Social Media Strategy For Associations
An Effective Social Media Strategy for Associations
With “recruiting, retaining, and engaging young members” as the top marketing goal for associations, it’s time to come up with a game plan to attract more members! Social media is a critical foundation-building tool for associations looking to stay ahead in the new decade. Here are three simple tips to create an effective social media marketing strategy.
#1: SET OBJECTIVES
Here are some questions for your team to consider:
What does your association want to achieve with social media?
Does your association already have a loyal following on social media?
Think big picture and consider what your association’s focus will be in the upcoming month, quarter and year. For example:
Increase current members’ levels of engagement
Drive traffic to a website
Encourage attendance at the next event
Recruit prospects and improve membership conversions
Setting high-level, quantifiable, and achievable goals will let you organize precious time and resources to make the most of the association’s online presence.
#2: ADD VALUE
Rather than making posts “all about you,” share content that highlights members. This includes (but is not limited to) member highlights, industry insights, key trends, networking events, and learning opportunities. Check out how BC Blueberries showcases local growers, berry facts, and industry news on social.
Example of a post highlighting local growers from BC Blueberries.
#3: INTERACT
Example of BC Blueberries going LIVE at local farms.
Social media is a two-way communication tool. Associations can engage with their audience in authentic and meaningful ways on a much higher frequency than print brochures or email.
Here are two easy ways to amp up your social media activity:
Give a shout out to local organizations with projects in relevant industries
Go LIVE on Instagram/Facebook during events to share key takeaways in real-time. Gather “in the moment” responses from fellow attendees and onlookers from afar.
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