Before branching out to new platforms, make sure your CU’s Facebook and Instagram pages are well-organised and active. These are the main places where new students will first encounter your CU online. Once those are in good shape, you can consider expanding your digital reach through other platforms that help build community.
TikTok is ideal for sharing short, fun, and engaging videos that help students connect with your CU’s personality and community.
Reuse videos you’ve already made for Instagram Reels or Facebook, and make sure they’re formatted in portrait mode. Use trending audio, and always include a link in your bio to guide viewers to next steps.
Keep your content authentic and avoid clichés. Aim to reflect the diversity of your audience, including Christians, seekers, international students, and new students.
WhatsApp is great for creating group chats for connection and communication.
You could set up:
Be mindful not to create too many group chats, this can be overwhelming!
WeChat is similar to WhatsApp but more commonly used by Chinese students. If your CU has a significant number of East Asian students, consider setting up a WeChat group specifically for international student engagement.
YouTube is a great platform for sharing talks, testimonies, and welcome videos. It allows your content to reach a wider audience and share content after an event has ended.
Upload a welcome video and other content you’ve created for social media. Use clear, engaging thumbnails and write captions that explain the video and offer a next step - whether that’s contacting the CU, signing up for an event, or watching another video.
Make sure your channel looks professional: add a profile picture, cover image, and complete the 'About' section with links to your other platforms.
A dedicated CU website can serve as a central hub for all your information, especially for international students who may not use UK-based social media platforms. It’s a great way to present your CU’s vision, events, and contact details in one accessible place.
Platforms like Wix and Squarespace make it easy to build a site, and while you’ll need to pay for a custom domain, the design tools are often free. Make sure your site is linked from your SU’s website so students can find you easily.