Facebook is one of the most powerful online tools to reach people and promote your events.  Does this mean your Unit has to have a Facebook Page? What about a group? Here are out thoughts on the matter...

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Does your Post already have a Facebook page? You don't need to have a separate page, in fact it can really boost the entire Legion Family if you rely on one page for all of your entities. However, communication is essential. Make sure everyone has access to a calendar or list of events and all materials, dates & times are shared with the person running the page.

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Page vs. Group: 

Pages are public, Groups need to be joined. Knowing what your looking to accomplish is the key.

• Use GROUPS for communicating amongst your members and coordinating volunteer needs, etc.

• Create a PAGE if you want to actively involve the public and invite them to your events, meetings, and activities.

It is essential that you create an event on Facebook for each of your activities. Using events has built in automations that do things like:

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• Alert followers or people in your area that "Legion XYZ created an event you might like"

• Allows followers to click interested or going to your event, which sends them auto-alerts as the date draws near

• Allows you to add Co-Hosts of the event, which can increase the reach dramatically!

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Creating a Facebook event is pretty simple, but here's a quick run down on the steps to take:

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1. Login and Click Events

2. Click Create an Event

3. Enter your information, location, time and ALL the details you have about the event (menu, schedule, tickets, etc.)

4. Upload a graphic that looks really nice and eye catching (when possible, ensure it is not a photo taken of an event flyer)

5. Invite your followers to the event (sometimes FB will only allow you to invite 50 at a time, so come back often until you've invited everyone)

6. Add a Co-Host if there is one (please note you need to first Follow the Host on Facebook to add them to the event)

7. Regularly post in the "Discussion" section of your event to get people excited. Use pictures of items, food, people, and talk about what will be at the event

When you log into your Facebook page, click on the left-hand side to go into the Meta Business Suite. Scroll down towards the bottom and you'll find the "Grow Your Audience" section. Click on the Send Invites button and Select to Send all invites.

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View Example

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How does this help? Well, for example, let's say one of your patrons shared your post about the upcoming Fish Fry. Her friend Sally liked the post and came to the fish fry. Now she gets an invite from you to follow/like your page and she does because she really enjoyed the fish and wants to know when it's happening again.

Nearly every community has at least 1 Facebook bulletin board. Make sure to join as many as possible AND search out Legion specific groups.

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Tips for Posting on Boards

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• You can share to your page and up to 3 groups at once using the Meta Business Suite (see example video)

• Be mindful, don't over post. Once or Twice a week is definitely plenty. Plus, some boards have rules on business Posting (make sure to read the group rules)

• Add bolded text by Sharing from your event. This feature is only available when you click Share to Group (see example video) 

• Sharing the event you created allows more people to click "interested" or "going" which means they get those automated reminders.

Stories are a quick way to be seen as they show up right at the top of the Facebook Feed. Use large text and minimal information in your graphics and add your link to the event or to your Facebook page for more info.

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Reels are a bit more challenging as they require videos. Videos can only be 60 seconds long. We recommend using actual footage from your event, during set up, etc. A strong example of how to use a Reel:

• Take a quick video of your silent auction items and post as a reel so people can see the fun items available! Adding music can also make all the difference!

The more followers a page has, the more people see your content. Do your part to follow other American Legions.

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Make sure to:

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• Follow the MN Department ALA and Post pages

• Follow the National Facebook pages

• Search for Legions and Auxiliary Units in your state and follow them (you may even get some new ideas)