Social Media Style Guide

Owned by Allie Noble
Last updated: Jan 10, 2024
2 min read

Grammar/Style

  • Always use periods at the end of a sentence, even if the sentence ends in a link.

  • Try to use full sentences as much as possible. For example:

    • Aim for this: ‘Atheism on Trial’ by W. Mark Lanier is out now! or New Release! ‘Atheism on Trial’ by W. Mark Lanier is out now!

    • Instead of this: Out now! 'Atheism on Trial' by W. Mark Lanier.

  • Always say March 8 instead of March 8th

  • Avoid using “@” for at

  • When quoting someone, use an em dash before their name. Ex: “I love IVP.” —J. I. Packer

  • When mentioning a title of a book use apostrophes: ‘Knowing God’

 

Hashtags

  • No hashtags on Facebook

  • General IVP Hashtags to include whenever relevant: #ReadIVP #ReadWomen #ReadBlackWomen #ReadBIPOC #BIPOCAuthor #ChristianBookstagram #bookstagram #KidLit (for IVP Kids only) #IVPAcademic

  • Never use more than 3 hashtags in a tweet

 

Emojis

  • When using emojis, always put a space between the emoji and the closest character.

  • Avoid using emojis on posts to the IVP Academic channels.

  • Here are some emoji examples:

    • Link in bio to listen. 🎙

    • It's that Launch Day feeling 😍 (post link)

    • An excerpt from ‘When Thoughts and Prayers Aren’t Enough’ by @taylorschumannwrites ✍️⠀

    • First new releases of 2024 out today! 📚 Order now at ivpress.com , @amazon, or your favorite bookstore.⠀⠀

    • We're grateful for another year of serving the university, church, and the world. 📆 Stay tuned. Great things are coming from IVP in 2024.

    • Check out these new warehouse arrivals from IVP Academic. 📦 Hitting shelves soon!⠀

    • Out now from @IVPKids! ☀️ 'The O in Hope' 

 

General Content

  • Whenever you are quoting an author, use their name or social media handle. If the quote is from a book, include the title of the book.

    • “I love IVP.” —J. I. Packer, ‘Knowing God’

  • To avoid redundancy of preorder posts, you can add something else to the post like “Releasing 5 weeks from today!” or include a book quote, or your own “hook” for what the book is about.

  • When mentioning a promo code, keep it as short as possible.

    • Aim for this: Use code XXXX at ivpress.com! or Save 30% at ivpress.com with code XXXXX.

    • Instead of this: Go to ivpress.com and use promo code XXX to save 30%…

  • Whenever possible, say “Link in bio” or “Link in bio to listen” instead of anything longer like “you can listen at the link in bio” or “access the deal at the link in our bio.” Short and simple.

  • When there is room on FB and Twitter, give multiple options of where to purchase the book. When you use something like Amazon or Barnes & Noble, you can tag them instead of actually linking. Below are two common phrases I use:

    • Order today at ivpress.com/[Title Specific URL], Amazon.com, and more!

    • Available now at ivpress.com, local bookstores, and more!

    • Get your copy at ivpress.com or your favorite bookseller!

    • NOTE: Whenever you’re talking about just one book, link directly to their page on IVP or Amazon. If there is a campaign or specific promo, you’ll link to that page too.

  • Whenever possible, shorten URLs. You can use bitly for this, remove http:// or www. (unless it’s LinkedIn)