Walmart Social Media Policy In 2022 (Here Is What You Can & Can’t Do)
Social media is an incredibly powerful tool for retailers like Walmart to directly engage with customers. But it also comes with risks if not handled properly.
As an experienced ecommerce seller, I wanted to provide some insights on Walmart‘s social media policy so you can safely leverage these platforms.
Let‘s first see how Walmart is using social media to connect with millions worldwide.
Walmart‘s Massive Social Media Presence
With over 11,500 stores globally and billions in sales, Walmart is the world‘s largest company by revenue. To promote its brand at this scale, Walmart has built an equally massive social media presence:
- Facebook – 18+ million followers and counting. Walmart uses Facebook to share deals, products, and services.
- Twitter – 1.6+ million followers. Tweets highlight company news, jobs, and sustainability programs.
- Instagram – Over 1 million followers. Instagram showcases shoppable product photos and stories.
- YouTube – 230,000+ subscribers. Fun commercials and behind-the-scenes videos.
- Pinterest – 1+ million followers. Pins of crafts, recipes, fashion and lifestyle content.
- TikTok – 530,000+ followers. Engaging Gen Z with viral dances and challenges.
In fact, Walmart‘s Halloween #DealDrop TikTok campaign alone generated over 7 billion views in 2021!
Walmart‘s social presence lets them interact with millions daily. But safely managing communities at this scale requires strong policies.
Walmart‘s Social Media Policy for Employees
As an associate, you‘re free to identify yourself as a Walmart employee on personal social media. But some guidelines apply:
Clarify that your views are personal opinions, not Walmart‘s official stance.
Never share confidential data about Walmart‘s business, suppliers, customers or financials publicly.
Use company resources like the Open Door Process for job-related grievances, not social media.
Avoid directly responding to customer complaints on Walmart‘s profiles – leave it to authorized teams.
Know Walmart‘s Information Policy. Violations on social media can warrant disciplinary action.
Don‘t spread misinformation or abuse towards associates, partners or competitors.
As an Amazon seller myself, I understand the need for discretion when posting about your company online. Following Walmart‘s policy helps avoid situations that could jeopardize your job.
What Customers Can and Can‘t Do on Walmart‘s Social Media
When engaging with Walmart‘s brands online as a shopper, remember:
Do:
- Share opinions and ask questions. Walmart values customer feedback.
- Participate in civil community discussions.
- Post relevant photos and comments.
Don‘t:
- Use offensive, bullying or discriminatory language.
- Spread misinformation or spam promotional links.
- Post illegal or dangerous content.
- Impersonate or pretend to represent Walmart‘s brand.
Walmart may remove violating content or restrict user profiles that break these rules. You can also report any concerning posts or accounts you come across.
Why Social Media Guidelines Matter
As a seller, I know ecommerce brands require social media policies to:
- Protect the company‘s assets and reputation.
- Maintain a safe community.
- Avoid PR crises and legal violations.
- Deter abuse by employees and users.
However, excessive censorship risks limiting free speech. Walmart must regularly review its guidelines to strike the right balance.
Constructively Engaging With Walmart on Social Media
Here are a few tips on how you can safely interact with Walmart online:
- Read and understand their current social media policy. Ignorance is no excuse.
- Use common sense – if something may be offensive, don‘t post it.
- Stay positive and civil in community discussions. No personal attacks.
- Avoid sharing confidential or false information about Walmart.
- Report concerning posts or accounts to Walmart.
- Use proper company resources for complaints, don‘t air it online.
I hope these insights on effectively leveraging Walmart‘s social media help you avoid missteps. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions!