4 Ways To Use Inclusive Language in Your Brand Today

When writing copy for social media, always keep in mind if the language you’re using is inclusive to people of different races, genders, and abilities. Additionally, think about if the manner you’re delivering the message is easily accessible to people living with disabilities.

Today, I’m going to go over 4 steps you can take TODAY to ensure that your copy is inclusive and accessible.

Ask for Pronouns

Whenever you feature a client, hairstylist, mentor, or anyone else on your page, always ask for their pronouns. Pronouns are the words we use to refer to people when we don’t use their name. For example, some common pronouns include he/him, she/her, they/them, but pronouns can vary across different cultures. Something important to note is that pronouns are a personal choice. Don’t assume someone’s pronouns based on their physical appearance or gender identity. If you’re wondering how to present pronouns in copy, here’s an example:

Chrystal (she/her) is loving this new look!

While pronouns seem like a small detail, including them in your copy makes those whose pronouns may not traditionally match their physical appearance, feel more comfortable about their identity and feel welcomed to your community.

Use Gender Inclusive Greetings

Most common greetings use gendered language that only addresses men and women, but excludes other genders. Some examples of greetings that aren’t gender inclusive include “hey guys” and “attention ladies & gentlemen.” To make everyone feel welcome, try using greetings like “hey everyone” or “hi y’all.”

Be Mindful of Ability & Disability

Inclusive language is mindful of those living with different disabilities. Here are 2 recommendations I have keeping disability in mind:

Similar to how you would say “people of color” instead of “colored people,” don’t describe people with disabilities as “handicapped people” or “disabled people.” We should avoid limiting their identity to their ability.
Avoid terms that contribute to stigmas around disability and mental illness. This can include using adjectives like dumb, crazy, psycho, insane, stupid, lame, etc. Instead, you can replace these words with adjectives like: off-beat, wild, quirky.

Be Mindful of People Living with Impaired Vision

While your message itself may be inclusive, there could be people out there who are vision impaired and can’t see your message.

Here are 2 tips to make sure your message is accessible to those living with vision impairments

Utilize alternative text (ALT text). This is a feature on many social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. ALT text allows you to write additional text to describe an image. This is a simple description of any graphic image which includes the types of imagery and colors in the graphic, the words presented, and where each of the elements are placed in the graphic. It should give the reader a good sense of what’s going on in the graphic and the message it is delivering.
Test out the readability of your graphics using WebAIM’s Contrast Checker Tool. This tool will help you figure out if the color of your text is readable against the background color.

And there you go! Following these guidelines will help to create an inclusive online community.

Truly slaying social media means recognizing and respecting all different kinds of people.

Categories: Diversity & Inclusion