If you regularly use Twitter for your online marketing, one of the tools that you have at your disposal is HootSuite. Unlike some of the other automation tools, HootSuite is only semi-automated. In order to effectively use Hootsuite for Twitter, you will have to understand exactly how this tool works.

HootSuite works from your web browser. You have the option to use the “hootlet” or you may use the full program. The hootlet plug-in allows you to tweet from any page that you are currently visiting. The entire program, lets you supervise multiple Twitter accounts, FaceBook accounts, LinkedIn accounts, four square accounts, as well as other social networking sites. It is simple to setup, and you need only have a verifiable e-mail address to get started.

Social accounts

From the menu, you will select add new social accounts. In this area, you can arrange all of your social networking accounts which will create an icon in the toolbar for each and every account. You also have the option to open “columns” which can provide you with information regarding the current activity in your timeline. Once all of your accounts are ready, you can set up various RSS feeds.

RSS feeds

If you are interested in having information automatically sent from your blog directly to any social networking account, you can add your RSS feeds to automatically post updates. You can elect to have these sent to one or more of your social networking accounts. There is a limitation on the number of RSS feeds that you may set up, however you may elect to use an RSS mixing service to combine more than one.

Automation

HootSuite is not fully automatic. Instead, it allows you to set up drafts, or post directly to your social networking accounts. Also, you can also send precise tweet at precise times that may be repeated whenever you think necessary. Make sure that before you set these up, that you verify the 24 hour limitations on repeating the same status update.

URL shortening

There is a built-in URL shortening tool that allows you to post your long URL to a box, and have it added to your status update. This is done using the owl.y system. If used appropriately, this system also lets you track clicks, TrackBacks, and click through. The statistics are readily available right from your dashboard.

Cost

As of the date of this writing, June 21, 2010 there is only a free version available of HootSuite available. At this time, no plans have been announced as to when a premium version may be available.

Summary

If you do not have an extensive amount of information to post to your social networking accounts as updates, HootSuite may be the right tool for you. Because it is free, and very simple to use, it could be the answer to your time-consuming social network marketing.

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Pilar Torres – Access our Free Jargon Free Web Marketing Strategy  videos aimed at beginners at http://www.pickaweb.co.uk/ . Check out our Professional Website Hosting Services. We also offer Reseller Hosting and other services such as Dedicated Servers, VPS Hosting, Domain Names, Web Design, Online Website Builder, Web Design Templates, Email Marketing, Data Backup and 0800 Numbers.

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