How One AD Single-Handedly Boosted Social Media Engagement by 133%

Collage of Social Media Graphics from Middletown Christian Schools that helped increase social media engagement.

Summary

Fixing the Engagement Problem

When Nathaniel Bond took a new position as an AD at Middletown Christian Schools, he knew it was going to be important to build a social media presence. His previous school did not use social media, and he noticed a lack of school spirit & student engagement. It was important to him that the athletes and teams at his new school get the recognition they deserved. "Our students and coaches put in a ton of time and effort. So the least that I can do as an athletic director is recognize what they've done."

 

 

Collage of Social Media Graphics from Middletown Christian Schools that helped increase social media engagement.
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Nathaniel Bond

Athletic Director

Middletown Christian Schools (OH)

The Goals

Athletics as a Catalyst for Growth

NathanielBondHeadshot (1)

Nathaniel Bond

Athletic Director

Middletown Christian Schools (OH)

While student engagement was a priority for Nathaniel, one of his main goals was to grow his school. "I really do feel like athletics is a key catalyst to the growth of a school. From just a participation standpoint, [social media] has really helped, and I think it'll continue to help. We're gonna have two junior high girls' basketball teams for the first time. We're planning on having boys volleyball for the first time this spring, We're going to be the only private school of our size in our area to offer that. If we're posting about these things, that's an opportunity to bring students in." 


 

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The Challenges

Content Was Rare and Posting Was Scarce

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Before Nathaniel implemented Gipper at Middletown Christain Schools, their social media accounts were being run by one staff member who was also a parent. There was no strategy or consistency behind posting, just an effort to get something out there. "Our social media presence, from an athletic standpoint was nonexistent. I felt like there was a lack of excitement or clear direction being communicated. I think that if you're going to really engage your school community, social media is a key aspect to that nowadays." 

Collage of Social Media Graphics from Middletown Christian Schools that helped increase social media engagement for volleyball, cross country, and golf.

The Solution

Easy Creation Increases Consistency

Collage of Social Media Graphics from Middletown Christian Schools that helped increase social media engagement for volleyball, cross country, and golf.

Gipper has allowed Nathaniel to follow a regular posting schedule on social media. From creating and scheduling weekly schedule graphics on Sundays to posting real-time score updates throughout the week, Nathaniel has been able to create a consistent social media presence. He has also been able to highlight more of his student-athletes and teams. His consistent presence on social media has kept his engagement metrics high. "Frequent engagement is what keeps your platform engaged and interacted with," he said, "it keeps the excitement going." 

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The Result

Engagement Online & Off

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Since choosing Gipper, Nathaniel sees a bright future for his school.

Nathaniel has not only received positive feedback from his community of students, parents, and alumni but he's also seen significant rises in his social media metrics. He knows this type of growth can impact the entire school.  "Engagement can bring in more students & reach more potential corporate sponsors or donors, and this continues to strengthen and grow the athletics department. To see these statistics grow already proves the effectiveness of social media and how quickly it can benefit your school. We're only a couple of months in and we're already ready to look at upgrading to a Pro plan next year."

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August - September
2022 Social Media Growth Statistics

  • 140%

    Reach
    Increase

  • 133%
    Engagement
    Increase
  • 35%
    Followers
    Increase
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Learn how Gipper can help your program standout on social media