I know "always read reviews" sounds obvious, but it can be really easy to get super excited about a new tool and forget to do your due diligence.
Case in point, I noticed on a mentor's Facebook group wall that she was using "Post Planner" to schedule her posts into FB.
I wasn't familiar with that one and being a marketing tool geek, I went to
explore.
The opening page was pretty, I recognized BIG social media names by their faces including Kim Garst, Peg Fitzpatrick, and Guy Kawasaki.
I checked out the 7 minute video and liked some of the functionality.
Then, because I like matrixes and really easy checklists, I GOOGLED to find a comparison of Post Planner to what I use, Buffer App,
and some other tools like Hoot Suite, and Social Oomph.
Not surprising, there were a couple of links that when I clicked through I got a really nice three column spreadsheet of the benefits, features, with checkmarks on who offered what, comparing them easily.
Most interesting were the stars and reviews at the top of each column.
Post
Planner had the least stars (under 3 out of 5, not pretty in my book), so being curious ......
I clicked through to the reviews.
Holy COW! They were terrible.
From bad customer service to several reviewers mentioned being charged on their credit card inappropriately and no refund available (total no go for me) and unreliable post
scheduling.
It was UGLY.
Then what really clinched it was the suggestion in one review (not verified fact) that Kim Garst and other social media superstars are vested in Post Planner so they are touting it even with performance issues.
I don't know how true that is, but just the suggestion sent me running.
So instead of recommending a tool this Tuesday, I'm showing you how to vet the tools you do find before you wind up lost in the land of toolitis where you have more than you need and don't even remember what you've bought!
Now, if you have a positive experience with Post Planner, I'm dying to hear it! Because there was some cool functionality that I liked, though erroneous credit card charges are totally UNCOOL so
that would have to be resolved.
Be selective in your choice of tools, get only what you need and will use.
Read REVIEWS!
Mega Hugs,
Melissa
___