The tools below will help you maximize your recruitment and engagement efforts.
Digital Tools
Digital communication outlets such as website and social media platforms are another tool for engaging new and prospective members.
Website
It is essential for each component to have a website. It is a great place to direct potential members and engage existing ones. If your component does not already have a website, there are several inexpensive platforms that provide easy-to-build sites.
Best Practices for Building a Website
Create an engaging home page
This is the page most people will see first. It should tell everyone who you are and what you do. The content should be intriguing, but brief enough to capture your audience's attention within seconds.
Collect contact information
Include a link to sign up for notifications, or a "Contact Us" form to collect information from your site visitors.
Use pictures, images, and graphics
Storytelling is a great way to engage your audience. Use pictures, images, and graphics to help tell your component's story, and the story of your members.
Include a calendar of events
Provide advance notice of upcoming events. If full details of events are not yet know, include a sign up for additional details or post a Save the Date! notice.
Content generation
Update the content on your website regularly so that is does not get old. Repurpose content from other areas, such as webinars, podcasts, newsletters, articles, or social media posts to create fresh looks without sourcing completely new content.
Social Media
Social media is a free marketing tool that helps drive traffic to your website. LinkedIn and Twitter are the most commonly used platforms for ACOEM members, though Instagram and Facebook follow closely behind. Promote blog posts, events, member profiles, and other information through your component's social media accounts.
View the
Getting Started with Social Media and
Next Steps with Social Media webinar recordings to the what, why, how, and when of social media.
Social Media Tips and Tricks
Use pictures, images, and graphics
Like your website, include a photo or graphic with every post. Use free graphic design tools, such as Canva, to add graphics to your blogs and social media posts.
Share videos
Videos are one of the most engaging content types. Upload videos natively (directly from your phone/camera to your platform) so that it automatically plays as people scroll through their feed. Show videos of your events, meetings, and clips from webinars.
Change and rotate your profile pictures
Your profile photos and banners are some of your best and most viewed social real estate. Use these visual mediums to showcase the impact of your work.
Use hashtags
A hashtag is the pound sign '#'. On social media the hashtag is used to draw attention and make topics easily searchable.