Revision history for GeneralGuidelines
Additions:
- Responding to user questions via email, phone, and social media
- Stay relevant and timely
- Remain non-partisan at all times
- Respond to questions quickly and thoroughly
- Be personal
- Get people engaged and personally involved with Vote Smart!
- **Responding to negative commentary:** Respond as soon as possible. View the interaction as an opportunity to address the issue and solve the problem or misunderstanding. Try to ensure that the user with the complaint walks away satisfied with your response(s).
- **Policing Libelous or Otherwise-Damaging Content:** Public posts or statements damaging our reputation should be removed if possible, or else flagged/reported. Don't accept "no" for an answer when dealing with a high-profile site, and make sure to continue to monitor for further abuse. In our experience, tenacity wins 99% of the time.
- **Social media:** Do not argue with negative people who leave comments. See the Social Media Posting Policy document for more details on social media behavior.
- **Remain Non-partisan:** Any and all content managed by Vote Smart must remain factual and non-partisan. With any questions regarding the nature of potential content, consult with your director and/or the national director.
- **Image and video posting:** Images and video clips must be properly captioned and be sharp and professional. Made sure that the appropriate branding is always used.
- **Cross-platform announcements**- In order to maintain a unified voice in social media, share content across platforms. If a new Youtube video is posted, the video should be shared on Twitter and Facebook. Users of one media could access the content of another website without even going there, thus meeting users "where they are at" (ex.: viewing a Youtube video posted on the Facebook page).
- Stay relevant and timely
- Remain non-partisan at all times
- Respond to questions quickly and thoroughly
- Be personal
- Get people engaged and personally involved with Vote Smart!
- **Responding to negative commentary:** Respond as soon as possible. View the interaction as an opportunity to address the issue and solve the problem or misunderstanding. Try to ensure that the user with the complaint walks away satisfied with your response(s).
- **Policing Libelous or Otherwise-Damaging Content:** Public posts or statements damaging our reputation should be removed if possible, or else flagged/reported. Don't accept "no" for an answer when dealing with a high-profile site, and make sure to continue to monitor for further abuse. In our experience, tenacity wins 99% of the time.
- **Social media:** Do not argue with negative people who leave comments. See the Social Media Posting Policy document for more details on social media behavior.
- **Remain Non-partisan:** Any and all content managed by Vote Smart must remain factual and non-partisan. With any questions regarding the nature of potential content, consult with your director and/or the national director.
- **Image and video posting:** Images and video clips must be properly captioned and be sharp and professional. Made sure that the appropriate branding is always used.
- **Cross-platform announcements**- In order to maintain a unified voice in social media, share content across platforms. If a new Youtube video is posted, the video should be shared on Twitter and Facebook. Users of one media could access the content of another website without even going there, thus meeting users "where they are at" (ex.: viewing a Youtube video posted on the Facebook page).
Deletions:
- Stay relevant and timely.
- Remain non-partisan at all times.
- Respond to questions quickly and thoroughly.
- Be personal.
- Get people engaged and personally involved with VoteSmart!
- DevComm should periodically reach out to Board Members, Volunteers, Staff and interns to make sure they are following Vote Smart's social media accounts. Having them share our social media accounts friends and family is a great way for them to help us spread the word.
- **Responding to negative commentary:** Stay positive, respond as soon as possible, and view it as an opportunity to address the issue and solve the problem or misunderstanding, making the user leave happy.
- **Policing Libelous or Otherwise-Damaging Content:** Public posts or statements damaging our reputation should be removed if possible, or else flagged/reported. Don't accept "no" for an answer when dealing with a high-profile site, and make sure to continue to monitor for further abuse. In our experience, tenacity wins 99% of the time.
- **Social media:** Do not argue with negative people who leave comments. It is 100% not worth it.
- **Remain Non-partisan:** Any and all content managed by Vote Smart must remain factual and non-partisan. With any questions regarding the nature of potential content, please consult leadership.
- **Image and video posting:** Images and video clips must be properly captioned and be sharp and professional, including appropriate branding and picture quality.
- **Cross-platform announcements**- In order to maintain a unified voice in social media, please share content across platforms. If a new Youtube video is posted, the video should be shared on Twitter and Facebook. Users of one media could access the content of another website without even going there, thus meeting users "where they are at" (ex.: viewing a Youtube video posted on the Facebook page).
Additions:
- Updating our listings on websites, such as charity portals
Deletions:
Additions:
- **Responding to negative commentary:** Stay positive, respond as soon as possible, and view it as an opportunity to address the issue and solve the problem or misunderstanding, making the user leave happy.
