One of the biggest complaints about Hootsuite was that there was no visual tool available to create posts, rather than just post them via the tool. That’s not the case any longer, now that PromoRepublic is integrated with Hootsuite. Now, a native graphics editor and template library is available — with access to 100,000 post templates and images. That, combined with the power of Hootsuite, offers a pretty fantastic option to social media marketers.
Hootsuite has its benefits:
- Access to many networks — support is available for Twitter, Facebook, Google +, LinkedIn, WordPress, Instagram and YouTube
- Automated scheduling and publishing
- Curated content
- Monitoring mentions and responses to your followers
- Analytics and tracking to measure campaign success
But it was missing that ability to create a visual post within the tool, something that would save marketers a lot of time. And, rather than adding a rudimentary graphics tool, Hootsuite integrated with PromoRepublic, a robust visual social tool that has a graphics editor and an integrated post template library. Now Hootsuite’s 15m+ users can use PromoRepublic’s professional premade visual templates, or they can create their own from scratch.
Why Does Visual Matter?
We’ve talked before about the power of visual posts. Images help get posts noticed, no matter the type of post you’re using. Whether you’re publishing:
- Engagement posts: GIFS, memes, polls, quotes and other things meant to entertain and get likes, comments and shares
- Promotional posts: company news, discounts, special offers and more meant to get clicks
- Educational blog posts: meant to get clicks
You have a better chance of getting your post noticed, since many social media users scroll through without reading captions. They stop when something catches their eye. And, with the saturation that occurs on every social channel, it doesn’t matter how clever your words are if there is nobody there to read them.
“Photos are becoming the ‘universal language.’ If you use Facebook as an important part of your social media marketing strategy then you need to include photos in your updates and not just text and links!” Jeff Bullas.
How Did We Do Visual In the Past?
Prior to this integration, there were work-arounds.
Canva
Canva helped you feel like a graphic designer with its template, color and font ability, but you had to create your images and use a different tool to post them.
Buffer
You could use Pablo by Buffer to create images, then schedule them within Buffer, but it was all up to you. There were not pre-made posts like in PromoRepublic.
Hootsuite
Hootsuite has a free stock photo editor for mobile, but nothing for desktop.
Now, the PromoRepublic integration has officially launched. You can work within one tool to curate ideas, create visual posts, schedule and post and monitor analytics.
How to Create Visual Posts with Hootsuite Now
First, you have to download the app from the Hootsuite App Directory and fill out the short form for authorization.
Then, you’re ready!
Access to 100,000 Templates and Visuals
Navigate the library to choose and post ready-made templates, customize them, or create posts from scratch. The library is packed with graphics like background images, stickers, icons, frames and more.
Customize or Create New Visuals
Customize any post template from ideas or create visual posts from scratch using a robust library packed with background images, icons and graphics. Use royalty-free Unsplash and Pexel stock photos for free in the editor.
Post From Your Hootsuite Dashboard
Once your images are ready to post, add them to the Hootsuite scheduling tool with a simple click. Add your caption and you’re ready to post.
Best of All, you can try it for free.
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