How Can I Create Compelling Content for Social Media With Limited Time, Resources, Etc.?

If you work in athletic communications, I understand time and resources can be half the battle when it comes to social media. Here’s the good news; you can create compelling content with a limited budget, time, resources, etc.

Yes, it’s true… you can create visuals like the one below with just your phone:

Screen Shot 2013-06-11 at 3.51.38 PM

During the 2013 CoSIDA Convention I shared the apps / platforms I use to create compelling content, like the graphic above. I’ve had several people ask me what they were, so I thought I would go ahead and compile a list for you all. So, without further ado, here they are…

Apps I use to create graphics with just my iPhone (please keep in mind it’s almost always a combination of apps):

  • PicFrame (.$.99)- This app lets you combine multiple photos into awesome collages.
  • SnapSeed ($4.99)- There are four great filters on this app- Grunge, Vintage, Drama & Tilt Shift. In addition, the app is great for basic editing (crop, rotate, etc.) and fine-tuning your image. You can really make colors pop with this app.
  • PhotoToaster ($1.99)-  This app is great for textures (canvas, old paper, antique, concrete, etc), vignettes and adjusting light.
  • Over ($1.99)– Add beautiful typography and artwork to your photos.
  • InstaFonts ($3.99)– Add text and filters.

Additional content generation resources / platforms:

  • Infographics– Check out Piktochart, Easel.ly, Info.gram if you’re looking to create infographics with little to no graphic design experience.
  • ThingLink– This app / platform offers an online tool to create interactive images. To create the image, you simply upload a picture, identify hot spots, and add text and links. The best part? The tool is integrated with Twitter.
  • StorifyStorify is a social network service that lets the user create stories or timelines using social media such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Why Michigan Basketball Won on Twitter

Last night the Louisville men’s basketball team and Michigan men’s basketball team played on the biggest stage college basketball has to offer; millions of people tuned in to watch the top-notch programs compete for the NCAA men’s basketball title.

Since the programs had a captive audience last night, I was interested to see how they would capitalize on the excitement throughout social media. So, I decided to pay close attention to how the programs handled themselves on Twitter.

If the programs were judged by their Twitter game alone, Michigan won. Below are my thoughts on how each program handled coverage on Twitter during the championship game and why Michigan stole the Twitter show.

continue reading »

National Signing Day: Auburn’s Social Media + Digital Coverage

National Signing Day is one of those events athletic departments must capitalize on in the social media and digital space. Today, the drama of where prospective student-athletes decide to sign unfolds right before our eyes. More than ever, the fans and media crave the drama and coverage.

Social media has played a huge role in elevating National Signing Day– coaches tweet about it, signees react to it and fans cheer along as their team’s recruiting class grows. Thanks to the digital landscape we get instant results, instant access and instant reactions. What’s not to love?  Social media and the digital space have made National Signing Day easier to follow; it has also made it more exciting.

Today, as I followed Auburn’s recruiting class, I couldn’t help but to notice that the Auburn Athletic Department did an outstanding job elevating their social media and digital platforms. Yes, as an Auburn alum I might be a little biased, but their communications staff completely rocked National Signing Day.

Below are the elements that helped Auburn put together a great social and digital package for National Signing Day:

continue reading »