Deletions:
Deletions:
Additions:
- **Cross-platform announcements**- In order to maintain a unified voice in social media, please share content across platforms. If a new Youtube video is posted, the video should be shared on Twitter and Facebook. Users of one media could access the content of another website without even going there, thus meeting users "where they are at" (ex.: viewing a Youtube video posted on the Facebook page).
Deletions:
Additions:
**Tips:**
- DevComm should periodically reach out to Board Members, Volunteers, Staff and interns to make sure they are following Vote Smart's social media accounts. Having them share our social media accounts friends and family is a great way for them to help us spread the word.
- **Responding to negative commentary:** Stay positive, respond as soon as possible, and always view this as an opportunity to address the issue and solve the problem or misunderstanding, making the user leave happy with Vote Smart.
- **Policing Libelous or Otherwise-Damaging Content:** Public posts or statements damaging our reputation should be removed if possible, or else flagged/reported. Don't accept "no" for an answer when dealing with a high-profile site, and make sure to continue to monitor for further abuse. In our experience, tenacity wins 99% of the time.
- **Social media:** Do not argue with negative people who leave comments. It is 100% not worth it.
- **Remain Non-partisan:** Any and all content managed by Vote Smart must remain factual and non-partisan. With any questions regarding the nature of potential content, please consult leadership.
- **Image and video posting:** Images and video clips must be properly captioned and be sharp and professional, including appropriate branding and picture quality.
**Cross-platform announcements**- In order to maintain a unified voice in social media, please share content across platforms. If a new Youtube video is posted, the video should be shared on Twitter and Facebook. Users of one media could access the content of another website without even going there, thus meeting users "where they are at" (ex.: viewing a Youtube video posted on the Facebook page).
- DevComm should periodically reach out to Board Members, Volunteers, Staff and interns to make sure they are following Vote Smart's social media accounts. Having them share our social media accounts friends and family is a great way for them to help us spread the word.
- **Responding to negative commentary:** Stay positive, respond as soon as possible, and always view this as an opportunity to address the issue and solve the problem or misunderstanding, making the user leave happy with Vote Smart.
- **Policing Libelous or Otherwise-Damaging Content:** Public posts or statements damaging our reputation should be removed if possible, or else flagged/reported. Don't accept "no" for an answer when dealing with a high-profile site, and make sure to continue to monitor for further abuse. In our experience, tenacity wins 99% of the time.
- **Social media:** Do not argue with negative people who leave comments. It is 100% not worth it.
- **Remain Non-partisan:** Any and all content managed by Vote Smart must remain factual and non-partisan. With any questions regarding the nature of potential content, please consult leadership.
- **Image and video posting:** Images and video clips must be properly captioned and be sharp and professional, including appropriate branding and picture quality.
**Cross-platform announcements**- In order to maintain a unified voice in social media, please share content across platforms. If a new Youtube video is posted, the video should be shared on Twitter and Facebook. Users of one media could access the content of another website without even going there, thus meeting users "where they are at" (ex.: viewing a Youtube video posted on the Facebook page).
Deletions:
**Responding to negative commentary regarding programs and services: **Stay positive, respond as soon as possible, and always view this as an opportunity to address the issue, whether it is an actual problem or simply a misunderstanding (likely the latter).
**Policing Libelous or Otherwise-Damaging Content:** Public posts or statements damaging our reputation should be removed if possible, or else flagged/reported. The vast majority of these postings violate the policies of the given site and/or the law. [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Tendentious_editing Addressing issues on Wikipedia]]. Don't accept "no" for an answer when dealing with a high-profile site, and make sure to continue to monitor for further abuse. In our experience, tenacity wins 99% of the time. Some sites may be slower than others to respond to complaints- in this case it may be best to post an "official response" in the interim (check with the President on this one).
**Policing Spam and Inappropriate Comments:** To be considered on a case by case basis. Generally speaking, if we are sharing and posting heavily, spam and inappropriate comments are lost in the shuffle and allow us to avoid deleting posts which could be considered negative/partisan.
**Remain Non-partisan:** Any and all content posted on social media accounts managed by Vote Smart must remain factual and non-partisan. With any questions regarding the nature of potential content, please consult leadership.
**Image and video posting:** Images and video clips must be properly captioned, tagged when applicable, and also display a certain amount of professionalism including appropriate framing and picture quality. [[http://sproutsocial.com/insights/social-media-image-sizes-guide/ A guide to dimensions for graphics]]
**Cross-platform announcements**- In order to maintain a relatively unified voice in social media we are sharing across platforms. If a new Youtube video is posted, a link and notification of that video could be shared on multiple platforms. This element is key to our success online, as users of one website could access the content of another website without even going there, thus meeting users "where they are at" (ex.: viewing a youtube video posted on the facebook page).
