Branding Social Accounts
A Mizzou branded account includes all accounts administered by University employees using the University of Missouri name, logos, and/or nicknames, or accounts that represent a University of Missouri college, school, division, department or program. Mizzou branded accounts represent the University. Individuals who run the accounts may not express personal opinions or use University branding without authorization or accountability. New and current social media accounts should review these guidelines to ensure the images, avatars and account information meets brand standards.
New Social Media Accounts
Creating an account for a school, college or campus unit is a long-term commitment. Make sure to reach out to the Digital Publications team to ask questions and brainstorm your strategic goals: digitalpubs@missouri.edu.
Mizzou’s central social media accounts can share your message with a large audience of people who are interested in Mizzou. If you want to announce major news and events to a large audience without committing to a new social media presence, please contact the Digital Publications team.
If you’re ready to develop and maintain your own social media presence, consider these questions:
- If this is an official Mizzou-branded account, make sure a Mizzou employee is the account administrator (a requirement in Mizzou’s social media guidelines)
- What will you post?
- How often will you post?
- Who will maintain and update the site?
- Who will answer questions posed by followers?
Think about your audience, your voice in your posts and make sure you comment in a way that helps advance your reputation.
Branding Mizzou’s Social Media Accounts
Account Names
Account names should include “Mizzou” when technically feasible. Include “University of Missouri” in the longer description if possible.
Examples:
Consistency
When possible, use consistent naming across social media accounts.
Avatars & Profile Pictures
Avatars muse use the approved variation of the unit signature. New avatars will be provided upon request by brand@missouri.edu for your use.
Current avatars can be accessed in SharePoint: Social Media Avatars.
Campus department examples:
Directions for adding your avatar/profile picture to:
Banners & Imagery
Mizzou brand and identity standards apply to all images used on social media.
- Make sure you have permission to use the photo. If students are pictured, please have photo releases signed by them prior to using the photo.
- Do not put university or unit signatures in the banner.
- Do not use trademarked logos without permission.
- Find campus photography on the Digital Asset Platform.
Athletic Tiger Head
The Mizzou athletic mark (oval tiger head) is reserved for Mizzou Athletics and its entities for social media avatars and banners. Do not use this mark for social media avatars or banners.
Image Size for Avatars (profile photos)
Be aware that avatars/profile photos on social media are often resized. Best practice is to upload a larger image (file size) so when people click to enlarge the image it remains crisp.
Connect to Major Mizzou Accounts
All accounts should friend/fan/follow the major Mizzou account on each platform. For instance, on Facebook, your account should become a fan of the main Mizzou Facebook account.
Account Setup by Platform
Page Title
The word “Mizzou” should be included in your unit title.
Avatar / Profile Picture
Avatars should only contain an approved variation of the stacked MU logo with unit name. Templates will be provided by brand@missouri.edu for your use.
Cover Photo
Facebook requires the cover photo to be a “unique image that represents your Page.” It cannot include any information intended for Facebook’s About section, such as contact information.
Basic Information
- About section: include affiliation with the University of Missouri
- Include contact information outside of Facebook (e.g.: phone number, email address)
- Website field: provide URL to your missouri.edu website
- If located on campus, include “Columbia, MO” for the City/Town entry and an accurate ZIP code.
Featured Likes
Your account should “like” the Mizzou’s main account and include it as a “featured like.” This helps legitimize your connection to the main channel. Setting up featured likes.
Page Title
The word “Mizzou” should be included in your unit title.
Avatar / Profile Picture
Avatars should only contain an approved variation of the stacked MU logo with unit name. Templates will be provided by brand@missouri.edu for your use.
Basic Information
- About section: include affiliation with the University of Missouri
- Include contact information outside of Facebook (e.g.: phone number, email address)
- Website field: provide URL to your missouri.edu website
- If located on campus, include “Columbia, MO” for the City/Town entry and an accurate ZIP code.
Page Title
The word “Mizzou” should be included in your unit title.
Avatar / Profile Picture
Avatars should only contain an approved variation of the stacked MU logo with unit name. Templates will be provided by brand@missouri.edu for your use.
Cover Photo
Your unit should be represented with this photo; use an image that showcases your unit. Do not include graphics or any information that would be included in the LinkedIn About section.
About Section
Update the following areas when launching a page:
- Overview: A brief description of your unit.
- Website: Link users to your main website.
- Industry: Select Higher Education
- Company Size: Choose an option that best describes your unit.
- Headquarters: List Columbia, MO, unless in another area.
Showcase Page Option
Departments within schools, colleges or other units should consider creating a “Showcase Page” that links to the unit-level page. These pages extend officially branded accounts, offering a curated experience for specific audiences while maintaining affiliation with the larger organization.
Life Section
This section is optional but provides insights into an organization’s culture and employee life. On the Life tab, you’ll find information about company leaders, culture highlights, company photos, employee perspectives and employee testimonials.
YouTube
Channel Icon
Avatars should only contain an approved variation of the stacked MU logo with unit name. Templates will be provided by brand@missouri.edu for your use.
Background Image/Art Banner
This image can be customized, and managers are encouraged to do so using photos of your school/college, department or Mizzou campus.
About Tab
Include mention of “Mizzou”
Include URL for your Missouri.edu website
Channels
Include Mizzou’s main YouTube channel as a featured channel.
X
Avatar
Avatars should use the approved variation of the Stacked MU mark and unit name. Templates will be provided by brand@missouri.edu for your use.
Bio
Should include mention of Mizzou.
Location
If your unit is primarily located on the main or east campus, enter “Columbia, MO.”
Website
Provide a link to your missouri.edu website.
Submit Your Accounts to Mizzou’s Social Media Directory
Once your accounts follow these best practices, submit the links for inclusion in a new social media directory.
If you have any trouble meeting the expectations required to get the accounts added into the directory, be sure to reach out to the Digital Publications team for help.