Local Government Social Media Management: What’s the ROI?
Even if you don’t use social media yourself, you’ll probably have a good idea of what it is. But are you clear on how it can help you achieve your vision of a successful town?
Here we discuss the economic and political benefits of small town social media.
The new local newspaper… and then some
At a time when engagement with local politics—and local newspapers—is at an all-time low, you need new and effective ways to communicate the valuable work that goes into running a small town.
Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are built for sharing experiences and updates. They enable town officials to reach out and engage younger generations who spend so much time online, getting them off their phones and out volunteering, spending their money at local businesses, and participating in local events.
Above all, compared to print advertising, social media is a fast, efficient and cost-effective outreach tool, increasing participation in community events, showcasing local businesses, and increasing trust and transparency between town officials and citizens.
Here’s a quick summary of the main benefits:
Cost-Effective Communication
Social media platforms are a fraction of the cost of traditional advertising channels and reach a much larger, and more diverse audience.
Economic Benefits
Social media attracts attention to local businesses, supporting the local economy. Additionally, it provides a platform to promote tourism and attract visitors to the town.
Increased Resident Engagement
An active and engaging social media presence encourages participation in community events, programs, and initiatives, leading to increased civic engagement, volunteerism, and a strong sense of civic pride.
How can an online tool work real-life magic?
Social media, when managed professionally and strategically, works by:
Sharing public service announcements and information about community events.
Providing a single location for real-time communication about last-minute changes and emergencies.
Allowing you to respond to inquiries and concerns, building transparency and trust.
Amplifying town business beyond the reach of the town website when shared by neighboring towns and influential accounts,
Informing and inspiring people in neighboring towns to come and visit.
Isn’t social media quite negative?
Well, yes, but also, no.
Let’s be honest, social media can sometimes be a toxic waste of time, but that doesn’t have to be the case.
This potential for negativity is a good reason to use a moderation service. A moderator is someone who watches conversations on your accounts and jumps in when needed to address negativity in a constructive way. When you get involved in tricky subjects instead of ignoring or deleting them, you build trust and transparency.
Not seeing these benefits from your town’s existing social media accounts?
If your posts are are not of the highest quality, have typos, or fail to engage the whole community, they could have a negative impact, unfairly promoting your town as incompetent or lacking in vision.
This is why we recommend getting the professionals to manage social media for you. To find out more, get in touch.
