Can You Get Me Verified On Social Media?
This is a question I am often asked. Sometimes, it is the first question after I have been introduced. It’s understandable. Verification is a mystery to most and the rules and information available is constantly in flux.
Perhaps, in this awkward moment, you are realizing that you barely know me, yet, YOU TOO are anticipating the answer, CAN she help me? That’s ok, we can begin here and get to know each other later.
NO is NOT the Whole Story
Social Networks do NOT accept payment or recommendations for that elusive blue checkmark.
The three networks, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter all have slightly different roads to verification and they change from time to time. ONE requirement has remained constant. VERIFICATION is meant to be a safeguard against fraudulent accounts and ONLY reserved for influencers that need this protection from impersonation.
So the 1st thing to accept is that although Social Media Verification has turned into a status symbol you need to put ego aside and create a case around impersonation instead.
Create a case, IMPROVE your chances, Here’s how:
Here are my enduring ‘Best Practice’, Best Guesses. Prepare your account:
- Ensure your account is Public
- Ensure consistency across your profile name, header image, profile picture and vanity URLs. They need to all represent you. Changing your username is a hassle but will ensure all of you accounts work to support you. No cute nicknames, ironically, suggested by the @WildfireEffect
- Do you have an Official Website? Make sure it hyperlinked to your social networks and your website is listed in the About section of each social media profile.
- Fill out the about section, this is your most important tool. Your profile blurb will advocate for you in your absence, drawing resources that support your eligibility. So, If you are an actor on a TV series, mention the series.
- News-worthiness 101: Like all internet communication the proof is in the meta-data, ensure that news referencing you is also linking back to your profiles.
- Prepare a brief, 1- 4 sentences, that describe why you need verification protection and artfully and authentically write it across the internet.
- Ensure you engage REAL followers. Paid follower or fake accounts are easy to determine and will flag your account as ineligible. So just engage genuinely and often. These numbers will help you legitimize your claim.
Know The -ever-changing- Policies
What Instagram Says:
Quoted from: help.instagram.com
Who:
“Public figure, celebrity or global brand”
Why:
“Because they have a high likelihood of being impersonated.”
How:
“Verified accounts are reviewed as part of our efforts to make sure that the Instagram experience stays authentic.
We may take away an account’s verified status if it doesn’t follow our Community Guidelines“
Everyone else:
“Learn more about what you can do if someone is impersonating you or someone you know on Instagram
…you can link to your Instagram profile from your official website, Facebook page or Twitter account.”
What Twitter Says:
Quoted from verification.twitter.com
Who:
“in music, acting, fashion, government, politics, religion, journalism, media, sports, business, and other key interest areas AND we can demonstrate it is of public interest”
Why:
“The blue verified badge on Twitter lets people know that an account of public interest is authentic.”
How:
- “If you think we should we consider verifying your account, let us know.
- If your request is denied, you can submit another request for the same account 30 days after receiving the email from us.”
Everyone’s Checklist:
- Prepare your account, then submit.
- Verify a phone number and confirm the email address w/ Twitter.
- Give us a copy of official government-issued photo identification.
- Include URLs to that help express the account holder’s newsworthiness or relevancy in their field.
- The bio specifies an area of expertise and/or a company mission.
- The TW name may reflect their real or stage name.
- The profile and/or header photo reflects the person or branding.
- A birthday (can be set to non-public in settings)
- A website
- Tweets set as public in Tweet privacy settings
What Facebook says:
Quoted from: Facebook.com/help Who:“Journalists, Popular Brand or Businesses, Government Officials, Celebrities, Media, Entertainment, Sports Companies” Why:“Facebook confirmed that this is the authentic Page or profile for this public figure, media company or brand.”How:
- It’s not currently possible to request or purchase a blue verified badge.
- Link to your profile or Page from the official website.
- Add accurate details so that people can quickly learn about your Page.
- Include in your About section a website address that is registered in your name.
- Make your profile public by default so that people can follow it.
Everyone else:
“If your Page’s category is Local Business, Company or Organization: YOU CAN APPLY for a gray verification badge.”
TRUTH ZONE | You can handle it!
There are many people who will take your money and promise results. I make no promises, except to offer the best advice for you.
Once you’ve gotten to know me and once we have tossed around stories of challenges won you will learn that I work completely within ‘Best practice’ and know that success is found by setting a goal and finding the pathway.
Is there a formula for Social Media Verification?
YES… and no!