Accessibility
Social media platforms have some automatic tools to bridge accessibility gaps, but it is always best to take this into consideration when creating your content.
Video Captions:
While many platforms will attempt to auto-generate captions for video content, it is always better to create them yourself to avoid mistakes and inaccurate information.
Alt Text:
Most platforms will auto-generate alternative text for images that are shared, which allows for screen readers tools to read the content out loud. Alt text is also used if an image fails to load for a user. Creating your own alt text ensures the proper description is applied to the photo.
Additional General Considerations:
Emojis are read out loud by screen readers. Consecutive and excessive emoji use creates a jumble of verbal messaging that is confusing to those using screen readers. Take this into consideration when building your content and limit the use of emojis or place them at the end of sentences and captions.
Text in images will not be read by screen readers automatically and are often processed incorrectly by automatic tools. For example, sharing a digital version of a print flyer to social media may be a quick way to get more use out of the flyer, but it is not optimized for social media. Instead, share the details from the flyer in a caption and use a different visual without text to accompany the message.
Posts vs. Stories
Traditional posts should include polished content, evergreen messaging, and high-quality brand representation.
Stories are temporary, often posted for only 24 hours. Use them as a strategic tool to show timely and authentic content reaching an engaged audience base. They are perfect for event coverage and student “takeovers,” or for immediate action on things like registration, voting, RSVP, etc.
Other Best Practices
All social media accounts officially representing Bradley University must adhere to the following.
- Profile pictures must be created using an approved template.
- Do not use acronyms or shorthand for page names/titles. Spell things out, clearly identifying what the page represents. For example, instead of BU OMC, use Bradley University Office of Marketing and Communications.
- Images used for cover photos or posts should adhere to photography guidelines.
- Use of brand logos, colors, and other visual assets must be in accordance with brand guidelines.
For more info, view our complete social media policy.
Accessibility Resources
Accessible Social (general)
NVDA (screen reader)
Kapwing (caption creator)
YouTube Studio (caption creator)
Official Accounts
Facebook
@BradleyUniversity
Instagram
@bradleyuniversity
@BradleyUniversityPresident
LinkedIn
@bradleyuniversity
TikTok
@bradleyuniversity
X/Twitter
@bradleyu
Hashtags
Using hashtags helps bring our content together. Capitalize proper nouns.
#BradleyUniversity
Used most widely for BU content
#BradleyUniversityAlumni
Used for alumni or graduation
#BradleyBound
Used for admissions or admitted students
#BradleyBraves
Used for athletics or general campus life
#BradleyU
Used mainly by external audiences
Brand Guidelines