Social media guide

Best practices

Think before you post

• Check names, dates, links and facts.
• Get permission when needed.
• Respect privacy and copyright.
• Add captions and accessible text.

Show the experience

• Feature real people, interactions and campus life.
• Capture authentic, fun moments.
• Show what makes your group or experience unique.

Make it social

• Keep captions short and conversational.
• Use photos and vertical video.
• Create content for the platform, not just reposts of flyers or emails.
• Give people a reason to stop scrolling.

Plan ahead

• Aim for at least one post per week.
• Look ahead for events, accomplishments, traditions and timely content.
• Capture content before, during and after events.

Follow the brand standards

• Use the correct Augustana logo and approved brand assets.
• Keep graphics clean and easy to read.
• Don't use AI to create official posters, announcements or branded graphics.

Managing Augustana social media accounts

This guide provides standardized expectations and best practices for students, faculty and staff who manage social media accounts affiliated with Augustana College.

Before creating an account

Contact Communication and Marketing first.

Before creating a new Augustana-affiliated social media account, Communication and Marketing  can help determine:

• Whether a new account is needed
• Which platform is appropriate
• Who the account should reach
• How the account should be managed and branded

Account management

• Keep account information, bios, links and contact information current.
• Have at least two account administrators.
• Use an Augustana-affiliated email address when possible.
• Keep passwords secure and enable multifactor authentication when available.
• Remove former students, employees or volunteers from account access.
• Maintain regular activity. Inactive accounts or accounts without an active administrator may need to be archived.

Plan your content

• Aim for at least one post per week.
• Plan around events, deadlines, accomplishments and important dates.
• Capture content before, during and after events.
• Use a simple content calendar to stay organized.

Create good content

• Feature real people, experiences and interactions.
• Use clear photos and vertical video.
• Keep captions short, conversational and easy to understand.
• Create content for social rather than simply reposting flyers or emails.
• Give people a reason to follow your account.

Follow Augustana College brand guidelines

All affiliated accounts should follow Augustana College brand standards.

• Use the correct Augustana logo and approved brand assets.
• Keep graphics clean, consistent and easy to read.
• Do not alter or recreate official college logos.
• Do not use AI to create official posters, announcements or branded graphics.
• Contact Communication and Marketing with branding questions.

Before you post:

• Check names, dates, locations, links, facts, permission.
• Respect privacy and copyright.
• Do not share confidential or sensitive information.
• Get permission when needed for photos and videos.
• Add captions to videos and use accessible text.

Comments and messages

Monitor comments and direct messages regularly.

• Respond to routine questions when you can.
• Keep responses professional and respectful.
• Do not argue with commenters.
• Do not share private information publicly.
• Refer sensitive questions or concerns to the appropriate college office.
• Report threats, harassment or other serious concerns through the appropriate college process.
• If an account is hacked, compromised or used to share inappropriate content, contact Communication and Marketing immediately.

Keep your account active

An account should have a clear purpose and audience. If your account is no longer active, has no one available to manage it or no longer serves a college purpose, contact Communication and Marketing about next steps.