Social Media

This site offers tools and tips to strengthen your social media strategy, boost engagement, and grow your audience.

Getting Started

Considering a new campus social media account? First, check with your college or division communications professional for guidance on your division’s overall social media strategy. By working with them, you can determine if a new social media presence is needed. If you decide to move forward, start with our new Social Media Planning Tool to strategically map out your approach. Explore additional resources here to learn how to effectively engage your audience.

Social Media Planning Tool - PDF Download

Best practice guidelines for effective social media management:

Follow a Strategy: Use a social media plan aligned with your goals.
Know Your Audience: Research to understand your audience's needs and interests.
Choose the Right Platforms: Be active where your audience is.
Represent MSU's Brand: Uphold the University’s style guide, values and highlight achievements.
Be ADA Compliant: Ensure all content is accessible, with captions, alt text, and inclusive design.
Optimize for Reach: Stay aware of platform algorithms and best practices.
Plan Content in Advance: Schedule posts to maintain consistency.
Engage Thoughtfully: Listen and respond to your audience with care.
Use User-Generated Content: Feature content from students, alumni, and faculty.
Encourage Interaction: Foster community engagement.
Manage Messages: Have a plan for responding to DMs and comments.
Know Platform Specs: Ensure posts meet technical requirements.
Use High-Quality Media: Prioritize clear images, videos, and design.
Review Analytics: Evaluate success and adjust based on insights.
Revise Your Strategy: Regularly revisit and improve your approach.

Images

University Marketing and Communications coordinates regular campus photoshoots and maintains a library of images using PhotoShelter.

Copyright laws

Any image or video found online should not be downloaded and re-uploaded as your own. You may link to publicly available images, articles, or videos, but uploading them directly without permission may violate copyright laws.

Photo/Video Release Forms

If you capture photos or videos of students, staff, or visitors, consider asking them to sign a photo or media release form to ensure you have their permission. If you’re unsure about needing a release, contact media@mnsu.edu.

How Often to Post

Instagram:
3-5 times per week of mixed media mixed media carousels, reels, static posts is recommended. Post at least 1 time a week.
Facebook:
1-2 times per day is recommended. Post at least 3 times a week.
TikTok:
3-5 times per week or more is recommended. Post at least 1 time per week.
LinkedIn:
1-2 times per day. Post when you have relevant content that would be of interest to a professional or pre-professional audience.

Increase Engagement

Tag the University: Mention @mnsu in posts to increase visibility.
Collaborate with Partners: Tag relevant departments, organizations, or collaborators. View MSU's Collaboration Guide
Encourage User Tags: Ask students and followers to tag your account in their posts.
Use Hashtags Wisely: Include hashtags to increase reach, especially popular or relevant ones.
Join Trending Topics: Participate in conversations to engage a broader audience.