When you come across a tool that makes your life easier, you get excited. When you get excited, you tell people about it and everyone wins – heck, even the company. So, isn’t it in a company’s best interest to provide a product/service, or in this case a tool, that folks will love and in turn tell others about? Duh! Anyways, what’s businesses should do isn’t what this post is about, but to share with you a tool that has made my life easier.
What I do – Social Media
As you may know, I help small businesses with their online visibility in social media and that means that I research content to share on their social media channels, like Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, etc. That’s part of the cool thing about my business is that I am always learning… I’m kind of a sponge that way. I love to learn and I have the right industry for that, different types of clients with which to expand my knowledge in their industry and technology changes. Boy don’t we know, this industry is always about keeping in the know of what’s new in social media.
Where to find content to share
Anyways, where does one find content to share on other people’s pages? There are tons of sources, like 
Google or any social media for that matter, but ideally industry specific resources as well. It is preferable to use current information as well as trending stuff. As you know, it’s all about what the consumer wants to know, it’s about them, so we must be constantly looking for information that they (the consumer) want to see and will likely share.
What kind of stuff should be shared
Well, as I mentioned above, you want to share stuff the consumer will want or need to know about your industry. It might be how to tips and tricks, specific information on your product so they know how to use it or even why they may need it as they may not even know that.
Plus, don’t forget folks are visual and they just don’t want info sent to them all day long, they want to be inspired, they want to laugh and they want to be motivated. So, you will need to post your industry stuff, your business information as well as the fun and motivational, thought provoking and open ended questions to inspire them to engage.
Post Planner is where it is at
So, if you haven’t guessed yet, or haven’t heard of Post Planner, you are sorely missing out. Post Planner is like a content creating Genius and not only do they have industry information but they have the fun, the motivation, the status updates and such… and guess what, they tell you how viral that content is. How cool is that.
So these are some of the basic features that Post Planner has:
- Viral pictures – quotes, funny photos, inspirational and more
- You just add FB pages that you want to follow or Instagram hashtags or handles and the photos from those are there
- Top content – all sorts of content
- With specific Facebook pages, Twitter accounts or blogs that you want to follow
- Also searchable by specific keywords, your industry stuff
- Status ideas – wondering what to say to encourage followers to engage? They have tons
- Open ended questions to ask or fill in the blank
- Different contests, promo or brand engagement, fan love and encourage likes or comments
- Trivia or deep thoughts
- Stuff about weekends, holidays, family, pets, culture
- Even techy stuff and Facebook stuff
- Open ended questions to ask or fill in the blank
But wait, there’s more – with Post Planner’s kick ass features:
- You can integrate currently your Facebook and Twitter profiles and post from directly within Post Planner
- You get insights about your posts
- The viral part – this is awesome. When you get the viral photos or top content – it shares with you how many likes or shares the content has currently received. Now, if someone could provide for you content that 30k people have already liked and shared, would you want to know? Nothing like finding something YOU think is great, and nobody cares. Post Planner provides content that people already care about it. WHAT!?
- You can create your own folders, or pockets of “stuff”.
- I have created folders in viral photos of pages that are about funny things, engaging photos, quotes, inspiration so I don’t have to sort through ALL pictures, but the type that I am currently looking for.
- I have created folders in top content to coordinate with the type of content that I am looking for per each client – pretty awesome right?
- You can create custom posting schedules for your content which enables you to que evergreen content. Super cool!
There’s still more cool stuff, depending on the type of plan you select – like a share bar – so your followers when they go to the link you share, it’s still connected to your business. There are bulk uploads, you can add team members and you can have many profiles so not just for you, but for your clients too. It just depends on your needs.
