{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003ESocial media is a great way to engage with your local community and spread the word about the fantastic things your Scout Group gets up to.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESocial media provides the opportunity for:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECreating positivity around what Scouts does in your community.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMaking focused content that engages at a local level.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECreating interaction and engagement between you and your audience.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMaking shareable content to expand the impact of what we do in Scouts.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EWhat can I use social media for?\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESocial media on its own won\u0027t directly recruit new volunteers and young people, but if used well it can create a range of opportunities that increase the visibility of what we do in Scouts.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s important to remember social media is an active platform. Being seen to be active with our content is the key to becoming noticed and a valued part of online communities. This applies to both new and existing social provisions.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESocial media can also be used to build visibility for existing Groups and Units, and generate crucial visibility during the process of setting up new Groups or sections.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHere are some themes to convey in social posts around a new Group:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWarm environment.\u003C/strong\u003E These posts plant the initial seeds about a Group\u2019s arrival, making the local community feel good about Scouts and what it has to offer.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPromoting a new Group.\u003C/strong\u003E These social posts are designed to promote a new Group, giving all the information young people, parents and carers, and potential adult volunteers need.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECelebrating a new Group opening.\u003C/strong\u003E These posts are filled with fun and excitement. They detail everything that happened in the first night or first few weeks of the Scout Group opening.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECelebration and impact.\u003C/strong\u003E These posts focus on what the Group\u0026nbsp; has been up to in first six months or so. Think about things like first camps, activities, and badges. This content celebrates the impact of the new Group and the skills learned by the young people in it.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"Read our digital safeguarding guidelines","body":"\u003Cp\u003ELearn how to keep children and young people safe when creating and using digital content.\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"Recording at Scout events","id":null,"url":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safeguarding-in-the-programme/recording-at-scout-events/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Managing photographs and video","image":"/media/19893/62224319_2413651045576470_7528971528361213952_n.jpg?cc=0,0.12159083455840371,0,0.05181489557098632\u0026width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1daf3d4e033fa10","imageFocus":"","imageId":35916,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003ETop tips for using social media\u003C/h3\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":true,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWhen deciding which social media platforms would be best to use, it\u2019s important to think about what you want to achieve.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAsk yourself:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDo we have a specific target audience? Are they in a certain location, of a particular age, or part of a certain community?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhat kind of content are we aiming to produce?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhat level of engagement do we wish to have?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIs the way your posts are written and produced going to help with the aims you set out? Is your language simple and easy to read? Try to avoid using Scouts\u2019 jargon.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003ESocial networking\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOur main purpose in using social networking platforms \u2013 such as \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.facebook.com/scoutassociation/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Scouts UK Facebook\u0022\u003EFacebook\u003C/a\u003E, \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://twitter.com/scouts\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Scouts UK Twitter\u0022\u003ETwitter/X\u003C/a\u003E, \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.linkedin.com/company/scoutsuk/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Scouts UK LinkedIn\u0022\u003ELinkedIn\u003C/a\u003E and \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://nextdoor.co.uk/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022NextDoor homepage\u0022\u003ENextDoor\u003C/a\u003E \u2013 is to connect with people online. Social media can allow you and your team to get to know and take part in your local online community. Effective use of social media allows you to build trust with your community, giving them opportunities to engage with what Scouts does.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003EMedia sharing\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMedia sharing platforms \u2013 like \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.instagram.com/scouts/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Scouts UK Instagram\u0022\u003EInstagram\u003C/a\u003E, \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.youtube.com/user/ukscoutassociation\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Scouts UK YouTube\u0022\u003EYouTube\u003C/a\u003E and \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.tiktok.com/@scoutsuk\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Scouts UK TikTok\u0022\u003ETikTok\u003C/a\u003E \u2013 lets you share photos and videos along with small amounts of text.\u0026nbsp;These platforms can work well for Scouts, as they\u0027re great for reaching out to young people to let them get to know what your Group does.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003EFind your target audience\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ENextDoor \u2013 Through sharing both images and text, NextDoor helps neighbours interact and pass on information about what\u2019s going on in their community. Using NextDoor is a great way to promote your Scout Group, and its events, locally. Learn more about \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://help.nextdoor.com/s/?language=en_GB\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022NextDoor help centre\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022?language=en_GB\u0022\u003Ehow to use NextDoor\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ETwitter/X \u2013 Twitter/X is an effective way of engaging influential people, such as politicians, as you\u2019re able to tag them into relevant posts. If you\u2019re lucky, a tagged person might share your post to their followers.