It's no secret that social media plays a big role in today's world and college athletes are no exception. Social media can be a great tool for college athlete recruiting–it can help athletes connect with coaches and scouts, get their name out there, and show off their skills.

However, social media can also be a double-edged sword. If used carelessly, it can ruin an athlete's chances of getting recruited as college coaches and scouts are always on the lookout for red flags, and there are certain things that will definitely turn them off.

Related: Send Tweet? Do's and Don'ts for Recruits on Social Media 

For example, posting inappropriate photos or videos, making derogatory comments, or engaging in online arguments are all major no-nos if you want to get recruited. College coaches want to see well-rounded athletes who are positive and mature, so it's important to present yourself in the best light possible on social media.

Overall, social media can be a great asset in the college athlete recruiting process, but it's important to use it wisely. Be careful what you post, and make sure you're putting your best foot forward. Here are some tips on how to do just that:

1) Choose your social media platforms wisely

Pick the ones that best represent who you are as an athlete and a person. For example, if you're very outgoing and like making jokes, Twitter might be the platform for you. If you like posting pictures of yourself in action or sharing inspirational quotes, Instagram may be more your speed. Whatever works best for you is what you should choose!

Related: Get Social: 13 College Athlete Influencers to Follow on Social Media

2) Be positive and respectful on all of your platforms

This one should be a no-brainer, but it's still worth mentioning. College coaches want to see athletes who are positive and respectful, both on and off the field. Inappropriate photos or videos, rude comments, and online arguments will only hurt your chances of getting recruited.

3) Share your story

College coaches want to know more than just your stats. They want to see what makes you tick. Share your story on social media, and let them get to know the real you.

4) Use social media to your advantage

If you have a skills video that you want coaches to see, post it on YouTube or your personal website. If you have a Twitter account, make sure you're following the right people (coaches, scouts, etc.). Social media can be a great tool for getting your name out there and showing off your skills so use it to your advantage!

Related: Athlete Feature: The Impact of Emily Cole's Player's Plate and Social Media Platform

5) Be yourself

At the end of the day, college coaches want to see the real you. So be yourself on social media, and don't try to be someone you're not. If you're funny, be funny. If you're serious, be serious. Just be yourself!

6) Engage with others, but don't overdo it

College coaches want to see athletes who are engaged and active in the recruiting process, but they don't want you to be overly aggressive on social media. Don't go overboard with contacting coaches or posting comments about your recruitment on other people's pages. Just engage with others when appropriate and everything should be fine!

7) Be careful what photos and videos you share online

It's important to remember that anything you post on social media is public and permanent. So if you wouldn't want your parents or grandparents to see it, don't post it! The same goes for photos and videos–think twice before you share something online, because it could come back to haunt you later on.

Related: 6 Tips For Social Media Use When You're a Prospective College Athlete

8) Consider keeping your account private

If you're not comfortable with college coaches or scouts looking at your social media accounts, then keep them private! It's really that simple. There's no need to share everything with the world so if you want to keep things to yourself, just set your accounts to private.

Bottom line: social media can be a great asset in the college athlete recruiting process, but it's important to use it wisely. Be careful what you post, and make sure you're putting your best foot forward. These tips should help you do just that!

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* Originally published on February 9, 2023, by Kelly Wick