Buffer: In-depth Review
Best For:
Pricing:
Top Features
Large businesses, Organizations
Per Month
- A bit higher on the price for 5 channels.
- No team collaboration without credentials.
- Limited content curation options.
- Doesn’t allow a general import feature.
- No thumbnails in video posts
- Image Editing
- No shareable calendar
Buffer Comparisons
Overview
Buffer is a versatile tool that simplifies social media management, allowing users to create, schedule, and publish posts across multiple platforms including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google Business Profiles. It appeals to a wide range of users, from beginners using its free version—which supports up to three social accounts and allows for the scheduling of ten posts per channel—to more seasoned marketers and businesses who benefit from the advanced tools offered in the paid plans. These plans include a 14-day free trial, providing an opportunity for users to explore the full capabilities of Buffer.
One of Buffer’s unique features is its tailored posting schedules that optimize content delivery times for each platform to enhance visibility and engagement. Another significant tool is Buffer Reply, which centralizes messages and comments from various platforms into a single inbox. This feature facilitates timely responses and efficient customer interaction management, which is crucial for maintaining high levels of customer service and engagement.
Additionally, Buffer offers a comprehensive analytics suite that helps users monitor the performance of their content. This suite provides insights into post reach, engagement rates, and other vital metrics, allowing users to refine their strategies based on actual data. The ability to create and manage team access within Buffer also simplifies collaboration across marketing teams, making it an ideal solution for businesses, publishers, nonprofits, startups, solopreneurs, and e-commerce entities looking to streamline their social media efforts.
The Buffer Start page serves as the central dashboard, where users can easily access all the scheduling features, analytics tools, and account settings. This dashboard is designed to provide a seamless user experience, making social media management more straightforward and less time-consuming for all types of users
Buffer Ratings
Although Buffer has a long standing reputation as one of the oldest social media scheduling tools, the market has witnessed the emergence of numerous new and improved alternatives that offer superior features compared to Buffer. Below is a quick evaluation of the ratings for both Buffer and RecurPost, which is a great alternative to Buffer.
| Features | Buffer | RecurPost |
| Ease of Use | 9.2 | 9.1 |
| Meets Requirements | 8.6 | 9.0 |
| Ease of Setup | 9.2 | 9.2 |
| Ease of Admin | 9.1 | 9.7 |
| Quality of Support | 8.5 | 8.3 |
| Product Direction | 8.1 | 8.1 |
Buffer Reviews
Positive Reviews
User friendly interface for scheduling and managing social media posts. Robust scheduling and publishing features for multiple platforms. Analytics and reporting tools to track social media performance. Integration with popular social media networks.
~ Popa A. (Capterra link)
I think that Buffer’s “suggested media” feature is incredibly intuitive. Rather than having to upload an image for a social media post, Buffer pulls images from the post and prompts me to attach one of the images. Buffer’s user interface is uncomplicated and easy to navigate, and I’ve never had a problem with Instagram posts that I’ve scheduled not being posted because my Buffer account disconnected from my Instagram account.
~ Charity R. (Capterra link)
I love using Buffer to plan out my social media strategy. Here is what I love most about it: 1) It easily integrates with Twitter and Facebook. It works with Pinterest and Instagram, but I only use it for Facebook and Twitter. 2) You get to use it for free for up to 10 scheduled posts at a time (as of this writing) and this allows you to be sure that it works for you and for your needs. 3) The team at behind Buffer is fantastic. The few times I needed to contact support I was helped right away and my issue taken care of just like that. Their emails are funny and you can tell that they love what they do.
~ Jordan R. (Capterra link)
I’ve done social media marketing consulting for 3-4 years now and I will always suggest Buffer to my small business clients. The platform is so straightforward it would take the most non technology savvy person to get lost on it. The free platform works flawlessly and lets you connect quite a few of your social accounts, and I have never had a problem with the mobile app and come to think of it I’m pretty sure I only use the mobile app for scheduling when I create my own content. If you’re not sure which social scheduler to use when you’re just first starting out, please consider the Buffer social media scheduler. Their team is on top of its game when creating content for its users and keeping their community up to date on the latest Instagram API changes and Facebook algorithms. This platform is the real deal.
~ Erik R. (Capterra link)
Negative Reviews
I really dislike the UI very much. As part of my job, I need to test different software suites to see what makes sense. We manage 50 different social media channels, and having them all populate at the same time when I’m getting ready to schedule a single post is visually cluttered.
~ Crysti C. (Capterra link)
It lacks some convenient features that the competitors offer. I’m talking about features like integrated tagging for Twitter and LinkedIn. Last time I used this software it still lacked the proper tagging features which require you to make an extra step to open a separate tab to check whether you got the username right or wrong. Another aspect I dislike is that Buffer’s middle range plan is intended for two users only. In my opinion, the mid range option should be for at least three people. At the time of choosing, we decided to go with Hootsuite because it’s the mid range plan, while more expensive, was intended for three people and also offered more of the above mentioned features.
