Social media changes quickly. One day, a platform like Twitter reigns supreme, and the next day, it’s a ghost town. This unpredictability makes measuring brand awareness on social media challenging. For example, even if your social media metrics indicate that a brand or product is ‘trending,’ it’s hard to tell if that’s just a fluke or if folks have genuinely taken to your business.
In cases like these, social media tools like Sprout Social can help. But what if these tools don’t have what you need to measure brand awareness on social media? Or what if they change, and the new iteration isn’t compatible with your goals? This guide will help you troubleshoot this issue by examining the top ten Sprout Social alternatives in 2025 and help you with how to measure brand awareness on social media.
Brandwise's social media engagement software can help you measure brand awareness on social media so you can understand the social media landscape and identify areas for improvement. This tool can ease your transition to a better fit even if you stick with Sprout Social.
What Is Sprout Social?
Sprout Social is a popular social media management platform designed to help businesses and marketers manage their online presence efficiently. With its powerful features and intuitive interface, Sprout Social has become a go-to solution for brands looking to streamline their social media strategies, engage with audiences, and analyze performance.
Key Features of Sprout Social
Social Media Scheduling and Publishing
Sprout Social allows users to plan and schedule posts across multiple platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. The content calendar provides a centralized view of all scheduled posts, making maintaining a consistent posting schedule easier. Users can schedule posts in advance to save time, ensuring they maintain an active online presence even during busy periods.
Analytics and Reporting
Sprout Social offers detailed insights into social media performance, such as engagement rates, follower growth, and audience demographics. Customizable reports allow businesses to focus on the metrics that matter most to their goals. Advanced analytics help identify top-performing posts, optimal posting times, and key areas for improvement.
Unified Social Inbox
The unified inbox consolidates all social media interactions—comments, messages, and mentions—into a single dashboard. This feature makes it easier for teams to respond promptly to customer inquiries and engage with followers without switching platforms.
Social Listening
Sprout Social’s listening tools monitor brand mentions, hashtags, and industry keywords to provide insights into what people say about your brand. Businesses can use this data to refine their strategies, address customer concerns, and identify emerging trends.
Team Collaboration and Workflow Management
Sprout Social is ideal for teams, offering features like task assignment, content approval workflows, and shared calendars. Team members can collaborate smoothly, ensuring consistency in messaging and faster response times.
Integration Capabilities
The platform integrates with popular tools such as Google Analytics, Zendesk, HubSpot, and more, making it a versatile option for businesses with complex tech stacks.
Benefits of Using Sprout Social
Efficiency and Time-Saving
By consolidating scheduling, analytics, and engagement tools into one platform, Sprout Social reduces the time spent managing social media accounts.
Enhanced Customer Engagement
Features like the unified inbox and social listening enable businesses to respond quickly to customer inquiries and stay updated on audience sentiment.
Data-Driven Decisions
The platform’s analytics and reporting tools provide actionable insights that help businesses refine their strategies and improve ROI.
Scalability
Sprout Social caters to businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises, offering flexible plans and features that scale with your company.
Limitations of Sprout Social
While Sprout Social is a powerful tool, it may not be the right fit for everyone. Here are some potential drawbacks:
High Cost
The platform’s pricing starts at $249 per month for the Standard Plan, which may be prohibitive for small businesses or startups with limited budgets.
Complexity for Beginners
While intuitive for experienced marketers, the wide range of features can overwhelm new users or businesses with simple needs.
Limited Customization for Smaller Teams
Businesses with fewer team members or simpler workflows might not need all of Sprout Social's features.
Why Look for Alternatives to Sprout Social?
While Sprout Social is a top-tier tool, its cost and feature set may not align with the needs of all businesses. Here are some reasons why companies might consider alternatives:
Budget Constraints
Startups and small businesses prefer more affordable tools with comparable features.
Specific Needs
Some businesses require specialized tools for specific platforms or tasks, such as Instagram-focused tools like Later or automation-heavy options like Brandwise.
Overloaded Features
Businesses with more straightforward needs might find Sprout Social too complex or feature-heavy, making leaner tools like Buffer or Hootsuite more attractive.
1. Brandwise: The Social Media Management Tool with an Advanced Comment Moderation Tool
Brandwise is an intelligent social media management tool. At its core is an advanced AI that continuously learns and improves, automatically moderating comments on ads and posts while generating intelligent replies to comments and messages. This powerful tool streamlines workflow by consolidating social media interactions in one place and provides valuable AI-driven insights, identifying top FAQs and concerns to enhance customer engagement strategies.
For brands struggling with high-volume social media interactions, Brandwise offers an efficient solution to automatically hide negative comments, provide AI-generated responses, and gain a deeper understanding of customer engagement patterns. Try our social media engagement software for free for 7 days to grow your social media accounts rapidly!
2. Buffer: The Simple Social Media Tool for Beginners
Buffer is a straightforward social media management tool that helps users plan, publish, and analyze posts across multiple platforms. Its clean aesthetic and intuitive design make it easy for anyone to jump in and start using Buffer.
