Boosting engagement on social media can feel like a frustrating maze of constantly-changing algorithms, where new networks pop up almost daily and trends shift with the wind. How do you engage your fans and turn them into advocates? This session will cover how the higher ed social media engagement report was created; best practices from top performers; how small changes can lead to big improvements; and a plethora of tips for unlocking more engagement.

1. Your Guide to Winning Higher Ed
Social Media Engagement

3. “ ”We need more engagement!

4. How can we get more shares?
“ ”

5. “ ”Why aren't our posts getting likes?

6. “ ”How can we make our posts go viral?

9. 745 45+
Likes Shares
18
Comments
405k+
Page Likes

11. 7,200 600+
Likes Shares
250+
Comments
206k+
Page Likes

12. Was it the time of day?

13. A single image vs. multiple?

14. What was the difference?

17. 340 600kSchools Social Posts
Methodology
@jeremiahdbarba

18. 4.1% 1.0%Higher Ed Brands Overall
@jeremiahdbarba
Instagram Engagement Rates

19. 2017 Update: Instagram Engagement
@jeremiahdbarba

20. Seasons on Campus

21. Snow Daze
@jeremiahdbarba

22. @jeremiahdbarba
Snow Daze University School of Milwaukee

23. Recognizable Vistas
@jeremiahdbarba
University of Washington

24. Seasonal Memories
@jeremiahdbarba
Washington University in St. Louis

25. Small Changes
Big Improvements

27. 2nd 7thlargest following in engagement
@jeremiahdbarba
In a competitive
landscape of 8 schools…

28. We can do better.
@jeremiahdbarba

29. We can do better.
@jeremiahdbarba

30. Use the image, Luke.
@jeremiahdbarba

31. Use the image, Luke.
@jeremiahdbarba

32. Use the image, Luke.
@jeremiahdbarba

34. More images & videos with posts

35. More images & videos with posts
Don’t hide the content

36. More images & videos with posts
Don’t hide the content
More engagement with students

37. More images & videos with posts
Don’t hide the content
More engagement with students
More humor and authenticity

38. More images & videos with posts
Don’t hide the content
More engagement with students
More humor and authenticity
Content is for them, not us

39. More images & videos with posts
Don’t hide the content
More engagement with students
More humor and authenticity
Content is for them, not us
Take advantage of real world
(or internet) events

40. @jeremiahdbarba

43. Instagram @Miles_CCI
@jeremiahdbarba
William T. Young Library

44. @jeremiahdbarba
344% 178 vs. 38improvement in
engagement rate per post
engagements per post
50% & 176%
Growth for Texas A&M and IU, respectively
After 3 months of implementing
these changes…

45. Celebrating Community

46. @jeremiahdbarba
Students Doing Big Things

47. @jeremiahdbarba
Alumni Doing Big Things

48. @jeremiahdbarba
Best Place to Be

49. School Milestones
@jeremiahdbarba
Montana State University
Montana State University

50. @jeremiahdbarba
Traditions

51. @jeremiahdbarba
Traditions

53. Focus on unique experiences

54. Focus on unique experiences
Acknowledge success

55. Focus on unique experiences
Acknowledge success
Maintain connections with alumni

56. Be Real. Be Funny.

57. Why no personality?
@jeremiahdbarba

58. Why no personality?
@jeremiahdbarba

61. @jeremiahdbarba

62. @jeremiahdbarba

63. @jeremiahdbarba
Well played, Butler.

64. @jeremiahdbarba

65. Keep an eye on
what’s #trending
@jeremiahdbarba

66. @jeremiahdbarba

67. @jeremiahdbarba

68. @jeremiahdbarba
Start close to home.

69. Know Your Medium

70. Small School
Big Engagement

71. 4,000 students
#17

72. 22,000+ 5,500+
Facebook Likes Twitter Followers
9,000+Instagram Followers

75. 4,250 students
#39

76. 19,000+ 5,500+
Facebook Likes Twitter Followers
5,000+Instagram Followers

77. @jeremiahdbarba

78. @jeremiahdbarba

80. Seize the opportunity of an engaged audience1

81. Seize the opportunity of an engaged audience
Highlight the seasons
1
2

82. Seize the opportunity of an engaged audience
Highlight the seasons
Small changes can lead to big improvements
1
2
3

83. Seize the opportunity of an engaged audience
Highlight the seasons
Small changes can lead to big improvements
Celebrate community
1
2
3
4

84. Seize the opportunity of an engaged audience
Highlight the seasons
Small changes can lead to big improvements
Celebrate community
Be real & laugh a little
1
2
3
4
5

85. Seize the opportunity of an engaged audience
Highlight the seasons
Small changes can lead to big improvements
Celebrate community
Be real & laugh a little
Small school? No problem
1
2
3
4
5
6

86. Download the higher ed social media report
upandup.agency/engage

87. Learn about Up&Up social media workshops
upandup.agency/workshop

88. Questions?