Getting started

Should I set up a Facebook page, Twitter account, etc.?

When considering social media, don’t do it just because it seems like everyone else is. Ask yourself:

• What are my goals?
• Who is my audience?
• What do I want to communicate? 
• Is this the best way to reach my audience?
• What's the best platform for me?
• Do we have the resources? (Does someone have the time to regularly post content, monitor postings and respond to questions?)

Ready to start? Here are some guidelines when managing the social media presence for your department or faculty.

R elevance. Is your post relevant to your community? What should you post? Interesting upcoming events (lectures, conferences, picnics etc); items in the news relevant to your followers; awards to people in your dept… etc. Watch and follow other successful pages, what kinds of things do they post? Hint: Good photography is a big draw. Is your post error free (both factually and grammatically?) Proof and fact-check before you post! It's easier to check first than go back and try to undo.

E ngage. Social media is not a one-way conversation. Don’t post information for the sake of posting. Will it be of interest to your followers? Are people asking questions? Don't leave them hanging! Asking questions and taking polls are good ways to get your followers involved. ALWAYS be respectful.

S hare. Your content does not always need to be original. See something from someone else that might be interesting to your audience? If so, remember to cite and link to sources. Remember to credit photographers. Follow other McGill groups on the various platforms to get ideas from them, but don't forget to "RT" or use the "share" buttons. Bonus: Once you start to share, others will do the same with you. (A list of other McGill groups on our Directory page)

P ost regularly. Feed your followers. A page or feed that's updated only sporadically won't hold much interest nor gain you new followers. How much is enough? What is too much? Depends on the content or the platform you're using. Try it out. Are you getting responses? More followers?

E xercise good judgment. Do not post confidential information about the University, students, alumni or colleagues. Use good ethical judgment and follow university policies. Do not post photographs of people without their consent. Consult McGill's Computing Code of Ethics. Don't post anything that you would not present publicly. 

C hoose the right person for the job. Aside from all of the above, success in social media requires the right personality. Select someone who enjoys interacting with others, has good writing skills and has some experience on the platforms. Assign a few administrators to your platforms so that one can take over on vacation days or sick leave.

T hink. Compose your posts carefully and thoughtfully. Imagine your post in another's feed. Could it in any way offend?