Schedule Posts Like a Pro Using Free Scheduling Tools

To use the post scheduler on Instagram or Facebook, you can take advantage of tools like Meta Business Suite (formerly Facebook Business Suite) or third-party scheduling platforms like Hootsuite, Buffer, or Later. Instagram’s native platform doesn’t yet offer post-scheduling directly in the app (outside of Instagram’s Creator Studio for business accounts), so we’ll go over the steps for using Meta’s Business Suite since it’s the most integrated way to schedule posts if you have a business or creator account.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to schedule posts using Meta Business Suite:

Step-by-Step Instructions for Using Meta Business Suite (for Facebook/Instagram Business Accounts):

Step 1: Create a Business Account on Instagram

Before scheduling posts, ensure your Instagram account is a Business or Creator account:

1. Go to your Instagram profile.

2. Tap the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top right corner.

3. Select Settings > Account.

4. Scroll down and tap Switch to Professional Account.

5. Follow the prompts to set up your business profile.

Step 2: Link Your Instagram to Facebook

Meta Business Suite works best when Instagram and Facebook are linked:

1. Open your Facebook account (on desktop or mobile).

2. Go to your Facebook Page.

3. Tap Settings > Instagram in the left-hand sidebar (on desktop).

4. Link your Instagram account by following the on-screen instructions.

Step 3: Access Meta Business Suite

1. On a desktop, go to Meta Business Suite and log in with your Facebook account credentials linked to your Instagram account.

2. Alternatively, you can download the Meta Business Suite app on your phone for mobile scheduling.

Step 4: Choose the "Create Post" Option

1. In Meta Business Suite (desktop or mobile app), click on Create Post from the main dashboard.

2. Choose whether you want to create a post for Instagram, Facebook, or both. Select Instagram for scheduling your Instagram post.

Step 5: Select the Instagram Account

If you manage multiple accounts, choose the appropriate Instagram account you'd like to post to.

Step 6: Create Your Post

1. Write the Caption: Type your desired caption. You can also add hashtags, emojis, or mention other accounts.

2. Add Media: Click the Add Media button to upload your photo, video, or carousel images from your computer or mobile device.

3. You can also add location and tag people in the post (if necessary).

Step 7: Schedule Your Post

1. After setting up the content, click the Schedule option.

2. Select the date and time you want the post to go live.

3. Click Save once you’ve chosen your scheduling time.

Step 8: Review and Confirm

1. Double-check your post and scheduling settings.

2. When everything looks good, click Schedule Post.

Step 9: Managing Scheduled Posts

• Review Scheduled Posts: You can check all your upcoming posts by going to the Content section in Meta Business Suite. You’ll see a list of scheduled posts with the option to edit or reschedule them.

• Edit or Delete: If you need to make changes, just click on the post and choose Edit or Delete.

Scheduling Posts with Third-Party Tools:

You can also use third-party tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, or Later for scheduling Instagram posts. Here’s a general overview of how to use them:

1. Sign up for the service and link your Instagram business account.

2. Create a post (upload media and write a caption).

3. Choose the time and date you want the post to go live.

4. Schedule the post.

Each of these platforms typically provides an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface to upload images and videos and set scheduling preferences.

Additional Tips for Instagram Scheduling:

• Best Time to Post: Consider your audience’s time zone and the best engagement times when scheduling posts. Insights on Instagram Business accounts provide data on when your followers are most active.

• Post Type: Ensure you follow the correct image/video dimensions for Instagram (e.g., 1080x1080px for square posts, 1080x1350px for portrait).

• Hashtags: Research trending hashtags and include them in your captions to increase discoverability.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to efficiently schedule Instagram posts in advance, saving time and ensuring consistent content delivery.