Whether your CU is large or small, Facebook remains one of the most effective platforms for building community and welcoming new students. While Instagram and TikTok are great for visibility, Facebook offers tools that help people connect, organise, and engage more deeply. Think of your CU’s Facebook page as the front door to your community - what kind of welcome does it offer?
A vibrant, up-to-date page shows that your CU is active, friendly, and ready to welcome anyone, whether they’re a Christian, curious about faith, or just looking for community.
Start by making sure your page looks fresh and inviting. Use a clear CU logo as your profile picture and a welcoming header image. Don’t forget to add captions to these images that point people to next steps, like sign-up forms or event links.
Your 'About' section should be current and informative, explaining who you are, what you do, and how people can get involved. Pin a welcome post or upcoming event to the top of your page so it’s the first thing visitors see. You can also reorder your page tabs to make navigation easier - prioritise About, Events, Photos, and Groups.
A private Facebook group for new students is a great way to help them connect with each other and with your CU. It gives them a space to ask questions, meet people, and hear about events in a more personal setting. If your CU is smaller, you might prefer one combined group for all students. This can become a hub for announcements and community-building throughout the year.
Make your welcome personal. Send a friendly message to everyone who likes your page - something simple like, 'Hi! Are you coming to [Uni Name] in September? We’d love to welcome you to CU!' Assign someone to manage replies so no one gets left hanging.
Use your page to give a real sense of what CU is like. Share photos and videos from past events, testimonies, and what’s coming up each week. Facebook Events are a way to promote gatherings and encourage people to invite friends.
Make sure your Facebook page is easy to find. Link to it from your Instagram bio and encourage CU members to share posts on their own accounts. Shareable videos can also help spread the word.
Consistency is key - use the same handle across platforms and keep your messaging clear and focused. Repeat information often and make it easy for others to share.
Be mindful of your language. Avoid Christian jargon and speak in ways that are welcoming to everyone, regardless of their background. Use inclusive phrases like 'whether you’re exploring faith or just looking for community, you’re welcome here.' Keep posts simple, clear, and sensitive to those who may be new to Christianity.
For key events, consider boosting posts to reach more people. You can target your followers, their friends, or a custom audience. Link your Instagram and Facebook accounts, and use Facebook Stories. You can also create groups for alumni, church partners, or prayer supporters if that suits your CU.
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