Social media management is a full-time responsibility that requires planning, scheduling, content creation and data analysis. That is why many businesses use platforms like Buffer, Later and Hootsuite, and often partner with agencies to help run it all smoothly.
If you are ready to collaborate with professionals, the first step is giving them access to your scheduling platform. Whether you use Buffer, Later or Hootsuite, there is a secure and smart way to do this without ever sharing your login details.
This guide will walk you through the steps for each platform so your agency can get started without delay, and your brand remains in safe hands.
Why Use a Social Media Scheduling Tool?
Before diving into the how-to, it helps to understand why platforms like Buffer, Later and Hootsuite exist, and why they are invaluable for both agencies and business owners.
Here is what they offer:
- Centralised dashboard for multiple social channels
- Ability to schedule posts in advance
- Performance analytics and engagement reports
- Content calendar planning
- Team collaboration features
Hiring an agency without giving them access to your scheduler is like hiring a chef without handing over the kitchen keys. Let us look at how to do it right.
General Rule: Never Share Your Password
This applies to all platforms. Never share your personal login credentials. Doing so not only exposes you to security risks but also limits your control over what someone else can access.
All three platforms offer team and user permissions for this very reason.
How to Give Access on Buffer
Buffer is well-loved for its clean interface and easy publishing tools. If your business is using Buffer, here is how to invite your agency to collaborate.
Step 1: Choose the Right Buffer Plan
To invite team members, your account must be on the Essentials plan or higher.
You can check your Buffer plan and upgrade if needed.
Step 2: Invite Users to Buffer
- Log into your Buffer account
- Click on your profile image and select Team Settings
- Click Invite a New Team Member
- Enter the agency's email address
- Choose the permission level: Full Posting Access or Approval Required
- Assign them to specific social media channels
- Click Send Invitation
They will receive an email with access. You can monitor their activity through your team settings.
Step 3: Manage Permissions
Buffer allows different access levels:
- Full Posting Access: Ideal for agencies managing day-to-day scheduling
- Approval Required: Best for when you want final say before anything goes live
You can change their access anytime under Team Settings.
How to Give Access on Later
Later is a strong visual-first scheduler, especially useful for Instagram-heavy accounts.
Step 1: Make Sure You Are on the Right Plan
You will need a Starter, Growth, or Advanced plan to add users. Check your Later plan.
Step 2: Add Users to Your Later Account
- Go to Later and log in
- Click your profile icon and go to Settings
- Select Users and Social Sets
- Click Invite User
- Enter the agency’s email
- Assign the agency to a specific Social Set (collection of linked accounts)
- Choose their role: Contributor, Manager, or Admin
- Send the invite
Later’s roles are flexible:
- Contributor: Can create content but cannot publish
- Manager: Can schedule and publish content
- Admin: Full control, including user management and billing
Step 3: Organise with Media Library and Calendar
Once invited, the agency can access your Media Library, drag and drop content into your Calendar, and even view your analytics depending on their role.
How to Give Access on Hootsuite
Hootsuite is powerful for brands that juggle multiple accounts and campaigns.
Step 1: Make Sure Your Plan Allows for Teams
User access is available on the Team, Business, or Enterprise plans. Check your subscription at Hootsuite.
Step 2: Add the Agency as a Team Member
- Log in at hootsuite.com
- Click on your profile picture and go to My Profile
- Select Manage Accounts and Teams
- Under your organisation, click Invite a User
- Enter their email address
- Choose which social accounts they can access
- Assign a role: Editor, Viewer or Admin
- Send the invitation
Once accepted, the agency can start scheduling posts, replying to messages, or pulling reports, depending on their role.
Step 3: Use Content Libraries and Assignments
Hootsuite also allows teams to collaborate through:
- Content Libraries for approved assets
- Message Assignments for customer engagement
- Analytics Reports for campaign reviews
Your agency can handle publishing while you keep an eye on performance.
How to Decide Which Permissions to Grant
Not every agency needs full control. Here is a quick guide to help you decide:
When in doubt, start small and upgrade permissions later.
Communicating With Your Agency
Once your agency has access, make collaboration as smooth as possible by doing the following:
Share a Content Calendar
Use tools like Google Sheets, Notion or Trello to agree on post frequency, campaign dates, and seasonal promotions.
Provide Brand Guidelines
Ensure the agency knows your tone of voice, image style, brand values, and audience persona.
Agree on Feedback Loops
If posts require approval, set a realistic turnaround time. If using Later or Hootsuite, enable notification settings for approvals.
What to Do When the Partnership Ends
It is important to remove access if the agency contract ends or you switch partners.
Each platform allows you to:
- Remove the user from your team
- Reassign their posts or content drafts
- Transfer any shared assets or approvals back to yourself
Always do a final review of permissions after the handover.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are the most common errors businesses make when giving platform access:
Sharing Account Credentials
This makes it impossible to track activity and increases security risk.
Giving Admin Access Too Soon
Start with limited permissions and scale up when trust is established.
Not Assigning Specific Social Accounts
Assigning access to the wrong accounts causes confusion and delays.
Forgetting to Revoke Access
If you no longer work with an agency, always remove their access promptly.
Need To Hire a Social Media Manager?
At Cemoh, we connect you with Australia’s best social media professionals. Our vetted marketing talent can work inside your Buffer, Later, or Hootsuite account to help you build a consistent and high-performing social presence.
Whether you need help for a campaign launch or want full channel management, we are ready to support your goals. Hire a social media manager today and let your socials run on autopilot, professionally.