In today’s connected, digital world, social media can be a fantastic tool for those who are adopting. While I’m not suggesting that it fully replaces ethical agencies and other associated services, it can be a great option for those looking to expand their network, advertise their desire to adopt, and learn more about the process without having to spend large sums of money. As always, please check with your state’s laws concerning the use of social media, specifically social media advertising, as a number of states do limit or prohibit using it for such a purpose.
Without further ado here are four fantastic social media tools you should use in adoption:
1) Facebook: Having an adoption geared Facebook page is probably one of the most well-known options of these four social media tools because it’s been in use the longest. You simply create a public page where you share your desire to adopt, contact information, photos, and anything else you’d like the public to know. You can then invite friends and family to like and share the page to generate more traffic. The more people who like your page, and the more often your page has interacted with thorough posts/likes/comments, the more Facebook will share your page with others outside of your immediate circle. Additionally, Facebook now provides the opportunity for you to boost specific posts and take out Facebook ads for your page to expand your reach. These are options you pay for, but you don’t have to use them and you can choose who ads are targeted to and the budget you have to work with.
2) Instagram: While Instagram isn’t a new social media tool it’s use in adoption advertising is somewhat recent, and exploding thanks to a slew of news coverage and the testimony of couples who’ve had great success in self-matching through it. The premise is much the same as that of Facebook; create a public profile in which you share your information and hopes of adopting. Further your reach by posting and interacting consistently, gaining followers, and using hashtags to aid those who are searching adoption related terms and increase the likelihood that they’ll visit your post and/or page.
3) Online support groups & forums: The web is a great place to locate and join a vast array of adoption centric support groups and forums. Whether you’re looking for answers to some questions you may have, reviews for adoption professionals you’re considering working with, or just to connect with fellow HAPs (hopeful adoptive parents) this is a fantastic way to expand your network and build your adoption village; especially if you live in an area that lacks in-person options.
4) Google Ad Services: Google Ads is an option for those comfortable with spending some money to increase foot traffic to your adoption pages. A convenient aspect of Google advertising is that signing up is free. You’ll only pay when your ads work, such as when someone clicks on the ad to go to your website. You also have the ability to target your ads to a specific audience which makes your advertising dollars work harder and stretch further because you aren’t wasting them pushing ads to those who aren’t within your chosen age range, gender, or using certain search terms.
Have you used social media tools during the adoption process? What advice, or other tools, do you have to share with others who are considering jumping in? Let us know in the comments below.
