Booster Clubs and Social Media, The Do's and Don'ts
When it comes to acknowledging sponsors on social media, your booster club can build strong partnerships and attract future sponsorships by handling it with care and professionalism. However, making mistakes can also risk these relationships. Here’s a guide to the do's and don’ts for acknowledging sponsors on social media.
The Do’s
1. Follow Sponsor Guidelines
Most companies have specific branding rules. These guidelines might dictate how their logo can be used, what hashtags should accompany posts, or how often they expect to be acknowledged. Make sure to review and follow these rules before creating any social media content to avoid violations that could sour the relationship.
2. Tag and Mention Sponsors
Always tag the sponsor’s official accounts in your posts. This not only increases the visibility of your post but also helps sponsors see the content directly. It’s a simple way to show them you are fulfilling your commitment and gives them a chance to interact with your club publicly.
3. Use High-Quality Visuals
Take the time to ensure that logos and images used in social media posts are clear and professional. Blurry or pixelated logos look sloppy and can damage the booster club’s image. If possible, use images that highlight the sponsor’s role or products in a positive light, such as team members using their gear or visiting their location.
4. Showcase the Impact of Sponsorship
Acknowledge how the sponsor’s contribution directly benefits your team or program. Instead of generic posts, get specific: “Thanks to [Sponsor], our football team can now travel to the state championship!” Stories about how sponsorship helps build community and improve student experiences create emotional connections, making future sponsorships more likely.
5. Be Gracious
Express genuine gratitude, not just in formal terms but also in a personal tone. Sponsors appreciate when their contribution feels valued. Regularly highlighting the difference they make with a positive, grateful message encourages repeat sponsorship.
The Don’ts
1. Don’t Overpost
Avoid flooding your social media channels with daily acknowledgments for the same sponsor. While consistency is good, overposting can feel repetitive and insincere, and it may even annoy your followers. Stick to a schedule that aligns with your agreement (such as once per event or campaign).
2. Don’t Post Without Permission
Before tagging a sponsor or using their logo, get explicit permission to use their brand. Even if they’ve sponsored your event, they may have internal rules about where and how their name can be used, and violating those rules can lead to friction.
3. Avoid Making It All About the Sponsor
While it's important to give credit where it’s due, your booster club’s social media shouldn’t turn into a billboard for sponsors. Ensure posts are still focused on your team or community and how the sponsor’s support enhances that experience. Balance is key.
4. Don’t Forget Disclosures
Transparency is important. In some cases, it’s necessary to disclose that a post is sponsored or acknowledges a financial contribution. Be aware of social media platform guidelines and federal regulations (such as FTC guidelines) on sponsored content to make sure you’re compliant.
5. Don’t Ignore Engagement
When sponsors engage with your posts, respond! Whether it’s a like, share, or comment, acknowledging their interaction builds rapport and shows that you’re paying attention. It's also an opportunity to thank them again and create a conversation around their support.
Acknowledging sponsors on social media is more than a requirement; it’s an opportunity to build lasting relationships, showcase your club’s professionalism, and even attract future sponsors. By following these do’s and don’ts, your booster club can leverage social media in a way that benefits everyone involved.
