In this article, we will share with you tips for implementing an effective social media risk management strategy.
1. Bring together different departments from your company. A social media campaign is not the sole responsibility of the marketing or PR team. It should be a multidisciplinary endeavor with representatives from different groups in your company. The effects of social media will affect a wide range of functions and it is vital that each team in your company knows and understands your key message.
2. Record present and future social media use. Define the role that social media will play in your objectives as an organization and specify how each department fits into the picture. Each department should contribute ideas on how it intends to incorporate social media into their work flow and report on its progress on a regular basis.
3. Conduct risk assessment. As a team, review the risks that are associated with social media. Check company policies and systems already in place that can be used to control or mitigate these risks and lay out a detailed plan on how to deal with social media mishaps.
4. Make sure to have policies in place that take into consideration your social media campaign. This should include guidelines on information security, access privileges to social media channels for employees, vendor management, and of course, marketing, PR and communications.
5. Provide social media training. Education is the first step to implementing a coherent social media campaign. Provide social media training to your workforce and make sure that this is not a one-time activity. The social media landscape is constantly changing and you need to be constantly updated so that your campaign will stay relevant. Training should touch on key topics such as appropriate types of communication, constant threats and proper use of the medium.
6. Monitor social media platforms. Invest in social customer relationship management tools to help you determine the social media content that is relevant to your organization. Remember that social media is dynamic and expect constant changes and updates on your campaign.
