Social Media Best Practices

  1. Obtain Permission
    Prior to creating any social network involving Florida Atlantic University, you must receive authorization from your supervisor and notify the Division of Public Affairs. In order to be listed on the official university social network directory, fill out the form provided by Marketing. It’s also recommended that departments meet with the Marketing Department to discuss strategy and best practices. After approval, your page will be listed and recognized as an official social network page for Florida Atlantic University. Any information posted to a social network represents a voice for the university and/or particular department. Seek approval from your supervisor prior to posting.
  2. Understand Your Audience
    • Know Your Audience: Research and understand the demographics, interests, and behaviors of your target audience.
    • Create Personas: Develop audience personas to tailor content that resonates with your followers.
  3. Choose the Right Social Platform
    • Platform Demographics: Select platforms where your target audience is most active.
    • Platform Strengths: Understand the strengths of each platform (e.g., visual content on Instagram, professional networking on LinkedIn).
    • Resource Allocation: Focus your efforts on platforms that align with your goals and resources.
  4. Develop a Content Strategy
    • Content Calendar: Plan and schedule posts in advance using a content calendar.
    • Content Mix: Balance promotional, informational, and entertaining content to keep your audience engaged.
    • Quality Over Quantity: Focus on creating high-quality content rather than overwhelming your audience with too many posts.
  5. Engage with Your Audience
    • Respond Promptly: Engage with comments, messages, and mentions promptly.
    • Encourage Interaction: Ask questions, run polls, and encourage user-generated content to foster engagement.
  6. Use Visuals Effectively
    • High-Quality Images and Videos: Use clear, high-resolution images and videos.
    • Consistent Branding: Maintain consistent use of colors, logos, and styles to reinforce brand identity.
    • Captions and Hashtags: Write compelling captions and use relevant hashtags to increase visibility.
  7. Monitor and Analyze Performance
    • Analytics Tools: Use social media analytics tools to track performance metrics.
    • Key Metrics: Focus on key metrics such as engagement rate, reach, impressions, and conversion rate.
    • Adjust Strategy: Regularly review and adjust your strategy based on performance data.
  8. Maintain a Consistent Posting Schedule
    • Optimal Times: Post at times when your audience is most active.
    • Frequency: Maintain a consistent posting frequency that matches your audience’s preferences.
  9. Stay Updated with Trends
    • Industry Trends: Keep up with trends and changes in your industry.
    • Platform Updates: Stay informed about new features and updates on social media platforms.
  10. Leverage Partnerships
    • Student Collaborations: Partner with student-influencers who align with your values and have an engaged following.
    • Cross-Promotions: Collaborate with departments and/or organizations for cross-promotional opportunities.
  11. Experiment and Innovate
    • A/B Testing: Experiment with different types of content and posting strategies to see what works best.
    • Creative Content: Don’t be afraid to try new and creative approaches to engage your audience.