CAFLS Marketing & Communications

Social Media Strategy: College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences

Posted on by Donna Bowen

Objectives

  • Increase Brand Awareness: Enhance visibility of CAFLS programs and initiatives, making them more recognizable and impactful within the community and beyond.
  • Enhance Student Engagement: Foster a vibrant online community where students feel connected, involved, and valued.
  • Community Building: Strengthen connections among current students, alumni, and prospective students to create a sense of belonging.

Target Audiences

  • Prospective Students: High school seniors interested in agriculture, forestry, and life sciences.
  • Current Students: Undergraduates and graduates seeking resources and community.
  • Alumni: Engage alumni for networking and support.
  • Industry Professionals: Connect with local businesses and organizations in agriculture, forestry, etc.

Platform Selection

  • Facebook: Focus on community building, event promotion, and sharing news.
  • Instagram: Utilize visual storytelling to showcase student life, research projects, and campus events.
  • X: Share quick updates, industry news, and engage in discussions relevant to research in agriculture, forestry, and life sciences.

Content Strategy

  • Content Themes:
    • Student Spotlights: Highlight stories of current students and alumni, showcasing their achievements and experiences.
    • Research Highlights: Feature innovative research projects and their societal impact, reflecting CAFLS contributions to academic advancement.
    • Events: Promote workshops, courses, and community events that exemplify an exceptional student experience and community connection.
    • Educational Resources: Share valuable tips related to agriculture, forestry, and sustainability.
    • Behind-the-Scenes: Offer insights into daily life in CAFLS, research labs, and fieldwork, showcasing transformative experiences.
  • Content Calendar:
    • Weekly:
      • Instagram Stories: Daily highlights of campus life.
      • Facebook Posts: Research updates and event promotions.
      • X Threads: Industry news and college achievements.
    • Monthly:
      • Facebook Long-Form Videos: Event recaps, location features (South Carolina Botanical Garden, etc.)
      • Instagram Reels: Short videos highlighting events or campus life.

Engagement Strategy

  • Interactive Content: Use polls, quizzes, and Q&A prompts on Instagram and Facebook to boost engagement and gather feedback from students.
  • Community Interaction: Respond to comments and messages promptly, fostering an approachable and inclusive online environment.
  • Collaboration Opportunities: Encourage student organizations to co-create content, enhancing ownership and engagement. Re-share content from student-run accounts.

Growth Strategy

  • Collaborations: Partner with organizations and student clubs on collaborative posts.
  • Influencer Engagement: Collaborate with alumni or industry figures for features or testimonials.
  • Contests/Giveaways: Encourage followers to share their experiences or stories related to the college. Incentivize student engagement with CAFLS-related giveaways.

Content Submission Process

  • Project Request Form: Faculty, students, and staff are encouraged to submit content ideas through the Project Request Form.
  • How to Submit:
    • Access the Project Request Form
    • Complete required fields, including your name, contact information, and a brief description of the content idea.
    • Provide context for the proposed caption to help shape the message and tone of the post.
    • Suggest relevant partners, organizations, or individuals to tag in the post to increase reach and engagement.
    • Submit any relevant materials (photos, videos, graphics, etc.) along with your request.
    • Specify which platform(s) you think the content would suit (Facebook, Instagram, X).
  • Review Process: The CAFLS MarCom team will review submissions regularly and follow up with contributors.

Alignment with Clemson Elevate

  • Delivering the No. 1 Student Experience: Showcase student achievements, campus events, and the supportive community that sets Clemson apart. Highlight unique programs and resources that enhance student life.
  • Doubling Research Expenditures by 2035: Feature groundbreaking research initiatives and collaborations that exemplify innovation and real-world impact, showcasing CAFLS contributions to this goal.
  • Transforming Lives Statewide and Beyond: Share stories of outreach and engagement (particularly through Clemson Extension) that highlight educational, economic, agricultural, and health impacts. Promote community initiatives and partnerships that reflect CAFLS’ commitment to positive change.

Analytics and Measurement

  • KPIs: Track engagement rates, follower growth, and impressions to evaluate overall effectiveness.
  • Tools: Utilize platform analytics and CAFLS Emplifi dashboards for comprehensive reporting.

Review and Adjust

  • Monthly Reviews: Analyze performance metrics to understand what’s working and adjust content accordingly.
  • Feedback Loop: Gather feedback from CAFLS faculty/staff and Student Ambassadors to inform future content.
Posted in Marketing, Social Media