Before implementing a social media strategy, colleges and universities should first create a social media policy. A social media policy is important for many reasons:
- It lays the foundation for how social media should be used in relation to the institution
- It sets clear guidelines for users
- It helps to protect the institution from legal issues as well as false or inaccurate information
- It protects institutional brand and image
- Once a social media policy is created, it should be shared with all employees within the institution.
Coca Cola, a major brand, has a clear, comprehensive and well-thought-out social media policy. The company has set important guidelines, and I feel that many of Coca Cola’s social media rules also apply to colleges and universities.
Here are the top principles that stand out for me, taken from Coca Cola:
- “When in doubt, do not post”
- “Let the subject matter experts respond to negative posts”
- “Be conscious when mixing your business and personal lives”
- “Be mindful that you are representing the Company”
- “Practice good judgment and common sense”
- “You are responsible for your actions”
What other elements do you think are important to include in an institutional social media policy?
Allison
