Social Media Guidelines

Your Social Networking Policy – A Business Bible for Social Networking

Social networks are changing the way your business communicates, creating new ways to interact with existing or potential customers. These new platforms have created a new framework within which we communicate and build relationships. Therefore using Social Media in the right way is essential if you want to build the strongest and most successful relationships.

Only 29% of companies have a Social Media Policy, but everything your employees say about you online represents you as a company; if you haven’t already you should think about establishing a set of Social Media Guidelines for your business.

In this odd realm where the public and private blur, how do you present your business effectively? Of course if you want to become a Social Media Pro then our Social Media training course could be the choice for you. But if you’re eager to get started, read our straightforward guide to the rules which should always be born in mind…

The Gospel – Social Media Policy Basics

It doesn’t matter if it’s Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or WordPress, if you engage with Social Media take care to follow these basic principles:

• Don’t stray from what you know, and always offer a personal perspective.
• Never be afraid to enter a debate with others, but do so politely and respectfully .
• Take a moment before you click “post”; don’t delay in responding to others, just remember who you’re representing and to check before you post.
• Post relevant comments, and never spam or go off-topic.

If you need to know how to set up your own blog, consider our Blogging course or WordPress course. Once you’re ready to go, you’ll find social media is easier than you think; just read on for the top ten guidelines.

The Ten Commandments of Social Networking

Example Social Media Policy for Companies

1. Use your knowledge. You’ll be able to write and post most easily – and most compellingly – about your own area of expertise. Write in the first person, and just ensure you explain if you’re no expert on your chosen subject.
2. Be honest. In the buzzing social media world, there’s no hiding place for dishonesty. When you’re blogging and social networking for business be transparent; do use your real name, but also make clear who you’re working for and what your role is. It’s fine to promote yourself – just make no awkward attempt to disguise this!
3. Be responsible. Take responsibility and don’t be afraid to make corrections if you do make a mistake. But avoid editing a published post without making it clear you’ve done this – accountability is crucial.
4. Remember your audience. People buy from people they know, therefore social media offers an indispensable opportunity to show personality. At the same time, don’t forget your target audience – be that colleagues, employers, past customers or potential customers.
5. Exercise good judgment. Not neglecting transparency, always be judiciary when deciding what to publish, bearing in mind the guidelines of your business. It may sound obvious, but make sure everything is true and not misleading, providing a reference if necessary. Check the external sites you reference, and even post a disclaimer if you publish something that you don’t intend to represent the views of your company. The social media world may be a fast-paced one, but don’t forget that what you post will be openly – and indefinitely – accessible.
6. Be conversational. Of course be professional, but would you be overly formal when representing your business in public? It’s vital to avoid too much formality, and important to show some personality. Moreover, being conversational – even controversial – will invite others to enter a dialogue with you or leave comments.
7. Chat back too. Once you’ve encouraged comments, do respond to them. Moreover, do comment on others’ posts to strengthen your relationship, and even link other relevant blogs in your own posts – as Heather suggests in our blog “Give and you shall receive“.
8. Provide a resource. It can be tough to stand out from the crowd, so focus on providing content that will be of value to your customers, and keep them coming back.
9. Create a stir. If there’s a chance for you to be the first to chat about something, then do it. Avoid contentious issues, but don’t be afraid to take a personal standpoint that will incite others’ comments.
10. Be consistent. Create your social media strategy and stick to it, focusing on quality not quantity. Remember it’s no good posting three excellent posts on a Friday afternoon, or posting a controversial blog and not checking the comments for a week – people will stop following you. Whatever you do, do it consistently. Read Jodi’s tips in our blog, and take a step towards improving your search engine visibility.

For more resources, check out our comprehensive list of Social Media Links.

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Blogging, course, Facebook, LinkedIn, social media course, social media for business, Social Media Guidelines, Social Media Guidelines for Business, Social Media Guidelines for Companies, Social Media Guidelines for Employees, social media marketing, social media policy, social media policy example, Social Media Strategy, Social Media Training, Social Networking, Social Networking Basics, Training, twitter, WordPress

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