Your social media presence can be a game-changer—or a deal-breaker—when it comes to college recruitment. At Better at Beach, we’ve helped hundreds of athletes boost their visibility with coaches by building a clean, professional online brand. This guide outlines exactly how to manage your profiles to stand out for the right reasons.

✅ Social Media Do’s and Don’ts for Aspiring College Athletes

Why It Matters:
College coaches regularly check athletes' social media accounts before watching highlight videos. Your profiles are often your first impression.

“Your online presence is your handshake. Coaches are watching—make it count.”
— Mark Burik, Better at Beach Founder

Step 1: Build a Recruitable Profile

Set Up Each Platform for Success:

• ✅ Clean, athletic-looking profile photo

• ✅ Clear bio with position, grad year, height, GPA

• ✅ Appropriate handle (avoid nicknames or slang)

• ✅ Pin tournament highlights or standout plays

• ✅ Mention any Better at Beach camp participation

What to Post:

• 🎯 Training videos or gym sessions

• 🎯 Tournament wins or match footage

• 🎯 Academic updates and GPA milestones

• 🎯 Skill improvements or goal tracking

• 🎯 Team shout-outs or contributions

Maintain a Professional Vibe:

• 📝 Use proper spelling and grammar

• 🗣 Keep captions positive and appropriate

• 🎨 Stick to consistent colors/themes if possible

• ⚽ Keep your content focused on athletics

Step 2: Use Each Platform Strategically

📸 Instagram:
Best for visual storytelling—post training clips, match highlights, and behind-the-scenes team moments. Use pro-looking captions and avoid memes or personal drama.

🐦 Twitter/X:
Share quick updates—results, coach shout-outs, new achievements, and recruiting news. Tag your program, but don’t overdo it.

🔗 LinkedIn:
Highlight academic achievements, leadership roles, volunteer work, and athletic accolades. Connect with coaches and mentors.

Step 3: Follow These Posting Rules

✅ Post This:

• Training or match highlights

• Tournament results

• Academic awards or test scores

• Celebrations with your team

• Volunteer/community efforts

❌ Avoid This:

• Political or controversial content

• Inappropriate photos or language

• Public complaints or negative comments

• Overly personal posts or drama

Step 4: Engage the Right Way

With College Programs:

• Follow and interact with target schools

• Like and respectfully comment on posts

• Share exciting program news or wins

• Avoid spammy or excessive tagging

With Coaches:

• Follow school and coach accounts

• Keep interactions brief and respectful

• Ask insightful questions if appropriate

• Always use correct spelling and grammar

With Teammates:

• Share and celebrate their successes

• Use group photos to show team unity

• Keep it light and positive

🚫 Common Mistakes That Can Hurt You

• Posting unprofessional or inappropriate content

• Failing to include key info like grad year or position

• Over-tagging coaches or programs

• Having inconsistent or cluttered profiles

• Using negative or immature language in comments

🎯 Better at Beach Can Help

Join our College-Bound Beach Volleyball Success Path for expert support in building your recruitment-ready online presence.

Included in the Program:

• Personal social media audit

• Customized content strategy

• Engagement coaching

• Regular reviews and feedback

• Profile setup & optimization

I AM IN!

🔒 Premium Tools (For Program Members)

✨ Expert Profile Reviews
✨ Strategy Call with Our Team
✨ Prewritten Captions & Post Ideas
✨ Engagement Timeline Based on Your Graduation Year
✨ Ongoing Support & Audits

🚀 Ready to Stand Out?

Join the College-Bound Success Path

Everything you need to create a standout online presence.

📲 Improve Your Online Presence

📝 Your Next Steps:

1. Download our free Social Media Guide

2. Audit your current platforms

3. Clean up or remove old, risky posts

4. Schedule a personalized profile review

5. Join our Success Path for full support

🙋‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What platforms matter most?
A: Instagram, Twitter/X, and now TikTok are top platforms for visibility. LinkedIn helps show off academics and leadership.

Q: How often should I post?
A: We provide a custom content calendar based on where you are in the recruitment process.

Q: What if I’ve posted something inappropriate in the past?
A: We’ll help you clean it up fast and professionally—coaches appreciate accountability.