Guidelines for Getting Started

Ferris State University divisions and departments are increasingly turning to social media communication tools to market programs and events. We encourage you to investigate how a social media platform can be a valuable addition to your communications plan. There are several important things you should know first before jumping into the social media arena. You will find resources and guidelines on this page that will help you get started. Call us if you have questions that are not answered on this page – we can help!

Policy

Ferris has developed a social media policy that establishes standards and guidelines for interacting online that protects professional reputations and the institution. Before you get started on your social media journey, be sure to read the Social Media Policy

Strategy

Don’t just jump in without a plan! Develop a strategy that answers these questions:

Why are you doing this?
Who are you trying to reach? (Knowing your audience demographic will help you choose your platform)
What content will I share?

Set Measurable Goals

Think about what you are trying to accomplish. Are you trying to attract more students to your program? Will you increase website traffic? Will more students show up at your event? Set goals that will help you determine if your social media efforts are focused correctly.

Be Realistic

Social media takes an investment in time in order to achieve success. Be active. If you can’t spend a few minutes each day posting fresh content and interacting with your fans, then reconsider your decision to participate. Nothing is worse than a stale site in the social media world. We recommend you start small with one platform, and branch out as you experience success and feel more confident. Remember to use your strategy as a guide for choosing your platform.

Don’t Be Shy – Tell Us About It!

We post a listing of all officially recognized social media sites for Ferris State University. What does “officially recognized” mean, you ask? Click here to read more.