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Social Media Basics

What should we share over social media?

According to polls, each community in Pennsylvania holds its own schools in high regard. We want to make certain that our local good works are shared widely with other communities to elevate the positive perception of public education statewide. Here are some ideas on what and how to share your good news:

  • Positive news stories from other news sources (local, regional, etc.) — competitions and awards, events, sports activities, bands and performing arts, fine arts, academic achievements, community service, community events in schools.
  • Candid photos, including cell phone, iPad, GoPro and digital photos
  • Every-day photos of every-day activities in your schools, e.g. students arriving in the morning; students working together in class; teacher-student interacting; lunch time in the cafeteria; gym, music and art classes; field trips and assemblies.

In all social media, make sure to include the campaign hashtag #PAsuccess

Instagram

@SuccessStartsHerePA
Hashtag #PAsuccess

  • Let your picture tell a story.
  • Show a unique point of view.
  • Let staff, students, administration be caught doing their jobs (not posed!), as well as what they do when being “regular people.”
  • Use humor to engage.
  • Take advantage of interesting light and close-ups.
  • Use the caption in Instagram to more completely tell the story or provide details. You can list “for more information” links or website, but listed links are not hyperlinked in Instagram (as is done on Pinterest).

Don’t use Instagram at your school? Send us photos along with caption information – we’ll post for you (with credits, etc., to your district).

Twitter

@SuccessStartsPA
Hashtag #PAsuccess

  • Tweets must be concise – no more than 120 characters of text to allow for hashtags and handles, or for others to re-tweet but still accurately capture your message.
  • Always try to include a link – to a news story source, or back to the www.SuccessStartsHere.org website for more information.
  • Include visuals for greater impact – photos, images, graphics or short videos. Pictures and videos get re-tweeted more frequently.