Using social media for work related purposes is becoming part of many people’s jobs. All too often though the responsibility for creating a policy sits with HR, rather than the marketing department or similar.
But a successful social media policy should be more than the employee behaviour; you need to think beyond core HR. So what should your policy cover?
1. What’s in it for the reader?
Focus on the can do’s and should do’s – not the do not’s.
2. Responsibility
Often people see social media as their human right to express themselves. People need to also understand that they are responsible for what they write.
3. Being genuine
Include your name and if appropriate personal details (company name and work email). Customers work on trust. Help them to trust you.
4. Target
Think about who you are writing for and tailor your message to them
5. Think
Think about how something will read without context or in isolation. If it could be seen as demeaning, racist, sexist etc. or at worst libellous, it is best to avoid!
6. The value of community
Online is viewed as a community of people working together; you can support people and in turn they can support you. You need to learn how to balance personal and professional information. It is about creating a platform where your customers feel comfortable sharing, connecting, and receiving help.
7. Stay legal
Credit people for their work and ensure you have permission to use things. Copyright is important, especially when you are using things for commercial purposes.
8. Know how far to go
Being honest and authentic online doesn’t mean you have to disclose commercial secrets. The obligations of confidentiality within employment contracts must be adhered to.
9. Add value
“Doing” social media for social media’s sake will never yield results. If you add value to your followers, this will be more successful.
10. The new world
Social media should be a part of someone’s role as much as answering the phone is. But, you do need to identify the right balance between social media and other work.