Erika Forsack, Social Media Strategist at Virginia Commonwealth University, is one of the 12 presenters of the 6th Higher Ed Social Media Conference.
In this 4-question interview, Erika 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?
We are currently restructuring our boosting strategy in light of “Facebook Zero” and other recent algorithm changes. I can’t take credit for the work on our Facebook page, that’s all my counterpart Megan Schmidt. Another thing we’re really pushing right now is co-hosting events with other VCU-owned Facebook pages, not only for more visibility for them and the event, but this is also a great way to ensure that the event information is accessible to blind and low vision users who wouldn’t be able to otherwise access the information on just a flyer/graphic.
2) What is your favorite new tool for your social media work?
I am a huge fan of Google Keep. It’s the best place to keep everything in one place: lists, links, reminders, an idea parking lot. It has such great functionality that other tools like this don’t have. If I had to choose a secondary one, it would probably be AirTable which was introduced to me at the 2018 Higher Ed Content Conference by Jeff Stevens. We’ve moved our editorial calendar there and have been loving the flexibility of this product as well. Definitely my favorite thing I’ve used so far besides a good old spreadsheet.
3) What are the 3 higher ed social media accounts you follow with envy?
- New York University – Instagram
I’m a big NYU social fan, but their Instagram is my favorite. love how this account shows NYU integrated into city life. They also are wonderful storytellers using the story feature. - Virginia Tech – Instagram
Our Virginia neighbors do a great job showcasing student life. They also have excellent dog photos. - University of Vermont – Instagram
I think I might need to apply to University of Vermont after looking at this account 🙂 The photography is so rich and really draws you in. Great balance of subject matter and it really gives you a sense of place.
4) What is the coolest social media campaign you’ve noticed this year?
I love this collaboration between one of my favorite artists/designers Adam J. Kurtz and T-mobile. I’m a sucker for illustration incorporated into social campaigns and Adam’s art in general always has a great tone. He was an excellent influencer choice for this ad.
A social campaign for higher ed could be created using a text thread to talk about an upcoming event, creating buzz for the common app to go online, lots of possibilities!
Follow Erika Forsack on @higheredexperts Instagram account for a day on October 23, 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 Erika’s 1-day Instagram Stories Takeover on October 23, 2018 – the day of a presentation at the HighEdWeb conference in Scaramento, CA – 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