Key features
Simple post scheduling with optimization suggestions for the best times to post. Basic analytics to measure audience engagement. A clean, user-friendly interface for beginners.
Best For
Solopreneurs and startups with limited social media needs.
Why It’s an Alternative
Buffer’s simplicity and affordability make it an excellent choice for businesses that need essential features without added complexity.
3. Zoho Social: The Sprout Social Alternative for Zoho Users
Zoho Social is part of the Zoho ecosystem of business software solutions, so it offers smooth integration with Zoho’s CRM and other tools. It helps businesses manage their social media accounts, track engagement, and improve the customer experience.
Key features
Smooth integration with Zoho’s CRM and other tools. Social listening to track mentions and trends. Post-scheduling and performance tracking.
Best For
Businesses are already using Zoho’s ecosystem.
Why It’s an Alternative
Zoho Social offers a cost-effective solution with added CRM benefits, making it ideal for businesses focused on customer relationship management.
4. Agorapulse: The Social Media Management Tool with a Social Inbox
Agorapulse is a social media management tool that combines scheduling and social engagement features to help businesses organize their social media accounts.
Key features
Social inbox for managing comments, mentions, and messages. Post-scheduling with detailed performance reports. Collaboration tools for assigning tasks within a team.
Best For
Agencies and teams managing multiple social accounts.
Why It’s an Alternative
Agorapulse combines scheduling and social engagement tools, making it ideal for agencies or larger teams.
5. Later: The Visually Focused Social Media Management Tool
Later is a social media scheduling tool with a focus on visual content. It helps users plan and schedule posts on Instagram, TikTok, and other visually driven platforms.
Key features
Visual content calendar for planning Instagram and TikTok posts. Hashtag suggestions to boost post reach. Link-in-bio features for better audience redirection.
Best For
Creators and brands focused on visually driven platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Why It’s an Alternative
Later, it specializes in Instagram-first features, making it an excellent option for content creators who don’t need the broader scope of Sprout Social.
6. Sendible: The Social Media Management Tool for Agencies
Sendible is a social media management tool designed to help agencies manage their clients' accounts. It offers robust features to help with posting, engagement, analytics, and tools for collaboration and reporting.
Key features
Multi-platform post-scheduling and advanced analytics. Content suggestions based on trends. Team collaboration tools for agencies managing clients.
Best For
Agencies handling diverse client portfolios.
Why It’s an Alternative
Sendible offers client-focused tools, such as reporting and white-label options, which can be more practical than Sprout Social for agencies.
7. Sprinklr: The Enterprise-Level Social Media Management Tool
Sprinklr is a social media management tool designed for large organizations. It offers enterprise-level scalability and advanced features for social media marketing, customer care, and social listening.
Key features
AI-powered insights and omnichannel customer engagement. Enterprise-level scalability and integration with CRM systems. Advanced analytics for tracking complex campaigns.
Best For
Large enterprises with diverse social media strategies.
Why It’s an Alternative
Sprinklr offers advanced analytics and customer engagement tools that cater to large-scale operations.
8. Loomly: The Social Media Management Tool for Content Creators
Loomly is a social media scheduling and analytics tool focusing on helping users create engaging content. It offers valuable features to help spark content ideas, organize posts, and collaborate with team members.
Key features
Content ideas and inspiration to spark creativity. Simple scheduling tools with performance tracking. Team collaboration for approval workflows.
Best For
Small to medium businesses seeking content inspiration and scheduling simplicity.
Why It’s an Alternative
Loomly’s content ideas feature sets it apart for businesses focusing on content-driven strategies.
9. SocialBee: The Social Media Management Tool for Organizing Evergreen Content
SocialBee is a social media management tool that helps users categorize their content for better organization. It offers post-recycling features to help businesses get the most out of their evergreen content.
Key features
Categorized scheduling for different content types. Post recycling for evergreen content. Detailed analytics and audience segmentation.
Best For
Businesses managing evergreen content and long-term campaigns.
Why It’s an Alternative
SocialBee’s focus on content categorization and recycling offers a more organized approach than Sprout Social for long-term planning.
How to Choose the Right Sprout Social Alternative
Define Your Business Needs: Identify Your Specific Social Media Goals
Start by identifying the specific social media management challenges you want to address. Consider the following questions:
Are you looking for advanced scheduling and automation tools?
Do you need detailed analytics to track ROI and performance?
Are you focused on one specific platform (e.g., Instagram) or managing multiple platforms?
Example
If your primary challenge is handling large volumes of social interactions, a tool like Brandwise, with its AI-powered comment moderation, would be a better fit than a generalist tool like Buffer.
Set Your Budget: Determine How Much You Can Spend
Social media management tools come at various price points, so determining your budget upfront can narrow your options.
Consider
Monthly vs. annual pricing plans (annual plans often offer discounts).
Additional costs for add-ons or extra users.
Are free trials available to test the platform before committing?
