Written by Casey Moore, senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Throughout my time at UNC-Chapel Hill, I have been lucky to enough to learn from established professionals within public relations. I have taken courses in Crisis Communication, PR Writing, Marketing, Case Studies and PR Campaigns. Despite this robust selection, I still believe I’ve learned many valuable communication lessons outside of the classroom. I spent time as a Media and Journalism School Ambassador, the marketing manager of an improvisational comedy group and a multi-media leader for Relay for Life, among other things. With these groups, I have walked away with a few “aha” moments.
1. You can’t please everyone.
Sometimes it is best to trust your instincts rather than ask for a vote on campaign items. Crowd-sourced design or writing can be hard to manage, and there will also be things various voices wish you had done differently. That being said, it is better to turn in the creative deliverable on time than worry about getting it “perfect” according to every party.
2. Wacky Can Work.
Crazier marketing material can garner significant online traction! Due to the fact I was often promoting comedy shows, I had freedom to get sillier. My team used guerilla tactics on campus to nab attention. For one show, we staged a milk and La Croix chug in the center of the university. Approximately 50 students gathered around to gape at the showdown, and hundreds watched the video via Facebook Live. Another comedic venture was “Fall for Chips.” Several teammates decided to stage fake tripping incidents on campus, causing a ruckus in the library and in lunch halls. They filmed passerbys’ reactions, creating a hilarious video was viewed more than 6,000 times on Facebook.
3. Timing Matters.
While every millennial seems to be on her phone throughout the whole day, there are certain times where more college-aged people will see your post. In Relay for Life, we carefully strategized when to announce updates or post on Instagram. Most people scroll through their entire newsfeeds first thing in the morning and right before they go to sleep. While you may be eager to post an exciting design or picture, post in these windows of opportunity.
Check out Casey’s other tips on how to keep your audience’s attention!
