Like many other districts, we’ve turned to Facebook as an additional tool for enhancing school community relations. I’ve been spending some time looking for resources related to helping school Facebook managers extend and enhance their sites. Here are my favorite resources for school Facebook managers… What other resources would you recommend?
How Do I Respond To That?
Posted by buddymedia.com, posted 2010
The most critical training for school Facebook managers is learning how to deal with comments, everything from information requests, positive comments, to complaints. This resource wasn’t specifically written for schools, but it’s specifically addresses how to deal with a variety of comments and complaints. It provides specific screen shots and examples that outline the pros and cons for each type of response. There’s also a shorter condensed version available of How Do I Respond To That?
53 Things To Post On Your School’s Facebook Fan Page
By Brendan Schneider, posted April 19, 2011
If you’re looking for social media guidance that is specific to schools, Brendan Schneider’s SchneiderB.com is the place. The “53 Things to Post” entry provides a huge list of specific content ideas to get your school Facebook site buzzing. Also check out: 18 Ways to drive people to your school’s Facebook and How Many Facebook Pages Should I Create For My School?
How Schools Can Use Facebook to Build an Online Community
by David Harstein, posted April 26, 2011
It’s an extensive article that includes specific ideas for what to post as well as how to attract different audiences. There are also tips on settings, notifications, profanity, and privacy.
Your School Needs a Facebook Page
By Chris Wejr, posted Aug 5, 2011
School Principal Chris Wejr explains why your school needs a Facebook page. Also check out “Using tech to meet parents where they are” as well as “Parent communication: to vs with”
Parent Engagement in a Web 2.0 World
By Aaron Puley, January 21, 2012
Aaron Puley has a wealth of information to help guide school social media managers. Although this post isn’t specific to Facebook only, he points out the “big picture” of how parent engagement is different with web 2.0 tools. In fact, this blog entry has me wondering…. Should we even allow traditional 1.0 school websites, shouldn’t we just get rid of them?
Closing a School District’s Facebook Page
by Richie Escovedo, posted May 5, 2011
The story of Mansfield ISD, Texas when they closed their district Facebook page. They provide lessons learned, including the need to dedicate time to ensure that comments are properly addressed.
12 Ways to be Likeable on Facebook
By Dave Kerpen, posted Aug 15, 2011
Although not written specifically for school Facebook pages, it focuses on how to increase your likability on Facebook, and as you would expect, it’s through interacting with your users and building community.
40 Useful updates or your brand’s Facebook page
By Adam Vincenzini, posted January 5, 2012
A great list of ideas for updates to your Facebook to help attract fans and create dialogue.
10 Fundamental Tips for Social Media Community Managers
by Corey Eridon, posted Dec 26, 2011
Great tips for anyone who manages social media for an organization.
4 Tips for Effective Facebook Community Management
By Andrea Vahl, posted Aug 23, 2011
Although it’s not specifically written about school facebook pages, it explains the big picture role of a school facebook manager, as the role is more than just posting updates, it’s about building community.
West Des Moines Community Schools Technology 