As a small business owner or marketer, you know social media is crucial. But making sense of all that data? That’s where things get tricky.
Studies show that almost all businesses struggle with at least one widespread social media challenge.
This is where top social analytics tools come in handy. These platforms help you track engagement, spot social media trends, and make smarter marketing decisions.
But with so many options out there, finding the right tool can be overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide on 6 top social analytics tools. Whether you’re looking to boost engagement, increase sales, or build brand awareness, there’s a tool here that can help.
Let’s explore how these tools can help you measure your campaign success and drive real results for your business.
The Importance of Social Analytics for Small Businesses
Why should you care about social analytics?
Simple: They turn your social media efforts from guesswork into strategy.
For small businesses, every dollar counts. Social analytics help you understand what content resonates with your audience, when they’re most active, and which platforms give you the best bang for your buck.
This insight allows you to refine your social media management tools and focus your efforts where they matter most. You can create more targeted content using tools like those reviewed by Attrock in their guide to content writing tools.
Plus, with 40% of consumers using social media to research products, understanding your social performance can directly impact your bottom line. In short, social analytics aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential for growth in today’s digital marketplace.
6 Top Social Analytics Tools in 2024
Choosing the right social analytics tool can significantly impact your marketing strategy’s effectiveness. Let’s explore six top social analytics tools that stand out in the market, examining their key features and more to help you make an informed decision.
1. Social Status
Image via Social Status
Social status is one of the comprehensive social analytics tools with in-depth reporting functionality. It automates time-consuming reporting processes and offers access to insights across multiple social media channels in one dashboard.
Standout Features:
- Influencer campaign tracking and reporting
- Ad analytics for social media accounts
- White-labeled reporting options
- Competitor benchmarking and analytics
Pros:
- Offers a free plan
- Supports multiple social media channels
- Allows tracking of extensive metrics across organic and paid content
Cons:
- Lacks support for some social media channels like Snapchat currently
Pricing:
- Free plan
- Micro: $9/month
- Starter: $29/month
- Pro: $49/month
- Business: $99/month
- Agency: $199/month
Best For: Marketing agencies and brands focusing on social media performance tracking
Tool Level: Intermediate
2. Google Analytics
Image via Google Analytics
Launched in 2005, Google Analytics is the “granddad” of web analytics tools. It’s used by over 44 million websites worldwide, making it the most popular analytics service on the internet.
Image via GA4
While not strictly a social media tool, its ability to track social referrals makes it invaluable for understanding how social media drives traffic to your site.
Standout Features:
- Real-time reporting
- Custom dashboards
- Integration with other Google services
- Conversion tracking
Pros:
- Free for most users
- Comprehensive data on website traffic
- Tracks social media referrals
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for beginners
Pricing:
- Free
Best For: Small businesses looking for a free, all-in-one analytics solution
Tool Level: Intermediate to Advanced
3. Hootsuite
Image via Hootsuite
Founded in 2008, Hootsuite has grown to serve over 18 million users across 175+ countries. It’s not just a social media management tool; it also offers robust analytics features, earning it a spot as one of the top social analytics tools.
Hootsuite’s strength lies in its ability to provide a bird’s-eye view of your social media performance across multiple platforms.
Standout Features:
- Multi-platform analytics in one dashboard
- Custom report templates
- Team performance metrics
- Competitor benchmarking
Pros:
- Comprehensive social media coverage
- Scheduling and analytics in one tool
- Robust social listening capabilities
Cons:
- Can get pricey for larger teams
Pricing:
- Professional: $99/month
- Team: $249/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Best For: Businesses managing multiple social accounts who need a balance of management and analytics features
Tool Level: Intermediate
4. Hubspot
Image via Hubspot
Hubspot is a household name in the marketing space and offers services that cut across marketing, sales, and service sectors. Its social media tools, including analytics, are part of its broader marketing hub.
Hubspot’s strength as one of the top social analytics tools lies in its ability to tie social media performance directly to lead generation and sales.
Standout Features:
- Integration with CRM
- Competitor analysis
- ROI reporting
- Social media content calendar
Pros:
- All-in-one marketing solution
- Detailed contact insights
- Excellent for aligning marketing and sales teams
Cons:
- Can be overwhelming for small teams
Pricing:
- Free plan
- Starter Customer Platform: $20/month
- Sales Hub Professional: $100/month
- Service Hub Professional: $100/month
- Sales Hub Enterprise: $150/month
- Service Hub Enterprise: $150/month
- Content Hub Professional: $500/month
- Operations Hub Professional: $800/month
- Marketing Hub Professional: $890/month
- Content Hub Enterprise: $1,500/month
- Operations Hub Enterprise: $2,000/month
- Marketing Hub Enterprise: $3,600/month
Best For: Growing businesses looking for salable social analytics solutions
Tool Level: Intermediate to Advanced
5. Sprout Social
Image via Sprout Social
Sprout Social is a market favorite when it comes to top social analytics tools and serves over 25,000 brands and organizations worldwide. Sprout Social stands out for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive social media management features, including robust analytics.
Standout Features:
- Detailed engagement analytics
- Competitive benchmarking
- Automated reporting
- Social listening
Pros:
- Powerful social listening tools
- Excellent team collaboration features
- Integration with major social platforms
Cons:
- Higher price point than some competitors
Pricing:
- Standard: $249/month
- Professional: $399/month
- Advanced: $499/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Best For: Mid-sized businesses serious about social media marketing who need in-depth social media management tools and analytics
Tool Level: Intermediate to Advanced
6. BuzzSumo
Image via BuzzSumo
Launched in 2014, BuzzSumo quickly became a go-to tool for content research and social analytics by many, including major brands like Netflix, Disney, and Amazon.
BuzzSumo’s unique strength lies in its ability to analyze content performance across the web and social media, making it invaluable for content strategists.
Standout Features:
- Content performance analysis
- Influencer identification
- Trending topic discovery
- Backlink analysis
Pros:
- Helpful for influencer marketing campaigns
- Excellent for content ideation
- Powerful for competitive analysis
Cons:
- Limited social platform coverage compared to some competitors
Pricing:
- Content Creation: $199/month
- PR & Comms: $299/month
- Suite: $499/month
- Enterprise: $999/month
Best For: Content marketers and businesses focused on creating engaging content
Tool Level: Intermediate
Wrap Up
Choosing the right social analytics tool can transform your marketing strategy. Whether you’re diving into Google Analytics or exploring platforms like Hootsuite or BuzzSumo, remember that consistency is key.
Start small, focus on metrics that align with your goals, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Your perfect social media toolkit is out there—good luck!
