Nine out of 10 Americans are online daily, according to a 2024 report from Pew Research. So, it’s important to have a plan to share American Legion Auxiliary event information digitally, especially on social media. As you make a digital plan, there are best practices that can help you attract more attention to your event: 

Create graphics to help your event stand out
Begin by using a site such as Canva.com or Adobe Express. They can help you achieve a professional look, and for free or at a nominal cost to join. ALA National Headquarters often uses Canva for social media graphics.
 
Choose a font style and size that’s easy to read. Also, limit the number of words on a graphic. Once you grab attention, those who want to know more details can read the text part of your post. Remember: Most people are looking at social media on their phones, so you don’t want the words to be too small to read.
 
Add graphics or photos related to the event. You can find free images that are not copyrighted on the sites mentioned above. You can also use a photo sourcing site such as Pexels.com.
 
Always include the ALA logo on your graphic so it is easy for the public to see who is hosting the event.
 
Always double-check for accuracy. Make sure your event name, date, time, and other details are correct.
 
If it is a public event, consider including that on the flyer, so nonmembers know right away they are welcome to attend.

Make a promotional plan 
How often are you going to post the graphic on social media? You want to make sure people have plenty of opportunities to see your social post, but you don’t want to flood their feeds with your event.
 
Who is going to monitor your post for comments and questions? Make sure someone is interacting with your audience and answering their questions.
 
Are there community groups where you can share your event?
 
Encourage fellow members to share the graphic on their own accounts and in community groups. This can help attract more people to your event and maybe the media.
 
Remember: Social media is supposed to be fun! It’s a valuable tool to spread the ALA’s mission. Don’t think of it as a chore. Find members who enjoy it, and ask them to be part of the team to manage social media. As always, we recommend a minimum of two administrators for your accounts.
 
It works!
ALA California Unit 746 member Anne Marie Fuller said regularly using social media “has been a helpful tool for our unit and district! We can connect quickly with members who live more remotely, as our district falls within a rural area. The wonderful asset of sharing a public event flyer online is that it is often reshared by people outside your initial circle. As the flyer gains in circulation, it can also be picked up by local news reporting agencies.”