Social Media Guidelines

Ben Stroud

Why do you need social guidelines

Social media is making communicating with friends, family and customers easier than ever

But whilst it can be fun and relevant, if you do not set guidelines, than neither you or your audience will know what is acceptable and what is unacceptable

Take a look at the following social media guidelines, currently in place at GMG Radio, and see if you can apply them to your own business

I hope you find them helpful!

1. We are social by default:

Whether we pick up the phone to talk, use social media to share ideas or text to impress - itʼs in everyoneʼs nature to enjoy being sociable.

For some people the Internet provides an opportunity to express themselves more openly than they normally would.

This means there is the potential to see the best and worst of our audience (and ourselves!) online.

2. Be prepared to share with everyone:

The information you share professionally or personally can be accessed and shared with anyone.

Professional postings should be carefully considered and reflect the values and tone of each brand and style guide.

Tweets, status updates and posts to your own personal networks should be considered separate from the opinions and views expressed by your company.

3. Think of the individual:

Before you share your views online, ask yourself if you would say the same thing in face-to-face conversation or over the phone.

Take a moment to pause before you post, and think ʻwill this upset anybody?ʼ

Be respectful – listen, engage and encourage content from our audience.

4. Do not reward negative behavior with attention:

Use the tools that are available to report abusive content and flag it.

Do not respond to personal attacks.

Take… A… Deep… Breath.

5. Reward interesting posts with a reply:

If somebody has taken time to write a funny, thoughtful or entertaining response to your Tweet or Post, feel free to let everyone know how much you value their input.

This will help generate better quality engagement and keep people coming back for more.

6. Be aware:

The rules of social sites vary, and different social norms and nuances apply.

Take the time to read-up on the guidelines provided by the Network you are using.

Be wary of the ‘God Complex’

7. Donʼt take it personally:

Updating a branded Social page on behalf of your company is very different to using your own personal Social account.

Your voice is one of many that are part of the Social conversation, and your views are no more important than any other.

Just because you like or donʼt like something itʼs not good to assume everyone feels the same.

8. Be available, be human:

As much as itʼs tempting, try not to use social media to broadcast your message.

Everybody likes a good listener

Join the conversation, and set aside time to engage.

Keep it simple – start a conversation

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