Additions:
From 2011-2015, all employee content suggestions werte sent to social@votesmart.org for consideration. DevComm staff manage the social@ account. However, we now use a [[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bW_6yOdCbmyp0tMk61bOmtx4JaAtOtIq1YWmpgN9CKM/edit Content Ideas]] spreadsheet, so that non-devcomm staff and interns are able to see the progression of their idea
Deletions:
From 2011-2015, all employee content suggestions werte sent to social@votesmart.org for consideration. DevComm staff manage the social@ account. However, we now use a [[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bW_6yOdCbmyp0tMk61bOmtx4JaAtOtIq1YWmpgN9CKM/edit content ideas]] spreadsheet, so that non-devcomm staff and interns are able to see the progression of their idea
Additions:
====General PR Guidelines====
**Managing our communications presence includes:**
- Maintaining all externally facing accounts, including social media
- Utilizing the blog for content
- Updating Vote Smart's website copy and apps
- Updating our listings on websites, such as Charity Portals
- Monitoring our mentions in the media
- Responding to user questions via email, phone, and social media.
**Key Guidelines**
- Stay relevant and timely.
- Remain non-partisan at all times.
- Respond to questions quickly and thoroughly.
- Be personal.
- Get people engaged and personally involved with VoteSmart!
-
From 2011-2015, all employee content suggestions werte sent to social@votesmart.org for consideration. DevComm staff manage the social@ account. However, we now use a [[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bW_6yOdCbmyp0tMk61bOmtx4JaAtOtIq1YWmpgN9CKM/edit content ideas]] spreadsheet, so that non-devcomm staff and interns are able to see the progression of their idea
**Managing our communications presence includes:**
- Maintaining all externally facing accounts, including social media
- Utilizing the blog for content
- Updating Vote Smart's website copy and apps
- Updating our listings on websites, such as Charity Portals
- Monitoring our mentions in the media
- Responding to user questions via email, phone, and social media.
**Key Guidelines**
- Stay relevant and timely.
- Remain non-partisan at all times.
- Respond to questions quickly and thoroughly.
- Be personal.
- Get people engaged and personally involved with VoteSmart!
-
From 2011-2015, all employee content suggestions werte sent to social@votesmart.org for consideration. DevComm staff manage the social@ account. However, we now use a [[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bW_6yOdCbmyp0tMk61bOmtx4JaAtOtIq1YWmpgN9CKM/edit content ideas]] spreadsheet, so that non-devcomm staff and interns are able to see the progression of their idea
Deletions:
Managing our online presence involves managing: all social media accounts, Project Vote Smart website(s) and apps (including our blog), Charity Portals (care2?, squidoo?, change.org?), Review Sites (Uservoice, Charity Navigator, Guidestar, Google+, Glassdoor), Job Posting sites where we have a presence (Idealist, Indeed, etc.), Other sites with good search results when searching for our brand (for example, Wikipedia)
Where appropriate, these accounts are promoted [[http://votesmart.org/about/contact on our website]], crosslinked between accounts, on [[CreatingEmail email templates]] and wherever else is appropriate.
As of June 2011, all questions, relevant information, posts, tweets, etc. should be sent to social@votesmart.org for consideration. DevComm staff manage the social@ account. Approval for postings must be solicited from Project Vote Smart's President. Authority to post without review may be granted after a training period.
Stay on topic.
Stay relevant and timely.
Remain respectful and polite.
Respond to questions quickly and thoroughly.
Be personal.
Additions:
Managing our online presence involves managing: all social media accounts, Project Vote Smart website(s) and apps (including our blog), Charity Portals (care2?, squidoo?, change.org?), Review Sites (Uservoice, Charity Navigator, Guidestar, Google+, Glassdoor), Job Posting sites where we have a presence (Idealist, Indeed, etc.), Other sites with good search results when searching for our brand (for example, Wikipedia)
Where appropriate, these accounts are promoted [[http://votesmart.org/about/contact on our website]], crosslinked between accounts, on [[CreatingEmail email templates]] and wherever else is appropriate.
**Cross-platform announcements**- In order to maintain a relatively unified voice in social media we are sharing across platforms. If a new Youtube video is posted, a link and notification of that video could be shared on multiple platforms. This element is key to our success online, as users of one website could access the content of another website without even going there, thus meeting users "where they are at" (ex.: viewing a youtube video posted on the facebook page).
Where appropriate, these accounts are promoted [[http://votesmart.org/about/contact on our website]], crosslinked between accounts, on [[CreatingEmail email templates]] and wherever else is appropriate.
**Cross-platform announcements**- In order to maintain a relatively unified voice in social media we are sharing across platforms. If a new Youtube video is posted, a link and notification of that video could be shared on multiple platforms. This element is key to our success online, as users of one website could access the content of another website without even going there, thus meeting users "where they are at" (ex.: viewing a youtube video posted on the facebook page).
