Marketing
Website
Did you know that most people access websites via a mobile device these days? A responsive website design is essential so the user experience is similar regardless of the size of the screen. Most template-provided websites outline if the selected design is responsive.
It is extremely easy to have a dated website. Users then may question the accuracy and relevancy of other content when items from six months, one year or even two-plus years have passed for items still shown. Outline a website update plan, and take steps to refresh different elements that are date-specific as soon as possible.
Social Media
Each social media platform has its own niche. Facebook is mostly used for live functions and group connection these days. Instagram is image-focused but also includes reels (short videos), and Twitter is limited text and newsworthy mentions. Other platforms that have significant users are Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube and Pinterest, among others.
How do you keep up with the changing social media landscape as an organization? Is there a streamlined approach and plan for all platforms? Do different volunteers manage and monitor each but collectively collaborate on posting content and the timeline?
Posts and content are recommended to vary based on their structure. Make sure to leverage appropriate content for each, accordingly. Develop a plan based on the organization's calendar for the year. Include association-scheduled events, the National Educational and Health Awareness Calendar and other partnering organizations' key dates.
Design
Marketing design changes quickly. Graphic and web designers can help support this landscape and its continual growth. Contracting with a trusted vendor who understands the organization's brand and audience is important.
- Resource: Erin Rae Design - Erin Woodell has done work with Arizona, Lone Star State and Vermont (including their website redesign, which is through Wild Apricot).
- Resource: Stewart Moon - Stewart is the designer who created the graphics for virtual SCA conferences in 2021 and designs the bulk of ASCA's materials.
Images
Imagery makes a difference in how we consume media. Even static images drive emotion and understanding of the content of an article.
How do you leverage professional images on a budget? Consider adding $150 to the budget for marketing as a starting point and consider resources like the ones outlined below.
Create your own. There are free and low-cost tools and templates available that are customizable. Make sure to review type and size of the image required to best fit the space.
- Resource: Canva.com
The image library for your SCA may not have the quality or size required for your website, social media or newsletters. Stock images and illustrations are a great option to fill that gap and can be reasonable when purchased with intention. Bonus, most licenses allow continued use once downloaded. Subscriptions can be pricey for these services, especially when a lot of images aren't required. An alternative payment option is tokens or credits, which allows for individual image use purchases.
- Resource: iStock