From Zero to Hero: A Guide to PR for Student Orgs
Everyone knows universities are swimming with student organizations. From GVPRSSA to the Lettuce Club to the 494 Fashion Magazine, Grand Valley has its own collection of clubs and organizations to choose from. But with the extensive list every university has, it poses the question: how do you get people to notice your organization and get involved?
I’ll tell you the secret: Public Relations (PR). PR is all about telling a story, and with a little bit of insight, you can tell your organization's story to get people excited enough to join! Keep reading to get the insider scoop on PR for your organization.
1. Before you get started on getting more members, you first have to figure out the story you’re trying to tell. Whether you’re on the e-board or a general member trying to increase the hype, you need to ask yourself:
What is the purpose of our organization?
What makes us different than the other organizations?
What do people gain from being in our organization?
Once you get the ‘vibe’ of your organization figured out, you can create your own pitch to potential new members. Take GVPRSSA’s pitch as an example:
“At GVPRSSA, we focus on preparing students for their future careers in the public relations and communications industry. As a pre-professional organization, we enrich our members’ experiences through speakers, workshops, agency tours, PRSSA national trips, and our student-run integrated communications firm, GrandPR.”
Secret Pro Tip: Get feedback! The easiest way to discover your 'why' is to ask current members what motivated them to join and why.
2. Social media will be your best friend as a student organization. Students are always in tune with Instagram and TikTok, and if you can put your organization's face and name on social media, you’re already there. Posting fun and engaging content that highlights your organization's vibe while also advertising your message will increase engagement from members and entice potential members.
Some examples of social media PR activities can be:
E-board member introductions
Behind the scenes of meetings and events
A day in the life with a current member
Secret Pro Tip: Posting consistently is key. Create a content calendar with post ideas, timelines, and responsibilities for the semester. Try to post at least once a week!
3. Every student knows the grueling process of joining a new organization. Sign-ups, first meeting anxiety, and lack of information deter a lot of potential new members. You can help your organization by being transparent and easy to reach with social media or campus-organized events, to show off your organization!
Try some of these strategies to make it quick and easy to get involved with your organization:
QR codes to track attendance for meetings and events
Frequent story posts with a question option
Have a Linktree in your social media bio with an all-access informational link
Secret Pro Tip: Always check your QR codes and links before meetings and events. You don’t want to have to play the part of IT when in front of a room full of people.
The bottom line is - PR isn’t just for major companies, or PR majors. Every organization can benefit from a connection with its community. Be the voice in your organization to build the hype and show people just how awesome your organization is!
Olivia Goodwin is an upcoming junior pursuing a degree in Advertising and Public Relations with a minor in Communications and Public Advocacy. She currently serves as the Podcast Director for GVPRSSA and serves as an Account Executive for GrandPr. Olivia is excited to explore the capacity of her skills within her position, as well as working alongside several of her peers to advance everyone's skill set! After graduation, Olivia plans on taking her skills into Sports Media, specifically within the National Football League.