Social Media Best Practices

Once you have worked with your Social Media Manager to start your official page or account, use these resources to help take your social media outreach to the next level.

If you have questions, please get in touch with your Social Media Manager.

Creating Content and Writing for Social Media

Social Media Posting Guidelines (PDF)

Diving deeper: In-depth social media guidance

Social Media Troubleshooting Guide (PDF)

Online courses offered through NCTC (PDF)

Insights and Analytics

About Facebook Page Insights

The Twitter Glossary

About Twitter Analytics

Legal Obligations

Improving the Accessibility of Social Media - Digital Gov

Follow these tips for proper alternate text - Penn State

Hatch Act guidance - Office of Special Counsel

Finding Inspiration

Watch for appropriate trending topics on Facebook and Twitter.

Follow Service accounts on Facebook and Twitter.

Include holidays, seasons of wildlife and current events.

Photos & Multimedia

What is considered a USFWS photo?

A Service employee does not own the rights to an image, video or audio recording created under any of the following conditions.

  • It was created as part of official or collateral duties.
  • It was created during work hours.
  • It was created using government equipment or supplies.
  • It was created on Service property in a location not normally open or accessible to the general public.
  • It was created under circumstances made available to the employee due to her/his employment with the Service, even if it was done on personal time.
  • To learn more, read the directive (PDF)

USFWS Graphic Standards Guidelines

How to take a good photo - wikiHow

Photo Releases

Photo Credits

Video Resources

Video and Photography Training

Last updated: December 23, 2016