social media policy essentials
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Social Media Policy Essentials
Should you have a social media policy?
69% of companies in the Americas don’t have a social media
policy.
Source: Manpower, “Social Networks vs Management? Harness the Power of Social Media,”
January 26, 2010
What are you worried about?
PRODUCTIVITY
78% of US at-work Internet users spent less than a half hour a
day on social networking sites while at work
Source: WorkPlace Media, May 2009
REPUTATION MANAGEMENTJust 8% of companies in the Americas said their reputation had been hurt by employee use of social networks
Source: Manpower, “Social Networks vs Management? Harness the Power of Social Media,” January 26, 2010
What is a social media policy?
• Think communications guidelines, not just social media
• Permission-based not restrictive-based
• Empower your employees to be brand ambassadors
• Supports a sound strategy
Confidentiality
Don’t share confidential information
• Ask permission before you write about any work-related information—you never know what might be confidential or proprietary
• Don’t comment on your company’s business performance
• Mind copyright and fair use laws
Privacy
Respect others’ privacy
• Don’t mention specific colleagues, clients, vendors or partners without their approval
• General descriptions of an engagement or project are ok but don’t include specific identifying details
• Mind your own privacy
Disclaimers
Speak only for yourself
• Identify yourself and your role at the company if you are discussing anything company-related
• Write in the first person, use your own voice if you’re discussing your personal opinions
• If you write about the company make it clear the views are your own
• Be mindful of how you’re presenting yourself online
Add Value
Share your expertise
• Show your passion
• Help others succeed
• Help colleagues, clients, prospects, partners increase performance and solve business challenges
• Expand understanding of important topics
• Promote important industry events
• Connect people and build relationships
Be nice and play fair
• Respect the views and values of others: Nothing inflammatory, no obscene language, no ethnic or sexual slurs.
• Don’t pick fights
• Own up to your mistakes
• Use good judgment and accept responsibility
• Work always comes first
Launch
Gain buy-in
• Training is crucial to making people feel invested in your social media campaign and ultimately its success
• Explain the thinking behind your strategy and how your policy supports it
• Do you need staff to sign your policy?
• Commit to your strategy
• Monitor your brand
Resources
• IBM Social Computing Guidelineshttp://www.ibm.com/blogs/zz/en/guidelines.html
• Coca Cola Online Social Media Principleshttp://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/socialmedia/
• MACPA Social Media Policyhttp://www.macpa.org/Content/25247.aspx
Questions?
Leigh George
Senior Digital Marketing Strategist at R2i
410.327.0007 x1211
Connect with me:
Twitter: @leighgeorge
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/leighgeorge
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