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Social media is a huge part of our lives and it’s important to use different social platforms to best promote yourself. Student-athletes are put in a more public environment than many other students, which grants them a great opportunity to grow their personal brand for their benefit.
In recent years, the landscape of college athletics is changing rapidly, with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) being one of the major changes that allow student-athletes to profit from their brand, including on social media. With this, student-athletes can use their social media presence to monetize their brand which is why it’s important that they use it appropriately.
One of the most important things that you want to remember while building your profiles, is that you want to stay authentic to who you are. Being authentic will draw more people to you and allow them to see the real you. If you become too scripted or inauthentic in the content you post, potential partners and followers could be turned off. They’re following you to get a glimpse into who you are as a person and an athlete.
Always think before you post. With a public-facing role as an athlete, your words and actions go a long way. When using social media, you should be cognizant of what you post and how it can impact others. This goes hand-in-hand with staying true to who you are because you are far more than just an athlete, you are a role model in the community.
Social media is a great way to stay engaged with friends, fans, and teammates, as well as highlight your athletic accomplishments. Zion Williamson, former Duke Men’s Basketball player, utilized his social media pages effectively. With almost 6 million followers he takes to Instagram to post highlights of his dunks and other impressive plays on the court. He also uses his platform to post motivational messages and showcase his off-court interests. Trevor Lawrence is another example of someone who has used his platform to not only showcase his football skills and connect with fans but also promote important causes and advocate for social justice. Sunisa Lee, college gymnast at Auburn, also uses her social media presence as she partners with many companies for NIL deals. These three athletes are great examples of how you can make your social media presence work for you.
Overall, what you put out on social media is public for the world to see, so it’s important to be mindful of what you’re posting. With the platform that you have as an athlete, you can receive tons of deals just based on who you are and your achievements in your sport. While your personal account doesn’t have to turn into a business-only account, there is a way to be authentic while also being thoughtful of what you post so you can get the most out of your brand.
Game Plan’s comprehensive software platform integrates mobile-first eLearning as well as virtual mentorship and career services, uniquely designed for athletic organizations. Game Plan works with 875+ athletic departments and organizations with over 240,000 courses completed yearly. Our eLearning courses provide student-athletes ultimate access and flexibility while equipping both athletics departments and the conference office management tools and insight to ensure outstanding experiences and outcomes. To learn more about Game Plan, please visit wearegameplan.com.
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