Digital Spaces
Sinclair’s digital spaces, including social media, websites, and online ads, represent our brand in public-facing, interactive environments. This section outlines guidelines for maintaining a consistent, professional image across all digital platforms, ensuring that every digital interaction reflects Sinclair’s values, voice, and visual identity.
Social Media
Sinclair’s social media channels are vital for engaging current and prospective students, alumni, and the community. When representing Sinclair on social platforms, please follow these guidelines to uphold our brand standards:
- Tone and Voice: Maintain a friendly, inclusive, and informative tone. Posts should reflect Sinclair’s welcoming and student-centered approach, emphasizing positivity and inclusivity.
- Imagery: Use high-quality images that align with Sinclair’s photography guidelines, focusing on diverse, candid shots that reflect real student experiences.
- Brand Hashtags: Use official Sinclair hashtags (e.g., #SinclairProud, #OurFocusYourFuture) to promote visibility and encourage community interaction. Only use hashtags that align with the post’s message and Sinclair’s values.
- Platform-Specific Guidelines: Each platform has unique content needs—use concise, engaging captions for Twitter, high-quality visuals for Instagram, and links to valuable resources for LinkedIn and Facebook.
Websites and Microsites
All web content should align with Sinclair’s brand standards and provide a cohesive user experience across Sinclair.edu and related microsites. Key guidelines include:
- Navigation and Structure: Ensure websites are easy to navigate, with clearly labeled sections and links. Avoid cluttered layouts to support accessibility and ease of use.
- Consistent Visuals: Use Sinclair’s approved colors, fonts, and logos throughout the website. Images should be high-resolution and formatted correctly for web use (typically JPEG or PNG at 72 DPI).
- Accessibility: Maintain WCAG 2.1 standards, with appropriate color contrast, alt text for images, and keyboard accessibility. All content should be designed to accommodate users with diverse abilities.
Digital Advertising
Digital ads extend Sinclair’s reach across various online platforms, from Google and Facebook ads to display banners. Each ad should reflect Sinclair’s brand values and be designed for maximum impact and engagement:
- Clear Messaging: Keep messages concise and direct. Use Sinclair’s key phrases and taglines where relevant, focusing on calls to action like “Apply Now,” “Learn More,” or “Visit Sinclair.edu.”
- Brand Standards: Use Sinclair’s approved colors, fonts, and logos in ad creatives to reinforce brand recognition. Avoid using distracting animations or excessive text that could impact readability.
- Responsive Design: Design all ads to adapt across devices, ensuring that they display correctly on mobile, tablet, and desktop formats.
Email Marketing
Digital newsletters and email marketing play a critical role in communicating with students, faculty, and stakeholders. When crafting emails, ensure they:
- Follow Sinclair’s Email Signature Guidelines: All Sinclair email communications should use the official email signature template for consistency.
- Use Accessible Design: Include alt text for images, and ensure font sizes and colors are legible. Avoid heavy image reliance; balance visuals with readable text.
- Reflect Sinclair’s Tone and Voice: Keep language professional yet approachable, ensuring messages are clear and relevant to the audience.
Online Engagement and Responsiveness
Sinclair values positive, responsive engagement across all digital platforms. When representing Sinclair in online interactions, consider these points:
- Timely Responses: Respond to inquiries, comments, and messages within 24 hours when possible, providing accurate information or directing users to appropriate resources.
- Community Engagement: Foster a positive online environment by liking and sharing relevant posts, responding to comments thoughtfully, and showing appreciation for mentions and user-generated content.
- Crisis and Sensitive Topics: For complex or sensitive topics, follow Sinclair’s communication protocols. Contact the Marketing Department for guidance on handling challenging or high-profile interactions.