Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/918382
Subscribe at careercollegecentral.com 23 It's taken a while for some colleges and universities to come around to using mobile social media networks like Instagram and Snapchat. Let's not beat around the bush—they're pure frivolity, and the way they work doesn't provide much measurable ROI. But that doesn't mean they aren't important. Snapchat has over 300 million monthly active users and 100 million daily active users. According to a recent study, 77% of college students use the app at least once a day. And still, that's less than half the daily active users of Instagram. As of May 2017, Instagram Stories had 250 million active daily users, and was continuing on a strong upward trajectory. Despite what you may have heard, Snapchat isn't a vehicle for delivery of X-rated content … at least, not anymore. Or not primarily. It's not just a pointless exercise in selfies and face filters, either, says research by Sumpto. irty seven percent of users cited "creativity" as their main use of the app, and 27 percent and 23 percent mentioned "keeping in touch" and "easier than texting." Because it's more difficult to drive traffic back to your website from Instagram and Snapchat than it is from social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, the way you approach these platforms should be a little bit different. Consider visual platforms like these a way for students, alumni, and prospective students to feel involved in your community— if they're not on campus now, make them want to be soon, either as a new student or a nostalgic alumnus. Your presence online matters, and visual platforms like Instagram and Snapchat are fantastic places to build and expand that presence. You care about your students and prospects; here's how to connect with them. Getting started: Instagram basics Eye-catching visuals: At its very core, Instagram is a curated photo album. It's visible on a desktop computer, but it's made for mobile. Your Instagram profile is made up of three-across rows of photos and short video clips that, taken together, present a visual profile of your college or university. It's a simple format, but one that many Instagram influencers take very seriously. You can cra the aesthetic of your profile through color palettes, by creating larger imagery out of photo mosaics, and telling a visual brand story with every image you choose to post. When users, including your students, scroll through Instagram, they want to see content that is inspirational—but not so unattainable that it rings false or alienating.