Facebook and Instagram are essential tools for keeping your alumni community virtually connected. Just like real-world communities, healthy and vibrant virtual communities can only be achieved through intentional and consistent efforts. It is important to develop a strategy around engagement and growth for your Facebook and Instagram communities.
Step 1: Recruit a Facebook and/or Instagram administrator
If your alumni group does not already have an administrator, select one or two volunteers to administer your group’s social media accounts.
Step 2: Develop an engagement strategy
It is important to implement engagement activities that will allow your community members to share stories, photos, and videos. We have created a list of social media activities designed to foster connection. Here are some additional best practices to consider:
At least once a week engage your Facebook and Instagram communities. You can start by implementing the ideas shared in this toolkit and develop a list of additional engagement activities. Activities can be a simple as asking a question or doing a quick poll to get people’s opinion on a topic.
Like posts and use hashtags.
Welcome new members to your communities.
Keep in mind that commenting helps us connect more. By commenting, you support the function of algorithms that help deliver relevant content to Brunonians all around the world.
Step 3: Use email communications to promote your Facebook and Instagram sites to your broader alumni community
Email your community “teasers” about what is happening on your social media accounts. Hyperlink each teaser to Facebook and Instagram accounts.