As a business owner, it can be challenging to manage both your business and your social media presence. There’s content to create, captions to write, and posts to publish with the right hashtags.
Then you notice someone has posted about your product and tagged you. Why not just take the photo and share it on your own accounts? Simple, right? Not quite. There are a few important things you need to know when sharing social media content that isn’t your own. It’s essential to respect the original creator’s rights and maintain a professional reputation.
Most content creators put a lot of time and effort into showcasing your products, so here’s a list of do’s and don’ts to help you be an exemplary business owner on social media.
Do’s:
- Give Proper Credit:
- Always credit the original creator by tagging them and mentioning their handle or name in your post.
- Ask for Permission:
- If possible, ask the content creator for permission before sharing their content, especially if it’s not explicitly labeled for sharing.
- Add Value:
- Provide your own insights, thoughts, or context when resharing. This adds value to the original content and aligns it with your brand’s message.
- Respect Licensing:
- Pay attention to any licensing terms or usage rights. Some content may require attribution or may not be allowed for commercial use.
- Use Repost Tools:
- Use proper tools or apps designed for resharing, such as Instagram’s repost apps, which often include the original credit automatically.
- Share Content Relevant to Your Audience:
- Ensure the content you share aligns with your brand’s identity and is relevant to your audience.
- Engage with the Original Post:
- Like, comment, or share the original post before resharing it. This shows appreciation and builds a positive relationship with the original creator.
- Provide Links:
- If applicable, link back to the original content or the creator’s profile to direct your audience to the source.
Don’ts:
- Don’t Claim Content as Your Own:
- Never present someone else’s content as if you created it. This can damage your reputation and lead to legal issues.
- Don’t Edit Without Permission:
- Avoid altering the original content (e.g., cropping, adding filters, or changing the message) without permission, as it can misrepresent the creator’s intent.
- Don’t Share Content from Unverified Sources:
- Be cautious about sharing content from unknown or unverified sources, as it might be inaccurate, misleading, or infringing on copyright.
- Don’t Overdo It:
- Avoid overloading your feed with shared content. Balance it with your original posts to maintain your brand’s voice and identity.
- Don’t Ignore Legal Implications:
- Be aware of copyright laws and fair use policies. Sharing content without proper rights can lead to legal trouble.
- Don’t Mislead Your Audience:
- Ensure that the content you share aligns with your brand’s values and does not mislead your audience about your products or services.
- Don’t Neglect the Original Message:
- Don’t change the original message or take it out of context, as this can misrepresent the creator’s intent and cause confusion.
- Don’t Forget to Follow Up:
- If you receive feedback or comments on the shared content, engage with your audience and follow up appropriately.
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As a business owner, have a comment or experience to share? Drop it in the comments below.