Questions and Considerations

Before creating an account, review best practices and consider the following:

• Why do you want to create a social media account? What is the purpose, and what are you hoping to achieve?
• Is this purpose unique from other university-affiliated accounts, or are there existing accounts that already address similar topics? 
• Are your goals best served by an organic social media presence, or would they be better served by paid social media ads? Organic accounts are best for building community, educating and entertaining your audience. Paid ads are best for calls to action (i.e., sign up for a newsletter, attend an event, make a gift). 
• Which social media platform(s) are you looking to enter and why? 
• Who is your target audience? Are they active on the social media platform(s) you are looking to enter?
• Are you already creating content that will work well on the social media platform(s) you are planning to enter? What are some specific examples of content you would post?
• How often do you plan to post on each social media platform? How much time per week do you estimate this will take?
• Vertical, short-form video is essential if you are looking to enter a visual-heavy platform such as Instagram. Do you have the resources to consistently ideate, film and edit these videos?
• Who will manage the account? Is social media management a part of that position’s job description? What percentage of their time is set aside for social media? Note: All unit or department social media accounts must have at least two (non-student) employees serving as account managers. 
• Have the account managers been trained in the NC State brand? They should have a strong knowledge of AP Style and NC State’s voice and tone, as well as familiarity with the brand colors and fonts. Email ncstatebrand@ncsu.eduto learn about brand training opportunities, or register for an upcoming training via REPORTER.