.
Method 1: Using Meta Business Suite
Scheduling Facebook posts using Meta Business Suite is like having a personal assistant for your social media. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that can boost your Facebook strategy.
Let’s walk through how to schedule future Facebook updates.
1. Access Meta Business Suite
- Go to business.facebook.com and ensure your pages are linked
- Alternatively, access via facebook.com using your business profile
2. Create a New Post
- Compose post content (text, images, links) as normal
- Toggle to the “Publish” button to adjust the scheduling
3. Set Custom Schedule
- Choose the desired publishing date and time
- Posts can be scheduled up to 30 days in advance
4. Confirm and Schedule
- Preview the post and set privacy settings
- Click the schedule button to confirm
5. Managing Scheduled Posts:
What if you change your mind? Easy!
- In the ‘Scheduled Posts‘ section, you can find all your upcoming posts.
- Click on any post to edit, delete, or reschedule it. It’s flexible and user-friendly.
Benefits of Business Suite Scheduling:
- Seamless management for Facebook alongside Instagram
- Easy-to-use integrated interface
- Analyze best posting times using Page Insights
Limitations:
- Cannot schedule posts more than 30 days in advance
- Limited to basic post formats like image, text, or link posts
- Lacks robust analytics of third-party schedulers
Method 2: Using Third-Party Tools
For those who want more features and flexibility than what the native Facebook offers, third-party tools are a fantastic option. These tools not only allow for scheduling on Facebook but also often support multiple social media platforms.
Here’s how you can use one of the tools- RecurPost to schedule a post on Facebook:
1. Connect Facebook Account
- Add the Facebook Page you want to schedule posts for in RecurPost’s dashboard.
- You can select multiple Facebook Pages, Groups, or Personal Profile.
2. Create Content
- Write updates or upload visual content.
- Select the Social accounts where you want to post.
3. Customize Post Schedule
- Select individual publish dates/times or set up recurring schedules.
- You can opt for Auto-schedule for the best time feature powered by AI.
4. Monitor Performance
- Utilize RecurPost’s analytics on engagement and the best times to post.
- You can even download the customized report using your Logo.
Key features of RecurPost:
- Bulk upload and schedule unlimited updates
- Manage multiple social media accounts and pages
- Use data insights to refine the posting strategy
- Collaborate with a content team
- Access expanded media formats like carousel posts
Benefits vs Meta Business Suite:
- Post variety:e.g. videos, carousel posts, live broadcasts
- More advanced analytics and comparison tools
- Content libraries for organization
- Team member workflow management
Scheduling Posts on Different Facebook Account Types
Facebook offers different features for different types of accounts such as business pages, personal accounts, and groups. Each has its own way of scheduling posts, and understanding these can help you manage your Facebook presence more effectively.
1. Business Pages:
- Using Meta Business Suite: As discussed earlier, Meta Business Suite is ideal for scheduling posts on your business page. Simply go to your page, access the suite, create your post, and schedule it for the desired time.
- Using Third-Party Tools: These tools are also great for business pages. After connecting your page to the tool, you can schedule posts in the same way you would for your personal accounts.
2. Personal Accounts:
- Facebook’s Native App: Directly scheduling posts is not possible anymore due to Facebook’s API restrictions. However, you can use third-party tools like RecurPost to plan and queue posts.
- Using Third-Party Tools: Scheduling Facebook posts on your personal account can be a bit tricky, but with RecurPost, it’s manageable. Here’s our post in detail on how you can schedule posts on Facebook Personal Accounts.
3. Facebook Groups:
- Directly on Facebook: If you’re an admin or moderator of a Facebook group, scheduling posts is straightforward. While creating a post within the group, look for the small clock icon (schedule button) in the post box. Click it to set the time and date for the post to be published.
- Third-Party Tools: These tools can also be used for scheduling posts on Facebook groups where you have admin or moderator privileges. The process is similar to scheduling posts for pages.
Remember, while scheduling is a powerful tool, keeping your content fresh and relevant is important. Regularly updating your strategy based on audience engagement and feedback is key to maintaining an effective online presence.
Comparative Analysis
When it comes to scheduling Facebook posts, you have two main options: using Meta Business Suite or opting for third-party tools. Each has its own set of features, usability, and advantages.
Let’s break it down and also look at scenarios where one might be preferred over the other.
