A 7-step guide for coaches to effectively use GIFs on Twitter
In my opinion, one of the best decisions that Twitter made in recent months was making it easy for you to add GIFs to your tweets. The short, simple animated files have a unique way to add another dimension to tweets to display emotion, humor, and personality within the 140-character constraint we all have to abide by.
Coaches have been using GIFs for years for a variety of things including to relay emotion after a recruit commits, or to simply show off their personality, and that's exactly what they should be used for. However, there are a number of coaches who aren't comfortable using GIFs as a part of their tweets yet, and it is for them I decided to put together a 7-step guide for coaches to effectively use GIFs on Twitter, by pointing out a number of coaches and personnel guys at the FBS level who do an exceptional job using them in the right context.
1) Use them to show emotion and reactions
This is probably the most common theme among GIFs used by college coaches. When a recruit commits, nothing illustrates emotion like a well selected GIF.
2) Show your sense of humor and personality
Getting to know recruits is a major part of the recruiting process, but just as important to forming that relationship is allowing recruits to see the real you. Show off your sense of humor and personality with your GIF choices.
3) Use GIFs that recruits and your players can relate to
Whether it's a GIF from a very popular, and quotable movie, or something from a musician that kids are listening to, finding a way to relate to them and show them that you can relate to them on their level is an important step in creating a rapport.
4) Don't be afraid to get creative
Use recent events to get your point across, or integrate a fun hashtag you and your staff have created to maximize exposure. The possibilities with GIFs are only limited by your imagination
5) Rep your school
Whether it's new uniforms or a catchy new phrase the staff is using while on the road or during the season, GIFs can be the perfect way to communicate the message
6) To brag
Because sometimes nothing really gets a point across like a GIF.
7) To highlight a big play, or monster hit
With a number of great GIF creators available out there, you can take highlights and easily cut them up into GIFs for later use in recruiting...or to brag (see #6 again).
