Harvard Referencing for Websites, Blogs, and Social Media: A Complete Guide

Referencing is a vital part of academic writing. It not only credits the original authors and thinkers but also helps maintain academic integrity and traceability of information. Among the various citation styles, Harvard referencing is one of the most widely used in UK universities and colleges. But with the rapid evolution of digital content, students and professionals alike are often left wondering: how do you cite websites, blogs, and social media using Harvard style?

In this blog, we’ll explore the specifics of Harvard referencing for online sources, including non-traditional platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and blogs. Whether you're working on a research project or seeking support from document writing services in Sunderland, understanding these citation rules will enhance the quality and credibility of your academic submissions.

In today’s digital-first environment, students frequently rely on online resources to support their arguments or find real-world examples. From expert blog articles to government websites and social media posts, digital content has become a legitimate source of information. However, failing to cite these sources correctly can lead to accusations of plagiarism—a serious academic offense.

That's why mastering Harvard referencing for digital platforms is essential for students, researchers, and professionals working in both academic and healthcare settings.

Citing a standard webpage in Harvard style generally includes the following components:

Author(s) (Year) Title of Webpage. [Online] Available at: URL [Accessed Day Month Year].

NHS (2024) Mental Health Support. [Online] Available at:[Accessed 10 May 2025].

Tip: Always ensure that the author is credible. If there is no named individual, use the organization as the author (e.g., NHS, BBC, WHO).

Blogs can offer professional insights, case discussions, and expert opinions—especially in fields like nursing, education, and public health. However, blogs are informal in nature, so source evaluation is key.

Author(s) (Year) Title of Blog Post. [Blog] Name of Blog. Available at: URL [Accessed Day Month Year].

Smith, J. (2023) The Future of Nursing Education. [Blog] Healthcare Today. Available at: https://healthcaretoday.blog/nursing-education/ [Accessed 5 May 2025].

Proper referencing of blog content is especially useful when writing reflective assignments or assessments such as the NURS FPX 6004 Assessment 2, which often require real-life application and analysis.

Citing social media might sound odd, but it can be incredibly useful when analyzing public sentiment, marketing strategies, or trends in public health communication.

Author/Username (Year) Text of the Tweet. [Twitter] Date posted. Available at: URL [Accessed Day Month Year].

WHO (@WHO) (2024) Get vaccinated and protect your community. [Twitter] 21 March. Available at: https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1234567890 [Accessed 6 May 2025].

Use a similar format but change the platform accordingly.

Whether you're preparing a case study, researching healthcare practices, or discussing partnerships in health and social care, using reliable digital references can strengthen your credibility and analytical depth.

Correct referencing also:

Demonstrates attention to detail

Avoids plagiarism and academic misconduct

Reflects professionalism in healthcare or academic submissions

Enhances the quality and readability of your work

Citing digital content—especially websites, blogs, and social media—requires attention to structure and source credibility. The Harvard referencing style offers a flexible framework to include these evolving content formats while upholding academic integrity.

By mastering these citation techniques, you not only safeguard your academic reputation but also add authority to your arguments. And when in doubt, refer to official guides or use credible citation tools to stay compliant.