Buffer Review 2023: Features, Pricing Pros & Cons

In today's digital age, finding the right social media management tool is crucial for businesses. This Buffer review aims to provide a comprehensive look at what the platform offers. 

Whether you're a solopreneur or a growing business, understanding the strengths and limitations of Buffer can help you decide if it's the right fit for your social media needs. 

Let's dive in and explore its features, benefits, and potential drawbacks.

Buffer review 2023: Is Buffer any good?

Yes, absolutely! In our Buffer review, we discovered it's more than just a tool. It's a complete social media management solution packed with user-friendly features ideal for social media enthusiasts, small to medium-sized businesses, and entrepreneurs. It's not just another platform; it's a game-changer in the social media management sphere.

Why? Well, for starters, even if you're new to social media tools, Buffer's intuitive design makes it easy to get started. Plus, they offer a handy free plan, perfect for those just dipping their toes into the world of social media management.

Buffer supports multiple social channels so that you can manage everything from Twitter to Pinterest in one spot. No more switching between apps – it's a real time-saver.

For those working in teams, Buffer shines. Collaborate smoothly, keep everyone on the same page, and get insights from detailed analytics. This means better posts, smarter strategies, and more engagement.

Buffer even made it to our list of the ten best social media management tools, among other fantastic social media names like Hootsuite and Sprout Social. 

Buffer pricing plans

First of all, how much is Buffer? Let’s first review Buffer social media pricing:

How much does Buffer cost for nonprofits?

When it comes to the cost of Buffer for nonprofits, the platform offers a 50% discount for all registered nonprofits. To get this deal, you need to submit the official paperwork, like a copy of your 501(c)(3) or your country’s equivalent.
 

Are there any Buffer coupon codes or promo discount vouchers?

We did the research, and it seems there are no Buffer coupon codes or discount vouchers at this time.

Buffer free vs pro: what’s the difference?

Buffer offers a range of pricing plans, both free and paid, tailored to diverse needs. More importantly, all plans have a 14-day free trial. 

There’s a free plan that’s ideal if you're a newbie to social media. It lets you juggle up to three channels and schedule up to 10 posts for each. Besides basic publishing tools, you’ll also get access to a landing page builder and AI assistant.

The Essentials plan costs $6/month for each channel, and for every additional channel is $6 per month extra. 

With this, not only can you schedule an unlimited number of posts per channel, but it also broadens your toolkit with planning, publishing, engagement, and analytics capabilities. This plan is tailored for the pros who wish to get the most out of Buffer's analytics and publishing.

Then there's the Team plan at $12/month per channel, with every extra channel costing the same. What sets this apart is that you get extra features like an unlimited number of users who can access and create content for your Buffer account. 

This plan also comes with draft collaboration tools and custom access and permissions. This is a great plan if you need unlimited users, collaboration, and reporting.

For larger businesses, Buffer has an Agency plan. This plan is suitable for users who manage ten or more social channels, and it comes in at $120/month for ten channels. If you need more channels, every additional one will cost you $6 per month. 

Buffer overview: what is Buffer & what is Buffer social media used for?

Buffer is a social media management tool designed to streamline the process of scheduling, publishing, and analyzing posts across various platforms. 

Think of it as your digital assistant, helping you create, schedule, and publish posts across various social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Google Business, Mastodon, and Pinterest. 

But that's not all; it also lets you keep tabs on your posts and generate insightful reports.

If you've ever felt the need for a unified space from where you can publish, schedule, and track the success of your social media efforts, Buffer answers that call. You don't need to jump between multiple screens or tabs; everything you need is available in one central location.

Historically, Buffer had two separate services: "Publish," focusing on scheduling your content, and "Analyze," letting you dive deep into the performance of your online presence. However, due to changes in the social media landscape, Buffer has joined these services into one. 

Now, the tool offers everything in one comprehensive solution to cater to the ever-evolving demands of social media management.

Buffer features list

The main features of Buffer are:

• Publishing 

• Scheduling

• Campaigns 

• Analytics and reports 

• Integrations 

• Calendar view

• Team management  

• Start Page

• AI Assistant 

• Pablo for image creation 

1. Publishing 

Buffer's Publishing feature is straightforward and effective. It lets you manage your content for platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Pinterest all from one central dashboard. And yes, that also includes posting Instagram carousels.