Feature/Tools | Meta Business Suite | RecurPost |
Platform Support | Facebook and Instagram Only | Multiple platforms (including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Youtube, Tiktok, Pinterest, and Google My Business) |
Advance Scheduling Limit | 30 days | No limit, you can schedule for years |
User Interface | Directly integrated into Facebook, familiar to Facebook users | Separate interface, very easy to learn for beginners |
Analytics and Insights | Basic insights specific to Facebook and Instagram | Comprehensive analytics across all connected platforms |
Bulk Scheduling | Not available | Available with CSV import option |
Mobile App Availability | Yes, there is a separate app for the Meta Business Suite | Yes, from one app you can schedule for all platforms |
Cross-Platform Posting | Not possible | Possible and streamlined |
Additional Features | None | Content library, custom workflows, team collaboration |
Cost | Free | Free and paid plans, depending on the features needed |
Choose Meta Business Suite if:
- You’re a busy professional or casual user with basic scheduling needs.
- You only manage Facebook and Instagram.
- You prefer a free and simple interface.
Choose Third-Party Tools if:
- You manage multiple social media platforms.
- You need advanced scheduling features and analytics.
- You want to optimize your content strategy with data-driven insights.
- You work in a team and need collaboration tools.
The ideal tool depends on your needs and budget. Both options have their strengths, and understanding these can help you make the best choice for your Facebook posting strategy.
Best Practices for Scheduling Facebook Posts
Effectively scheduling your Facebook posts is more than just about timing; it’s about maintaining a consistent and engaging presence. Here are some best practices to ensure your scheduled posts deliver the maximum impact:
1. Maintain Brand Consistency:
- Voice and Tone: Ensure that every post reflects your brand’s voice and tone. Whether your brand is serious, playful, informative, or inspiring, consistency in your communication builds trust with your audience.
- Visuals: Use consistent colors, fonts, and themes that align with your brand. This visual consistency makes your posts instantly recognizable in your audience’s news feed.
- Message: Keep your core message consistent. Whether you’re promoting products, sharing insights, or engaging with trends, the underlying message should align with your brand values and goals.
2. Choosing the Right Publication Date and Time:
- Understand Your Audience: Analyze when your audience is most active. Tools like Facebook Insights provide valuable data on your audience’s peak activity times.
- Consider Time Zones: If your audience is global, consider different time zones to maximize engagement.
- Test and Learn: Experiment with different posting times and days to see what works best. Use the data from these tests to inform your future scheduling.
3. Pausing or Editing Posts in Response to Current Events:
- Stay Informed: Be aware of current events and trends. Review your scheduled posts in sensitive times to ensure they are still appropriate.
- Quickly Adapt: Don’t hesitate to pause, edit, or delete scheduled posts that might be considered insensitive or irrelevant in light of new developments.
Remember, scheduling posts is about more than just automation; it’s about strategically planning your content to resonate with your audience while staying true to your brand. By following these best practices, you can effectively leverage scheduled posts to boost your Facebook strategy.
When scheduling Facebook posts, it’s crucial to double-check for any errors in the content or timing to ensure optimal engagement. For more insights on scheduling posts and troubleshooting common errors, check out our guide on “Why Can’t I Schedule Posts”. Understanding the nuances of scheduling can help streamline your content strategy and maximize your reach on Facebook.
Conclusion
To wrap up, a Facebook post scheduler is key to maintaining a strong social media presence. Whether using Meta Business Suite or third-party tools, each option offers unique advantages to suit different needs. Remember to stay consistent with your brand, choose the right times to post, and be ready to adapt to current events. Choose the tool that aligns best with your goals and audience, and watch your Facebook engagement grow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can schedule posts on your personal Facebook profile. This feature is available through third-party apps. It allows you to create a post and set a future date and time for its publication.
No, scheduling posts on Facebook does not inherently reduce engagement or reach. The engagement and reach of a post depend more on its content, quality, and the time it’s posted.
Yes, you can edit a post after it’s been scheduled on Facebook. Whether you’re using Meta Business Suite or a third-party tool, there is usually an option to edit, reschedule, or even delete the scheduled post before it goes live.
You can schedule Facebook posts up to 30 days in advance. However, third-party scheduling tools may offer longer scheduling windows, sometimes several months/years ahead, depending on the specific tool you are using.
Facebook itself does not specify a strict limit on the number of posts you can schedule. However, it’s important to use this feature wisely to avoid spamming your followers.
To view your scheduled posts on Facebook, go to your page and access the ‘Publishing Tools’ section. Here, you’ll find a ‘Scheduled Posts’ tab where all your upcoming posts are listed.
Yes, you can schedule posts on Facebook with multiple images or videos. When creating a post, you can add multiple media files before scheduling.
Facebook does not typically send a notification when a scheduled post goes live. However, you can check the status of your posts in the ‘Scheduled Posts’ section.
Debbie Moran is a Digital marketing strategist with 5+ years of experience producing advertising for brands and helping leaders showcase their brand to the correct audience. She has been a part of RecurPost since 2019 and handles all the activities required to grow our brand’s online presence.