Does HydroDog allow franchisees to create their own social media pages for their franchise?
Hydrodog Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You are not permitted to promote your HydroDog Business or use any of the Marks in any manner on any social or networking websites, such as Facebook, LinkedIn or X, without our prior written consent. We will provide you with access to branded social media pages, handles, and assets, which you are required to update regularly. We alone may establish, maintain, modify or discontinue all internet activities pertaining to the System, including through the use of a page or profile on a social media website such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X or Snapchat. You must comply with our System standards regarding the use of social media in your HydroDog Business's operation, including prohibitions on your and the Business's employees posting or blogging comments about the Business or the System, other than on a website or social media platform established or authorized by us ("social media" includes personal blogs, common social networks like Facebook and Instagram, professional networks like LinkedIn, live-blogging tools like X, virtual worlds, file, audio and video-sharing sites, and other similar social networking or media sites or tools). We will provide access to branded social media pages/handles/assets, and you must update these regularly. We reserve the right to conduct collective/national campaigns via local social media on your behalf. In addition, only we may respond to reviews of HydroDog businesses that are posted on Yelp, TripAdvisor and similar Websites. (Franchise Agreement, Section 12.10)
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–30)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to HydroDog's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are restricted in their ability to independently manage social media for their HydroDog business. Franchisees need prior written consent from HydroDog to promote their business or use any trademarks on social media or networking websites like Facebook, LinkedIn, or X. HydroDog will provide access to branded social media pages, handles, and assets, which franchisees are required to update regularly. HydroDog retains the right to manage all internet activities pertaining to the system, including social media pages on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat.
HydroDog franchisees must adhere to the company's system standards regarding social media use, which includes restrictions on posting or blogging about the business or system, except on platforms authorized by HydroDog. The term "social media" encompasses personal blogs, social networks like Facebook and Instagram, professional networks like LinkedIn, and other similar sites. HydroDog reserves the right to conduct national campaigns via local social media on behalf of franchisees. Furthermore, only HydroDog is authorized to respond to reviews of HydroDog businesses on platforms like Yelp and TripAdvisor.
These policies ensure brand consistency and control over HydroDog's online presence. While franchisees are required to engage with and update the branded social media assets provided by HydroDog, they do not have the autonomy to create and manage their own independent social media pages without prior approval. This approach allows HydroDog to maintain a unified brand image and manage customer feedback effectively across all locations.