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EInstagram \u2013 Instagram works particularly well for reaching out to young people, particularly those of Scout and Explorer age, and their parent and carers.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EFacebook \u2013 Facebook is most parents and carers favourite social media platform, proving a great way to reach your local community online. Facebook is much more targeted (and controllable) than other social media platforms.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELearn more about \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://digitalskills.scouts.org.uk/activity/66\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Different types of social media\u0022\u003Ehow to use different types of social media\u003C/a\u003E on \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://digitalskills.scouts.org.uk/search?task=social\u002Bmedia\u0026amp;tool=Any\u002Bdigital\u002Btool\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Social media (Digital skills)\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022?task=social\u002Bmedia\u0026amp;tool=Any\u002Bdigital\u002Btool\u0022\u003EDigital Skills\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"1. Choose your social media platform"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWhatever social media platform you choose, here are a few good practice tips:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKeep active.\u003C/strong\u003E Posting regularly builds and sustains visibility for your Group within the online community.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKnow your audience.\u003C/strong\u003E Are you talking to parents or carers of existing members, new parents and carers, potential volunteers, the local community or young people themselves? Tailor your posts to your target audience.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKnow what you want to gain.\u003C/strong\u003E\u00A0What purpose does the content you create have? Is its message clear? Who are you creating your content for?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGood quality content.\u003C/strong\u003E Posting good quality content on social media will lead to stronger engagement from those you want to build bonds with in your community.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EProgramme content.\u003C/strong\u003E Share content that shows what we do in Scouts, like programme activities where young people are learning new skills as they work towards achieving a badge.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUser generated content.\u003C/strong\u003E Content created by Scouts\u2019 young people and volunteers works well on social media. It allows everyone to show their creative side, and gives a fascinating insight into what your Group has been up to.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFollow up any interest.\u003C/strong\u003E Responding to a comment or direct message helps build relationships within your community, and encourages young people or potential adult volunteers who are keen to find more about Scouts.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESimple language.\u003C/strong\u003E\u00A0Is what you\u2019re saying clear and concise? Remember most people don\u2019t know what common Scouts\u2019 terms mean. When writing about different sections, try to include the age of the members, for example Squirrel Scouts (ages 4 to 5). Always write with your audience in mind, making sure key information comes across in a simple, engaging way.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"2. Establish good social media practice"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWithin every community, there are influential people who could support Scouts and help to boost your Group\u2019s visibility on social media. It\u2019s a good idea to reach out to these people, as they may share your content with their audiences.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECommunity groups and local businesses.\u003C/strong\u003E Many towns and villages have a community noticeboard or news group, particularly on Facebook. These usually have local businesses as members.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EElected politicians and councillors.\u003C/strong\u003E Local politicians and councillors want to engage with their community, so tagging them in relevant content is a good way to reach their followers, creating more visibility for your posts.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchools.\u003C/strong\u003E Raise awareness about a new Scout Group, or spread the word about spaces in younger sections, by tagging a school in your content or contacting local schools directly. Many have weekly newsletters, as well as social media accounts followed by parents in the community.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EReligious leaders.\u003C/strong\u003E Leaders of religions within a community hold a lot of influence and can provide assistance when you\u2019re raising awareness around volunteer recruitment or demonstrating the skills that can be developed through Scouts.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPolice and fire stations.\u003C/strong\u003E If your Group visits a station, or you have a guest from one at your meeting, be sure to tag them into posts about it. That way they\u2019ll be able to share, spreading the word about Scouts to their audience.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen tagging influential people in your posts, remember to make sure your content is relevant to them. This will encourage them to share and interact with your page.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"3. Reach out to influential people"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EKeeping these tips in mind can help with recruitment:\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EShow what you do.\u003C/strong\u003E Putting content based around programme activities on social media is a great way of showing the skills young people and adult volunteers learn through Scouts. Show what your Scout Group is all about by sharing content from fun sessions, Cubs up a climbing wall, Scouts learning some first aid or Beavers doing team games. Demonstrating the range of fun activities your Group gets up to each week will encourage people to get involved.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDemonstrate skills.\u003C/strong\u003E Use social media to show the range of skills that can be gained through Scouts. Remember to also share information on the skills adult volunteers learn, especially those that could help them in their personal and professional lives.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAsk.\u003C/strong\u003E Include a question in your posts. Doing this is a good way to build interest, letting people know they\u2019re able to get involved in what Scouts does, both as young people and potential adult volunteers. Something as simple as \u2018Could you get involved?\u2019 should help in recruiting new volunteers.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDrop a note to those who engage.\u003C/strong\u003E By replying to comments or private messaging those who engage with you posts, you can start a one-to-one interaction. This is a great way to answer any questions, and discover if Scouts is something they\u2019d like to get involved in.