AD 360 Podcast Summary: Social Media Best Practices for Athletic Directors
Podcast Information:
- Title: AD 360
- Host/Author: PlayOn Sports
- Episode: Social Media Best Practices for Athletic Directors
- Release Date: October 30, 2024
- Description: Dive into the dynamic world of high school sports with former athletic directors Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg. They explore the AD profession, discuss trends in high school athletics, and share compelling career stories. This episode focuses on strategic social media utilization for athletic directors.
1. The Growing Importance of Social Media in Athletic Administration
Greg and Scott kick off the episode by emphasizing the omnipresence of social media in today's world. They discuss how platforms have become essential tools for communication, information dissemination, and community engagement within high school athletics.
- Greg (A) [02:03]: "Social media is everywhere. It's become for some folks, it's their main source of information, communication, entertainment, news, etc."
- Scott (B) [03:16]: "ADS have to find where people live in terms of what medium they’re using."
Key Points:
- Social media's role extends beyond mere communication to being a pivotal tool for strengthening community ties.
- Athletic directors must leverage these platforms to promote positive aspects of their programs and engage diverse community members, including students, parents, alumni, and local residents.
2. Selecting the Right Social Media Platforms
The hosts delve into the landscape of various social media platforms, analyzing which are most effective for athletic directors to reach their intended audiences.
- Greg (A) [07:37]: "I do see other schools when I just peruse different websites, and they'll be like, hey, follow us on X, follow us on Instagram... but I think that you're probably pretty much spot on where I think a majority are still relying on that Twitter functionality."
Key Points:
- Twitter/X: Remains a staple for many athletic directors, especially for reaching parents who are primary users.
- Instagram: Increasingly popular for its visual-centric approach, allowing for engaging graphics and photos.
- Multiple Platforms: Utilizing several platforms ensures broader reach across different demographics within the school community.
3. Content Strategies: Graphics, Branding, and Engagement
Greg and Scott explore effective content strategies, highlighting the importance of visual elements and consistent branding to enhance engagement.
- Scott (B) [20:31]: "Graphic consistency is critically important... something like Canva can be used, and they make it easy for people to post cool graphics."
- Greg (A) [22:34]: "Consistent branding makes your social media look really sharp and professional."
Key Points:
- Professional Graphics: Utilizing tools like Canva or engaging graphic design companies can elevate the quality of posts, making information easily digestible and visually appealing.
- Consistent Branding: Maintaining uniform logos and color schemes across all platforms reinforces school identity and fosters recognition.
- Engaging Content: Incorporating behind-the-scenes content, like practice snippets or player spotlights, humanizes the athletic programs and builds a deeper connection with the community.
4. Managing Negative Aspects and Navigating Crises on Social Media
Addressing the inevitable challenges, the hosts discuss strategies for mitigating negative interactions and handling crises effectively.
- Scott (B) [14:24]: "Educate them. It’s all about education... ensuring your policies are strong and in place if somebody messes up."
- Greg (A) [34:12]: "Developing a department guideline for social media is paramount... knowing when you need to go and get that help."
Key Points:
- Education: Teaching student-athletes about the long-term implications of their social media presence is crucial.
- Clear Policies: Establishing and communicating comprehensive social media policies can prevent misuse and provide guidelines during potential crises.
- Crisis Management Plans: Having a predefined action plan ensures swift and effective responses to emergencies, minimizing misinformation and maintaining trust.
5. Practical Advice for New Athletic Directors
Greg and Scott offer actionable advice for athletic directors who are new to the realm of social media, emphasizing the importance of initiation and gradual improvement.
- Scott (B) [35:30]: "You gotta be on social media if you're an athletic director. Take the time, make the time."
- Greg (A) [37:20]: "Get involved with it and be able to really promote your programs via the social media aspect as well."
Key Points:
- Start Simple: Begin with basic updates, such as schedules and results, before expanding to more complex content.
- Leverage Resources: Utilize available resources, including student media directors, teachers, and online tutorials, to enhance social media proficiency.
- Consistency is Key: Regular posting, even if infrequent, maintains engagement and keeps the community informed.
6. Measuring Social Media Success
The discussion transitions to evaluating the effectiveness of social media efforts, highlighting key metrics and indicators of success.
- Scott (B) [35:30]: "How do you measure it? Everything, like what gets measured gets done."
- Greg (A) [37:20]: "Follower count growing, reposts, engagement... these are solid indicators of success."
Key Points:
- Analytics Tools: Utilize built-in analytics on platforms like Twitter and Instagram to track engagement metrics such as likes, shares, comments, and follower growth.
- Engagement Rates: Higher interaction rates suggest content resonance and community interest.
- Indirect Benefits: Increased social media presence can lead to reduced administrative burdens, as information dissemination becomes more streamlined and efficient.
7. Enhancing Community Engagement Through Interactive Content
The hosts emphasize the value of interactive and engaging content to foster a vibrant online community.
- Scott (B) [26:48]: "Run contests... follow this account and you're in line for a free T-shirt, a sweatshirt, some gear."
- Greg (A) [28:07]: "Providing snapshots of practice or celebrating key moments adds flavor beyond just game schedules."
Key Points:
- Interactive Contests: Encourage participation through giveaways, trivia, and other interactive elements to boost follower engagement.
- Behind-the-Scenes Access: Sharing exclusive content, such as practice sessions or event preparations, offers fans a deeper connection to the athletic programs.
- Student Takeovers: Allowing trusted student-athletes to manage social media accounts temporarily can provide authentic insights and diversify content.
8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Wrapping up the episode, Greg and Scott reiterate the vital role of social media in modern athletic administration and encourage athletic directors to embrace these tools for enhanced community engagement and program promotion.
- Scott (B) [39:33]: "Educate your students... it's more and more important all the time."
- Greg (A) [40:04]: "Social media is quickly becoming a necessity for athletic directors."
Final Takeaways:
- Embracing social media is non-negotiable for athletic directors aiming to stay relevant and effectively communicate with their communities.
- Continuous learning and adaptation are essential as social media platforms evolve.
- Building a strong, consistent, and engaging online presence can significantly enhance the visibility and reputation of high school athletic programs.
Notable Quotes:
- Greg (A) [02:03]: "Social media is everywhere. It's become for some folks, it's their main source of information, communication, entertainment, news, etc."
- Scott (B) [35:30]: "You gotta be on social media if you're an athletic director. Take the time, make the time."
- Greg (A) [37:20]: "Get involved with it and be able to really promote your programs via the social media aspect as well."
This episode of AD 360 serves as a comprehensive guide for athletic directors seeking to harness the power of social media. From selecting the right platforms to crafting engaging content and managing potential crises, Greg Vandermade and Scott Rosenberg provide invaluable insights to navigate the digital landscape effectively.