Hillary Green, Digital Specialist at The University of Texas at Arlington, is one of the 12 presenters of the 6th Higher Ed Social Media Conference.
In this 4-question interview, Hillary tells us about the plan for Facebook in 2019, a new tool, 3 higher ed social media accounts and an inspiring social media campaign idea.
1) Considering how engagement and reach on Facebook have evolved at your school in 2018, what’s your plan for 2019?
I used to consider Facebook our primary platform as an institution, because it garnered so much engagement. Obviously, that’s changed for businesses platform-wide and we’ve all had to adapt. Video has shown to be our best avenue for engagement, particularly the more content-driven pieces. We plan to dive further into video including a new in-depth series with our athletics department as well as exploring 360 more. We’ll also be focused on turning that engagement on social into clicks back to our website by better integrating our social and web campaigns.
2) What is your favorite new tool for your social media work?
I use a lot of different tools, but Canva is probably my favorite. I often need to create graphics for social posts, blog covers, event postings and such, but I am not a whiz at InDesign – I can certainly create what I need to, but it takes me forever. Canva, however, has templates for anything you could imagine from social posts to calendars or wedding invitations. The free version allows you to input three brand colors, but the paid version allows more, plus you can add in your brand fonts. I’m still using the free version, but it’s been my biggest time saver so far.
3) What are the 3 higher ed social media accounts you follow with envy?
There are so many great examples of higher ed social accounts that it’s hard to decide which are my favorites.
- University of Michigan – Twitter
I’d have to say University of Michigan sort of sets the standard for me on Twitter. You can tell the school has invested time, people and resources to social as a serious way of communicating with their audience. - Colorado State University – Facebook
Colorado State University’s Facebook account is another favorite of mine – they make great use of their mascot and create some really fun content for students. - University of Cambridge – Instagram
I’m way jealous of the artistic ability found on the University of Cambridge’s Instagram feed. They show off the best of their campus all from a thoughtful perspective.
4) What is the coolest social media campaign you’ve noticed this year?
KFC keeps me cracking up with their irreverent viral campaigns. A particularly clever campaign included the brand Twitter page following only the five members of The Spice Girls and 6 gentlemen named Herb. This is such a fun way to connect with their audience, all while subtly reminding them of the Colonel’s famous seasoning blend.
Higher ed can explore this idea of content marketing by developing creative packages around institutional truths or goals. Instead of blatant advertising, tuck your message in a fun university-themed coloring page or funny video.
Follow Hillary Green on @higheredexperts Instagram account for a day on November 1, 2018!
Are you a fan of Instagram Stories Takeovers by students or alums?
You’re going to love Higher Ed Experts’ #HESM18 Instagram Stories Takeovers where your higher ed social media colleagues share a day in their life.
Make sure you don’t miss Hillary’s 1-day Instagram Stories Takeover on November 1, 2018 by following Higher Ed Experts’ Instagram account now!
A conference focusing on higher ed social media?
The 6th Higher Ed Social Media Conference (HESM18) is a must-attend event for higher ed social media professionals and teams looking for inspiration, ideas and best practices to get ready for 2019.
Read below what your higher ed colleagues who attended the past editions of the Higher Ed Social Media Conference said about their experience.
Tags: HESM18, Higher Ed News