10 steps to create a social media policy

More and more companies begin to delve into social media looking for a better connection with consumers with the philosophy of “being present.” 

Although it adds much value to the companies “jump into the water” and begin to interact and talk with their customers, many companies feel the need to have a social media policy that helps employees to know how to use these platforms.
To establish a proper social media policy is essential to follow these steps:

Definition of social media for “you” company
The term social media is means “human interactions through technological platforms, but not everyone means the same social media. You have to define what is an umbrella that will house everything that surrounds social media for your business, portals, platforms and tools that fall under the umbrella of your company for the purpose of drawing up the policy.

Specific guidelines in your industry
Not all industries are moving under the same guidelines, for example, the pharmaceutical industry has strict policies about what they can disclose to potential consumers through social networks. You have to ensure that stakeholders are involved to avoid going to commit any offense.

Define “acceptable behavior
While social media there is nothing written in stone, people involved in social media in your company will be representing your brand in this space. It is important to advance the tone and how to respond, have to be aligned with the corporate culture. It is better that everything is clear to avoid having incidents in the future.

Define what IS and what CAN NOT reveal
For example, companies that are listed on stock exchanges can not disclose any financial information company nor looking statements. It is important that people involved in social media are aware of this information.

Clarify the “chain of command”
Within any organization there is a sequence of command established for delegation of functions and another for approvals. If different groups or areas involved in social media, it is important to clarify the steps for approval in situations that require them. Although I am a participant that the persons responsible for day to day must have the freedom to handle situations, there are cases where it requires someone more senior to have an approval.

Ensure proper use of copyright
In social media is shared a lot, but sometimes you forget people give credit to others for the use of the content. Make sure your employees understand well the laws involving the use of copyright.

Accept responsibility
Make sure you understand the liability associated with content generation. In real life, a violation is cleared, the Internet is for life, Google does not forget anything.
Develop policies for different platforms
If the company has a corporate blog, you must have a policy of use for is blog in particular, as for other platforms that warrant.

Facilitate understanding
It is no use to do a social media policy for employees to sign and shelved or to be afraid if you do not comply. Take time to understand and have the clear objective of what your company looking for social media, it will help to achieve more easily.

Explain that they will be monitored
Just as employees are monitored for their behavior in corporate spaces, remind your employees that those same guidelines apply to virtual spaces.
We are entering a period where the newness of social media happened and businesses have realized that it is an additional channel of communication, which is handled differently. If your company is considering entering the social media space, these steps will help you define the areas where they are going to facilitate interactions.

you can read too Business Blog on Business Opportunities, Entrepreneur Resources, Social Media News, and Many More