Sticky

Great (Common Sense) Social Media Rules for the Corporate Marketer

• Craig Wilson
• May 8, 2014

Barely a week goes by where we aren’t asked about social media policies or guidelines for organisations. There can be a fine line between being too controlling and strict with social media policies and all hell breaking loose when a gaff is made.

No wonder management is often too scared to embrace what can be a very effective means of marketing and building customer relationships.

Put simply, effective use of social media is really about employing common sense.

However, as a helping hand, we just came across these 13 Social Media Rules to Live By on Inc. Magazine. These rules are loosely adapted from IBM’s social networking policy–with an extra dollop of common sense. We’ve seen points 9,10 & 12 especially cause problems due to personal opinion overwhelming someone’s posts and affecting them and their organisation.

Follow these guidelines and you should enjoy a trouble free and positive social media existence.

1. DON’T provide confidential or other proprietary information. If there’s any question in your mind, err on the side of keeping silent.

2. DO identify yourself by name and, when relevant, your role, when you discuss your company or matters relating to it.

3. DON’T write in the first person plural (e.g. “we”, “us”, “our”). Make it clear you speak for yourself and not on behalf of your firm.

4. DO be mindful that whatever you publish will be public for a long time, possibly for your entire career.

5. DON’T violate copyright, fair use, or financial disclosure laws. When you quote somebody, link back to the source if possible.

6. DO make certain that your online profiles and related content are consistent with how you wish to present yourself to colleagues and clients.

7. DON’T assume that posting anonymously will keep your true identity secret if you publish inappropriate comments and content.

8. DO take personal responsibility for the content that you publish on blogs, wikis, or any other public forum.

9. DON’T forget that your firm’s brand is represented by its people and what you publish will inevitably reflect on that brand.

10. DO your best to add value by providing worthwhile information and perspective rather than mere opinion and bluster.

11. DON’T cite or refer to the firm’s clients, partners, or suppliers without their approval. Doing so could land your firm in legal trouble.

12. DO show proper consideration for others’ privacy and for sensitivities that may exist concerning politics and religion.

13. DON’T use ethnic slurs, personal insults, obscenity, or engage in any online conduct that would not be acceptable at work.

Of course, if you are looking to lift your organisation’s social media profile and integrate social into your overall marketing plans, the team here at Sticky have years of experience assisting a variety of organisations around Australia. Please contact us to discuss how we could assist you.