10 - How to Create a Post

Posts let you share information, announcements, and updates with your lodge members. This guide shows you how to create a post on Connect.

Before You Start

• You must be logged in
• You may need posting permission (check with your lodge)
• Know who you want to see the post (members, public, officers)

Steps to Create a Post

Step 1: Go to Where You Want to Post

Option 1: Post to Your Lodge/Group

1. Go to your lodge’s Connect group page
2. Click on the “News” or “Posts” tab

Option 2: Post from Home Feed

1. Go to Connect home page
2. You’ll see a “Create Post” box at the top

Step 2: Click “Create Post” or “New Post”

Look for:

• A text box that says “What’s on your mind?” or “Create a post”
• A “New Post” or “+ Create Post” button

Click it to open the post creation form.

Step 3: Type Your Post

1. Click in the text box
2. Type your message

What to include:

• Clear, concise information
• Important details (who, what, when, where, why)
• Any links or additional information

Example: “Reminder: Our stated meeting is this Thursday at 7:00 PM. We’ll be hosting the Grand Master for an official visit. Please plan to attend!”

Step 4: Format Your Post (Optional)

Some systems offer formatting options:

Bold text:

• Select text and click B button
• Or use asterisks around text

Italic text:

• Select text and click I button
• Or use asterisks around text

Add a link:

• Type or paste URL
• System may automatically create clickable link
• Or use the link button to add link text

Add line breaks:

• Press Enter to start new paragraph
• Some systems preserve formatting, others combine into one paragraph

Step 5: Add Photos (Optional)

Want to include photos with your post?

• See How to Add Photos to a Post

To add:

1. Click the camera or “Add Photo” icon
2. Choose photo from your computer
3. Upload
4. Photo will appear in your post

Step 6: Choose Who Can See Your Post

Look for a privacy or visibility dropdown:

Options:

• Public: Anyone can see, even without logging in
• Members Only: Only logged-in members can see
• Officers Only: Only lodge officers can see
• Specific Groups: Only members of selected groups

Recommended: Start with “Members Only”

To set:

1. Click the privacy dropdown (may show a globe, lock, or group icon)
2. Select who can see this post
3. The icon will change to show your selection

Step 7: Choose Who Can Comment (Optional)

Some systems let you control comments:

• Everyone (who can see the post): Default
• Officers only: Only officers can comment
• Comments disabled: No one can comment

To set:

1. Look for “Comment settings” or comments icon
2. Select your preference

When to disable comments:

• Official announcements only
• Sensitive topics
• Posts that don’t need discussion

Step 8: Preview Your Post (Optional)

Some systems offer preview:

1. Click “Preview”
2. See how your post will look
3. Click “Edit” if you want to make changes

Step 9: Post or Schedule

To post immediately:

1. Click “Post,” “Publish,” or “Share”
2. Your post will appear in the feed
3. Members will be notified (based on their preferences)

To schedule for later: (if available)

1. Click “Schedule” or clock icon
2. Choose date and time
3. Click “Schedule Post”
4. Post will publish automatically at that time

Step 10: Confirm Your Post

After posting:

• You’ll see a confirmation message
• Your post appears in the feed
• You can view, edit, or delete it

Types of Posts

Announcements

For important information:

• Use clear, direct language
• Include all relevant details
• Consider disabling comments if it’s info-only
• Some systems let you mark as “Announcement” - it may be pinned to top

Discussion Posts

To start a conversation:

• Ask a question
• Invite opinions
• Enable comments
• Be prepared to respond to comments

Event Reminders

Remind members about upcoming events:

• Include event name, date, and time
• Add “RSVP here” link if applicable
• Post a week before, then day before event

Better option: Create a calendar event instead of just a post

• See How to Create an Event

Photo Shares

Share photos with context:

• Include photos of recent event
• Add description of what’s in photos
• Tag people if possible

Best Practices for Posts

Keep It Clear and Concise

• Get to the point quickly
• Use short paragraphs
• Break up long text with line breaks

Include Important Details

Answer:

• Who: Who’s involved or affected
• What: What’s happening
• When: Date and time
• Where: Location
• Why: Why it matters
• How: How to participate or learn more

Be Appropriate

Remember:

• This is a fraternal organization
• Keep content professional and respectful
• No politics or controversial topics (unless lodge business)
• No offensive language or images

Use Good Timing

Best times to post:

• Weekday mornings (members check on lunch break)
• Sunday evenings (planning for the week)

Avoid:

• Very late at night
• Friday evening (weekend plans)

For time-sensitive information:

• Post as soon as possible
• Don’t wait for “perfect time”

Engage with Comments

If members comment:

• Respond to questions
• Thank people for feedback
• Address concerns

After You Post

View Your Post

1. Go to the feed or group where you posted
2. Find your post
3. Verify it looks correct

Edit Your Post

Made a mistake?

• See How to Edit a Post

Delete Your Post

Need to remove it?

• See How to Delete a Post

Monitor Comments

1. Check back periodically
2. Respond to comments
3. Monitor for inappropriate comments (moderators can hide)

Troubleshooting

Can’t Find “Create Post” Button

Problem: You don’t see how to create a post.

Possible reasons:

• You don’t have posting permission
• You’re not logged in
• The group has posting restrictions

Solutions:

1. Make sure you’re logged in
2. Check that you’re in the right section
3. Contact a lodge officer about permissions

Post Won’t Publish

Problem: You click “Post” but nothing happens.

Solutions:

1. Check for error messages
2. Make sure required fields are filled in
3. Try shortening your post
4. Try posting without photos first
5. Try a different browser

Post Appears in Wrong Location

Problem: Post shows up in wrong group or feed.

Solution:

1. Delete the post (if possible)
2. Navigate to the correct group
3. Post again in the right place

Formatting Doesn’t Work

Problem: Your bold, italic, or line breaks don’t show up.

Solution:

• Not all systems support formatting
• Try the formatting buttons instead of keyboard shortcuts
• Some formatting only appears after posting

Post Disappears After Publishing

Problem: You post successfully but can’t find your post.

Possible reasons:

• Privacy settings prevent you from seeing it in certain views
• Post is awaiting moderator approval
• Post went to a different group than intended

Solutions:

1. Go to your profile and look for “My Posts”
2. Check the group you intended to post to
3. Check if moderation is required
4. Contact webmaster if you still can’t find it

Need Help?

Contact your lodge secretary or webmaster if:

• You don’t have permission to post
• Your posts won’t publish
• You need help with formatting
• You have questions about what to post

Next Steps

• How to edit a post
• How to add photos to a post
• How to comment on a post
• Create an event instead