Social Media Best Practices
You may choose to use a social media channel to promote your department, program, or center. When choosing a social media channel, t is important to understand each channel's various capabilities (and weaknesses) and the resources necessary for successful maintenance.
Primary social media channels
- For conversation (two-way communication)
- Most widely used social media tool
- Primarily for one-way, outbound communication
- Real-time information
- Primarily for connection/communities
- Professional networking
YouTube
- Primarily for one-way, outbound communication
- Video
For more social media tips and examples, download the Social Media Toolkit. An additional LinkedIn Group Guide is also available.
Social media readiness checklist
- Do you have audiences who will value your social media channel?
- Will you be able to dedicate at least 30 minutes of staff time each day to monitor/post new information?
- Will you post pertinent, succinct items on a regular basis (e.g., 3-5 times per week on Facebook, 5-10 times per week on Twitter)?
- Will you keep a planning calendar for each week's content and space out your posts accordingly?
- Will you promote your channels in most/all of your digital/print media?
- Will you encourage your students to promote the channel, engage with the channel, and help administrate big events?
- Will a few of your faculty members occasionally post brief comments, questions, and topics related to their expertise?
- Will you welcome and encourage feedback from those who "like" you?
- Will you keep your cool if someone posts something negative?
- Will you set realistic goals for success and cultivate the channel for at least two quarters?