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"4. Use social media for recruitment"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003ETop tips for staying safe on social media:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAdmins.\u003C/strong\u003E These are the people who control a Facebook page or group, including who has access to it. Admins can manage all aspects of a Facebook page, from assigning and changing roles to publishing posts and direct messaging with those who engage.\u003Cbr\u003EAn admin role should only be held by the leaders of the Group/Unit the page represents.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EStay non-political.\u003C/strong\u003E Scouts is a non-political body. Social media platforms being used for Scouts\u2019 purposes must not endorse any particular party or candidate. Any posts you make, via Scouts\u2019 social media, must be politically neutral.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETopical subjects.\u003C/strong\u003E It\u2019s important that your Scouts\u2019 posts stay away from topical subjects, especially those which may cause upset or offence.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMonitor offensive comments or risk.\u003C/strong\u003E Keep an eye out for any negative or offensive comments posted on your page or within your group, and make sure these are monitored.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPermissions and consent.\u003C/strong\u003E When posting images or videos to social media, make sure you have permission and consent for everyone featured in them, especially young people. Where young people are featured, it\u2019s essential you have permission from their parents/carers.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"5. Stay safe"}]},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EUsing social media to grow your group\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis guide shares how Peacehaven and Telscombe Cliffs Scouts used a social media campaign to grow their group and welcome 10 new people (including two new adult volunteers!).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe aim of the campaign was to:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EGrow the group by attracting new young people and adult volunteers\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ERaise awareness that Scouts is active and thriving in Peacehaven and Telscombe Cliffs\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EChallenge outdated perceptions and show that Scouts is modern, welcoming, and open to all\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EBuild visibility and trust within the local community\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis campaign reached approximately 328,400 views, that\u2019s over a quarter of a million opportunities for local people to see what Scouts looks like in their community today. This wasn\u2019t just about promotion, it was about connection. The campaign helped local people see Scouts differently, and understand how they (or their children) could be part of it.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003EWhat they did\u003C/h4\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":true,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThey made sure people could easily find the group online by posting through Scout channels and public community spaces.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETop Tip:\u003C/strong\u003E If your Group doesn\u2019t already have a public Facebook or Instagram page, it\u2019s worth setting one up. A public page is how people discover your group, share your posts, and learn about what\u2019s happening. Think of it as your digital HQ.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"1. Set up a public social media presence"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThey created a series of low-cost paid ads promoting:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EVolunteering roles\u003C/strong\u003E (Attract new adult volunteers by showing how rewarding and flexible volunteering with Scouts can be.)\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA friendly, real quote from a current volunteer (e.g. \u0027I started with one hour a week, now it\u2019s the best part of my week!\u0027)\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA photo of volunteers doing something fun or impactful (e.g. helping with activities, supporting young people outdoors).\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMention flexibility (e.g. \u0027Even one hour a month makes a difference!\u0027)\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEncourage people who enjoy working with young people or want to give back locally.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ETargeting tip: When setting up the ad, choose interests like volunteering, community work, parenting, outdoor activities, or youth work. You can also target local people aged 25\u002B who may have more time to get involved.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAn open event\u003C/strong\u003E (Encourage families to come along to a one-off open event and see what Scouts is all about.)\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EClear details: \u0027Join us on Tuesday 10th June, 4\u20136pm at Peacehaven Scout Hut, Postcode.\u0027\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhat they can expect: e.g. \u0027Try fun activities, meet the team, and learn how to join.\u0027\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAge groups: e.g. \u0027For young people aged 6\u201318.\u0027\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA short sentence about the benefits: \u0027Scouts helps young people gain confidence, skills, and new friends.\u0027\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAdd a link or form to register interest if possible.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EVisual tip: Use a happy, energetic photo from a previous event or group activity, or a custom poster created with free tools like Canva.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELocal taster sessions\u003C/strong\u003E (Drive sign-ups to try Scouts before joining long-term.)\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA short intro: \u0027Curious about Scouts? Come along for a free taster session!\u0027\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhat they\u2019ll do: e.g. \u0027Campfire cooking, team games, outdoor fun and friendly faces.\u0027\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EBenefits to the child: Use stats like: \u002794% of young people say they\u2019ve gained life skills through Scouts.\u0027 \u002785% feel happier and more confident after joining.\u0027\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMention age groups and meeting place/time.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EInclude a link to a sign-up or interest form.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ETargeting tip: Focus your ad on local parents with children in your age range (e.g. 6\u201314), using interest filters like parenting, after school activities, outdoor fun, or youth development.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGeneral group recruitment \u003C/strong\u003E(Raise awareness of the group and encourage young people (or their parents) to sign up.)\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA short, inspiring message: \u0027Scouts is where young people make friends, learn skills, and have real adventures, every week!