Terrified of Twitter, hesitant about hashtags, tentative about TikTok? This practical podcast sees host Cathy Booth take a closer look at social media and how ringers can make the most of it, whether it’s to recruit new ringers, keep the neighbours engaged or impress other towers with what you’re up to.

And if it’s tips you’re after, this podcast delivers in spades, with great advice from those already up to exciting things on their social media platforms. Listen and learn from Chrissie and Katelyn from Loughborough Bell Foundry, Sarah Bowyer from Worcester Cathedral, and Richard and Rebecca from Frittenden Bell Ringers.

With so many platforms you might very well be wondering where to start. Well apparently photos of animals, and especially cats, are the perfect clickbait. Get your cute Stedman 'cat's ears' pics ready everyone, as now is the time to use them!

Top 10 Takeaways

• Use your best photos, especially in Instagram – image is everything!
• Be true to yourself – what’s unique or special to your tower? Play to your strengths and think about the message you want to get across
• Short videos and reels are great to get people engaged. People love to see a real person and hear their voice
• Have a look at other bell ringing social media accounts to see what works and get some inspiration
• Get a few great photos and draft a few posts before you start. It will help to have some content already figured out
• Don’t forget that with some small tweaks, you can use the same content across more than one platform!
• Looking to reach out to your local community? Facebook is a great way to target a local area as you can connect with other local groups already on the platform
• There are all sorts of ‘how to’ videos – if you’re not sure how to do something, check it out on YouTube
• Post regularly if you can and don’t be disappointed if you don’t get instant results, it can take time to raise your profile
• Social media shouldn’t be a chore so enjoy it and have fun. It’s a great way to introduce ringing to a whole new audience!

Sponsor: This podcast is sponsored by the Association of Ringing Teachers (ART).  To find out more about learning to ring, learning to teach or other resources to support your ringing go to bellringing.org

Podcast team:
Anne Tansley Thomas
Emily Roderick
John Gwynne
Emily Watts
Cathy Booth

Ringing by:
The Cambridge Youths (supplied by David Richards) and for later episodes, The Liliputters Guild (supplied by Simon Edwards).

For bellringing training and support for teachers and ringers see: bellringing.org