Social media is the new global standard for exchanging and sharing information and ideas. No matter the profession, it’s become an essential part of business communications and personal lives. Many companies have adopted corporate social media policies to ensure their employees are using social media in an intuitive and productive manner and are in alignment with the standards and goals of the business.

Whether your business is just beginning to explore social media or it’s a standing part of your daily operations, it’s essential that your team understands the rules and regulations surrounding usage. To ensure everyone is protecting the company’s digital trademark, here are 10 social media guidelines every employee should follow in 2023:

1. Define Appropriate Profiles

Anyone who uses social media on behalf of the company should have a profile that is appropriate to be in the public sphere. This includes your profile photo, username, and any/all display information. Example: If you’re using Facebook to post promotional materials, use a professional headshot, name and title.

2. Respect Your Privacy

To protect company and customer information, as well as your privacy, all employees should understand the risks involved when using social media. Do not share private information either yours or on behalf of the company on your public profiles. Also, be sure to use password protection and profile settings to secure your information.

3. Be Careful When Posting

It’s important to think twice before you post anything online. Be sure to stay on brand and in line with your company culture when posting. Always use discretion when interacting with customers and colleagues online, and be mindful of the type of information you choose to share.

4. Don’t Release Confidential Information

No matter how close you may be with an employee or colleague, never reveal confidential information about the company or its customers. Doing so can be a breach of contract and could result in legal action.

5. Keep it Positive

It’s important to stay upbeat, enthusiastic, and positive in all of your social media posts. Refrain from posting negative or inflammatory comments about the company and its competitors. Play nice with your competitors, and if you have an issue, use a private message or email to address it.

6. Monitor Your Engagement

It’s essential that you monitor your engagement on all of your social media platforms. Don’t engage with customers or colleagues who are exhibiting inappropriate behavior or language. Report any spam, violent, or suspicious activity to the relevant body.

7. Avoid Sales Pitches

It’s perfectly acceptable to share your company’s services and products, but keep your postings tasteful and in alignment with your marketing calendar. No one likes to be bombarded with promotions and sales pitches.

8. Be Wary of Influencers

Be sure to do your research before engaging with any influencer. Do they fit the way you want to be seen in the public eye? Do their posts reflect your company’s message? Make sure their values align with your own and their engagement is genuine.

9. Keep it Professional

It’s important to always conduct yourself in a professional manner online. Refrain from using any offensive language and always stay on task with your postings. Don’t post anything that would be viewed as inappropriate or offensive by anyone.

10. Respect the Time Zones

Social media is a 24/7 communication channel, but it’s important to be mindful of other people’s time zones. It’s essential to post in the appropriate times to maximize reach, visibility, and engagement.

These 10 social media guidelines should provide you with a strong foundation for using social media in 2023. As you build out your digital presence, make sure to assess what works and what doesn’t and adjust your strategy accordingly. By establishing clear expectations for employees and monitoring their digital performance, your company can ensure that their social media presence is staying true to your standards, culture, and objectives.