SELLING THE BUY-IN
Marketing a Common Reading Program
Twister Marquiss, M.F.A.
Common Reading Program Director
Q’Anteria Roberson
Student | Social Media Coordinator
COMMON
READING
PROGRAM
Obstacles
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Student interest
Campus buy-in
Pushback
Criticism
COMMON
READING
PROGRAM
Obstacles at Texas State
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36,739 students in Fall 2014
5,247 incoming freshmen
Large book – 424 pages
Hot-button issues in text
Hot-button issues in real world
COMMON
READING
PROGRAM
AUDIENCE
COMMON
READING
PROGRAM
The Basics
» Know the AUDIENCE
» Keep text and issues POSITIVE
» Stay ahead of the CONVERSATION
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READING
PROGRAM
Bookmark
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Relevance of book and program
Student learning objectives
Means of starting conversation
Concise
Strategic placement in book
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PROGRAM
Distribution Plan
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Students distributing books to students
Book includes bookmark
Introductory video — SHORT
Social media motivation
Web presence and strategic launch
COMMON
READING
PROGRAM
Texas State University homepage feature
COMMON
READING
PROGRAM
» Website launch July 1, 2014
» Homepage feature on 1st class day
COMMON
READING
PROGRAM
Social Media
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Use a memorable #hashtag
Post during key times of the day
Post to engage, not just inform
Keep posts concise
Always respond!
COMMON
READING
PROGRAM
# bobcatbook
COMMON
READING
PROGRAM
Class discussion hashtags
#bobcatbook
COMMON
READING
PROGRAM
Failed Strategies
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“Facebook is for old people”
Instagram is for pictures, not books
A few unruly students on Twitter
Movie attendance needs context
COMMON
READING
PROGRAM
Success!
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Student engagement
Twitter conversation and #bobcatbook
Website traffic
New levels of faculty interest
Classroom facilitated discussions
COMMON
READING
PROGRAM
Costs
For 2014-2015
7,300 books
Video
One Time Only
$22,265
$1,409
Table Throw
Pull-up Banner
$820
$478
9,000 bookmarks
$867
Social Media Accounts
Free
Website (62,398 hits)
Free
Program Branding
Free
Social Media Interaction
Free
Instructor’s Guide (PDF)
Free
Faculty Book Club
Free
Campus Presentations
Free
COMMON
READING
PROGRAM
Contact Information
Twister Marquiss, M.F.A.
Common Reading Program Director
[email protected]
Q’Anteria Roberson
Student | Social Media Coordinator
[email protected]
txstate.edu/ucollege/commonreading
# bobcatbook