Build A Local Hype Team

Build a Local “Hype Team” to Support Your Community Card

Have you considered creating a local Hype Team to help promote your community, support local businesses, and increase awareness of your Community Card?

We recently saw a great example of this at the Main Street Now Conference in Boston during a session called “Getting Hyped: Turn District Cheerleaders into Social Influencers!” The City of Macon, GA shared how they built a group of passionate community ambassadors who help promote downtown through social media and local events.

Their Hype Team acts as a welcoming presence at events, answers visitor questions, promotes local businesses, and encourages people to share their experiences online using #downtownmacon.

We loved this idea and wanted to share it with you as a potential way to grow engagement in your own community.

Scroll down for attachments and example materials you can use to get started.

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Step 1: Identify Your Local Cheerleaders

Start by looking for community members who already love supporting local businesses.

Good places to find potential Hype Team members:

• People who frequently post about local events or businesses on social media

• Community members who regularly comment on your organization’s posts

• Volunteers, students, or local influencers who enjoy community engagement

• Recommendations from colleagues, friends, or local partners

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Step 2: Train Your Hype Team

Set your team up for success by helping them learn about your downtown and local businesses.

Macon uses a structured orientation (included below) and gives new members a guided tour of downtown so they can:

• Recommend local businesses confidently

• Answer visitor questions

• Represent the community consistently online and in person

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Step 3: Put Your Hype Team to Work

Once your team is ready, give them clear ways to participate.

You might:

• Schedule Hype Team members to attend local events

• Provide suggested social media posts, images, or hashtags

• Encourage creative programs like Macon’s Hype Hounds

• Recruit new members annually to grow the program

Consistency matters more than size. Even a small group can make a big impact.

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Step 4: Promote Your Community Card

Your Hype Team can play an important role in spreading awareness of your Community Card.

They can:

• Share the Community Card on social media

• Talk about it at events

• Run giveaways or promotions

• Help visitors understand how it works

To thank them for their support, consider sending Hype Team members a Community Card once or twice a year as a small appreciation gift.