Most international education providers will agree that the industry becomes more fast-paced than ever during the summertimes, making it even more challenging to maintain a consistent social media presence. But this How To Tuesday we’re here to help by sharing our top tips for keeping your social media strategy on track amid the summer chaos.
Create a content calendar for at least a month in advance. Universities and language schools, for instance, can schedule posts about course application deadlines, campus events, and student achievements, while international agents should prepare posts highlighting partner institutions and testimonials.
Social media management platforms like Buffer or Hootsuite allow you to schedule content across multiple platforms easily. Dedicate a couple of hours weekly to bulk-schedule your posts, ensuring a consistent online presence even during busy periods.
Make your content work for you by repurposing it across different formats and platforms. For instance, turn a student success story into a blog post, Instagram story, and Twitter thread to maximise reach and engagement.
Share the responsibility by assigning specific social media tasks to team members and encouraging staff (and students!) to contribute content ideas or student stories. An even simpler option would be to hire a third party like Schools & Agents to handle your content during the busy summer months, allowing you to focus on student welfare.
Develop easy-to-use templates for common post types such as ‘Student of the Week’ or ‘Destination of the month’ features, programme spotlights, and quick tips for international students. This approach saves time and maintains consistency in your messaging.
Lastly, allocate specific times for engagement, setting aside 15-20 minutes daily to respond to comments and messages. Use social listening tools to track mentions and relevant conversations, allowing you to stay connected with your audience without getting overwhelmed.
Consistency is key to building and retaining your audience. And remember to contact Schools & Agents if you need support maintaining an active social media presence during hectic periods – we’re always here to help!
Written by Stephanie Clark