Social Media Best Practices
BE TRANSPARENT
ADD VALUE
- Make sure users know who you are. Clearly state your name, title, and affiliation with the university when appropriate.
- Admit mistakes and fix them.
- Share your knowledge.
- Be as accurate as possible.
- Stay on topic.
- Don't spam.
BE RESPECTFUL
- Be a leader, exercise good judgment and take the high ground in all online disputes.
- Converse like a real person and remember the people who are reading your posts are real people.
- Remember that audiences who may be reading your posts could include current and prospective students, faculty members, staff members, donors, alumni, legislators, parents, school counselors, the media or future employees.
- Be aware of what is considered appropriate behavior in other countries and cultures in the world. Be mindful of how your words, actions and images may be perceived. Know your audience before you post.
RECONSIDER BEFORE YOU POST
LINK TO GRAND VALLEY'S WEBPAGES
- Posts can never be eradicated because of archival systems, forwards, reposts and so on. Think before you post, especially when discussing something potentially sensitive.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- To provide further information that will remain up-to-date, link to Grand Valley webpages. This also increases the search engine optimization of those pages and reinforces the connection to Grand Valley.
BE SUCCESSFUL
- Create a social media strategy by identifying the following:
- Audience
- Personality
- Goals
- Staffing
- Content calendar
- Take advantage of university resources that can help you succeed. Call University Communications or email [email protected] with questions, or when seeking advice or help: (616) 331-2221
Page last modified October 28, 2026