7 Steps to Developing Your Social Media Strategy

Kirsten Thompson | @_KirstenT Image credit: CC BY-NC-ND http://wronghands1.wordpress.com

Context: individual professional use

of social media

1. ReviewYour digital identity = everything about you on the web

You cannot control your digital identity but you can manage it

Review your existing presence

Delete any unused accounts

Monitor chatter about you and your work

2. PlanWhat are you aiming to achieve?

Identify platforms used by your peers and/or target audience

Research policies from any relevant bodies to which you belong

Understand platform terms of use

Consider boundaries between personal and professional identities

3. Brand

Be consistent

Use vanity URLs e.g. LinkedIn.com/YourName

Use your professional title

Include “own views”

Be clear about your professional interests

4. ProtectOnline conduct:• Existing laws apply• Privacy and anonymity do not =

protected• Impact of sharing opinion

Mobile and security:• Use official and trusted third-party

apps• Location services – what else are

you sharing?• How secure is your mobile

device?

5. ConnectBe selective regarding who you connect with publicly online

Most employers screen prospective candidates on social media

Make relevant professional connections

No rules about duration of social media relationships/connections

Use mobile apps to keep in touch with your networks

6. EngageLevel and frequency = your choice but consider your aims, global audience

Mode of address and language

Keep it relevant

Think/read before you post, share, like

Acknowledge those who communicate with you but ignore, block and report spammers

Consider a communications policy – manage expectations

7. EvaluateContinue to review and evaluate your identity and social media activity

Keep updated with platform developments and terms

Monitor your privacy settings and keep mobile apps updated

Keep updated with legal developments

Have an exit strategy e.g. if you change jobs – keep your presence and e-mail addresses updated