What Post Planner includes*
Well, you can go to the Post Planner website and read up on it, but the short version is, for the cheapest plan – “Love” because you will love it, for only $7/month billed annually you get: 5 profiles, 50 posts/day, 500 planned posts and all the basic features from above. I mean, that’s a pretty awesome deal. Isn’t your business worth it? The next step is “Guru” and for only $15/month billed annually you get: 12 profiles, 120 posts/day, unlimited planned posts, the same awesome “Love” content plus 2 team members and the share bar. The next step is “Master” and for only $39/month billed annually you get: 25 profiles, 250 posts/day and unlimited planned posts, the same awesome “Guru” content plus post targeting, bulk uploads and now 5 team members. Sorry, I know I said short version – oh well, you’re welcome. lol
So, wherever you are in that spectrum, it definitely is set to meet your needs, because seriously, you and your business deserve it.
Super secret hint to make awesome viral content
One final super tip, when looking at the awesome quotes and you see that a picture has 44k likes, 841 comments and 22k shares – do you think it’s been around? So, what could you do, maybe take that idea and make it your own. I’m not saying to steal it and say it’s yours, but to use the idea, take the text, credit the sources and then make it your own. Because, hey, if it was that viral, it could be make a little better or different and still have the potential to be that viral. Wouldn’t you love that viral picture to be yours? I sure as heck would.
Hopefully you already know about Post Planner and if you don’t, you should have already signed up before getting to the end of this blog (I know you read to the end, right? – Gimme a “I read it all” in your comment if you did – it’ll be our secret) but if not, I seriously HIGHLY suggest it. I’m not being paid by Post Planner to write this, though not opposed to it; however will mention that Post Planner understands people and appreciates those who spread the word so I am an affiliate marketer. What that means is any links to Post Planner in this blog will give me “credit” for doing so should you decide to do business with Post Planner. I’m not telling you to sign up for that reason, but I see the value in what Post Planner has to offer and the coolest thing, they keep getting better and there is growth in their very near future!
Should you need any help with your social media marketing strategy, please contact me for more information or a marketing consultation.
~Kristen
*Please note that pricing and product may vary based on the company’s promotions, offerings, innovation or change in products/pricing. Again, this is an affiliate post, all opinions are my own and I am in no way representing this company.
I read to the end and you should write promo copy for post planner. No kidding. Send this blog to them. I haven’t signed up with them because we focus on lifestyle posts with links to many articles. We make our own graphics for memes & tips. I do follow their FB page & sometimes find a perfect post & I schedule it. I also read their newsletter, so other than being a subscriber, I totally see their value.
Thanks so much Roz. I did put their handle in one of the CTT and also tagged Josh in a tweet. Thanks for reading my blog to the end! 😉 FYI, they DO have lifestyle stuff. If there is a FB page on it, you can follow it with them. Plus as far as the own graphics, that is awesome, but to know what is already trending helps too! Anyways, great stuff!
Hi Kristen,
WOW, what a great post! Just like Roslyn, I read it all the way till the end! Thank you for such a glowing recommendation of Post Planner!!!
We are blown away by such a wonderful review. You totally made our day….no, our whole weekend!!
Have a super Saturday,
Diana Adams
Editor
Post Planner
Thanks so much Diana for reaching out on my blog and commenting to my followers as well. Glad you enjoyed it. I meant every word and have used it for some time (I think just over a year) before writing a review so it was well vetted, as I am sure you can understand. I have seen a lot of growth and positive change and even had the pleasure of meeting Josh at the Social Boom conference in Chicago this past Sept. He has such amazing energy, as I am sure you already knew! Thanks again! Have an awesome weekend (pouring here in Tx, but hope to ride down to the biker rally in Galveston tomorrow). Glad to have made your weekend, as you did mine for all of your awesome comments. 🙂 Feel free to share!
Hi Roslyn,
Thank you for your kind words about Post Planner. 🙂
Also thank you for following our Facebook page and reading about us.
We appreciate that very much and wish you a fabulous weekend!!
Diana Adams
Editor
Post Planner
Hi Roslyn,
I already typed a comment to you, but I’m not sure if it went through, so I’m tying another one. 🙂
THANK YOU for your kind words about Post Planner and for following us on Facebook!
