Communicating electronically seems to be getting more and more complicated.
In addition to the shifting landscape of social media, rules like the NCAA’s “click, don’t type” rule are adding complexity to the way coaches and their prospects interact with each other.
Based on watching the recruiting process unfold between thousands of student-athletes and college coaches, here’s the scoop on the changing social media landscape — with some quick actions you can take to make the most out of every platform as a serious college recruiter.
“Click, Don’t Text” is impacting coaches in every sport
The rule has a trickle down effect to every sport, at every division level. The guideline is meant to reign-in what some would say is a growing avalanche of social media activity among college coaches.
Here’s the legal rule from the NCAA:
“An athletics department staff member may take actions (e.g. “like,” “favorite,” republish, etc.) on social media platforms that indicate approval of content on social media platforms that was generated by users on the platforms other than institutional staff members or representatives of an institution’s athletics interests.”
Takeaway: Liking posts shows players that you’ve seen what he or she is putting out there.
Make social media work for you
When talking to kids via social media, be upfront about your preferred method of communication, and get the prospect’s agreement on how you two should be handling your ongoing conversations.
Takeaway: Kids are on social media all the time. Be casual and prompt in your messages to keep players interested in your program.
Make sure you can commit to social media
It’s a two-way platform. You can look into kids, and they into you. Pay attention to how much you’re publicly interacting with them, as well as other prospective athletes. In addition, scheduling programs like HootSuite and Buffer are great tools to help you manage social media posting, making it more convenient and focused for your recruits.
Takeaway: Can’t monitor your accounts 24/7? Add an email address or other contact message in your bio so there’s no confusion, and give your recruits (or their parents) an alternative way to contact you.
Getting all of your prospect’s contact information in one place is easy, IF you’re searching the Next College Student Athlete database. Find the social media contact info for recruits that you have interest in – for free! Click here to search our database today.