4 keys to blogging in an industry with strict regulations

If you’re in banking, insurance or another highly regulated industry, you might think staying away from blogging and social media platforms is the surest way to remain compliant.

Though online abstinence will guarantee no infringement of rules, it also guarantees irrelevance in the digital age.

Industry regulations and blogging can live in harmony. You might have to put in a little more effort to “play within the rules,” but that shouldn’t stop you from sharing online.

Use these helpful hints to create a social media plan that earns management approval, sets user expectations and keeps your company compliant when creating blogs and other content:

1. Define “taboo” topics. When it comes to content compliance, the natural urge is to focus on what can be said, instead of what can’t—and that’s a mistake. Clearly outline topics that cannot be discussed (such as proprietary information or issues in a regulatory gray area), and enforce the taboos right down to word choice. Write these guidelines down, and remind people of them on a regular basis to avoid missteps that could be construed as discussing, endorsing or recommending anything regarding a regulated matter.