Research on Iran. by Negar Mottahedeh Social Media in Iran: Post-Election Crisis 2009. “Social Media: It’s like the phone turned into a radio” quote by Clay Shirky (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Social media is a little scary. I have been asked a few times at recent speaking engagements – “how can we get rid of Twitter?” Or “how long do you think this whole thing is going to be around? My thought… it’s not going anywhere – and your customers and employees are there, so if you’re not, you’re missing out on the conversation!

With that said, I understand the fear, and it’s important to have clear guidelines in place. Here are a few of my favourite tools and examples to help you get started.

Best Buy’s social media guidelines

Best Buy’s guidelines are clear, simple, and common sense. They speak their employees’  language and refer back to their values and other guidelines. It’s important to remember social media is simply another medium. The same rules apply as when you’re speaking to a customer or colleague in any forum.

Edmund’s branded Social Media Guidelines

I specialize in HR but strongly believe HR can usually do a much better job at marketing. Edmunds captured the essence of their brand in their social media guidelines. They are fun, simple and to the point.

Policy Tool

This is a great starting point for drafting your company’s social media policy. It asks you questions and guides you through what to consider for your business. As I said, it’s a start – in my opinion, you’ll want to skin this policy so that it speaks to your brand and your demographic employee.

Victoria, Australia’s Department of Justice Social Media Policy video

This is one of the best ways I’ve seen to communicate the power of social media and common sense guidelines. It’s a must see.

Gap’s social media guidelines communication

Gap recently released parts of their social media policy. Their entire policy is not posted publicly, but this article gives some examples of the language they use. I love the way they are communicating as well – They took a very conversational approach and their social media-branded Facebook-like brochure will hit home with their demographic.

I think how your policy is written depends on your brand and your target audience, but these examples give you a great start!

Do you have other examples you’d like to share? Let me know!

Need help? Contact me.