Your PTO Facebook Page: How To Build Involvement
Expert tips to build involvement and increase engagement on your PTO or PTA Facebook page (plus tips on what not to do).
Add videos and photos when possible. Because of how Facebook decides which posts to show, videos and photos increase the chances of your posts being seen by more people.
Be bold with images. Try free graphic design tools like Canva and Crello to make plain photos snazzy with text in fun fonts. Or try resources like our Clip Art Gallery to create your own graphics with text, like this one:
Have two administrators on your page. You need a backup in case someone gets sick, moves away, or has to give up her duties for whatever reason.
Post parenting tips regularly. Not only do they provide helpful info; they also help parents feel more connected to your group, which will make them more likely to get involved on your page. (Not sure where to find them? Use our Parenting Resources board on Pinterest.)
Be careful how you respond to negative comments. Try not to get defensive. If someone complains about a group event, for example, politely explain your point of view (and listen to hers). You want to show people that you hear their concerns and that you’re open to feedback.
Friend parents you know personally, then tag them when you post to your group page. Those posts will show up in their notifications, and they may be compelled to share with others who might then join your Facebook community.
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Ask people to get involved on your Facebook page. Remind them at meetings and in emails and other correspondence. Let them know that the more likes you have, the more your posts will be seen.
Ask for input, and use it when you can. People like sharing their opinions—and they want to see them translated into action.
Post your meeting agenda in advance. Specifically, let people know what’s up for a vote. It’ll keep parents informed and encourage meeting attendance, especially if you’re voting on a hot topic.
Get on email lists from social media experts. You’ll get lots of helpful information from sources like Social Media Examiner, Mashable, Social Media Today, and others that can help you keep up with the frequent technical changes on Facebook and other social channels.
7 Things To Avoid Doing on Your PTO or PTA Facebook Page
Don’t post about politics. That includes what’s happening at the local level. You are guaranteed to offend someone (and it’s not a PTO’s role).
Don’t let parents post about their businesses. If someone asks, say no. Otherwise, you’ll have a floodgate of these requests, and promotional posts will turn off your community.
Don’t post photos of kids without knowing the school’s policy and getting necessary permission.
Don’t pretend you didn’t make a mistake if you did. Acknowledge errors and move on. Facebook moves quickly, so it will blow over as long as you’re up front.
Don’t overpost. It’s hard to choose the best items to post, but if you overload your audience, they’ll start ignoring you. One to two posts a day should be your max.
Don’t post your personal opinions on school issues. Always remember that you represent the PTO.
Don’t let comments, good or bad, linger without a response. Even a simple reply of “thanks for sharing” is better than dead air.
Originally posted in 2016 and updated regularly.