~ Tigran K. (Capterra link)
I loved using Buffer for the period of time that I actually used it, but quickly discovered that the platform could not suite my needs because of one insurmountable obstacle price. As a non profit youth organization, having a low overhead cost for platforms such as this is extremely important, and I quickly found myself unable to continue using Buffer as my social media team grew simply because I could not afford their $65 CAD/month just to be able to have a second user (without admin privileges). The added features like direct Instagram Story & first comment seem interesting for me, but not at the cost $663/annually when there are alternatives (be it, with less features) out there that offer a lower overhead cost AND non profit discounts. Furthermore, while the platform itself is extremely simple to use, I found their pricing structure & different brand building products to be quite confusing with products such as “Reply”, “Publish” and “Analyze” featuring little to no immediately accessible descriptions, and each one carrying a different pricing structure & subscription requirement. Lastly, one feature I’ve found on other social media platforms (but not on buffer) that I wish were available is the ability to draft a single post that can be queued in multiple social media channels, and customized for each channel. With buffer, you would need to recreate each post which can take added time dependent on your social media channels.
~ Darien C. (review link)
I find myself hitting a barrier once again with these types of software. A lot like hootsuite there’s a limitation on what you can do with the Buffer free account. I’m finding myself also wanting to post on Instagram for carousels and it doesn’t quite work right and it makes it more inconvenient than just posting on my own. And at that point I find myself wanting just to use the original method.
~ Kevin A. (Capterra link)
The bad news is, it looks simple but I am not a fan of the usage. I have set up my posting schedule time and frequency, but it appears that what ever I chose to share will post that many times as the frequency I set. So if I set up a post about the weather, it seems that it will share that post about the weather, per my time and frequency, (2 times a day, 7 days a week for example). And to get support, you have to tweet your concerns. I was looking for more of a Q&A sorta thing or at least an email. I dont want to go from one app to the next chasing down my answers.
~ Annette M. (Capterra link)
Buffer pros and cons
Pros
Simplicity and User-Friendly Interface:
Buffer is renowned for its clean, intuitive user interface that makes it easy for beginners to navigate and manage their social media accounts. This simplicity is a significant advantage for those who may be overwhelmed by more complex platforms.
Pablo Image Creator:
Buffer includes a built-in image creation tool called Pablo, which allows users to create custom images for their social media posts right within the app. This tool is straightforward and helps users quickly design graphics without needing separate graphic design software.
Transparent Buffer app Pricing and Buffer Free Plan Review:
Buffer offers a transparent pricing model and a free plan that’s genuinely useful for small businesses or individuals just starting out. The free plan includes basic features that are adequate for minimal social media management needs.
Focus on Privacy and Security:
Buffer has a strong commitment to privacy and security, often being upfront about their policies and any issues that arise. They provide regular updates and have a proactive approach to protecting user data
Cons
No Social Listening Tools:
Buffer focuses mainly on scheduling and analytics and does not offer social listening tools, which are crucial for brands that need to monitor their online presence and engage with their audience more deeply.
Lacks Advanced Analytics:
Compared to competitors like Hootsuite or RecurPost, Buffer’s analytics are relatively basic. It doesn’t provide as much in-depth data or customization options for reporting, which can be a disadvantage for businesses that rely on detailed metrics to inform their strategies.
Limited Team Collaboration Features:
For organizations with multiple team members managing social accounts, Buffer’s collaboration features are not as comprehensive as those offered by some other platforms. This could make it less suitable for larger teams or agencies.
Lack of Multiple Workspace Options:
Buffer does not offer multiple workspace options, making it less ideal for agencies handling multiple clients. This limitation can complicate client management and make it challenging to keep client accounts and campaigns organized and separate.
Buffer Pricing
Buffer offers three subscription plans: Essentials, Team, and Agency. The Essentials plan is priced at $6 per channel per month. This can add up very easily when you want to manage multiple social accounts across platforms. And if you wish the team collaboration tools, you need to get the $12 per channel per month plan, which is considerably higher even if you have to manage a few social accounts.
If your requirement is to manage 10 or more social channels, you need to opt for the Agency plan, which costs $120 per month.
Buffer Features
1. Scheduling and Publishing
Buffer scores a whopping 9.3 rating for its scheduling and publishing features.
Buffer makes it effortless to plan and schedule your content ahead of time. The user friendly interface allows you to create posts, add images or videos, and select the best publication time. You can establish a posting schedule, and Buffer will take care of automatically publishing your content at the specified times, eliminating the need for manual posting.
Moreover, the tool provides a convenient content calendar that gives you a visual representation of your scheduled posts, enabling you to maintain a consistent presence on your social media platforms.
2. Analytics and Reporting
For analytics and reporting features, Buffer has been rated 7.8 out of 10.
Buffer offers valuable analytics and reporting features that allow you to assess the impact of your social media campaigns. Through Buffer’s analytics, you can access essential metrics like engagement, clicks, reach, and follower growth. These metrics provide valuable insights into the performance of your posts and how your audience is interacting with your content.
Additionally, it provides customized reports that offer a comprehensive summary of your social media performance. These reports enable you to track your progress over time and identify trends that can inform your content strategy. With this data readily available, you can make informed decisions to optimize your social media efforts and achieve better results.
