How to properly use social network branding

Intro

In an age where social media presence heavily influences a brand's marketing, it is important to apply it to one's business strategy. Although a substantial amount of businesses have started to create social media accounts, simply having an account is not enough. People need to know of your presence on social media. What better way to let people know than to integrate it on your existing website. But like any aspect of web design, how to properly integrate social media is vital for its effectiveness. The first step in proper integration is to follow branding guidelines for logo and image placements. For proper integration remember to follow these guidelines:

General guidelines

For proper usage of brand asset's here are some general Dos and Don'ts:

Do

Use original unmodified logos and images.
Generally, resizing logos is the only modification allowed.
Capitalize the brands name when acceptable.
Maintain space around brand logos and images.

Don’t

Alter images by changing orientation, adding text, adding effects, changing color, etc.
Use the brand’s name and trademarks in your own name or website domains.
Use the brand’s assets to suggest partnership, sponsorship, or endorsements.
Use the brand’s assets in a negative, disrespectful, or obscene way.
Use brand assets that can be confusing in connection with another brand’s assets.
Brands typically do not allow their logo, content, and trademarks for merchandising like apparels, mugs, and toys.

Other considerations

If you would like to use a brand’s assets in broadcasting such as commercial television or movies, please contact them directly.
All brand assets are subject to the individual brands terms and policies, including their Statement of Rights and Responsibilities and the Privacy Policy.

Facebook

Facebook Logo

Facebook logo:

Facebook does not generally allow the use of their Facebook logo. To request for special permission contact your Facebook business contact.

Like button:

When used online, the Like Button can only be used with the Like Button social plugin functionality.
You’re allowed to use the Like Button in offline media (print) as long as there is textual or visual reference to Facebook.
Do not use the Like Button for online advertising.
You cannot allow users to “Like” your page simply by clicking a link. For example: “Like us on Facebook” (it cannot function as a Like Button). You are allowed to link to your Facebook page or a page with the Like Button function.

Links to download:
Download the Facebook Like icon

Facebook f Logo

“f” logo:

The context around the logo must clearly indicate the action the viewer is to engage in. (Find us on Facebook, or Like us on Facebook).

Do not hyperlink the “f” logo to the Facebook login page.

Facebook f Logo example

Links to download:
Download the Facebook f logo

For the full guidelines: https://www.facebookbrand.com

Twitter

Bird logo:

Make sure the bird is facing right.
Allow for 150% buffer space around the bird.

Links to download:
Twitter bird for light backgrounds in .png
Twitter bird for dark backgrounds in .png

Promoting your Twitter account:

Use a Twitter button to link to your online account
Or use the Twitter Bird logo with your @username nearby.
Write out Follow us on Twitter if you cannot use the Bird logo.
Do not use any other Twitter images like the verified badge.

Creating a Twitter button

Twitter in advertising or marketing material:

Use the Twitter Bird to show your product or device is Twitter compatible.

Show the Twitter Bird in front of your #hashtag or @username the same size as the text that follows.
Logo is 110% of the cap-height of the text, centered vertically. And the distance is 30% of the width of the logo.