It is possible to open/create a country channel if the Global channels cannot cover specific needs - and under specific conditions explained below. The channel does not represent a specific department or business unit but the overall country sites and activities (local news, community management, employer branding, culture, local celebrations…).
There is a two-way, cross-functional collaboration between country channels and global channels where same content and posts can be shared if relevant.
Country channels are only allowed on the Meta platforms as they are best placed channels to post and share local communications and reach local audiences: Facebook and Instagram.
Existing country channels
Umicore Germany
Governance for country channels
Country channels can only be created after review and approval from Group Communications and Investor Relations.
Building up your case
Country channels are to translate the Umicore brand into its “local” flavor with a dedicated management of the channel.
Country channels are only possible on META platforms (Facebook and Instagram). These are the best channels to post and share local communications and reach local audiences. We advise to produce local related content and business content through the global channels. However, corporate content can also be shared through the country channel.
The following conditions need be taken into account for the channel to be a success:
- Channels are seen as daughter channels so all branding must follow the global channel’s branding, have the same messaging, layouts and content types
- Local language must be used to give authenticity
- In crisis situations Group Communications will align with the country channel
- Channels are managed using our content management tool
- Community managers need to follow trainings and coaching provided by Group Communications and Investor Relations. Advertising is centralized via the global channels
The creation of a country channel is a long-term commitment to keep it alive. Local teams will be responsible of content creation, posting, tracking, reporting and community management. To create your business case we advise to use the SMART goals principle which will cover all angles to build your case.
Creating images for social media
- Any picture shared through official Umicore social media channels must be branded using the branded templates.
- To maximize engagement and the click-through-rate when sharing a link to the website, adapt the image on the metadata of the story or webpage to create a clickable image.
- When sharing an image through social media, please make sure you are allowed to use it. When there are copyright restrictions or creative commons licenses apply, please inform Group Communications.
- If people are shown on the picture, make sure you have prior written approval of the person(s) depicted on the image by using the authorization forms. For events, different rules apply make sure you check the GDPR guidelines or contact Group Communications and IRMake sure the image is high resolution with a minimum of 300 dpi.
- The image must be useful in both horizontal and square formats.