Deletions:
Where appropriate, these accounts are promoted [[http://votesmart.org/about/contact on our website]], crosslinked between accounts, on [[creatingemail email templates]] and wherever else is appropriate
Additions:
**Policing Libelous or Otherwise-Damaging Content:** Public posts or statements damaging our reputation should be removed if possible, or else flagged/reported. The vast majority of these postings violate the policies of the given site and/or the law. [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Tendentious_editing Addressing issues on Wikipedia]]. Don't accept "no" for an answer when dealing with a high-profile site, and make sure to continue to monitor for further abuse. In our experience, tenacity wins 99% of the time. Some sites may be slower than others to respond to complaints- in this case it may be best to post an "official response" in the interim (check with the President on this one).
Deletions:
Additions:
Where appropriate, these accounts are promoted [[http://votesmart.org/about/contact on our website]], crosslinked between accounts, on [[creatingemail email templates]] and wherever else is appropriate
Deletions:
Additions:
**Responding to negative commentary regarding programs and services: **Stay positive, respond as soon as possible, and always view this as an opportunity to address the issue, whether it is an actual problem or simply a misunderstanding (likely the latter).
**Policing Libelous or Otherwise-Damaging Content:** Public posts or statements damaging our reputation should be removed if possible, or else flagged/reported. The vast majority of these postings violate the policies of the given site and/or the law. Don't accept "no" for an answer when dealing with a high-profile site, and make sure to continue to monitor for further abuse. In our experience, tenacity wins 99% of the time. Some sites may be slower than others to respond to complaints- in this case it may be best to post an "official response" in the interim (check with the President on this one).
**Policing Libelous or Otherwise-Damaging Content:** Public posts or statements damaging our reputation should be removed if possible, or else flagged/reported. The vast majority of these postings violate the policies of the given site and/or the law. Don't accept "no" for an answer when dealing with a high-profile site, and make sure to continue to monitor for further abuse. In our experience, tenacity wins 99% of the time. Some sites may be slower than others to respond to complaints- in this case it may be best to post an "official response" in the interim (check with the President on this one).
Deletions:
Additions:
====Online Fundraising/PR- General Guidelines====
Managing our online presence involves managing: all social media accounts, Project Vote Smart website(s) and apps (including our blog), Charity Portals (care2?, squidoo?, change.org?), Review Sites (Uservoice, Charity Navigator, Guidestar, Google+, Glassdoor), Other sites with good search results when searching for our brand (for example, Wikipedia)
Where appropriate, these accounts are promoted [[http://votesmart.org/about/contact on our website]], crosslinked between accounts, on [[creatingandsendingemail email templates]] and wherever else is appropriate
Managing our online presence involves managing: all social media accounts, Project Vote Smart website(s) and apps (including our blog), Charity Portals (care2?, squidoo?, change.org?), Review Sites (Uservoice, Charity Navigator, Guidestar, Google+, Glassdoor), Other sites with good search results when searching for our brand (for example, Wikipedia)
Where appropriate, these accounts are promoted [[http://votesmart.org/about/contact on our website]], crosslinked between accounts, on [[creatingandsendingemail email templates]] and wherever else is appropriate
Deletions:
Social media is a powerful tool that complements other Vote Smart web-based marketing strategies. There is one mail goal for the use social media: driving traffic to our website. This strategy aligns with our overall goal of generating conversions on our website. There are two ways driving traffic can accomplish this: attracting a new user who then becomes a member through our website, or attracting a new user who subscribes to our emails and then is motivate to donate through that initiative.
**There are multiple media platforms that we have attempted to develop a presence on:**
[[Guidetousingfacebook Facebook]] - our most developed
[[GuidetousingTwitter Twitter]]
[[http://www.linkedin.com/company/project-vote-smart LinkedIn]]
[[http://www.flickr.com/photos/projectvotesmart Flickr]]
Reddit - does not allow self-promotion, but is still our 2nd highest social media referral source as of 2/13/15
[[YouTubeGuidelines Youtube]]
[[https://plus.google.com/106515615924145112469/ Google+]]
MySpace
The level of focus per account has been based on market share of the various platforms, as well as suitability for our content. Most of our efforts began in 2010, with our fan base steadily growing over time.
These accounts are promoted [[http://votesmart.org/about/contact on our website]], crosslinked between accounts, on [[creatingandsendingemail email templates]] and wherever else is appropriate
Managing our online presence also involves managing: Project Vote Smart website(s) and apps (including our blog), Charity Portals (care2?, squidoo?, change.org?), Review Sites (Uservoice, Charity Navigator, Guidestar, Google+, Glassdoor), Other sites with good search results when searching for our brand (for example, Wikipedia)
Our main hurdle when it comes to promoting Vote Smart through social media is time. Social media could be a valuable tool for us, and ultimately should be developed as an important depart of the DevComm department, however, this is only true if there is enough time and people to develop social media and our more lucrative initiatives (i.e. email marketing, website design changes, blog). This is because social media can only direct people towards our website and does not interact with the majority of our website users currently.
