The Buffer App: “A Smarter Way to Share”

What’s a buffer? According to the dictionary:

• protector against impact: somebody or something that reduces shock or impact or protects against other harm, usually by interception
• memory area: a temporary storage area for data being transmitted between two devices that function at different speeds.

Well, the second definition comes close. Webster notwithstanding, Buffer is a tool that allows you to share articles, pictures, videos and more across all your social media platforms automatically. Or as Buffer likes to say, “automagically.” And magic it almost is.

In prior blogs we’ve discussed in detail the time challenge Realtors face in keeping up with all the opportunities and challenges of a social media marketing strategy. So whenever a new, more efficient tool pops up in our universe, we want to share it with you. What makes Buffer so great?

• Simple to use (even for newbies)
• Works on multiple platforms and accounts
• Provides detailed analytics
• Gives world-class customer service

Simple to use
Let’s say you’re reading one of our blogs and you want to quote a sentence or two to all your followers. Copy and click once and it will immediately post to Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and your Facebook Pages. Or let’s say you just got a new listing. Snap some photos with your smart phone, upload them, and your followers will see them in mere seconds. The main reasons for this we found were that Buffer allows you to post messages with optimal timing, makes your posting schedule more consistent and hassle-free.

Works on multiple platforms
Internet search engines such as Firefox, Chrome, and Internet Explorer will have a Buffer button on your tool bar so you can post from wherever you are. Apps for the iPhone and Android provide additional flexibility. You can add Tweets, Facebook statuses or LinkedIn updates using the handy browser extensions from anywhere on the web. These can be put in queue to be posted at any time you choose. At last count, there were close to 30 apps, extensions, and web platforms available for use with your Buffer account.

Provides detailed analytics
Analytics are critically important if you want to keep refining your Internet marketing strategy. You need to know who’s reading your stuff, where they are coming from, how often they are coming back, and how long they are staying with you. Buffer can tell you all of that. You can see how many likes, shares and retweets you’re getting on a daily basis.

Buffer offers this validation of its own effectiveness:

“On average, people who start to use Buffer see a 200% increase in clicks on link. The retweet rate doubles and Klout scores increased 3.5 points. This data refers to using Buffer daily for at least 2 weeks.”

Gives world-class customer service
People who use Buffer regularly can’t seem to stop singing its praises. Or perhaps Tweeting its praises would be more appropriate! Whatever the medium, Buffer provides a benchmark for what good service ought to look like. They are seemingly on Twitter 24/7, interacting with users and giving prompt answers to questions and solutions to problems.

When Buffer releases an update or adds a new element, users get an email explaining the change. That’s a nice touch, of course, but here’s the real wow factor: Buffer staff is live online for three hours after each new release to answer customer questions via email. You can’t get much more hands-on than that.

In addition to a high level of tech support, Buffer has an amazing blog, new and fresh content weekly or oftener, with relevant information on social media, travel, productivity, and more. They also offer regular tips on effective uses of Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

The bottom line on Buffer: you can share more stuff with more people, more often. And you can do it with less time and less hassle. It is indeed “the smarter way to share.”

Ready to have your life made easier with a little fun along the way – open your free Buffer account now and let me know what you think of it.