Today’s student athlete is no stranger to the power of social media, and they have been influenced by it virtually their entire life.  Social Media is a great place to get information on your interest on everything from news, sports, products, people, etc.  Having this platform available gives a student athlete the ability to grow their personal “brand”.  They should see themselves as a brand just like Pepsi, Google, or the Atlanta Braves.  As a person, they have value and should be strategically marketed organically just like any other brand.  I intend to help provide some information that will assist student athletes and their support system to understand how to grow their brand and be able to protect their image with a tactful strategy.

If an athlete aspires of a future beyond high school in their sport, brand building is something they should make a priority.  This information is applicable to students that won’t play at the next levels but will attend college and enter the workforce.  The information you put out on social media will follow you as you continue your path in life, no matter what that is.  Colleges, college athletics, professional sports, and employers screen candidate’s social media for any red flags when considering candidates.

Positive content should be a priority!  In a time of strong social activism, refrain from associating your brand with controversial content.  It is important as individual to stay true to your beliefs but not to react and let your emotions prompt you to post content you may regret later.

Post “behind the scenes” content via your social media accounts such as images and videos of your involvement in your sport(s), academics, clubs, and the community.  Let the public get to know you and the positive things you are doing in your life.

College athletic programs utilize social media as one of their most powerful recruiting tools.  Twitter is the benchmark for communications in college recruiting and is the obvious platform to emphasize your efforts.  If you are on school’s radar, they are absolutely monitoring your social media.  For a student athlete in high school, this is one thing you should never forget.  You could literally cost yourself the shot you worked so hard for.  At the same time, you know you can take advantage of this situation by maximizing your personal brand.  Have a solid content strategy and be mindful about what other content you associate with your accounts.

By the end of a high school student’s senior year it would be advantageous to create a LinkedIn profile to begin highlighting your virtual professional resume including your ongoing education.  This platform is a wonderful professional networking opportunity and a great place to begin.

Contact us with any questions you may have that may benefit a student athlete or anyone else trying to build their personal brand!