Use Big-Box Examples for Your Social Media Policy

Many of the best-known big-box retailers have developed their own social media guides for employees to follow as they post to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other platforms on behalf of the company. Take a look at three companies and how they integrate social media into their operations.

Lowe’s

According to Lowe’s “Code of Business Conduct and Ethics” guide, “associates must avoid unauthorized disclosure or inappropriate use of Lowe’s confidential or proprietary information.”

The company also bars individuals from posting information about new products or to make a statement on behalf of Lowe’s unless given direct permission and posting through Lowe’s official social media accounts.

Starbucks

In its “Global Social Media Guidelines for Partners,” the coffee chain aims for “moments of connection” through social media. It encourages employees to post about the company by prefacing their comments by saying they are a Starbucks employee.

In the event of a social media mishap, employees are instructed to tell their manager about any problematic post. If it can’t be handled internally, the corporate social media team must be contacted.

Target

In its “Business Conduct Guide,” Target says good communication is an important aspect of social media. The company forbids posts that violate its harassment- and violence-free workplace policies.

Target also has an internal department that offers guidance on questionable social media posts from employees. Above all, it recommends employees stay professional and respectful online.

How You Can Develop a Social Media Policy

Creating a social media policy for your business can have a number of benefits. For more information on how to create, implement and benefit from a personalized plan for your company’s social media outreach, check out this feature from August 2019 issue of Hardware Retailing.

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