With Buffer, planning and sharing content becomes hassle-free. You can decide what you want to share and when, so that your content reaches the right audience at the right time.
 

2. Scheduling

Buffer's Scheduling feature stands out in the world of social media tools as one of the best social media scheduling tools. With it, you can easily plan your content in advance. Just upload your content into Buffer's queue or calendar, tailor each post for the specific social media platform, and pick when you want it to go live. 
 

3. Campaigns 

Buffer's Campaigns feature is a game-changer for many marketers.

You can quickly set up a new campaign, oversee its progress, and make any necessary tweaks along the way. Plus, if a campaign no longer serves its purpose, deleting it is a breeze.

If you're an Admin or the account's main user, starting a new campaign is simple. Just head over to the 'Publishing' section on your Buffer dashboard and click on 'Campaigns' at the top left. From there, the process is intuitive and user-friendly.
 

4. Analytics and reports 

The Buffer Analytics and Reports feature is a real advantage if you want to understand your social media impact.

It gives you a live look at how your social media posts are doing so that you're always in the loop about what's resonating with your followers. You can monitor everything from engagement rates and post saves to likes and retweets, all from one centralized dashboard.
 

5. Integrations 

Buffer's Integrations feature lets you connect the platform with a number of third-party tools.

For instance, if you're creating a post and need a standout image, you can easily use the Canva integration to create and pull one in. 

With the Zapier integration, you can connect the platform with over 400 apps. And if you're looking for specific triggers and actions, IFTTT (If This Then That) might be your go-to. 

Buffer also seamlessly works with platforms like WordPress for bloggers, and tools like Google Analytics for those diving deep into performance metrics.
 

6. Calendar view

Buffer's Calendar feature gives you a clear look at your social media schedule.

You can see both your past and planned posts in one place. If there's a gap in your schedule, just click and add a new post. Need to rearrange? Just drag and move. If you handle different social channels and want to see posts for one or several, use the "All Channels" option.
 

7. Team management  

Buffer's team management tools are a game-changer for those looking to work collaboratively on their social media strategy.

With Buffer's Notes feature, you can easily leave internal comments for your team. If you're not quite ready to publish, you can save a post as a draft. This allows others in your team to give feedback or a thumbs up before it's scheduled.

As a manager, you can decide who gets access to which channels and whether they can approve social media content. And if you're worried about content going live without a review, Buffer's Approval Workflow Tools come in handy. These tools let you set up a process for drafting and approving posts, so that everything aligns with your brand and strategy. 
 

8. Start Page

Buffer's Start Page provides a simple solution for creating a landing page. With a single link, you can consolidate your content, which makes it easier for people to find your social profiles.

It also allows for direct communication with visitors through tools like WhatsApp. Its flexible design can cater to both new businesses and established names. Choose from templates or design your own to feature links, articles, videos, and products.

Beyond setup, you can monitor how your page performs and periodically update your content to keep it relevant for your audience.
 

9. AI Assistant 

Buffer's AI Assistant is a tool designed to assist with content creation. You can use it to generate ideas and adapt your existing content for better engagement on social platforms. Instead of investing time in brainstorming, this feature can help streamline the process. It offers options to customize posts for different audiences, test various versions of a post, and even generate content in multiple languages. 
 

10. Pablo for image creation 

Buffer offers an image tool named Pablo. Pablo has a big collection of pictures, more than 600,000 to be exact. You can pick a picture, adjust its size for different social media, and add some words or your logo. After that, you can set the image to post through Buffer. If you like using quotes on images, Pablo has a handy feature where you can pick quotes right in the tool.

Buffer pros and cons

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of Buffer:
 

Buffer advantages

• User-friendly experience: Buffer is straightforward and welcoming, especially for newcomers. Its clean user interface ensures you don't get lost in too many features. Within a few moments of using it, you'll find your way around and understand how to make the most of the platform.

• Efficient post management: With Buffer, the tedious task of manually posting content is a thing of the past. You can line up your posts, set their times, and then move on to other important tasks. Knowing your posts are scheduled and will go live even when you're busy means you're always active on social media.

• Generous free plan: If you're new to social media or just testing the waters, Buffer's free plan is a great starting point. You can link up to three social media channels and schedule 10 posts for each. It's a risk-free way to see if Buffer is right for you.

• Centralized tracking: Instead of juggling different apps and websites, Buffer brings everything under one roof. You can oversee, manage, and adjust content for multiple social channels from a single dashboard. It's like having a control room for all your social media activities.

