CASE STUDY
Social Media Workshop:
Timely Social Media Strategies for Researchers
Client
Boston University – Office of Research & Public Relations
Audience
Researchers, faculty, and PhD candidates from across disciplines, including STEM, health, and social sciences
Purpose
To explore the changing landscape of social media for research dissemination, help researchers evaluate their communication goals, and introduce tools for building an online presence without draining time and energy.
Our Approach
In late 2023, we were invited by Boston University to run a 90-minute, high-energy webinar exploring the opportunities and challenges of using social media as a tool for science communication. The session was designed for a large, cross-disciplinary audience (100+ participants) and aimed to be as inclusive, engaging, and practical as possible.
The session, titled “What the X? How to Make the Most of Social Media to Promote Your Research in 2023”, was sparked by the uncertainty surrounding the future of Twitter/X and researchers’ desire for alternative strategies.
Our content covered:
- The current social media landscape, including where researchers are showing up, what’s changing, and what’s gaining traction
- Examples from BU researchers and beyond, showing successful science communication efforts on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, Substack, and The Conversation
- How to match platforms to your goals, audiences, and time constraints
- Free tools to improve efficiency and consistency (e.g., Buffer, Canva, AltText generators, and planning templates)
- Where AI tools can help (and when to steer clear)
We included mini case studies from BU researchers, offered a downloadable planning worksheet, and created opportunities for real-time discussion and questions using Zoom chat and Mentimeter.
Highlights
- Reframed social media as a selective and strategic tool, not an overwhelming obligation
- Shared concrete steps for getting started or re-starting a social media presence
- Empowered researchers to focus on audience-first communication and realistic goals
- Linked communication strategy to time-saving tools and tactics
- Embedded existing BU resources into the conversation to increase relevance and uptake
Follow-up Support
- A tailored resource pack with worksheets, platform overviews, and productivity tools
- Step-by-step planning template for choosing platforms and designing a monthly content rhythm
- 5 one-on-one coaching sessions offered post-workshop for researchers with specific questions or use cases
- A follow-up micro-session in 2024 on Instagram for Research, based on participant interest
Impact
Participants left feeling informed and empowered to take next steps — whether that meant setting up a LinkedIn profile, exploring Substack or The Conversation, or deciding not to engage on a particular platform (which was framed as a valid strategic choice). The session also helped BU integrate internal communications resources into research-facing training more effectively.
“I now understand that I don’t have to be everywhere. This was so helpful in focusing my strategy.
Thank you for introducing tools that help without adding to my to-do list. Buffer and Canva are game-changers!
Suzanne brought energy and real-world examples to what could have been a very dry session. Loved the engagement.
It’s rare to attend a workshop that covers so much information for such a wide audience but still feels relevant — this one delivered.
Curious? Want to know more?
Interested in learning more about our communication workshops, training and coaching for scientists and researchers? Take a look around, or get in touch – we’d love to help.
We believe that research matters. We also believe that good research deserves to be shared. What about you?
Curious about how our communication workshops, training programmes and coaching can help you, your research group or your institution get better about talking about your research with expert and non-expert audiences alike? Book a 30-minute call, or drop us a line.
