Let’s talk social media. Instagram has become a part of everyday life for individuals and businesses alike. It is also an integral tool for student sections to engage with students, post game updates, and showcase the culture of a sporting event. However, there are common mistakes that student section accounts make that hinder their ability to reach students most effectively. In this post, we will talk about how to set up and use your social media to your advantage, ultimately boosting school spirit and attendance.
Setting up Your Account
To establish a strong online presence, it is crucial to set up your social media accounts effectively. Start by ensuring that your profile picture represents your student section’s logo. Avoid using student photos as your profile picture to maintain a clear and recognizable identity. Additionally, choose a username that combines your school’s name and student section name, keeping it consistent across all platforms. Your bio should clearly state that your account is the official student section of your school, accompanied by cultural bullet points and a catchy slogan. By presenting a cohesive brand image, you can attract more followers and increase engagement.
The Purpose of Social Media
The primary purpose of student section social media is to drive growth and achieve specific goals. By sharing engaging content, you can attract more followers and increase attendance at games. The key is to create a positive feedback loop: more engagement online leads to more engagement at games, and vice versa. Therefore, it is essential to align your social media efforts with your student section’s goals and constantly strive to deliver content that excites and motivates students.
Crafting Engaging Content
One of the most common mistakes made by student section social media accounts is posting uninspiring and outdated content. Avoid simply sharing informational infographics that lack excitement. Instead, focus on capturing the essence of the student culture and game experience through compelling visuals. Share timeless photos and videos that evoke emotions and highlight the vibrant atmosphere at games. By showcasing the enthusiasm and energy of your student section, you can entice more students to attend games and participate in the collective experience.
Learning from Account Audits
Analyzing the social media accounts of various student sections can provide valuable insights and ideas for improving your strategy. Let’s take a look at a few examples to understand what works and what doesn’t:
Cameron Crazies – @cameron.crazies (Duke University): With 25,000 followers, this account turns out to be a fan page unrelated to the official student section. Clarity is crucial, so ensure that your account represents your student section.
K-State Students – @Kstate_students (Kansas State University): While this account features awesome and exciting content, it lacks a clear brand identity. Adding a brand name will help students identify and connect with your student section more effectively.
Rocky Top Rowdies – @rockytoprowdies (University of Tennessee): Although this account is the official student section, it primarily focuses on athletics graphics and lacks student-centered content. Prioritize showcasing the student section’s culture and activities to create a stronger connection with the target audience.
Successful Examples
Let’s explore some of the colleges we’ve worked with and examine how they have effectively utilized social media to create a vibrant student culture and drive engagement.
UNT Mean Green Maniacs – @unt_maniacs (University of North Texas): The UNT Green Maniacs have established an impressive social media presence. Their account features a compelling combination of their name, logo, and bio that includes cultural bullet points and a catchy slogan. As you scroll through their feed, you are met with photos that show off their vibrant student section culture. The content consistently invites students to attend games while showcasing the excitement and fun they can expect. Their social media account reflects their student culture and creates a desire to participate.
LU Uproar – @lu_uproar (Lindenwood University): Lindenwood’s student section has seen remarkable success in just one year. With 2,000 followers, their social media account demonstrates the key elements of an engaging presence. They have a clear name, a captivating logo, and a well-crafted bio. Their content is highly engaging and reflects the energetic atmosphere of their student section. By showcasing their unique culture through their posts, they effectively attract students to their games and foster a sense of belonging.
UCSB The Surge – @ucsbsurge (UC Santa Barbara): UCSB’s student section, known as The Surge, has developed an outstanding social media presence. Their logo, name, and bio align with their unique identity. What sets them apart is their ability to incorporate humor into their content. They create some of the funniest videos among student sections, which significantly contribute to driving student attendance at games. Their account demonstrates that entertainment and a sense of community can go hand in hand, leaving a lasting impression on their followers.
GCU Havocs – @gcuhavocs (Grand Canyon University): The GCU Havocs serve as an excellent example of a successful social media account for a student section. With over 28,000 followers, they have experienced tremendous growth. Starting from scratch, they built their account by following the essential components: a clear name, a compelling logo, and an engaging bio. Their content is diverse and captivating, catering to various interests of their student body. By consistently delivering high-quality posts, they have built a strong following and fostered a thriving student culture.
The power of social media for student sections cannot be overstated. The successful examples highlighted above demonstrate how an account with the right setup and content can drive growth, increase engagement, and attract more students to games. By focusing on the key elements of a strong social media presence, such as a distinct name, logo, and engaging content, student sections can create a vibrant community and achieve their goals.
Make some of these recommended updates to your social media and watch as followers and engagement increase!