**All Vote Smart departments should become accustomed to sending information, ideas, images, and potential posts/tweets on a weekly basis**, and/or be willing to provide more information when prompted.
- Any and all information is welcome, whether it is written to post as is or needs to be edited to fit character limitations.
- Departments are encouraged to be creative and attempt writing for these platforms using examples provided.
- [[TheInternal The Internal]] and other [[InternalCommunications Internal Communications]] are another source of information
Additions:
The level of focus per account has been based on market share of the various platforms, as well as suitability for our content. Most of our efforts began in 2010, with our fan base steadily growing over time.
Managing our online presence also involves managing: Project Vote Smart website(s) and apps (including our blog), Charity Portals (care2?, squidoo?, change.org?), Review Sites (Uservoice, Charity Navigator, Guidestar, Google+, Glassdoor), Other sites with good search results when searching for our brand (for example, Wikipedia)
As of June 2011, all questions, relevant information, posts, tweets, etc. should be sent to social@votesmart.org for consideration. DevComm staff manage the social@ account. Approval for postings must be solicited from Project Vote Smart's President. Authority to post without review may be granted after a training period.
**Responding to negative commentary regarding programs and services: **Stay positive, respond as soon as possible, and always view this as an opportunity to address the issue, whether it is an actual problem or simply a misunderstanding (likely the latter). Posts damaging our reputation should be removed or flagged/reported.
**Policing Spam and Inappropriate Comments:** To be considered on a case by case basis. Generally speaking, if we are sharing and posting heavily, spam and inappropriate comments are lost in the shuffle and allow us to avoid deleting posts which could be considered negative/partisan.
Managing our online presence also involves managing: Project Vote Smart website(s) and apps (including our blog), Charity Portals (care2?, squidoo?, change.org?), Review Sites (Uservoice, Charity Navigator, Guidestar, Google+, Glassdoor), Other sites with good search results when searching for our brand (for example, Wikipedia)
As of June 2011, all questions, relevant information, posts, tweets, etc. should be sent to social@votesmart.org for consideration. DevComm staff manage the social@ account. Approval for postings must be solicited from Project Vote Smart's President. Authority to post without review may be granted after a training period.
**Responding to negative commentary regarding programs and services: **Stay positive, respond as soon as possible, and always view this as an opportunity to address the issue, whether it is an actual problem or simply a misunderstanding (likely the latter). Posts damaging our reputation should be removed or flagged/reported.
**Policing Spam and Inappropriate Comments:** To be considered on a case by case basis. Generally speaking, if we are sharing and posting heavily, spam and inappropriate comments are lost in the shuffle and allow us to avoid deleting posts which could be considered negative/partisan.
Deletions:
As of June 2011, all questions, relevant information, posts, tweets, etc. should be sent to social@votesmart.org for consideration.
**Responding to negative commentary regarding programs and services: **Stay positive, respond as soon as possible, and always view this as an opportunity to address the issue, whether it is an actual problem or simply a misunderstanding (likely the latter).
**Policing Spam and Inappropriate Comments:** To be considered on a case by case basis. Generally speaking, if we are sharing and posting heavily, spam and inappropriate comments are lost in the shuffle and allow us to avoid deleting posts which could be considered negative/partisan.
