Rallying the Redbirds: Social Media Edition

When it comes to making history, the Illinois State University community certainly knows how to rally behind its fellow Redbirds. The ISU community, however, is spread both far and wide, making social media a key tool to spread messages to prepare for the Football Championship Subdivision game against Missouri Valley Conference rival North Dakota State University, ISU Athletics, Red Alert, and the university flagship account used social media to intensify hype surrounding the game.

Redbird fans were encouraged to use the popular hashtag, #BackTheBirds, in addition to the National Collegiate Athletic Association hashtag, #FCSChamp. These hashtags united Redbird fans’ Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram posts before and during the game. In regards to Twitter and Facebook, the ISU social media accounts consistently posted links to its website where fans could receive updates on the weekend in Frisco, Texas, as well watch party locations. Under the athletic program, videos were created to rally Redbirds wherever they may be and also included links back to the main hub with new information regarding the game. As far as sharing on social media, posts that included videos were the most popular on Twitter and Facebook.

Social media was used to rally Redbird fans and generate enthusiasm for the championship game. The use of social media and the unity it created allowed Redbirds to come together, brought strength to our team, and made us all proud to be Redbirds.

By Cindy Kirchner