There are so many Dos of social media.

Do have a strategy.
Do post what’s current.
Do post what’s relevant.
Do engage with your audience.

But with the Dos come many don’ts.

Social media is a massive piece of the digital marketing puzzle. A strong strategy can boost your audience reach, generate leads and content from your customers. However, legal trouble can present itself if you’re not careful.

Social media mistakes that can lead you to a legal battle:

Not having permission to use photos.

Businesses must have the photo owners permission to use photos on social sites such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. By not having the proper permissions, you can find yourself in battle over money and a scarred reputation.

A best practice is to always as for permission before using photographs. If you have questions regarding copyright laws, visit this website for more information.

Paid sponsorships or influencer posts.

Influencer marketing can be an extremely beneficial way to advertise and market your products! When combining your direct audience with theirs, you greatly intensify your brand awareness.

However,  it’s extremely important for influencers to disclose the content as sponsored by your company. Lacking to disclose the sponsorship is a liability for both your business and the influencer you sponsor.

If you’d like more information on the legalities of paid sponsorships through social influencers, visit this website.

Copying logo designs and trademarks.

The best part of being a graphic designer is having endless creativity. Utilizing that creativity is the greatest perk you can receive when hiring a professional.

Sharing inspiration you’ve found when having to materials designed is always welcomed! However, keep in mind, it’s just that. Inspiration. Copying a logo that has been trademarked or service marked is a huge no-no.

Instead, work with your graphic designer to identify the details you like and dislike about your inspiration. From there, your designer can use their expertise to create something unique and safe to use.

If you’d like more information on logo copyright infringement, visit this website.

Not minding your manners.

Slander is about the least-classy thing a business can do. Being competitive in your industry on social media is completely different than being a jerk.

A good rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t say it in person, don’t say it on social media. It’s a basic concept, but we stand by it.

If you’d like more information on Slander and Defamation laws, visit this website.

Social media is a pretty slick tool for digital marketing. We appreciate edgy techniques and utilizing all the tools one can to promote their business in a tactful manner. While we’re not lawyers by any stretch, we like to play by the rules.