Strategy
Create a strategy:
- Consider your goals with your social media platform. What strategies and tactics can you implement to reach your goals?
- Who are your desired audiences? How can you best reach your audience?
- How will you create content?
- How do you plan to measure success?
Consistency
BGSU affiliated social media accounts should be updated as regularly as possible, but must post at least weekly. Accounts who do not update their social media accounts weekly are not considered active and are not in compliance with the BGSU Social Media Management Policy.
Photos
- Use extreme care with posting photos online. If you are unsure whether an individual would object to his or her photo being posted online, do not post it. Always receive permission before posting user-generated photo content.
- Photos of children should not be posted without the express written consent of their parents or guardians.
- Any photo posted on a social network as it pertains to BGSU must be appropriate in nature.
- When utilizing photos of BGSU leadership, ensure you have permission from the appropriate parties and be mindful of how you are portraying leadership on social media. If you are unsure about a photo, please contact the BGSU Social Media Team.
Logos, Titles and Profile pictures
BGSU recommends using the titles “Bowling Green State University” or “BGSU” as titles of social media pages and when referencing the University to maintain a consistent brand. Use University-approved logos on all social networking sites related to BGSU. You can find approved logos for BGSU on the graphic standards website.
Be sure your profile photo is legible and includes your BGSU logo, even if the logo needs to be resized to fit the correct dimensions.
Hashtags
Hashtags should be created at a minimum. Try to stick to one hashtag to increase engagement. Creating multiple hashtags can be confusing for your audience.
Always capitalize the first word within your hashtag. Example: #AlwaysBG #BGSUMoveIn
See our list of University-recognized hashtags:
- BGSU Brand: #BGSU #AlwaysBG #Falcon(s)
- Admissions: #BGBound #FutureFalcon(s)
- BGSU Cohorts: #BGSU2020 #BGSU2021, etc.
- Graduation/ Commencement: #BGSUGrad #BGSU2021
- BGSU Families: #BGSUFamilies
- Athletics: #AyZiggy #BeatToledo #BattleOfI75
- One Day: #BGSUOneDay
- Homecoming: #BGSUHomecoming
- Move-In: #BGSUMoveIn
- Diversity and Belonging: #BGSUBelong
- MLK Day: #ADayOn #BGSUMLK
Bios
Identify your group and include “Bowling Green State University” or “BGSU” in your bio. If your group has a website, please include it.
Written Content
Proper grammar and punctuation are a positive reflection on your department and the University.
Our message is what we say. Our voice is how we say it.
Social media uses a conversational tone. Avoid stilted and overly formal language. Choose a tone that is inviting and encourages engagement. Always use language that is inclusive to the entire BGSU community.
Write about what you know or are familiar with at BGSU. Share only information that you know to be factual.
Consider sharing information on topics that reflect the BGSU Forward. strategic plan and content that engages your audience. Use the platform to share how BGSU creates public good.
Avoid reactive communication. When you post on social media, its impact is immediate. Refrain from negative comments about a situation. Remember that everything you post on social media is a reflection of the University. Others could perceive your message differently than you might intend. Correct errors immediately.
When in doubt, contact the Official BGSU Social Media Team.
You are legally liable for what you post on your own site and on the sites of others. Individual bloggers have been held liable for commentary deemed to be proprietary, copyrighted, defamatory, libelous or obscene (as defined by the courts).
We encourage positive, constructive communication that does not attack individuals or groups.
BGSU approved social networking sites should not include:
- Profanity
- Derogatory comments (as they pertain to individuals, groups and institutions)
- Sexually explicit materials (This includes sexually explicit language, materials, including photos, and links to sexually explicit material.)
- Copyrighted material. (Do not share confidential or proprietary information or post other’s copyrighted material.)
- Academic dishonesty
- Negative statements about anyone associated with Bowling Green State University. (Libelous statements or those that attack faculty, students, staff or administrators of BGSU by name or in general are prohibited.)
- Personal Information (Do not post phone numbers, email addresses, home or work addresses, last names, grades or related personal information of others.)
- Outside promotion of products or endorsements (Do not use BGSU to endorse political parties, political candidates, products or causes)
Violations will be removed from the site and violators directed to the appropriate constituency council.
Updated: 03/14/2023 12:18PM