Additions:
**There are multiple media platforms that we have attempted to develop a presence on:**
[[Guidetousingfacebook Facebook]] - our most developed
[[GuidetousingTwitter Twitter]]
[[http://www.linkedin.com/company/project-vote-smart LinkedIn]]
[[http://www.flickr.com/photos/projectvotesmart Flickr]]
Pinterest
Instagram
Reddit - does not allow self-promotion, but is still our 2nd highest social media referral source as of 2/13/15
[[YouTubeGuidelines Youtube]]
[[https://plus.google.com/106515615924145112469/ Google+]]
MySpace
The level of focus per account has been based on market share of the various platforms, as well as suitability for our content
These accounts are promoted [[http://votesmart.org/about/contact on our website]], crosslinked between accounts, on [[creatingandsendingemail email templates]] and wherever else is appropriate
[[Guidetousingfacebook Facebook]] - our most developed
[[GuidetousingTwitter Twitter]]
[[http://www.linkedin.com/company/project-vote-smart LinkedIn]]
[[http://www.flickr.com/photos/projectvotesmart Flickr]]
Reddit - does not allow self-promotion, but is still our 2nd highest social media referral source as of 2/13/15
[[YouTubeGuidelines Youtube]]
[[https://plus.google.com/106515615924145112469/ Google+]]
MySpace
The level of focus per account has been based on market share of the various platforms, as well as suitability for our content
These accounts are promoted [[http://votesmart.org/about/contact on our website]], crosslinked between accounts, on [[creatingandsendingemail email templates]] and wherever else is appropriate
Deletions:
1. Facebook - our most developed
2. Twitter
3. LinkedIn
4. Pinterest
5. Reddit - does not allow self-promotion, but is still our 2nd highest social media referral source as of 2/13/15
__Other social media to consider: Instagram, Youtube, Google+__
Additions:
- [[TheInternal The Internal]] and other [[InternalCommunications Internal Communications]] are another source of information
**Image and video posting:** Images and video clips must be properly captioned, tagged when applicable, and also display a certain amount of professionalism including appropriate framing and picture quality. [[http://sproutsocial.com/insights/social-media-image-sizes-guide/ A guide to dimensions for graphics]]
**Image and video posting:** Images and video clips must be properly captioned, tagged when applicable, and also display a certain amount of professionalism including appropriate framing and picture quality. [[http://sproutsocial.com/insights/social-media-image-sizes-guide/ A guide to dimensions for graphics]]
Deletions:
**Image and video posting:** Images and video clips must be properly captioned, tagged when applicable, and also display a certain amount of professionalism including appropriate framing and picture quality. [[http://www.raidious.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2013/08/SocialMediaDimensions.png A guide to dimensions for graphics as of August 2013]]
Additions:
====General Information====
Social media is a powerful tool that complements other Vote Smart web-based marketing strategies. There is one mail goal for the use social media: driving traffic to our website. This strategy aligns with our overall goal of generating conversions on our website. There are two ways driving traffic can accomplish this: attracting a new user who then becomes a member through our website, or attracting a new user who subscribes to our emails and then is motivate to donate through that initiative.
**There are five social media platforms that we have attempted to develop a presence on:**
1. Facebook - our most developed
2. Twitter
3. LinkedIn
4. Pinterest
5. Reddit - does not allow self-promotion, but is still our 2nd highest social media referral source as of 2/13/15
__Other social media to consider: Instagram, Youtube, Google+__
Our main hurdle when it comes to promoting Vote Smart through social media is time. Social media could be a valuable tool for us, and ultimately should be developed as an important depart of the DevComm department, however, this is only true if there is enough time and people to develop social media and our more lucrative initiatives (i.e. email marketing, website design changes, blog). This is because social media can only direct people towards our website and does not interact with the majority of our website users currently.
Social media is a powerful tool that complements other Vote Smart web-based marketing strategies. There is one mail goal for the use social media: driving traffic to our website. This strategy aligns with our overall goal of generating conversions on our website. There are two ways driving traffic can accomplish this: attracting a new user who then becomes a member through our website, or attracting a new user who subscribes to our emails and then is motivate to donate through that initiative.
**There are five social media platforms that we have attempted to develop a presence on:**
1. Facebook - our most developed
2. Twitter
3. LinkedIn
4. Pinterest
5. Reddit - does not allow self-promotion, but is still our 2nd highest social media referral source as of 2/13/15
__Other social media to consider: Instagram, Youtube, Google+__
Our main hurdle when it comes to promoting Vote Smart through social media is time. Social media could be a valuable tool for us, and ultimately should be developed as an important depart of the DevComm department, however, this is only true if there is enough time and people to develop social media and our more lucrative initiatives (i.e. email marketing, website design changes, blog). This is because social media can only direct people towards our website and does not interact with the majority of our website users currently.
Deletions:
Additions:
**Board Members, Volunteers, Staff and interns should consider following Vote Smart's social media accounts** (when applicable) and also consider regularly participating by posting comments, likes, retweets, etc. using their own accounts. Sharing our social media accounts with your friends and family is also a way you can help.
Deletions:
Additions:
**Image and video posting:** Images and video clips must be properly captioned, tagged when applicable, and also display a certain amount of professionalism including appropriate framing and picture quality. [[http://www.raidious.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2013/08/SocialMediaDimensions.png A guide to dimensions for graphics as of August 2013]]
Deletions:
Additions:
- [[http://wiki.votesmart.org/TheInternal The Internal]] and other [[http://wiki.votesmart.org/InternalCommunications Internal Communications]] are another source of information
Deletions:
Additions:
**All Vote Smart departments should become accustomed to sending information, ideas, images, and potential posts/tweets on a weekly basis**, and/or be willing to provide more information when prompted.
- [[http://wiki.votesmart.org/TheInternal The Internal]] is another source of information
**Staff and interns should consider following Vote Smart's social media accounts** (when applicable) and also consider regularly participating by posting comments, likes, retweets, etc. using their own accounts. Sharing our social media accounts with your friends and family is also a way you can help.
