Common Learning Portal

Publish now, or publish later. This can be a delicate topic. Obviously you do not want to publish any content that is incomplete, doesn’t offer users any benefit, and is difficult to read or understand. But there are exceptions when partially publishing is acceptable. Let’s say you are developing, or already have, a resource that is lengthy, has a lot of sections, or is just bulky due to the content. This type of resource offers the perfect opportunity to launch it in a “phased” rollout. A phased rollout not only reduces front-loaded development times, it keeps users coming back to your resource to view the new content.

You may have heard the statement “Content is King” at some point. That statement is very true when it comes to a rock solid communication strategy and your CLP resources. Keeping your content updated and full of rich information that is beneficial to users can make a huge difference when trying to attract them to your content. It is best practice to frequently check your CLP content and make sure they are updated and in good working order.

What is “Good Working Order”?

• Content is current and relevant.
• Links used in your content work.
• Images used have alt text, titles, descriptions, and captions when necessary.
• Grammar, styling, alignment, or accuracy issues are all addressed.
• Your resource has the corresponding content team, program tags, topic, competencies, and resource type selected.

What is “Rich Information”?

• Content in your resource is relevant to the topic.
• It provides users with useful information or positively benefits them or their career.
• Consolidating links to resources and scattered content into one easily navigable resource that is designed to benefit users.

It is no secret that social media is an incredibly powerful tool that can be easily leveraged in your communication strategy when trying to attract users to your CLP resources. Below are some best practices that you can use in your posts to increase your followers and users interacting with your content.

This has been a growing trend throughout all social media channels. Users not only stay tuned into videos and live feeds for longer, they come back for content at a much greater rate than static or one dimensional content. You can leverage this powerful tool by taking content that you would normally write about and create a video or live stream to social channels instead. It will require more planning, and you will need an assistant to video you, but it is worth the additional time as it will attract more viewers to your resource.

Here are some pointers on making engaging videos

• Most important, you are representing the National Park Service so make sure your uniform is clean and neat.
• You want your video to reach a wide audience so keep it family friendly.
• We have all seen the inside of an office so pick an interesting backdrop, like the Grand Canyon or a scenic overlook in your park.
• It can be helpful to draft a brief script outlining what you want to cover; this ensures you are clear and concise.
• Don’t be afraid to video multiple takes of one scene, more is always better.
• Try to mix it up by switching locations for different parts of your video; there are numerous video editors on app stores that are easy to use and, best of all, free.
• Create a call to action by encouraging viewers to follow you, find out more, or check out more of your content.
• Lastly, make it fun and engaging!

There are several factors involved with increasing your content views and engagement for any social channel. One simple, yet effective, way to attracting followers to your content is done through the utilization of hashtags. These are useful tools when applied correctly and provide a gateway into users’ social media feeds. We have included some helpful do’s and don’ts to guide your hashtag selections.

Do

• Use hashtags that are relevant to your content.
  • If your content has to deal with parks, use #parks

• Create hashtags that are unique to your content.
  • Along with widely used hashtags, it is always a good practice to create your own unique hashtags.
  • Lets say you’re part of the “Historic Preservation Society” and your content is focused on gardens; #HPSgardens would be a great hashtag to start using throughout all of your posts.

• Apply hashtags that are widely used on social media.
  • It’s always a good idea to research what hashtags are trending and widely used before using them in your posts.
  • There are several tools out there to make your hashtag research much easier, like hashtagify.
• Keep your hashtags short and to the point.
  • People are prone to avoid anything that takes a lot of effort like typing in long hashtags, so make it easy and truncate your hashtags as much as possible.
  • Be sure you research first to make sure it isn’t already in use.

Don’t

• Use hashtags that are not relevant to your content.
  • If your content is related to “maintaining historic structures” and you use the hashtags #modern or #food this could have a negative effect.
• Pack your posts with hashtags where it is hard to read because every other word is hashtagged.
  • Example of what your post text should not look like:
    • #My #resource is the #best #you #can #find on the #CLP!
• Use very long hashtags
  • #thisisanexampleofahashtagthatistoolong

Another great way to get your content noticed is by on-boarding an influencer. Influencers typically have a large number of followers that actively engage with content posted on the influencers’ social channels. Once the influencer follows and likes your posts, your content will quickly propagate throughout their follower network and increase the interest and engagement of your content.

The next question you would probably ask is “how do I find and onboard an influencer?” This takes a little due diligence on your part. First, start by searching for people who are passionate about the subject your content applies to on social media platforms. After you find someone that shares the same interest, and who has a large set of followers, simply open a line of dialog with them. You are trying to get them to champion your cause so this can take several attempts but is worth it once they are your ambassador.

Newsletters are still an effective part of a comprehensive communication strategy. These are fantastic tools as they have a high frequency of being read by recipients and provide a lot of space for you to highlight multiple pieces of your content in one condensed area. There are several newsletter platforms that are available online, we have included a few top tools that are easy to use and highly accessible. We do recommend you check with leadership before employing one of these tools as they do collect widely varying degrees of user analytics.

• Mailchimp
• Constant Contact
• Campaign Monitor
• Send In Blue
• Convert Kit

One of the oldest forms of communications and still a highly effective one is word of mouth. Interacting with people and informing them about the benefit of using the CLP is a great way to attract new users. Get them excited about the CLP by showing them your resources and demonstrating how effective they have been for your team.

A simple one page flyer or poster placed in a high traffic common area can be an effective tool that generates interest and drive users to your content as well. Be sure to include URL links or a QR Code to your resources so users can find them. There are numerous QR Code generators online that you can use to create a code for your marketing materials, we have included a link to one of the easiest and most popular generators below.

• QR Code Generator

Offering CLP training will not only help users find your content easily, it can help boost their career paths. This can be as simple as a brief walkthrough, setting up a profile, or an in-depth training program. Feel free to reach out to the CLP team at clp@nps.gov for help in planning a CLP training session! We also have a few helpful resources to get you started:

• CLP Talking Points
• CLP Presentation Outline