3. Social Listening
Buffer’s social listening features have grabbed a whole 8.5 rating out of 10 on G2.
Buffer includes social listening capabilities, which enable you to stay updated on relevant conversations taking place on social media. Using its social listening feature, you can keep track of mentions related to your brand, products, or specific keywords across multiple social media channels.
This feature allows you to proactively listen and respond to customer feedback, questions, or concerns, demonstrating your commitment to valuing their input. By staying engaged in conversations related to your industry or niche, you can identify emerging trends, discover opportunities for meaningful engagement, and gain valuable insights to inform your content creation strategies.
4. Team Management
The team management features offered by Buffer are rated 8.9!
A notable feature of Buffer is the capability to invite team members and assign them specific roles and permissions. This functionality facilitates seamless collaboration within your team, allowing you to delegate tasks effectively. Moreover, it offers an “Approval Workflow” feature, which enables you to establish a content approval process before publishing.
This feature proves particularly valuable for larger teams or organizations that require multiple levels of review and authorization. With Buffer, you can easily communicate with your team members, provide feedback on posts, and ensure that your social media content adheres to the desired standards before it goes live. This ensures better coordination and quality control within your social media management process.
5. Campaign Management
Buffer’s campaign management features have received a rating of 8.5 out of 10.
Buffer offers a convenient feature that allows you to create and manage campaigns for your social media channels. Many marketers plan their content in terms of campaigns, which have specific objectives and span across multiple social networks.
Using its social media management capabilities, you can easily create new campaigns and efficiently manage them. The ability to view, edit, and delete campaigns is also provided for easy campaign management.
To create a new campaign, users with Admin access or the account owner can navigate to the Publishing tab in the Buffer dashboard. From there, simply select the Campaigns option located in the top left corner. The process is direct and intuitive, enabling you to effectively organize and optimize your social media content according to your campaign objectives.
6. Start Page
Buffer’s Start page is an exclusive feature offered by Buffer only
The Buffer Start page acts as the central hub for users, providing a comprehensive overview of all essential functions and features at a glance. It’s designed to streamline the user experience, making social media management straightforward and efficient. From this page, users can access their scheduled posts, set up new posts, and adjust their posting schedules across various platforms. The intuitive layout ensures that all tools are easily navigable, which is particularly useful for newcomers to the platform. Additionally, quick links to other important features like analytics and account settings allow for seamless transitions between tasks, enhancing productivity.
Furthermore, the Buffer Start page offers a holistic view of upcoming social media activities and performance metrics. Users can quickly see a queue of their upcoming posts and any potential gaps in their content calendar, allowing for timely adjustments. The page also highlights recent performance analytics, providing insights into which types of content are performing best and how audiences are engaging with posts. This data is invaluable for users looking to optimize their social media strategies and increase engagement with their target audience, making the Buffer Start page an indispensable tool for effective social media management.
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Conclusion
Buffer is undeniably a robust tool for social media management, equipped with features that streamline the planning and execution of social media strategies. Its user-friendly interface allows for effortless scheduling of content, ensuring that businesses maintain a constant presence across various platforms. Additionally, comprehensive Buffer analytics empower users to dissect post-performance thoroughly, facilitating strategic adjustments based on solid data insights.
However, the potential cost constraints and feature limitations of Buffer suggest that it may not be the best fit for everyone’s needs. In this context, RecurPost emerges as a superior alternative, particularly for those seeking a more cost-effective solution without compromising on functionality.
RecurPost not only matches many of Buffer’s capabilities but also introduces unique features like content recycling which can significantly amplify online engagement and streamline content management efforts. To truly appreciate what RecurPost has to offer, interested users should leverage the free trial period. This hands-on experience will allow them to explore the advanced features available and evaluate how RecurPost could better meet their social media management needs, potentially offering a higher return on investment compared to Buffer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What social media platforms does Buffer support?
Buffer supports scheduling posts on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google My Business, Pinterest, TikTok, Shopify, Mastodon, and YouTube.
2. Is Buffer worth the money?
Buffer offers useful features, but there are more cost-effective social media management tools available, particularly for medium to large enterprises. Agencies can find cheaper alternatives to Buffer, such as RecurPost, which fills the gaps at comparatively lesser costs.
3. Is Buffer a good social media scheduling tool?
Buffer is a solid social media management tool with features like customized posts, smart scheduling, and post suggestions. However, it does have limitations. There are a lot of alternatives available that users can explore to meet their specific needs.
4. What are some alternatives to Buffer?
When searching for a top alternative to Buffer, RecurPost emerges as the ideal choice. It stands out for its easy to buy compared to Buffer and provides the convenience of managing multiple social media accounts through a unified dashboard. To explore its features, you can take advantage of the free trial option.
5. Does Buffer have a free version?
Buffer offers a free plan that allows you to manage up to 3 channels. The number of posts you can schedule is limited, so you eventually need to shift to a paid plan.
6. What platforms does Buffer support?
Buffer supports popular platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter (X), LinkedIn, Pinterest, Google Business Profile, and TikTok, allowing users to schedule and manage content from one place. This makes Buffer for agencies one of the top 10 choices.