Social media trade promotions

A popular way to promote a business’s goods and services is via their social media pages.

However, before businesses begin planning their social media campaigns they need to consider their legal obligations.

Misleading or deceptive conduct

Consumer Laws outlines prohibitions against misleading and deceptive conduct within social media trade promotions.

Content posted onto social media should be checked and cleared similarly to traditional media.

Advertising industry codes

Social media advertisements are regulated under various advertising codes, such as the Code of Ethics in Australia.

Businesses need to ensure that their social media campaign complies with the relevant codes to prevent incurring any penalties.  Each country also has its own set of regulations on how trade promotions should be conducted, so businesses will also need to comply with them.

Social media terms and conditions

When a business registers for a social media platform they enter into a contract with the social media provider. The businesses use of the platform is governed by this contract.

Also, by registering with the site the business has agreed to follow a set of terms and conditions.

The company’s trade promotions must comply with both the contract and the outlined terms and conditions, or the company risks being removed from the platform.