Social Media & Influencer Marketing

How To Write Your Company’s Social Media Guidelines for Employees [Sample]

Here are the social media guidelines for working at [Company], along with an additional section for companies that are public or governed by regulations.

Set the Tone Of Your Organization

Setting the tone for employees’ use of social media is paramount in today’s digital landscape. Social media has evolved beyond personal communication into a powerful tool that shapes public perception, influences market dynamics, and can significantly impact an organization’s reputation.

At [Company], we recognize that social media is not just a platform for individual expression but also a vital tool for fostering meaningful connections, sharing valuable insights, and amplifying our brand’s presence in the digital sphere.

As such, the responsible and ethical adoption of social media is encouraged and fundamental to our organizational strategy. In an era where information travels at the speed of a click, understanding the significance of social media and aligning its use with our company’s values and objectives is essential to safeguarding our reputation, engaging with stakeholders, and ultimately, achieving our business goals.

This set of guidelines aims to provide clear direction on leveraging social media as a powerful tool while upholding the principles that define [Company].

General Social Media Guidelines

  • Be transparent and state that you work at [Company]. Your honesty will be noted in the Social Media environment. If you are writing about [Company] or a competitor, use your real name, identify that you work for [Company], and be clear about your role. If you have a vested interest in what you are discussing, be the first to say so.
  • Never represent yourself or [Company] falsely or misleadingly. All statements must be factual and not misleading; all claims must be substantiated.
  • Be vigilant in monitoring [Company]-related conversations on social media. If you come across any inappropriate or harmful content related to [Company], report it to the appropriate department within the company for action.
  • Post meaningful, respectful comments—no spam or remarks that are off-topic or offensive.
  • Use common sense and common courtesy. Ask permission to publish or report on conversations that are meant to be private or internal to [Company]. Ensure your transparency doesn’t violate [Company]’s privacy, confidentiality, and legal guidelines for external commercial speech.
  • Stick to your area of expertise and provide unique, individual perspectives on non-confidential activities at [Company].
  • When sharing content others create, always give proper credit and attribute it to the original source. Respect copyright laws and licensing agreements when using third-party content.
  • When disagreeing with others’ opinions, keep it appropriate and polite. If a situation online becomes antagonistic, avoid getting overly defensive and disengaging abruptly. Seek advice from the PR Director and disengage politely.
  • Respond professionally to negative comments or criticism on social media. Avoid engaging in confrontations or arguments. Instead, address concerns politely and, if necessary, direct the conversation to a private channel for resolution.
  • If writing about the competition, be diplomatic, ensure factual accuracy, and obtain the necessary permissions.
  • Avoid commenting on legal matters, litigation, or any parties [Company] may be in litigation with.
  • Never participate in Social Media when discussing topics that may be considered a crisis situation. Even anonymous comments may be traced back to your or [Company]’s IP address. Refer all Social Media activity around crisis topics to the PR and/or Legal Affairs Director.
  • Be cautious about protecting yourself, your privacy, and [Company]’s confidential information. What you publish is widely accessible and long-lasting. Consider the content carefully, as Google has a long memory.
  • If you have personal relationships or financial interests that could influence your social media content related to [Company] or its competitors, disclose these relationships or interests when posting about relevant topics.

Protection of Intellectual Property and Confidential Information:

  • Do not disclose any confidential or proprietary information about [Company] on social media platforms. This includes but is not limited to trade secrets, product development details, customer lists, financial data, and any information that could give competitors an advantage.
  • Be cautious about sharing personal information, both yours and others’, on social media. Protect your privacy and the privacy of colleagues, customers, and partners. Avoid sharing personal contact details or sensitive information in public posts.
  • Be cautious when discussing ongoing projects, future product launches, or sensitive business matters. Always err on the side of caution to prevent unintentional information leaks that could harm [Company]’s competitive position.
  • If you have doubts about whether information can be shared, consult with the appropriate department (e.g., Legal, Intellectual Property, or Corporate Communications) for guidance before posting.
  • Respect the intellectual property rights of others. Do not share or distribute copyrighted material without proper authorization, and always give credit when sharing content created by others.
  • In case of any doubt regarding the protection of intellectual property or confidential information, reach out to the Intellectual Property or Legal department for guidance and clarification.

Additional Guidelines for Public Companies or Those Governed by Privacy Regulations:

  • Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and legal requirements when discussing financial matters, especially if [Company] is public.
  • Consult with the legal team before sharing any information related to legal matters, investigations, or regulatory issues.
  • Follow strict privacy protocols when handling and discussing customer data, especially if [Company] is subject to privacy regulations. Always seek guidance from the Data Privacy Officer or legal experts.
  • Refrain from making speculative statements about [Company]’s financial performance or market trends, especially if it could impact stock prices or investor perceptions.
  • Mainstream media inquiries must be referred to the Director of Public Relations.

Close With Responsibilities

  • Please keep these guidelines in mind while participating in Social Media activities related to [Company]. Your adherence to these guidelines helps protect our reputation and ensures legal compliance.
  • Periodically review and update these social media guidelines to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with evolving social media platforms and company policies.
  • Should you ever find yourself uncertain or in doubt regarding the appropriate use of social media within the context of [Company], we encourage you to seek guidance and clarity. Our Communication Manager is readily available to assist you in navigating any questions, concerns, or situations that may arise in social media.

Remember that the specific needs and risks of your company may vary, so it’s important to tailor these guidelines to align with the company’s industry, culture, and goals. Additionally, consulting with legal and compliance teams to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements is advisable.

Douglas Karr

Douglas Karr is CMO of OpenINSIGHTS and the founder of the Martech Zone. Douglas has helped dozens of successful MarTech startups, has assisted in the due diligence of over $5 bil in Martech acquisitions and investments, and continues to assist companies in implementing and automating their sales and marketing strategies. Douglas is an internationally recognized digital transformation and MarTech expert and speaker. Douglas is also a published author of a Dummie's guide and a business leadership book.

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