\u0027\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA positive photo with good lighting showing real Scouts doing something exciting \u2013 climbing, camping, creating, or smiling with friends.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EOne or two facts about Scouts: \u0027We help nearly half a million young people each week.\u0027 \u0027From teamwork to resilience, Scouts builds skills for life.\u0027\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMention the section\u2019s age groups and how to get involved.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EVisual tip: Try a carousel of images or a short video if you have it, visual storytelling works well!\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEach of these ad types should be friendly, clear, and welcoming. Always include a call to action, such as: \u0027Join now!\u0027, \u0027Come along to our open day!\u0027, \u0027Sign up for a taster session!\u0027\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAnd if possible, link directly to an interest or sign-up form to make it easy for people to take the next step.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003EResults\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E32,900 impressions (views)\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E285 link clicks to sign-up forms\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAds cost around \u00A310 for a week, reaching thousands locally\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETip:\u003C/strong\u003E Paid ads are great for boosting visibility when you want to promote something time-sensitive like an event or open evening. They work best when you keep your message clear and your visuals friendly and local.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","label":"2. Ran paid adverts on Facebook and Instagram"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThey posted regularly in popular, hyper-local Facebook groups to build trust and excitement within the community. These weren\u2019t just ads, they shared:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EUpdates about what the Scouts were up to\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EFriendly reminders about upcoming sessions\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPhotos and feel-good stories that showed the impact of Scouts\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThey posted in groups like:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPeacehaven Gossip!\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhat\u2019s Happening in Peacehaven\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPeacehaven Community\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETip:\u003C/strong\u003E To find your local Facebook groups, use the search bar at the top of Facebook and type in the name of your town, neighbourhood, or surrounding area followed by keywords like \u0027community\u0027, \u0027residents\u0027, \u0027what\u2019s on\u0027, or \u0027parents\u0027. You can also filter results by selecting \u0027Groups\u0027 to see only group listings. Look for ones with high member counts and regular activity, \u0026nbsp;these are great places to share Scouts updates and reach local families. Don\u2019t forget to read the group rules before posting, and consider joining as your group\u2019s official page if you have one.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003EResults\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EApproximately 165,700 people reached through organic (unpaid) posts\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETip:\u003C/strong\u003E People are more likely to engage with your posts if they\u2019re positive, personal, and sound like a friendly neighbour, not an organisation. Use local language and be yourself.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"3. Shared positive stories in local Facebook groups"}]},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"imageWithLink","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/bncbm0hc/local-media-image-examples.png","width":1378,"height":345,"altText":"Four social media images using photography of young people and volunteers to promote Peacehaven and Telscombe Cliffs Scouts.","caption":"","link":{"name":"Local Media Image Examples","id":null,"url":"https://prod-cms.scouts.org.uk//media/bncbm0hc/local-media-image-examples.png","newWindow":false,"target":"_blank"}},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EWhat they achieved\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EOver 328,000 opportunities to view Scouts content locally\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEight young people joined the group and two new adult volunteers signed up\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis gave Peacehaven and Telscombe Cliffs Scouts a big boost, not just in numbers, but in visibility, confidence, and energy for the future.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003EKey takeaways\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHave a public page or profile\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis makes your group findable online and gives you a place to regularly post updates, share photos, and build a connection with your community.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUse local Facebook groups\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThese are where people talk about what\u2019s happening nearby. Friendly, well-written posts can reach thousands in just a few hours.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETry low-cost ads to boost key messages\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESocial media ads are affordable and effective. Even a \u00A310 ad can get your event or message in front of thousands of people.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EUse visuals\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPosts with photos or bright, friendly graphics always do better. Use free tools like Canva to create them quickly and easily.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECelebrate your success\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen people join, events go well, or Scouts learn something new, share it! People love to see what\u2019s going right.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMix paid and unpaid posts\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETogether, they give you both reach and connection. Paid ads get seen widely, and community posts build local trust.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003EWhere should I start?\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIf your group doesn\u2019t have a public Facebook page - create one!\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAsk your team what local Facebook groups they\u2019re in and start making a list.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDownload Canva and try designing a simple \u0027We\u2019re growing!\u0027 post. You can use the \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-things-locally/local-media-and-member-communications/our-brand/\u0022 title=\u0022Our brand\u0022\u003EScout Brand Guidelines\u003C/a\u003E for guidance on fonts and colours.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPlan your next big moment (event, session, open day) and think about how you could promote it through both paid ads and group posts.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWant to learn more or get help with a local campaign? 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