We’ve talked about social media business policy in the past, and how having a poorly written social media protocol can hinder your business. Today, we’ll be a little more specific on some of our recommendations. The main problem most company people have is a lack of understanding, which forces companies to rein in the creativity and sharing way too much, and it chokes out any chance of an organic feel to your social media channels.
Therefore, we’re going to list some simple do’s and don’ts for the business professional to follow when he or she is on the company Facebook page.
Do’s Don’ts
| Post on your company Facebook wall positive comments about current promotions. | Claim any inside knowledge of promotions currently going on at your company. |
| Participate in community related posts (Did you see the Sox game last night?)”Yes, what a mess!” | Complain about work in any of your posts (Did you see the Sox game last night?)”No, I was stuck at work…..” |
| Represent yourself as a nice person. | Represent yourself as a mouthpiece for the company. |
| Like positive comments others make about your company. | Defend your company’s honor by conversing with negative comment makers. |
| Share your company’s pics, tag yourself in photos, etc. with your friends and family, if you feel the urge. | Post pictures on your company wall. If you have something the company should share, give it to your social media team. |
Test time!!
If your company posts, “We’re having a great sale on widgets tomorrow. Come on down and check it out!”, the appropriate thing to do is:
- Like the post.
- Comment: “Yeah, it’s going to be a blast! See you all tomorrow!”
- Comment: “I can’t wait to buy the widget. What a deal!”
- Like every single comment that follows the original post.
You are reading through your company’s Facebook page, and someone wrote on the wall, “What a horrible place to do business!” the appropriate thing to do is:
- Comment: “I feel you buddy. That place sucks!”
- Comment: “No it doesn’t. What’s wrong with you?”
- Do absolutely nothing on Facebook. Email your social media team that the comment exists on the page.
- Comment: “Sorry you feel that way. Can you tell me what they did to you? Maybe I can help.”
Your social media team posts: “Congratulations to John Smith for 25 years working with us.” You should:
- Like the post.
- Comment, “Great job John! That’s awesome!”
- Comment, “You stayed there HOW LONG! Are you insane?”
- Answers 1&2.
I hope I didn’t throw you any curve-balls. The answers should have been fairly straightforward. (1,3,4 for those that need everything spelled out…) Your social media policy should be easily summed in one or two sentences, “Represent your company’s values by being a polite, friendly person. Do not act on behalf of the company in any way while you are on the social media pages, but feel free to be an active fan of the company.”
