Why this matters
Most small firms post to social media in bursts, because every network is a separate login and every post gets written twice. The pages go quiet for weeks, and clients notice.
Buffer lets you write one post, send it to every page and schedule a whole week in one sitting. The free plan covers a few channels, which is enough for most small firms.
Practice
Do every step yourself in a practice copy of the real tool. It checks your work, and “Do it for me” finishes any step you get stuck on.
What you’ll build
You help Dana Whitaker, office manager at Brookfield HR Partners, a made-up HR consulting firm that posts to a LinkedIn Page and a Facebook Page.
You connect a Page to Buffer, open a new post, pick both channels, write one post, add an image, ask the AI Assistant for a rewrite, customize the LinkedIn version, pick a suggested time, schedule it and find it on the calendar. The Buffer screens are screenshots from Buffer's own help center, credited and linked under each one.
What you need
- Nothing to start the practiceThe lesson uses Buffer's own help-center screenshots. Brookfield HR Partners and every number are made up.
- A free Buffer account, to do it for realBuffer's pricing page says the free plan connects up to 3 channels and holds 10 scheduled posts per channel. Check buffer.com/pricing for paid plans.
- Admin access to your firm's pagesAn admin of the Facebook Page, and a Super Admin of the LinkedIn Page.
- One post idea and one imageSomething useful for your clients, such as a checklist or a tip.
Concepts
Connect as an admin
Facebook and LinkedIn Pages connect through your personal login. Buffer then lists the Pages you manage and you pick one. It does not post to your personal profile.
LinkedIn Pages need a Super Admin. Facebook needs every permission left on under Choose what you allow.
Write once, then customize
Write one base post, then click Customize for each network. You get one box per network, so the LinkedIn version can speak to professionals and the Facebook version to local clients.
Queue or exact time
Next Available (Add to Queue) fills the next open slot in each channel's posting schedule. Set Date and Time fixes an exact time, with suggested times under Posting Slots.
The queue only works once every channel you picked has posting times.
Do it for real
Now repeat it in your own account. Tick each step as you go.
Quick check
3 questions to check you’ve got it.
1. You want the LinkedIn version to read differently from the Facebook one. What do you click?
- Create Another
- Customize for each network
- Save Draft
Show the answer
Customize for each network. Customize for each network gives each network its own box, starting from your base post.
2. Next Available is missing from the scheduling options. Why?
- You are on the free plan
- One of the channels you picked has no posting times
- The image is too big
Show the answer
One of the channels you picked has no posting times. Buffer's docs say Next Available and Prioritize only appear when every selected channel has posting times set.
3. Who can connect a LinkedIn Company Page to Buffer?
- Any follower of the Page
- A Content Admin
- A Super Admin of the Page
Show the answer
A Super Admin of the Page. Only a Super Admin can connect or refresh a LinkedIn Page in Buffer.
FigJam: Run a Team Brainstorm on One Board and Share It
You set up Buffer to post everywhere from one place. Review the apps you have met in this course and pick one to try on your own work.
Start module 46 →