- [[http://wiki.votesmart.org/TheInternal The Internal]] is another source of information
**Staff and interns should consider following Vote Smart's social media accounts** (when applicable) and also consider regularly participating by posting comments, likes, retweets, etc. using their own accounts. Sharing our social media accounts with your friends and family is also a way you can help.
Deletions:
**Staff and interns should consider following Vote Smart’s social media accounts** (when applicable) and also consider regularly participating by posting comments, likes, retweets, etc. using their own accounts. Sharing our social media accounts with your friends and family is also a way you can help.
Additions:
**Responding to negative commentary regarding programs and services: **Stay positive, respond as soon as possible, and always view this as an opportunity to address the issue, whether it is an actual problem or simply a misunderstanding (likely the latter).
Deletions:
Additions:
As of June 2011, all questions, relevant information, posts, tweets, etc. should be sent to social@votesmart.org for consideration.
- Any and all information is welcome, whether it is written to post as is or needs to be edited to fit character limitations.
- Departments are encouraged to be creative and attempt writing for these platforms using examples provided.
- Any and all information is welcome, whether it is written to post as is or needs to be edited to fit character limitations.
- Departments are encouraged to be creative and attempt writing for these platforms using examples provided.
Deletions:
Additions:
**Responding to negative commentary regarding programs and services: **Stay positive, respond as soon as possible, and always view this as an opportunity to address the issue, whether it is an actual problem or simply a misunderstanding (likely the ladder).
**Policing Spam and Inappropriate Comments:** To be considered on a case by case basis. Generally speaking, if we are sharing and posting heavily, spam and inappropriate comments are lost in the shuffle and allow us to avoid deleting posts which could be considered negative/partisan.
**Policing Spam and Inappropriate Comments:** To be considered on a case by case basis. Generally speaking, if we are sharing and posting heavily, spam and inappropriate comments are lost in the shuffle and allow us to avoid deleting posts which could be considered negative/partisan.
Deletions:
Additions:
**Responding to negative commentary directed at Vote Smart via Social Media: **Stay positive, respond as soon as possible, and always view this as an opportunity to address the issue, whether it is an actual problem or simply a misunderstanding (likely the ladder).
Deletions:
Stay positive, respond as soon as possible, and always view this as an opportunity to address the issue, whether it is an actual problem or simply a misunderstanding (likely the ladder).
Additions:
As of June 2011, all questions, relevant information, posts, tweets, etc. should be sent to social@votesmart.org or carly@votesmart.org for consideration.
**All Vote Smart departments should become accustom to sending information, ideas, images, and potential posts/tweets on a weekly basis**, and/or be willing to provide more information when prompted.
**All Vote Smart departments should become accustom to sending information, ideas, images, and potential posts/tweets on a weekly basis**, and/or be willing to provide more information when prompted.
Deletions:
Additions:
Stay on topic.
Stay relevant and timely.
Remain respectful and polite.
Respond to questions quickly and thoroughly.
Be personal.
**All Vote Smart departments should become accustom to sending information, ideas, images, and potential posts/tweets on a weekly basis**, and/or be willing to provide more information when prompted. This information should be sent to social@votesmart.org or carly@votesmart.org for consideration.
**Staff and interns should consider following Vote Smart’s social media accounts** (when applicable) and also consider regularly participating by posting comments, likes, retweets, etc. using their own accounts. Sharing our social media accounts with your friends and family is also a way you can help.
**Responding to negative commentary directed at Vote Smart via Social Media: **
Stay positive, respond as soon as possible, and always view this as an opportunity to address the issue, whether it is an actual problem or simply a misunderstanding (likely the ladder).
**Remain Non-partisan:** Any and all content posted on social media accounts managed by Vote Smart must remain factual and non-partisan. With any questions regarding the nature of potential content, please consult leadership.
**Image and video posting:** Images and video clips must be properly captioned, tagged when applicable, and also display a certain amount of professionalism including appropriate framing and picture quality.
Stay relevant and timely.
Remain respectful and polite.
Respond to questions quickly and thoroughly.
Be personal.
**All Vote Smart departments should become accustom to sending information, ideas, images, and potential posts/tweets on a weekly basis**, and/or be willing to provide more information when prompted. This information should be sent to social@votesmart.org or carly@votesmart.org for consideration.
**Staff and interns should consider following Vote Smart’s social media accounts** (when applicable) and also consider regularly participating by posting comments, likes, retweets, etc. using their own accounts. Sharing our social media accounts with your friends and family is also a way you can help.
**Responding to negative commentary directed at Vote Smart via Social Media: **
Stay positive, respond as soon as possible, and always view this as an opportunity to address the issue, whether it is an actual problem or simply a misunderstanding (likely the ladder).
