Getting Started as a Social Media Representative
Essential steps to kickstart your journey as a social media rep.
Table of Contents
“Social media can be a powerful tool for connection and communication, but it’s important to use it wisely and be mindful of its potential impact on our well-being.“
Why Social Media?
Social media platforms like Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, YouTube, and blogs offer a unique way to engage with audiences, share content, and build community. However, maintaining a social media presence requires time, effort, and strategy.
Before You Start
Check for Existing Accounts
- Check with your department or organization administrators to confirm no existing accounts—dormant ones may be salvageable instead of creating a new one.
Leverage Existing University Resources
- Contact Student Services to see if they can share your content on established accounts.
- Consult your department’s Communications Officer or web administrator for guidance.
- Consider using your department’s website for blogging instead of creating a separate account.
Secure Departmental Support
- A social media presence requires ongoing management. Discuss the benefits and challenges with your department to ensure commitment.
- Unattended accounts can harm your department’s reputation more than having no presence at all.
Choosing the Right Platform
Each platform serves different purposes. Choose based on your needs:
- Facebook: Great for discussions, event promotion, and audience engagement.
- X (formerly Twitter): Ideal for quick updates, news, and real-time interaction.
- Blogs: Best for in-depth discussions and thought leadership.
- YouTube: Useful for storytelling through video, ideal for short, engaging content.
Setting Up Your Account
- Start by choosing a name that reflects your brand and Carleton affiliation. Since Facebook allows longer names, include “Carleton University” plus your department or group.
- For a Facebook profile picture, aim for a minimum of 180×180 pixels, but for best quality, a minimum of 320×320 pixels is recommended, and the maximum resolution Facebook will store is 2048×2048 pixels.
- Download Carleton-themed cover photos for branding.
Instagram / X / TikTok
- Choose a username like “CU_[DepartmentName]” for clear identification.
- Keep bio short and clear about your affiliation and purpose.
- Utilize Carleton-branded logos and headers.
Developing a Social Media Strategy
Define Your Goals
- What do you hope to achieve?
- Engage with the Carleton community?
- Provide quick responses to inquiries?
- Promote events and activities?
- Foster casual conversations with students?
Identify Your Audience
- Who are you trying to reach? First-year students? A specific department?
- Check the Carleton Social Media Directory to see if existing accounts already engage your target audience.
Assign a Community Manager
- Daily attention is required to monitor and respond to interactions.
- Ensure access via mobile or desktop for timely updates.
Execution & Maintenance
- Choose a Name: Ensure it aligns with your department and Carleton branding.
- Create a Communications Plan: Announce your presence and keep engagement consistent.
- Launch with Prepared Content: Have posts ready for the first week to maintain momentum.
- Monitor & Adjust: Evaluate performance regularly and refine your approach.
By following these steps, you can create an effective and sustainable social media presence for your department at Carleton University.