Using social media
Social media allows us to adopt a friendly and informal tone and is nearly always short and to the point. Use a tone that’s inspiring, exciting, enthusiastic, approachable and conversational.
How to get your content shared on South London Scouts
We are always looking for content to share from groups, units or districts. So, if you have content that you would like us to post about then please get in touch with our social media team by emailing social@southlondonscouts.org.uk
Setting up social media for your group or unit
Before setting up any social media profiles for your group or unit ask yourself the following questions:
- What do we want to achieve on social media?
- Who do we want to target/talk to?
- Where are they most likely to be?
- What do we want to say to our audience?
- Who is going to be responsible for keeping it up to date?
Social media isn’t just Facebook, there are many other platforms you may want to consider using these include; Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Blogging TikToK, Instagram etc. This is constantly changing so our top tip is to think about what is the best way to share your message.
What to share
Here are three top tips for creating content that’s easy to share:
- Videos and photos is some of the most shared content online. Therefore, make sure you build in the use of photos and video when using social media
- Make sure your post represents what scouting is all about fun, adventure and friendship
- Make it easy for people to get involved in the conversation and share their own stories.
Getting started on Facebook
Facebook has lots of different options available:
Facebook page
This can be seen and liked by anyone, but you can either set up as an open wall or so people can only comment on your posts.
Open Facebook group
Anyone can join this and add content of their own.
Closed Facebook group
People can request to join this group and can only see and interact with the content being discussed in the group once you’ve approved them.
Secret closed Facebook group
People will not be able to find this group if they search for it, giving you far more control over who is in the group.
Our top five tips for creating an engaging community on Facebook:
- Think about what is interesting to your audience and share it!
- Share content in a timely manner. If your Scouts have been camping, share them while you’re there or within 24 hours of being home.
- Plan what you are going to say and when, so there is regular content being posted.
- Promote your Facebook page in other communication activity you do, so people know about it.
- Don’t forget to tell us about your page, so we can like it and share the content too.
Getting started on Twitter
Before setting up your group or unit Twitter account you need to think what your Twitter handle will be ours, for South London Scouts is @GLS_Scouts.
Our recommendations are:
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Keep it short! You only have 280 characters to tweet with so don’t waste them!
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It should explain what your group or unit is
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It needs to be easy for people to remember
Then it’s time to start tweeting and here are our top tips:
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Be concise with your tweets and keep messages to one tweet to avoid confusion
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Get following! Make sure you’re following other 'scouty' twitter people and check out what they have to say.
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Remember, it’s not a broadcast channel it’s about engaging. So, don’t just simply put your messages out there. Answer people, chat about scouting in general and mix up your messages.
Please note that posts on social media sites are widely accessible and can easily be passed on, always be sure that any information or comments made are appropriate and in keeping with the Scouting ethos. Don't use your personal social networking account to communicate directly, on a one-to one basis with young people.
National social media guidance
Click here to take a look at the guidance provided by UKHQ