Social media is now used by businesses to develop engaging online personas and interact with new and existing customers. In fact, some companies only exist because of social media
However, social media also offers ample opportunities to distract staff while they're at work. The result? Lower productivity and reduced concentration spans for your staff.
If your company uses social media for business, or it's possible for staff to access their social media accounts during working hours, you should consider creating and implementing a social media policy.
We've created a social media policy template to help you write a policy that's appropriate for your business. It's free to download and you can change specified sections to suit your needs. If you would like to include this on your own website, you must credit the Tech Donut and link back to this original page.
Download social media policy template >>
(Microsoft Word, 63KB)
Your social media policy should cover these key areas:
- How your company uses social media. Who's responsible for managing the company social media accounts? What can and can't they say? Which social networks do you use, and what tools do you use to manage them?
- How employees may use their own accounts. Your internet use policy will probably cover personal internet use at work, including use of social media. However, you may wish to clarify what your employees can and can't say about the company via their own social media accounts.
Get our social media policy template
We've created a social media policy template to help you write a social media policy that's right for your company.
This social media policy template is completely free to download and use. However, as every company is different, it's important to consider how you use social media - and may want to use it in the future - so that you create a policy that suits your circumstances.
You can use our social media policy template as a starting point and customise it as required.
Download social media policy template >>
(Microsoft Word, 63KB)
It's a good idea to seek professional advice before using our social media policy template in your business. Basing your policy on it may reduce your costs, because you won't need to ask your lawyer to create a policy from scratch.
A flexible social media policy
As social media is an area that evolves rapidly, it makes sense to keep your social media policy flexible. If you try to be too specific, you may find the policy needs updating every few months just to stay relevant.
For instance, although you might list common social networks in the policy as examples, keep in mind that that the networks your business relies on may change in time.
To create a social media policy that will last, establish some guiding principles rather than creating detailed, prescriptive rules.
It's also important you don't restrict your staff from exploring new opportunities in social media. For example, if your social media policy says that they may only use Facebook and Twitter, your company might miss out on a great chance to boost business through LinkedIn or Instagram.
Implementing your social media policy
Your social media policy should be a usable document that staff can understand and refer to. It's no good having an incredibly detailed, exhaustive policy if nobody can be bothered to wade into it and work out what it actually means.
You'll also need to review your social media policy regularly. Given that this is a fast-moving area, it's wise to do a quick review once a year.
You should also review the social media policy if your business changes how it operates or there's a shift in your social media strategy.
Get staff to read your social media policy (and sign a document to that end) when you introduce it. Make it part of your standard induction process for new staff.
Finally, don't forget that having a clear policy is only one part of ensuring safe, effective social media use in your business. Your employees will require ongoing guidance, support and training to make the most of this powerful business tool.