8 tools for the on-the-go social media manager

There are a variety of smart phone applications that can help you to stay on top of your brand’s online and mobile conversations, beyond your 9-to-5 workday.

I’ve collected a toolkit of the most convenient and reliable social engagement and monitoring applications—all accessible from your handheld device.

1. HootSuite

HootSuite, the incredible desktop Twitter client, also exists for the iPhone and Droid. With the mobile version of HootSuite, you can manage multiple accounts in easy-to-navigate streams, schedule tweets, upload photos, and use ow.ly, the HootSuite link shortner that automatically generates graphs and statistics.

HootSuite enables you to translate tweets, organize your Twitter contacts, see trending topics, or add locations to posts. If you’re mentioning a handle, just type “@” with letters and HootSuite will make it easy for you by providing accounts from which to select. You also have the ability to link Facebook, LinkedIn, and Foursquare accounts for cross-platform management.

2. Seesmic