University social media channels - how to submit your content

 

About our social media channels

The University of Birmingham's social media presence is leading in the higher education sector.  A 2014 survey found Birmingham to be the 3rd most influential UK University Twitter profile, and our use of social media was highly commended by the CIPR when shortlisted against Coca-Cola and Gatwick Airport.

The University's social media channels are communities of engagement where we create valuable interactions with our audiences. We engage successfully with our audiences in these communities by following key principles, as outlined in the University's Social Media Guidelines.

Why do we need social media guidelines?

Over the past few years all UK universities have introduced a social media presence and therefore it takes a certain degree of planning and thought to stand out from the crowd especially in attracting prospective students. 

What we post

Content shared on our social media channels should be interesting, informative and relevant.  If you want to promote something via the University's social media channels, think: will this be of interest or significance to the vast majority of the University’s followers? If the answer is no, then try to find a more targeted channel for your message. You can find the range of social media accounts at the University on the Social Media Hub. It may be more appropriate and effective to post your message through targeted accounts, rather than the University's brand channels. 

Who makes the final decision on what is and isn't posted?

The Marketing team (specifically the Digital Marketing and Communications Manager and Digital Marketing and Communications Officer) are the editors of the University's social media channels. The final decision as to what does and does not get posted on the channels is their responsibility. 

How to request a social media post

If you would like to request for your event, activity or initiative to be promoted on the University's social media channels, please provide the following information at least two weeks in advance to socialmedia@contacts.bham.ac.uk.

To save time, please ensure you have provided all of the information below with your request.

 

Facebook 

Post

Event 

  • Title
  • Date
  • Time
  • Around 50 words of text (can accommodate more if necessary)
  • Relevant URL for your post
  • Image (see optimum image sizes at facebook.com/PagesSizesDimensions)

Twitter 

  • 115 characters of text (to leave space for URL or image – 90 if you plan to use both)
  • URL
  • Image
  • Event (same guidelines as Facebook but with 115 character limit)

Instagram  

We have recently introduced the University’s Instagram account which we are predominantly using as a snapshot insight into our campus and the research that goes on here. We welcome high quality photo submissions.

YouTube 

  • Video file (MP4) either via Dropbox, We Transfer or delivered to Marketing office (2nd Floor, Beech House)
  • Title of video
  • Description of video – around 50-100 words
  • URL linking back to University website
  • Transcript (for films under 10 minutes long) or email address where a transcript can be requested (for films longer than 10 minutes).
  • If you wish to purchase a video transcript, Clayton Research Support are registered on Proactis. Transcripts are charged at £1.20 per transcribed minute

Soundcloud 

  • Files (mp3, via dropbox link or other file transfer)
  • Title (of each individual file)
  • Description 
  • Keywords 
  • Image (will default to University crest if no image is provided)

LinkedIn  

  • Around 50 words of text (can accommodate more if necessary)
  • Relevant URL for your post
  • Image (180 x 110 px)

Please note that submitting your request does not guarantee posting.

It will be considered along with content plans and requests at the weekly social media editorial meeting.

Colleges

Professional Services