HOW TO DEFINE KEY MESSAGES?
After defining objective and mapping local groups relevant for communication strategy, you need to create key messages which will stimulate students to engage. In this step, feel free to be creative as much as you can.
For creating unique and appropriate key messages, you need to keep in mind that various segments of your target group have different needs which they are expecting to receive from your side, so you need to create values which will help each segment of the target group to finish their task (read something, learn, inform or do) and achieve benefits from it, to be satisfied.
Steps to do it:
Step 1.
In the context of your work and your offer (youth mobility), what one segment of the target group (the one you prioritized first) expect from you?
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- Traveling
- Meeting new people
- Learning a language etc.
Step 2.
Try to translate that into “need” of that segment. List all needs of one segment.
Step 3.
Think of “needs” both, as an opportunity to solve some problems they have or as an opportunity to gain some additional value from you.
Step 4.
When you defined all needs, help your target group to achieve them. Transfer your help to them into OFFER.
For example, students value developing their personal competence, such as learning new language or meeting new people. They need to find correlation between their value and youth mobility. By informing them about mobility programs and opportunities to learn different languages you can encourage them to participate.
While creating key messages, your style should be positive and casual. Key messages should be adjusted according to the type of social media you will choose for dissemination (number of characters, hashtags, etc.)
The most common social media platforms used among students are Facebook, Instagram and Twitter because those are the platforms on which students can get the most information about colleges, student activities etc., and that is why we will focus mainly on them in the next pages.
- create posts that seek engagement
- use few hashtags – #mobility #students #international
- do not forget @ tag – focus on organizations (check step 2.)
- post images- photos of food, people and places are most popular on Instagram
- post stories – inspirational quotes, direct to new post on Instagram etc.
- use hashtags – #mobility #students #international #travel #youth
- short text (120 characters)
- hashtags – #travel #mobility
Choose the one social media platform which is most popular among students you wish to attract, in your area. Scan Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter pages of student organizations or/and prominent students which you listed in the step before. Do not forget alumni students – sharing their experiences and success stories you can encourage students to take part in your program.
Here are some examples of key messages you can use for publishing on your social media profiles:
Facebook:
– What do you think would be the biggest advantage of youth mobility? Answer in comment.
– With (name of the program) you can make lifelong friends, learn a new language and experience a new culture. Find out more about our program and join us! #mobility
– Tag a friend who went on mobility and all you got is his/her enthusiasm for travel!
Instagram:
– If you want to explore the world and meet new people and different cultures, (insert name of the program) is just right for you – check out the link in our bio for more information (insert a picture)
Twitter:
– If you want to explore the world and meet new people and different cultures, (insert name of the program) is just right for you! #youth #mobility #travel