Succeed on social media

Nearly 83% of people in the UK are actively using social media. Here are some tips for making it work for you.

Why use social media at all for your non-profit, members-based organisation?

• As a way to reach present and potential new members
• To advertise your club
• It can act as a digital noticeboard or forum for your current members to discuss all things diving and/or snorkelling
• It is a great platform for telling stories of your diving, snorkelling and club activity. You can share text, photos or videos, either for yourselves, or to act as inspiration for potential new members to join your club
• It can be a great first point of contact for potential members to get in touch with you

Where to start?

Think about how your club wants to use social media and what you want to achieve.

• Which platform are your current members on? We find that Facebook is the best platform for reaching existing BSAC members
• If you're looking to attract lots of new members, consider Instagram or TikTok
• If you're not sure, we recommend Step 1: getting started on Facebook
  
• For those already using social media, try making the most of Facebook or  Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter)
  

Social media posting made easy

• At every club event or dive trip, take at least 2-5 photos or videos of the fun (making sure you ask if people consent to their images being used on social media)
• Nominate a person in the club who would be best placed to manage the social media channels? Choose someone with an enthusiasm for photos and videos, who stays in the loop of the trips and events that you are running, and ideally uses the platform themselves!
• Consider developing a simple Social Media Policy - how it should be used, who can post and what it should show. This will protect your club and your members. You can download our template Social Media Policy here

What are the benefits of using social media?

Social media is a personal and friendly way to communicate, and by creating a strong online community, you will strengthen your club in the ‘real world’. Social media and social networking sites are accessible, quick, cost-effective and user-friendly.