Software to Auto Post Tweets
Twitter does not offer a scheduling feature; all tweets are added automatically as you send them. However, third-party applications give you the option of scheduling tweets to post automatically at a later date. Scheduling tweets helps keep your Twitter account active when you're away from the computer, and can also be used for sharing time-sensitive information, such as tweeting about a new blog post or book release the morning it comes out.
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Buffer
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Buffer is a Web application that sets a customizable auto-post pattern for all the tweets in your queue. By default Buffer has four times when it posts your tweets: 9:03 a.m., 11:56 a.m., 4:56 p.m. and 7:58 p.m. You can set your personal buffer to update more or less often, and specify which days it updates your Twitter feed. Tweets added to your buffer are sent in order, though you can rearrange them after adding them to your queue. You have to create an account using your email address, then authenticate your Twitter account. From the Buffer dashboard, you can post updates immediately or add them to your queue. Buffer's basic features are free, but other features -- such as additional profiles and multiple buffer patterns -- are only available to paid users.
TweetDeck
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Available for your desktop, Chrome browser and smartphone, TweetDeck is a one-stop social media dashboard. In addition to adding multiple Twitter accounts, you can also manage your accounts on sites like Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn. To set a scheduled update using TweetDeck, fill in the content of your tweet in the compose text window and click the clock icon to open a scheduling menu. Set the date and time that you want your tweet to go out, and click "Set Time." TweetDeck then creates a column dedicated to your scheduled tweets. You can edit and delete any tweets in your scheduled column.
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HootSuite
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Similar to TweetDeck, HootSuite is an application for multiple devices that can send updates to multiple services at once. HootSuite has both free and paid services; paid accounts can have more linked accounts and can add team members. Tweets are scheduled by clicking the calendar icon on the compose menu. Free accounts can schedule one tweet at a time; paid accounts can use the bulk uploader. The time is set in five-minute increments. HootSuite does not open the scheduled tweets column by default, but if you want to follow your scheduled tweets, click "Add Stream" and select "Scheduled Tweets" from the drop-down menu for the stream type.
Twuffer
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Twuffer is another basic buffer application for Twitter. Unlike Buffer, you can use your Twitter account to log in to Twuffer, instead of creating a whole new account on the website. The settings are basic; set your time zone and choose whether or not you want your tweets displayed publicly on Twuffer. Enter your tweet in the offered box, choose a date and time, then click "Schedule Tweet." Twuffer's interface is simple, with tabs to your dashboard, scheduled tweets, sent tweets and failed tweets.
Twaitter
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Twaitter not only gives you the option to schedule your tweets, but also allows you to view your Twitter stream directly on the Web page; you can even retweet and reply to messages directly on the page. Also, once you've entered your tweet and hit "Scheduled," Twaitter gives you the option to either schedule a one-time tweet or a recurring tweet. Recurring tweets can be set to go daily, weekly, monthly or yearly; you can choose an end date, a set number of occurrences or let the tweet update as scheduled indefinitely. Choose the date and time for your tweet, and press "Schedule."
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