Baby Steps Toward a Social Media Presence
Social media has changed the way we connect. We like, comment, and share as a way to get the word out and support people, organizations, and causes. So, how can you effectively use social media for your club? First of all, it's essential to understand that platforms like Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram cannot replace your website. Second, define your strategy and break it down into manageable steps.
Define your goal
Here are a couple of questions to consider:
- What are you trying to accomplish through it?
- Who will your audience be?
- What will capture their attention?
Put a team together or identify a single person as the lead
Many Rotarians are on one or more social media platforms. Almost 100% of our clubs in District 6250 have a Facebook page; however, the level of engagement varies. Some clubs have a high level of engagement, where others haven’t posted in weeks. Below features the information to help you increase your social media presence.
Examples for a team approach
- One member takes photos of club meetings and activities while the other comes up with appealing headlines & stories to promote engagement.
- One member creates a post about club meetings/events while the other creates a post featuring a Rotarian, past event, and/or the monthly themes.
Ideas to promote an online presence and get your story told
Below are some examples that are easy to do and will help your club share all of the incredible things Rotarians do for others, create engagement, and likely increase membership. You do not need to do them all but perhaps commit to one or two to start.
- Club meetings - Post a picture of the speaker and/or your members during the meeting. Share the images on social media before or after your meetings.
- Thursdays - Use the hashtag #TBT (Throwback Thursday) and feature a picture/video from the past.
- Any day of the week, share a DIstrict 6250 and/or a Rotary International post.
- Twice a month, feature the RI theme. If your club did an activity connecting with the theme, use it to promote and bring attention to the theme.
- Turn on the “top fan badge,” and once a week/month, feature the top fans and thank them for spreading the word about Rotary.
- Once a month, feature a Rotarian. One month you could post a picture of a Rotarian who has put in years of service, and the following month you could post a picture of a new(er) Rotarian. Ask each Rotarian to write up their bio and why they joined Rotary. Post their bio and reason with the picture.
A few reminders:
Post regularly. At a minimum, we recommend once a week so that your social platforms look current. Don’t be afraid to report the same post (worded slightly differently every time).- Encourage club members to like, comment, and share your club’s posts.
- Pin your most important posts right on top of your newsfeed, so it's the first thing visitors see when they land on your social feed.
- Link your club website so people can read the story behind the photos and learn more about how they can be part of it too.
- Tag participating members and community partners in your posts.
- Use the Brand Center, your one-stop shop for logos, creative assets, guidelines, and more. Be sure to visit often as new materials are added for your use.
- Develop a social media schedule – Manage your time by planning your club’s social media activity in advance.
These are just a few ideas to help you take baby steps to gain a social media presence. Jump in and get started.
10 Tips for Posting on Social Media
- Think about friends of Rotary when you are writing your captions. You have great photos and stories to share. Make sure your story will be understood by Rotarians and non-Rotarians alike. Share the best things about your club.
- Tag people, organizations, Rotary International, fellow Rotary clubs. Tagging others helps to notify others of what you are doing. They may share or like the post themselves.
- Engage with other accounts. “Like” and “comment” on posts made by other organizations. Remember to respond to messages or comments received by your club.
- Tag the Rotary District 6250. This will help the District be more aware of- and engage with - your posts. We may even share it!!
- Use hashtags and mentions to make it easier for people interested in a topic you’ve written about. Examples include, #EndPolioNow, #Rotary, #PeopleOfAction
- Pictures and videos cause people to stop and view. Share pictures of your club members, club meetings, and more.
- Provide a link to your club website so people can learn more about your club.
- Post regularly. At a minimum, we recommend at least once a week so that your social platforms look current. Modify a post and then repost. Always encourage people to like, comment, and share.
- Pin your most important post(s) at the top of your newsfeed, so it’s the first thing visitors see when they land on your page.
- Embed your social media accounts on your website.