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Social Media

Social Media

Social media is a highly visible and effective way to engage with audiences and build your community. It is important that your social media accounts are well-planned and maintained. 

your Plan

Before creating social media pages, you will need a plan to run and maintain your account(s). This includes looking at your goals and your audience and determining how you will measure the success of your efforts. This plan should be updated annually. 

We encourage staff/faculty to meet with your unit’s communicator to review your plan. Official university accounts can only access graphics when your social plan is approved.

Creating a Social Media Plan

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Things to Remember

Policies

University-affiliated social media accounts are expected to abide by our social media policies, as explained by the Campus Administrative Policies site.

Cal Poly Social Media Policies

Profile and Cover Photos

There are standards for profile pictures and cover photos to ensure unity across our various accounts.

Standards for profile and cover photos

Accessibility 

Maintaining accessibility on our social media platforms is important. The Cal Poly Accessibility website explains the federal requirements.

Creating accessible social media

Best Practices

Although social media is used by many people every day, it takes knowledge and strategy to use it well professionally. Anything posted on our Cal Poly social media sites is a representation of our brand. Remembering best practices can help you use the channels effectively. 

Social Media best practices

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Social Media Directory

A lot of people are talking about us online. Here’s a list of who represents us on social.

Our official university accounts

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Templates

Need help creating graphics? We have created templates that you can download and use to create your own content. 

Download Social Media Templates

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Writing Guide

When writing content for social media, our editorial resources can help you stay on track with the voice, tone and style of the Cal Poly brand. 

View our resources