We are so happy that you sometimes find the perfect post there!
Just like you, I read every word of Kristen’s article.
Everyone at Post Planner sends you both lots of XOXOs.
Diana Adams
Editor
Post Planner
Yes, I did read the post to the end, Kristen and see how excited you are to share how much you love Post Planner. Like Roslyn, I enjoy finding my own material to share, whether that is unusual articles or quotes, and absolutely love creating my own content to share via PicMonkey. I do use Hootsuite to schedule and know that people do enjoy the range of material available on PP. You gave a solid testimonial of why to consider it, yet I am not there yet. I have been aware of it since SSIC and know that many of the folks there also swear by it. Glad you got this post to the powers that be at PP, as I know they are hands-on and appreciate when people appreciate them. Thanks for the glowing review of it too!
HI Beverley,
Thank you for your kind words!
Yes, at Post Planner, we do appreciate when people appreciate us! (that’s such a nice way to describe it)
Kristen did such a great job with this post. We all read every word.
Thank you both again!! xo
Diana Adams
Editor
Post Planner
Thanks Beverley, glad you read the whole thing and found it informative.. and wherever you are, you know it’s there if you need it. I love PicMonkey too. It rocks!
I love the idea of finding viral posts and recreating them to make them your own. Perfect! BTW, I use another scheduler (with a bunch of other bundled services), but this would be a great deal if all you wanted was something to help you with social media. Good stuff!
Thank you, Jackie. 🙂
Diana Adams
Editor
Post Planner
Thanks Jackie, I knew you did and glad that you have those at your disposal, that’s awesome! Thanks!
I use both Post Planner and Buffer and love them for different things. My one and one viral tweet was clicked on 93.9k times. It was an article about the cancer docu-series a few weeks back. Would love to see that reach again.
Carol….whaaaaat? 93.9K times? You are rockin the engagement! Congrats!! That’s amazing.
Thank you loving Post Planner. We love you back! <3
Diana Adams
Editor
Post Planner
I know, right Diana, she sure did rock it!
Awesome Carol, you sure did rock that… as you know, it’s not about us but sharing stuff that our followers want to see, and you nailed it!
Post planner and then add canva…. Now that’s a kick Ass combo.
Agreed! Love Canva, however I love PicMonkey even better.. soooo much easier and quicker.
Read it all!! 🙂 I do already use Post Planner, but I don’t know that I’m using it to it’s full potential, because I don’t see my posts getting that much reach. I’ll have to look into that and figure this out one of these days.
YAY! Thanks Lisa. Glad you are using PP, be sure to click around for the various functions, create folders for parts of your industry you want to seek out info on. You’ve got this!
Do people not usually read your posts to the end? lol I can’t make myself stop once I start reading your posts, because they’re so easy to grasp and helpful! I admit, as I hang my head in shame, I have no planner in action yet. I did not set anything up in the summer, and now I’m neck deep in homework, so still no searching on PP. However, I plan to get on it over Christmas break! Pinky swear. 🙂
Some in STL Liz, but I am sure you know that. Many people in the “real world” scan everything anyhow, they are just so in a hurry unless it is something they see the time and value for. I’m so glad you love them and find them so valuable. No need to hid in shame. Hugs! Pinky swear!
I love your tips about post planner it very helpful for us.
Thanks Victoria, hope you use them… or find a way, truly a gem.
I had heard of Post Planner in the past, but didn’t realize how many “kick ass” features they have. I really need to check this out further.
It is really cool, Stacey, especially if you need ideas for posting to your social media. It just depends on your business needs…and they have a really cheap version. 🙂
Social media is definitely the best platform you can rely on for getting your content out there. I’ve never heard of post planner before, it sure sounds awesome!
Thanks Elizabeth, Post Planner is great for content creation that is already viral.
