Social Media is an ever-present component of society today, and has been embraced by businesses of all sizes and industries to better interact with their customers. However, improper use of Social Media can irreparably damage your organization’s reputation, as well as your own.
Know your organization’s employee policy:
In addition to describing the type of information that can be shared with the public, many organizational social media policies will also require employees to represent the organization in a professional manner both during and outside of work hours.
Get Authorization:
Social media policies typically do not allow employees to speak on behalf of the organization without proper clearance. Make sure that you’re authorized to do so before using the organization’s social media platforms.
Post with Purpose:
Be honest and clear about your message’s scope and purpose: if the intention of the content is misleading or ambiguous, then don’t post it.
Dos and Don’ts:
Always:
- Use social media in a manner consistent with your organization’s policies and standards.
- Be respectful and professional.
- Check your spelling and grammar before posting.
- Make sure the content is relevant and appropriate for your audience.
- Follow any applicable copyright or trademark laws.
Never:
- Post discriminatory remarks, forms of harassment, or threats of violence.
- Promote or engage in illegal activities.
- Disclose proprietary, confidential, or sensitive information about the organization.
- Use the organization’s accounts for personal interests.
- Plagiarize material in any way.
- Link or reference competitors’ materials or products.