Social Media Safety for Business – 5 Tips

Social media presents a direct conflict with businesses.  Whether it is to protect yourself from the vast legal ramifications, identity theft or simply business etiquette, businesses need to be prepared, proactive and savvy.  Social media isn’t just for teenagers anymore so protecting your business comes in a number of packages.

Is your business protected?

These 5 tips will leave your business better equipped:

There is no Such Thing as ‘private’

Your social media profile is not private or separate from your employer.  Everything is public and interconnected.  Social media is arguably a ‘public’ space and needs to be treated accordingly.  Users have very little control over their content, how it is managed and shared.  Leave confidential or sensitive information out of social media.

Have a Company Policy on Social Media

Regardless of the size of your business social media is an important part of your communication and marketing strategy.  A social media policy is essential in providing a safe environment for your business.  These guidelines provide part of the framework for your employees about social media expectations.

Respect the Law

There are a number of legal ramifications where social media is concerned.  Whether it is confidentiality issues, respecting copyright, unfair dismissal or potential sexual harassment situations these can leave organisations legally exposed.  Everyone needs to comply with the law so business needs to provide education to their employees about staying legally compliant.

Say you’re Sorry if you Make a Mistake

This is one of the hardest things about social media that businesses still don’t understand.  In a number of instances they tend to look to the ‘delete’ button as the answer to their mistakes.  However, this the worst thing an organisation can do.  Not only will it draw attention to the mistake it is unlikely that the ‘post’ will ever be permanently deleted.  Apologise on the social media platform where the mistake occurred and move on.

Hackers and Criminals are part of Social Media

Criminals are actively targeting social media sites.  Police also use it to gather intelligence and background information.  So it can be a hive of criminal activity and quite a risky undertaking so tread with care.

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Tags: Managing Social Media • Minimising Social Media Risks • Social Media & Business • social media tips