Best Practices

1. Ensure that the resources needed to run a social media platform are available. This includes: 

  • Someone to create, edit, and publish content regularly or someone to find and publish content regularly 
  • Someone who can engage with your audience by answering questions, comments, etc. 
  • Time to run and manage the account(s)

2. Be consistent with "branding." Stick with the same colors and make sure to show you are a part of the CML Department to ensure "brand" recognition and awareness of the Department. 

3. Set social media goals to give the platform direction and stay on track. Social media goals should support your Program goals (ex: increase awareness of the program by engaging with prospective students. Use FB Live once a week to accomplish this goal.) 

4. Narrow down the audience you'd like to target to make sure page content is specifically tailored to their needs and interests. 

  • If you plan on using multiple channels, you could change the type of content you publish for each channel to meet the needs of different audiences. EX: Use Twitter or LinkedIn to connect with alumni. Use Instagram or Facebook to connect with current and prospective students. NOTE: This requires more time. 

5. Choose the social media channel (Facebook, Facebook Groups, Instagram, Youtube, etc.) that your target audience is using. If you are new to running social media platforms, it may be a good idea to stick to only one or two channels to begin with. 

6. Create a content calendar to help you stay on track. Use the template provided as an example. 

7. Create engaging content that varies. Here is a list of some different content types: 

  • Video
  • Images
  • Infographics
  • Memes
  • Gifs
  • Polls
  • Lists 

8. Post at least 1-2 times a day on any channel you are using. 

9. Engage & respond to your audience. Leave comments, answer questions, etc. to make sure your audience knows you care about communicating with them. 

10. Make sure that your page(s) are complete: 

  • Use the correct template (FB only) 
  • Use the correct format for your page name 
  • Use the correct format for your handle 
  • Include contact information. You may use the Department email (languages@louisville.edu) or the main office phone number (852-6686) if you prefer. 
  • Short Description (when necessary) 
  • Long Description (when necessary) 
  • Use an engaging cover photo (reach out to Blanca if you need one created) 
  • Use a profile picture that identifies you are a part of UofL and the Department of Classical & Modern Languages (reach out to Blanca if you need one created)