Getting started with Buffer's publishing features

The first step to getting started with Buffer is to connect your social channels. You’ll then be able to configure your perfect posting schedule, engage with your audience, and analyze the results. Let’s get started!

In this article:

1. Connect your first channel to Buffer
2. Set up your timezone and posting schedule
3. Compose, schedule, and publish a post

Connect your first channel to Buffer

1. To speed up the connection process, log into your social channel first, then open Buffer in a separate tab.
2. Once you're logged into Buffer, click the "Publishing" tab. 
3. In the lower left corner, click the Add Channels button.
4. Click the channel you’d like to connect.
5. Click Start Connecting when the pop up box appears.
6. Authorize permission to Buffer to access your social channels (for specific details on each network’s permissions, see Connecting Channels)
7. Click the Add to Buffer button.
8. You’ll see a dialog box in the top right corner that your connection has been made successfully!

Success! 🎉 Next, let’s set up your timezone and configure your posting schedule.

Set up your timezone and posting schedule

1. From your "Publishing" tab, select Queues, and then click into one of your connected channels.
2. Click on the settings wheel, then click on the Posting Schedule tab, and finally add your location to set your timezone. Note: you’ll need to do this for each connected channel.
3. When your timezone is set, scroll down to the Posting Schedule. Here, you can add a new posting time (for every day, or for weekend, weekdays, or individual day), or click the “X” to remove a posting time.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 for each social channel you have connected to Buffer.

All set! Now your composed posts will automatically be scheduled and published according to your posting schedule. 📆 You’re ready to compose your first post through Buffer!

Compose, schedule, and publish a post

1. Click the blue + New button at the top of your dashboard to open the composer.
2. Select the channels you want to publish to.
3. Write your text, upload an image or video, and then select Customize for each network. You can now edit the messaging as needed for different social channels.

4. Next, you can schedule your post to publish by clicking Add to Queue, Share Now, or Share Next.

   

   Huzzah! Your post will be published through Buffer at the selected time!