Jump to HeaderJump to Main ContentJump to Footer
Michigan State University
Michigan State University
University Communications and Marketing
  • Apply
  • Give
  • Visit

University Communications and Marketing

  • What We Do
  • |
  • Who We Are
  • |
  • Resources
University Communications and Marketing
  • What We Do
  • Who We Are
  • Resources

< What We Do

< Who We Are

< Resources

  • Apply
  • Give
  • Visit

Twitter Best Practices

University Communications and Marketing > Social Media > Best Practices >

Twitter

Brand and Identity

  • Brand Studio
  • Branded Templates
  • Boilerplate Text
  • MSU Editorial Style Guide
  • Graphic Elements
  • Logos and Marks
  • Logo Usage Chart
  • Signature Logo Generator for MSU Units

Photo and Video

  • Filming at MSU
  • Photo Guidlines
  • MSU Photos

Digital Experience

  • Digital Experience Studio
  • MSU Web Standards
  • Social @ Michigan State
  • Social Media Directory

Media Communications

  • Campus Media Guidelines
  • Experts Directory
  • Guidelines for Unit Communicators
  • Issues and Statements
  • Media Contacts
  • Media Relations Procedures
  • Op-ed Guidelines
  • FOR MEDIA

Additional Resources

  • University Trademarks and Licensing
  • Policy on Endorsement, Sponsorship and Advertising
  • Sparty Mascot
  • Copyright Permissions Center
  • Jobs at University Communications and Marketing
  • Communications Toolkit for Academics

Contact us

(517) 355-7505

Address

Olds Hall 408 West Circle Drive East Lansing, MI 48824

Releases and Statements

Follow Us

  • Visit our Facebook page
  • Visit our page on X
  • Visit our Instagram page
  • Visit our LinkedIn page
  • Visit our YouTube page

If you're having accessibility issues, please let us know.

Know MoreTransparency Reporting: Budget & Salary/Compensation
  • Contact Information|
  • Site Map|
  • Privacy Statement|
  • Site Accessibility|
  • Call MSU: (517) 355-1855|
  • Visit: msu.edu|
  • Notice of Nondiscrimination|

SPARTANS WILL|© Michigan State University|

X is a great social media platform for providing news updates and timely information. It is a great platform for communicating to your audience on a frequent basis – even multiple times each day. Messages can include text, links, photos, videos, GIFs, polls, and location information.

Audiences and Content

In University Communications and Marketing experience, X is particularly effective for reaching alumni, current students, faculty, and staff audiences.

Content that we’ve found to be most engaging for alumni includes questions, nostalgia, and pride points. Alumni audience members tend to engage through commenting, sharing, and reading content.

Content that we’ve found to be most engaging for current students includes user-generated content, authentic conversations, humor, and visuals. Current students tend to engage through creating content, voicing opinions, and reading content.

Content that we’ve found to be most engaging for faculty and staff includes announcements of grants and coverage of research. These audience members tend to engage by sharing content.

Help and Support

The X Help Center is a resource for questions regarding the use of the platform. Visit support.x.com as a first step in learning about the platform and for troubleshooting any issues.

How should I use Twitter at MSU?

Managing Accounts

An X account can be set up with just an email address, but you can only have one X account tied to each email address. If you need multiple X accounts, you’ll need multiple email addresses.

Visit the Using X section of the X Help Center for general information on creating and using an X account.

Anyone can log in to the X account using the associated email address or the X handle, and the account password. Any profile customizations will need to be made directly in X. For posting messages (“posts”) you may alternatively choose to use an external program. Some external apps and websites even allow you to schedule posts in advance.

Image Guidelines

To ensure the best appearance for your account, be sure to follow the image guidelines outlined by X. See the links below.

  • Posting Photos or GIFs
  • Making Images Accessible
Checklist for Creating a New Account

When creating a new X account, you may choose to refer to the following checklist:

  • Assign a staff member to have primary responsibility for managing the account, and have at least one staff member as a backup.
  • Upload an appropriately sized cover and profile image.
  • Complete the account profile sections (brief description, link to your website, etc.).
  • Promote your account internally to build the number of followers.
  • Develop a schedule for regularly posting content.
  • Promote your account handle (on your website, on print pieces, on other social media accounts, etc.).
Checklist for Maintaining an Account

As you manage your X account, you may choose to refer to the following checklist:

  • Post regularly with content relevant to your audience.
  • Be sure that your cover images are updated periodically so that they remain seasonally appropriate, if using photographs. (i.e. Don’t feature summer flowers in December.)
  • Treat each post as if it stands alone. Do not leave context open to interpretation.
  • When live-posting from an event or conference, be sure to use quotation marks and provide context so that a speaker's remarks cannot be construed as the voice of the brand.
  • Utilize appropriate hashtags in order to be included in conversations.
  • Refer to X Analytics for your account as a guide for post performance.
  • Change your account password as staff changes. Only current MSU employees should have access to the account.

Additional Resources

Below are links to relevant resources shared at Social @ Michigan State events. See the meetings and workshops lists on the Campus Community page for additional information regarding these events.

  • Presentation Slides: Social Media by Platform - Content, Audience and Terms of Service (May 11, 2017)
  • Presentation Slides: Using Twitter Lists (Nov. 29, 2018)