Buffer Free: What You Get
| Feature | Buffer Free | Buffer Essentials |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0/mo | $6/channel/mo |
| Channels | 3 channels | Unlimited |
| Scheduled Posts | 10 per channel | Unlimited |
| Users | 1 user | 1 user |
| AI Assistant | Yes (included) | Yes |
| Analytics | Basic | 30-day analytics |
Step-by-Step Setup (30 Minutes)
Minutes 1–5: Account and Channel Setup
Sign up at buffer.com. Connect your 3 social accounts. Best picks for most businesses: LinkedIn (professional reach), Twitter/X (conversation), Instagram (visual). Each account counts as one channel.
Minutes 5–10: Set Your Posting Schedule
Go to Settings → Posting Schedule for each channel. Set 2–3 posting times per day per channel. Buffer will auto-fill these slots when you add posts to the queue. Start with: 9 AM, 12 PM, 5 PM for most B2B audiences.
Minutes 10–25: Queue Your First Week
Create 10 posts per channel (the free tier limit). Use Buffer's AI assistant to help generate captions. Mix content types: 3 educational, 3 promotional, 2 engagement questions, 2 industry insights. Customize each post for the specific platform.
Minutes 25–30: Review and Optimize
Review all queued posts in the calendar view. Check for typos, broken links, and missing images. Set up the Start Page (Buffer's link-in-bio tool — free). Add it to your social bios.
When to Upgrade
Upgrade to Buffer Essentials ($6/channel/month) when 10 scheduled posts per channel isn't enough. At 3 channels, that's $18/month for unlimited posts and 30-day analytics. For a team, Buffer Team ($12/channel/month) adds approval workflows and unlimited users.
FAQ
Why Buffer instead of Hootsuite?
Hootsuite dropped its free plan entirely. Their cheapest plan (Standard) is $149/month for 1 user. Buffer Free gives you 3 channels for $0. The price difference is stark.
Is 10 posts per channel enough?
For 2–3 posts per week per channel, 10 scheduled posts covers roughly 1.5 weeks. You'll need to refill the queue weekly. If you post daily, upgrade to Essentials ($6/channel) for unlimited scheduling.