Using Social Media to Promote Academic Department’s Missions

Michael J. ZickarBowling Green State University

Social Media and Psychology Departments• Facebook

• LinkedIn

• Twitter

• Others: Instagram, SnapChat, YikYak, Tumblr

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR USING SOCIAL MEDIA?

• Another avenue to connect with existing students

• Marketing tool for future students

• Reconnect with alumni

• Internal marketing

FACEBOOK BASICS

• Create a Page (not a Group)

• Track metrics through Insights

• Post content on a regular basis• Schedule posts is a great tool

• Photos are your friend

FACEBOOK METRICS

WHO ARE YOUR FANS?

WHAT ARE OTHER DEPARTMENTS DOING?

WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR LIKES

• Facebook advertising• Flyers throughout building • Email signatures• First-year student orientation• Tagging people in photos• Post content on a regular basis

CONTENT IDEAS FOR FACEBOOK

• News items

• Photos

• Announcements

• Data collections

CELEBRATIONS

PHOTOS

ALUMNI UPDATES

NEWS

FACULTY UPDATES

WAYS TO GET CONTENT

• Google News is your friend– Saved Google News Searches

– Referrals– Student Groups– Check up on your alumni– Virtual networking with other groups– Invest in a good digital camera

CAUTIONS

• What to do with negative comments

• Narcissists

• Delegation/Coordination

• Time Management

LINKEDIN

• Create an alumni group

• Use to find out where your alumni are

• Much more useful for nonacademics

CONCLUSIONS

• Social media is a fun way to connect to various important constituencies

• Tracking metrics can be addicting

• Cross-fertilization is important

• Only do it if you can put effort into it

THANKS!