Navigating the world of social media can be a challenge, especially when determining what content to post where. For historical and genealogical societies, both Facebook pages and members-only groups offer unique opportunities for engagement. Here's a guide to help societies discern what to post on each platform:
Facebook Page: The Society's Public Face Your society's Facebook page is the public face of the organization. It's accessible to everyone, including potential members, partners, and the general public. Content here should reflect the society's mission, values, and public announcements.
1. Official Announcements: Post about upcoming events, workshops, and lectures. This is also the place for announcements about membership drives, changes in board members, or any other official news. 2. Historical Facts & Stories: Share interesting tidbits from history, profiles of notable figures, or significant events related to your society's focus. 3. Success Stories: Highlight members who've made significant genealogical discoveries or contributions to the society. 4. Promotional Content: Share content that promotes the society, such as testimonials, benefits of membership, or features on partnerships with local businesses. 5. Shared Articles & News: Curate and share relevant news articles, research, or publications related to history and genealogy. 6. Visual Content: Post historical photos, infographics, or even short video clips that resonate with the society's mission.
Members-Only Facebook Group: A Community Space The members-only group is a more intimate space, fostering direct communication between members. It's a platform for collaboration, discussion, and mutual support. 1. Discussion Threads: Initiate weekly or monthly discussion topics. For instance, "Share a recent genealogical discovery" or "Discuss challenges you've faced in your research." 2. Queries & Assistance: Members can post questions or seek help with their research. This fosters a sense of community and collaboration. 3. Resource Sharing: Share exclusive resources available only to members, such as access to specific databases, research tools, or expert consultations. 4. Event Recaps: After a society event, post photos, summaries, or even recordings for members who couldn't attend. 5. Member Spotlights: Feature profiles of members, diving deeper into their genealogical journeys or contributions to the society. 6. Feedback & Suggestions: Encourage members to provide feedback on events, workshops, or any other aspect of the society. This can be invaluable for future planning. 7. Casual Interactions: Unlike the official page, the group can have lighter content, like history-themed memes, fun quizzes, or even genealogy-related jokes.
While there's some overlap, the primary distinction between a Facebook page and a members-only group is the audience and intent. The page serves as a promotional and informational platform, while the group is a community space for collaboration and deeper engagement. By tailoring content to each platform's strengths, historical and genealogical societies can foster stronger connections and further their mission.