• Excel on Instagram: Instagram is a visual paradise, and Buffer equips you with al lthe important features you need to shine there. Plan out captivating posts, engaging Stories, and even Reels. Buffer offers insights, helping you understand which strategies work. It even suggests hashtags that can boost your visibility, and you can schedule them as first comments.

Buffer disadvantages

• Limited listening features: While Buffer offers a range of tools, its social listening capabilities aren't as extensive as some other platforms like Hootsuite. You might find that services like Zoho Social offer more value in this particular area.

• Limited support options: Buffer doesn’t offer immediate support via phone or live chat, which can be crucial when you come across pressing issues or need quick clarification.

• Costs can accumulate: While Buffer offers a range of pricing options, the costs can pile up if you're aiming to manage multiple social media accounts. It's worth calculating long-term expenses based on your business needs.

• Might not be ideal for bigger businesses: If you're running a larger enterprise, there are certain features Buffer doesn't have. There's no integration with cloud services like Google Drive, which can be essential for content management. Also, if you're into deep analytics and tracking, Buffer lacks some advanced tracking features found in platforms like Hootsuite or Sprout Social. So, while Buffer excels in publishing, you might need to pair it with other tools for a holistic approach.

Buffer complaints & praise (Buffer reviews from real customers)

Buffer.com reviews show that people really like using Buffer.

They love that Buffer lets them try out the platform for free first. This helps them see if it's right for their business without paying anything.

A lot of users say Buffer has changed how they manage their social media. They highlight how easy it is to schedule posts ahead of time, which saves them a lot of work. Also, the detailed reports from Buffer help them see how well their posts are doing.

Many users especially like the calendar tool. It helps them see and plan posts for the whole day across all their social media.

People also talk about how Buffer can handle lots of different social media accounts all in one place. They mention the automatic posting tools and how easy the platform is to use. Plus, they feel Buffer gives good value for the price.

And for smaller businesses, many say Buffer is perfect. It's easy to start using, and they can customize it for each of their social media sites.

In several negative Buffer reviews, users express concerns about the platform's limitations. Despite its premium price, access is restricted to three social accounts for brand managers, which is limiting for those handling multiple platforms. 

Performance issues arise when managing several accounts or uploading multiple images. Some users believe other platforms, like Loomly or Hootsuite, might offer more robust tools, especially as Buffer's cost has risen. 

There's a notable lack of live support, and the mobile app lacks the web version's smoothness. Lastly, users find it cumbersome to reconnect unlinked accounts, as it requires contacting an organization admin, which isn't always convenient.
 

Review of Buffer support

Buffer offers a variety of support options to help users. They have a detailed help center filled with articles that guide you on how to use the platform, and they also provide video tutorials for extra clarity. For those interested in new features and direct chats with the Buffer team, there's a special Buffer Product Community on Discord. 

The Buffer blog is another resource, packed with articles about topics like Instagram and Twitter social media marketing, and tips for small businesses. If you need direct assistance, you can reach out to their support team through email, Twitter, or Facebook Messenger.

Is Buffer worth it? Final points

Let’s jump to the main question: is Buffer worth it? After a deep dive into its features and taking into account user feedback, it becomes clear that Buffer stands out as a valuable tool for many, particularly if you're seeking a centralized platform to manage multiple social channels.

Buffer offers a range of tools, from easy scheduling to intuitive post creation, all backed by a proactive support network.

However, no tool is one-size-fits-all. While Buffer has its strong points, it might not cater to every business's unique needs.

Let’s make it simpler for you! 

Choose Buffer for business if:

• You're working with a limited budget.

• You're a small business just dipping your toes into the realm of social media.

• You desire a platform where multiple channels can be managed from one dashboard.

• Your target audience is predominantly younger demographics; Buffer's Instagram tools are top-tier.

• You're in search of an intuitive, user-friendly platform.

Think twice if:

• Your operations are on a larger scale and need extensive integrations.

• In-depth analytics and detailed reporting tools are crucial for your business.

Reflect on what you truly seek from a social media management tool, and keep your budget in mind. If you find that Buffer doesn't align with your requirements, it's okay! Explore Buffer alternatives that might be more suited to your business needs. 

In the end, when considering the best social media management tool, it's all about finding that perfect fit.
 

Our final Buffer rating

4.7/5