Social Media for NIL: How to Build a Presence That Gets Noticed
Hi, I’m Vickie, and if we haven’t met yet, I’ve spent the last 11 years helping athletes from all backgrounds build brands that open doors. One of the biggest tools in your NIL journey? Social media.
But before you start worrying about follower counts or going viral, let me tell you this: you don’t need to be an influencer to use social media well. You just need to show up consistently and let people see who you are.
Let’s talk about what actually works, and how you can build a presence that helps you connect with the right opportunities.
What Does “Getting Noticed” Actually Mean?
It’s not about being flashy. Getting noticed means:
You’re clear about what you stand for
You’re consistent in what you post
You’re engaging with your community
And most importantly: you’re genuine
Brands aren’t just looking at numbers. They’re looking for athletes who are aligned with their values and can connect with real people.
1. Pick 2–3 Things You Want to Be Known For
This is the start of your content strategy, and it makes posting so much easier.
Ask yourself:
What do I care about besides my sport?
What kind of content do I enjoy seeing and sharing?
What would someone learn about me if they followed me for a month?
For example, a softball player I worked with posted about mental health, food prep, and training routines. That mix made her relatable and brand-aligned, and helped her land two NIL partnerships that had nothing to do with softball.
2. Make Your Bio Work for You
Your bio is prime real estate. Use it to clearly say who you are and what you care about.
Instead of just:
🏐 Athlete | Class of 2026
Try something like:
🏐 Volleyball | Mental Health Advocate | Future PT | NIL-Ready
It tells a brand (or recruiter, or follower) who you are and what you’re about in under 5 seconds.
3. Show Your Life, Not Just the Highlights
Yes, people want to see your big moments. But they also want the behind-the-scenes stuff: the real, everyday version of you.
Post things like:
Pre-game rituals
Your playlist
What motivates you
Recovery days
Life as a student-athlete
One athlete I work with started a weekly “What I Learned This Week” post. It’s short, honest, and now one of the most engaged pieces of content on her page.
4. Engage With Others
You don’t have to post every day, but you should engage. Like, comment, share, and not just on brand pages. Support your teammates. Share your journey.
This shows you’re active, approachable, and someone people want to follow (and work with).
5. Keep It Clean, Clear, and Brand-Safe
Before you post anything, ask yourself:
Would I be okay with a brand partner seeing this?
Does this reflect who I want to be known as?
No one expects perfection, but being intentional builds trust.
Quick Wins to Take Away
✅ Choose your 2–3 brand themes and build content around them
✅ Use your bio to clearly communicate who you are
✅ Be consistent, real, and respectful in your posts and comments
You don’t need to be a content machine. You just need to be you, on purpose. The athletes who are winning in NIL aren’t necessarily the loudest. They’re the clearest.