Step 1: secure your brand

Register your chosen usernames on the social media channels you plan to use (even if you don't plan to start using them for a while):

  • Make it unique but recognisable and trustworthy (names that look odd or include random strings of numbers are generally used by spammers).
  • Consider following a similar style to exiting HW brands (HeriotWattUni, heriot_watt_sml, HeriotWatt_ISAO etc)
  • Be consistent across your platforms.

Add as much additional detail as you can to make sure users know you're a genuine, official HW representative:

Profile/bio

Define your School/department/team in a single simple phrase. This is your message. Now make sure that all your social media content is focussed to reflect your message.

Avatars/icons

Choose a user photo that is relevant to HW (other HW users have chosen to use a picture of their building or the campus).

Web address

Choose a relevant website where users can find out more about your School/department/team.

Background images

Some sites let you personalise your background image; the Web Team can provide Schools with background images that match the banner on their website to maintain consistency.

Next step: listen.