Social media is a free tool that provides you an opportunity to engage with fans and followers.

Create visibility and credibility for you, the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension and Oklahoma State University.

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Updated 4/13/18

How to get started

• Before you establish a new social media presence, notify OSU Agricultural Communications Services at 405-744-4065 or agcommservices@okstate.edu.
• Start slowly. Choose one or two platforms to get started. Consider Facebook and Twitter.
• When choosing a name, think of terms fans will use to search.
• Example “(insert county name) OSU Cooperative Extension Service.”
• Consistency is key. Username should match across platforms.
• Be professional. You are representing OCES and OSU.

Follow by example

• Follow DASNR on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.
• Follow other OCES accounts. (This will help you see how to use this platform for your county.)
• Follow OSU on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

What to post

• Utilize social media for posting meeting reminders, deadlines, events, contest results, community involvement, photos, links and videos.
• Offer information of interest to your followers (Keep a record of questions you receive from season to season to help with this.)
• Spread the word about OSU’s research by posting links to fact sheets.
• Promote a positive image of DASNR and OCES.
• Use content to build a relationship with media professionals. Many news reporters and editors use social media for leads on stories.

Best practices

• OCES and OSU content should be initially posted on official OCES or OSU pages, then shared on personal pages, if you wish.
• Why is this important? DASNR has access to analytics on fan pages, but personal friend pages don’t provide any data. We also can help manage comments and questions in a timely manner, as well as identify audience interest for future educational content. Lastly, as a state agency, our information must be accessible to everyone, not limited to “our friends.”

• Make sure your posts are complete.
• Consider who, what, when, where, why and how.
• Engage with your audience.
• Ask questions and vary posts to keep followers interested.
• Don’t be afraid to be creative, entertaining and helpful.
• If a fan or follower poses a question in a comment or private message, try to answer it promptly.
• If you don’t know the answer, simply let them know you are looking into it for them and make sure you follow up when you get the information.
• Respect copyright laws. If it’s not your image or you are unsure of the source, do not post it.
• The Kitchensink photo database is a great resource for DASNR-owned photos.
• Send followers to your website for more information.
• Examples: a calendar of events, contest rules, contest entry forms, etc.
• Create a content calendar. Consistency is key.
• Make sure your message is being communicated to the public regularly.
• Get the word out.
• Consider adding hyperlinks to your social media platforms in your email signatures.
• Add your usernames and social media icons to your marketing materials and meeting agendas.
• Make an announcement before meeting to let your constituents know where to find you.