**Remain Non-partisan:** Any and all content posted on social media accounts managed by Vote Smart must remain factual and non-partisan. With any questions regarding the nature of potential content, please consult leadership.
**Image and video posting:** Images and video clips must be properly captioned, tagged when applicable, and also display a certain amount of professionalism including appropriate framing and picture quality.
Deletions:
Staff and interns should consider following Vote Smart’s social media accounts (when applicable) and also consider regularly participating by posting comments, likes, retweets, etc. using their own accounts. Sharing our social media accounts with your friends and family is also a way you can help.
**Remaining Non-partisan:** Any and all content posted on social media accounts managed by Vote Smart must remain factual and non-partisan. With any questions regarding the nature of potential content, please consult leadership.
Additions:
All Vote Smart departments should become accustom to sending information, ideas, images, and potential posts/tweets on a weekly basis, and/or be willing to provide more information when prompted. This information should be sent to social@votesmart.org or carly@votesmart.org for consideration.
Staff and interns should consider following Vote Smart’s social media accounts (when applicable) and also consider regularly participating by posting comments, likes, retweets, etc. using their own accounts. Sharing our social media accounts with your friends and family is also a way you can help.
**Remaining Non-partisan:** Any and all content posted on social media accounts managed by Vote Smart must remain factual and non-partisan. With any questions regarding the nature of potential content, please consult leadership.
Staff and interns should consider following Vote Smart’s social media accounts (when applicable) and also consider regularly participating by posting comments, likes, retweets, etc. using their own accounts. Sharing our social media accounts with your friends and family is also a way you can help.
**Remaining Non-partisan:** Any and all content posted on social media accounts managed by Vote Smart must remain factual and non-partisan. With any questions regarding the nature of potential content, please consult leadership.
Deletions:
All posts to any of our social media sites should be sent to
social@votesmart.org where they will be reviewed by a member of
the social media group and posted to the designated social
media site.
Further, the guidelines vary concerning when to get a post to a particular
branch of our social media presence checked by Robin, our national director:
So, here are a few of the rules of the road:
__For the blog, the //**Voter's Speakeasy**//:__
Everything must go through Robin before publication, no exceptions.
__For the facebook page:__
Robin would like to be notified of any updates to the content,
including wall posts and status updates. If objections come up, she'll
let us know.
__For the twitter feed:__
Robin monitors the twitter feed. We can post without prior review and approval.
She will inform us if there is a need to change anything, post by post.
Responses and direct messages are also unaffected by any of this. Our normal
mode of operation should still apply.
Additions:
All posts to any of our social media sites should be sent to
social@votesmart.org where they will be reviewed by a member of
the social media group and posted to the designated social
media site.
social@votesmart.org where they will be reviewed by a member of
the social media group and posted to the designated social
media site.
Deletions:
of the Social Media Committee before going live on the site.
Additions:
__A note for our diligent interns:__
Further, the guidelines vary concerning when to get a post to a particular
branch of our social media presence checked by Robin, our national director:
Further, the guidelines vary concerning when to get a post to a particular
branch of our social media presence checked by Robin, our national director:
Deletions:
The guidelines vary concerning when to get a post to a particular branch of our
social media presence checked by Robin, our national director:
No Differences
Additions:
A note for our diligent interns:
All posts to any of our social media sites should be reviewed by a member
of the Social Media Committee before going live on the site.
The guidelines vary concerning when to get a post to a particular branch of our
social media presence checked by Robin, our national director:
__For the blog, the //**Voter's Speakeasy**//:__
__For the facebook page:__
__For the twitter feed:__
Robin monitors the twitter feed. We can post without prior review and approval.
She will inform us if there is a need to change anything, post by post.
Responses and direct messages are also unaffected by any of this. Our normal
All posts to any of our social media sites should be reviewed by a member
of the Social Media Committee before going live on the site.
The guidelines vary concerning when to get a post to a particular branch of our
social media presence checked by Robin, our national director:
__For the blog, the //**Voter's Speakeasy**//:__
__For the facebook page:__
__For the twitter feed:__
Robin monitors the twitter feed. We can post without prior review and approval.
She will inform us if there is a need to change anything, post by post.
Responses and direct messages are also unaffected by any of this. Our normal
Deletions:
For the blog, the //**Voter's Speakeasy**//:
For the facebook page:
For the twitter feed:
It will be monitored and stick with how we've been doing it.
Responses and direct messages are unaffected by any of this. Our normal
As for the Sunlight stuff, the concern came out of the fact that our
Facebook page 'recommended' them. RK didn't like that. However, we can
still reference them. And their affiliates(NIMSP, CRP) were never
affected by the objection raised.
