RA360: Advertising Design and Ideas
TL;DR
Whether it’s for a floor meeting or a program, you will likely need to design advertising in your role. This could be a social media post or video, or a traditional paper poster. If you’re not particularly design savvy, there are a number of online tools that can help and some basics concepts of design you should know about.
This resource page curates ideas and tips for advertising including social media posts, posters and flyer design. It also includes examples of advertising created by resident assistants and other student staff members at colleges and universities. We hope it will provide some inspiration!
Roompact Poster Contest Submissions and Winners
Roompact runs a poster/advertising design contest every year which gives student staff at schools that use our software the opportunity to win prizes for their efforts. Below, check out the past winners (and all of the entrants) to get ideas for your own advertising efforts.
Planning Your Advertising
You plan the event. Space secured. Snacks acquired. The vibe is set and the details are in place. Now comes the real question: How do you get your residents to actually show up? A successful program is not just about what happens at the event, it starts with how you advertise it. In a world where attention is limited and everyone is constantly scrolling, a single poster on the wall is easy to miss.
Timing
Advertising too early means people will forget. Advertising too late means they never had a chance to plan. The sweet spot? Strategic, staggered promotion.
2-3 Weeks Before
Share a teaser. Drop a mysterious flyer or a fun “something is coming” post. Build your residents’ curiosity.
1 to 2 Weeks Before
Launch your main poster or social media ad. Give them all the details. This is when most people will decide if they’re going.
3 to 5 Days Before
Send reminders. Use group chats, res hall whiteboards, or a short Tik Tok to incite enthusiasm.
Day of the Event
Do one last push. A quick text blast, or door knock while walking your floor can make a big difference.
Standing Out
Posters are everywhere, group chats can be overwhelming, and everyone is busy or tired. So how do you get your message to rise above the noise? You do not need to shout. You just need to be smart, creative, and intentional. Standing out isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing it differently.
Lead with a Hook
Think of your poster or post like a headline. The first few seconds are everything. Start with something unexpected, funny, mysterious, or bold.
Instead of:
“Join us for a Floor Meeting”
Try:
“Free pizza. Hot tea. Big updates. You in?”
People stop when something feels different. Use curiosity or humor to your advantage.
Speak Their Language
Generic ads get ignored. Make it feel more personalized.
🎓 Reference campus culture or inside jokes
🎯 Call out specific groups or interests to grab their attention
🤝 Use “you” and “we language to help build connection
Example:
“Avoiding homework? So are we. Come pretend to be productive with us, free food included!”
Go Where Their Eyes Are
Don’t rely on one poster in one hallway. Think bigger:
🪞Try Mirror messages in shared bathrooms
🗒️ Sticky notes on doors or elevator buttons
⏳ Countdown posts on doors
📱QR codes that link to a 10-second video teaser
Make it hard for your residents to not know your event is happening.
Why Does Design Matter?
Design isn’t just about aesthetics. From bulletin boards to door decs, the visuals you create help set the tone for your entire community.
Thoughtful design can:
- Create welcoming, intentional spaces that residents feel proud to call home
- Foster a sense of belonging and inclusion
- Reflect the values and personality of your community
- Make important information more accessible and engaging
Understanding Color
Color is a crucial element in poster and advertising design because it helps convey mood, attract attention, and communicate a message visually. It can set a tone, influencing the viewer’s emotional response. Colors also play a significant role in creating contrast, making text and key visuals stand out, and ensuring that something is easily readable.
Universal and Inclusive Design
Every poster, flyer, or message you create is a chance to build community. But if your design only works for some people, it will not create an inclusive one. Accessibility is not about checking a box, it’s about making sure every resident has an equal chance to connect, participate, and belong.
The good news? Inclusive advertising is not complicated. With a few thoughtful design choices, you can create communication that is more effective, more engaging, and more equitable. The following article delves into concepts of inclusive and universal design.
Social Media Advertising
If your advertising is not online, you’ are missing half the crowder missing an opportunity for engagement. Whether it is a casual group chat or a curated TikTok, it’s important to go in with a plan. Just because you know how to use social media doesn’t mean you know how to use it well. Social media marketing is an entire career and field of study.
Ideas for RA/student staff TikToks or Reels:
- A skit about what happens when you don’t come to the program
- Timelapse of the event setup or behind-the-scenes prep
- A simple “POV: You just found out your RA is hosting a _________”
Best practices:
- Keep it short, a 10 to 30 seconds is plenty
- Use trending audio to boost visibility
- Add clear text overlay with the event name, time, and location
- Include captions for accessibility
Using Metrics
Keep an eye on likes, comments, and views, all of these can show you what’s catching your residents’ attention. If engagement is low, there’s no need to stress. Use it as a chance to try something new next time. Social media is all about experimenting and learning as you go.
Other Resources for Poster And Advertising Design
Questions To Ponder:
- How can you get creative with your adverting? Beyond the traditional poster or social media post?
- What are design principles you can incorporate into your adverting design?
- How can you make your designs accessible to all of your residents?
RA360 Outcomes:
RAs and student staff members will be able to:
- Develop creative and purposeful advertising for events and educational campaigns.
- Recall design principles and ideas for engaging advertising.
More To Explore
RA360 is a set of resources organized around skills, topics and competencies relevant to Resident Advisors and similar related student staff positions in college and university residence halls.