You bet, I love Post Planner myself! However, some of the same posts that I love are loved by many – thus they are viral – but I want to stand out! So I do use some of the popular ( aka viral posts ) and I use some of the less viral. I know that Post Planner is a tool for many thus they pick the top layer of pics that they see and that is why they become viral. I go down a bit further and find posts that have potential and are not as popular ….YET! hehe I do love the ideas that the posts they gather give me though.
Yes… love PP. I go farther down.. however, I also take a look at the top ones and then redesign one.. that might be another option for you Cheryl
Great article. I’ve just gotten started with Post Planner in the last few weeks, and I am already noticing a difference in engagement. I was sharing a lot of varied content before (mine + others) but Post Planner pulls from sites and articles that are just what I’m looking for that I haven’t seen in other places. Saves me tons of surfing hours–and I love being able to schedule out several days at a time.
Thanks Marie! Glad you got into PP and seeing the difference. YAY!
Great post! I use Post Planner -it is helpful, but it still takes me quite awhile to find just the right quote to use and then to create a graphic in Canva to go with it. Any suggestions on cutting down the time it takes? I am probably just slower than average, but a single post can take upwards of an hour to create. . .sometimes it’s hard to choose the content, other times it’s hard to find a graphic to go with it – on a rough day, it’s hard to find both!
You are over-analyzing Brenda and I have had that issue to. So, it isn’t that you are slow, that you are a perfectionist. So, you have to determine… do you want more good content or do you need to have a really great one?
this is a great tool for full time bloggers – I am afraid I can barely manage what I do already as I work full time so I dont really have time to think of looking for content to share – what I come across as I read in the blogosphere that I feel is of interest to my readers – thats what I share
I just dont have the time to go looking for content to share
It sure is Mirelle and the other SEO stuff I write about. The content to share would be on social, so you aren’t pushing your stuff at them all the time. That helps! And thank you
Great post. I need to look further into PP. Thanks so much for sharing Kristen.
You are welcome Vicky! I hope you do!
I got post planner recently like 2-3 weeks ago. I didn’t get started as quick as I want last week was my first full week of posts. I love it. I haven’t even scratched the surface of what can be done with it I am excited. I have a different business than other as a Relationship coach and found things I thought my community would like. Now I just I have grow my little community. 🙂
Awesome Ariana, welcome to the group and to Post Planner then. there is a lot of things that you can use it for.. so glad that you are using it’s value!
I have explored Post Planner but not jumped on it for various reasons. BUT now that you’ve got me thinking, I’m gonna get closer, again!
YAY! Glad I have you thinking Sharon! 🙂
I currently use Hootsuite for much of my social media. I will definitely look into Post Planner when my paid subscription is up.
They are really different Heather so it would be something that you could use together. They have a $5/mo version as well, I believe.
Awesome article! Just came to know about new tool post planner.
hansoftech.com
Yes, I am so glad you now know about Post Planner, it is great stuff!
Hi Kristen,
This is a pretty decent post, I am Zameer and I wanted to let you know about a PostPlanner alternative that your users may like. It is called RecurPost.
RecurPost is a social media scheduling tool for Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. We offer a forever free plan which lets you connect up to 3 social profiles and schedule up to 100 monthly posts. The best thing about RecurPost, is that we automatically reuses your old content so you never have to worry about running out of posts without realizing it, or having to constantly update your schedule.
You can create different “content libraries” and decide how to schedule the content of each category to your various social media platforms. Being able to choose whether to publish content on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis gives you full control over how much content you post onto each network. You can choose specific times to publish your content or use our auto-scheduler which automatically chooses the best time to post every day. We even provides an analytics tool so you can see what’s working and what isn’t.
We would love to hear, if we can get your views on Recur Post. Hope you like us and looking forward for the reply.
Thanks.
Zameer
Thanks for letting me know. As of right now, I am pretty invested in Post Planner, Quu, Buffer and HootSuite, so I am tooled out for now.