Example
Small businesses or solopreneurs may prefer affordable tools like Buffer or Zoho Social. At the same time, larger teams may find the investment in tools like Hootsuite or Brandwise worthwhile for their added features.
Evaluate Key Features: Not All Tools Are Created Equal
Not all tools are created equal. Evaluate the specific features of each platform to determine whether they align with your needs. Here are some standard features to look for:
Scheduling and Publishing
Does the platform allow for bulk uploads and multi-platform scheduling?
Are there features like optimal posting time suggestions or content recycling?
Engagement and Comment Management
Does the tool have a unified inbox to manage comments, mentions, and messages?
Is there automation for comment moderation for high-volume interactions, like in Brandwise?
Analytics and Reporting
Does it provide detailed reports on engagement, follower growth, and campaign performance?
Are the analytics customizable to track specific KPIs?
Team Collaboration and Workflow
Can you assign tasks, manage approvals, and collaborate within the tool?
Are there features for managing multiple clients or users?
Platform Integration
Does the tool integrate with your platforms, such as CRMs (Zoho Social), Google Analytics, or ad platforms?
Consider Scalability: Choose a Tool That Can Grow with Your Business
Choose a tool that can grow with your business. While a lightweight platform may work for now, consider whether it will support your needs as your social presence expands.
Questions to Ask
Can the platform handle more social accounts or users as you grow?
Are there additional features available in higher-tier plans that might become necessary later?
Example
Scalable tools like Sprinklr or Brandwise are better for businesses expecting rapid growth than essential solutions like Buffer.
Focus on Usability: Find a Tool That Is Easy to Use
A social media management tool should simplify your workflow, not complicate it. Evaluate the platform’s interface and ease of use:
Consider
Does the tool have an intuitive interface that’s easy for your team to learn?
Are there training materials, tutorials, or customer support available?
Example
Small teams or solo users may prefer the simplicity of tools like Later, while larger teams might prioritize robust collaboration features in tools like Agorapulse.
Assess Customer Support: Look for Responsive, Helpful Support
Good customer support can save time and frustration, especially during onboarding or troubleshooting.
Check For
Availability of live chat, email, or phone support.
Access to resources like FAQs, tutorials, and community forums.
Support in your preferred time zone.
Example
A tool like Brandwise offers dedicated support for high-volume interaction challenges and can be invaluable for businesses managing complex social strategies.
Leverage Free Trials: Get Hands-On with the Software Before Committing
Many platforms offer free trials or freemium versions, allowing you to test their features without committing financially. Use these to:
Evaluate the tool’s usability and features in real scenarios.
Determine how well it integrates with your workflow.
Compare the tool’s performance to your expectations.
Align the Tool with Your Target Platforms: Pick a Tool That Fits Your Needs
If you focus on specific platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn, prioritize tools catering to those platforms with unique features.
Examples
Later: Best for Instagram and TikTok with visual scheduling and hashtag tools.
Brandwise: Ideal for businesses managing interactions across multiple platforms with advanced automation features.
Prioritize Automation and Efficiency: Streamline Your Social Strategy
Automation features can save time and increase productivity. Tools like Brandwise, which use AI to handle tasks like comment moderation and reply generation, are particularly beneficial for businesses managing high volumes of social interactions.
Example Automation Features
Scheduling posts for optimal times.
Auto-generating responses to FAQs.
Automatically hiding negative comments or spam.
Talk about Brandwise
Brandwise is an intelligent social media management tool. At its core is an advanced AI that continuously learns and improves, automatically moderating comments on ads and posts while generating intelligent replies to comments and messages. This powerful tool streamlines workflow by consolidating social media interactions in one place and provides valuable AI-driven insights, identifying top FAQs and concerns to enhance customer engagement strategies.
For brands struggling with high-volume social media interactions, Brandwise offers an efficient solution to automatically hide negative comments, provide AI-generated responses, and gain a deeper understanding of customer engagement patterns. Try our social media engagement software for free for 7 days to grow your social media accounts rapidly!
Try Brandwise's Social Media Engagement Software for Free for 7 Days
Brand awareness is a measure of how well customers know your brand. It tracks how familiar your target audience is with your brand and its products or services. Social media is an excellent tool for increasing brand awareness. A good social media presence puts your brand in front of a large audience and can help you reach and engage potential customers who have never heard of your business. Measuring brand awareness on social media can help you understand how effective your social media strategy is for creating familiarity with your company. It can also reveal how your audience perceives your brand, positively or negatively.
Brandwise is an intelligent social media management tool. At its core is an advanced AI that continuously learns and improves, automatically moderating comments on ads and posts while generating intelligent replies to comments and messages. This powerful tool streamlines workflow by consolidating social media interactions in one place and provides valuable AI-driven insights, identifying top FAQs and concerns to enhance customer engagement strategies.
For brands struggling with high-volume social media interactions, Brandwise offers an efficient solution to automatically hide negative comments, provide AI-generated responses, and gain a deeper understanding of customer engagement patterns. Try our social media engagement software for free for 7 days to grow your social media accounts rapidly!