MAKING THE MOST OF SOCIAL MEDIA: TIPS FOR ROTARIANS
This guide is intended to support Rotarians in District 9213 to effectively engage with their audiences, promote Rotary’s work, and create compelling content on social media platforms.
1. Define Your Goals
- Determine what you want to achieve on social media (e.g., raising awareness, recruiting members, promoting events, or engaging the community).
- Set measurable targets, such as increasing followers by 15% or boosting event attendance by 10%.
- Remember to have a social media/communication budget to support you attain these goals.
2. Choose the Right Platform
- Focus on platforms where your audience is most active
- For example, Facebook is great for local community updates, event promotion, and connecting with members; Instagram is ideal for visual storytelling, such as photos and videos showcasing projects and events; LinkedIn is effective for engaging professionals, promoting partnerships, and sharing thought leadership; X (formerly Twitter) is best for quick updates, sharing news, and engaging in real-time conversations with a broader audience; and YouTube is excellent for sharing in-depth stories, event highlights, and educational content through engaging video formats.
- Start with one platform and expand as your capacity grows.
3. Plan Your Content
- Tell a story that showcases Rotary’s values and work. Highlight real-world impact and personal experiences.
- Focus on diverse content: event photos, videos of service projects, member spotlights, or testimonials.
- Include a clear call to action (e.g., “Join us,” “Learn more,” or “Volunteer now”).
- Minimise posts about routine club meetings and focus on the people-of-action narrative e.g., members and volunteers in action at a community service project.
4. Write Compelling Posts
- Keep it short, simple, clear, and engaging. Aim for conversational language.
- Use hashtags (e.g., #RotaryInAction, #ServiceAboveSelf) to increase discoverability.
- Avoid jargon and abbreviations that outsiders may not understand.
5. Leverage Visual Content
- Use high resolution photos and videos that show members in action and connect emotionally with viewers.
- Ensure your visuals reflect diversity and are well-lit and authentic.
- Include captions or quotes that add context to your images.
6. Timing Matters
- Post consistently to keep your content visible in feeds.
- Experiment with posting times to determine when your audience is most engaged.
- Use scheduling tools to automate posts during peak hours.
7. Engage with Your Audience
- Respond promptly to comments and messages to build connections.
- Use interactive features like polls, Q&A sessions, or live videos to encourage participation.
- Share and tag posts from partners, members, and community organizations to amplify their voices.
8. Promote Events
- Create Facebook events or Instagram stories to boost attendance.
- Use countdowns or teasers leading up to events to generate excitement.
- Share live updates during the event and post highlights afterward.
9. Monitor and Improve
- Use analytics to track what’s working (e.g., engagement rates, reach, clicks).
- Adjust your strategy based on audience preferences and successful content.
- Celebrate milestones, such as follower growth or campaign success.
10. Stay Professional
- Ensure all posts align with Rotary’s brand guidelines and values.
- Avoid controversial or divisive topics unrelated to Rotary’s mission.
- Train key members on best practices for managing social media accounts.