Social media strategy

Your CU’s social media is often the first impression new students will have of your community. A well-planned, engaging strategy can help you connect with freshers, build relationships, and share the gospel. From mid-August (before A-level results day) through the autumn term, your platforms should be active, welcoming, and informative.

Getting Started

Before creating content, make sure your CU’s social media pages are up to date and functioning well. Here are some helpful guides for Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms. Once your pages are ready, you can begin planning your content.

Know Your Audience

Your followers may include:

• New students – looking for a warm welcome and a glimpse of CU life.
• Returning students – needing updates and encouragement to support the CU.
• International students – who may need extra clarity and cultural sensitivity.
• Curious or seeking students – who aren’t Christians but are open to exploring faith.

Tailor your posts to speak to each of these groups with clarity and kindness.

Content Ideas

Here are some creative post ideas to keep your feed fresh and engaging:

• Welcome videos and committee introductions
• Campus tours and local recommendations
• Testimonies, Bible verses, and worship highlights
• Event promotions, term cards, and weekly roundups
• Instagram takeovers, giveaways, and student interviews
• Thoughtful content for seekers (e.g. links to Uncover)

Planning and Scheduling

Use a calendar or spreadsheet to plan your posts in advance. Start by inputting all your CU events, then schedule promotional posts 2–4 weeks ahead of time. Aim to post 2–3 times a week to stay consistent without overwhelming your audience.

Top Tips:

• Post your welcome video in early August to build momentum before results day.
• Use reposts to keep events visible without creating new content each time.
• Save design templates (e.g. in Canva) to make weekly updates quick and easy.
• Use scheduling tools (e.g. Hootsuite) to plan posts across platforms.

Stay Focused on the Vision

Not every post needs to be evangelistic, but every post should reflect your CU’s heart and purpose. Be mindful of how your content might be received by students of different backgrounds and faith journeys. Keep things accessible, encouraging, and Christ-centred.