The Local Government Association’s website has become a ‘must visit’ site for communicators over the past 18-months. It contains a wealth of resources for communicators, from advice on devolution to top tips on email marketing. Its latest addition lifts the lid on social media strategy.

By Matt Nicholls and Darren Caveney

Almost all UK councils have at least one Twitter and Facebook account now. The argument over whether to use social media across local government has long since passed.

In fact these two platforms are now referred to as ‘traditional social media' – they have been around for 12-years plus – but that doesn't mean we have necessarily mastered them or that we're getting the most from them. Having Twitter and Facebook accounts and posting to them, whilst a positive, isn't on its own enough to get the most from social media.

The priority now is to use social media more strategically to ensure good engagement with residents, better customer service, and wider sharing of information on the services most important to customers.

To do this effectively, social media needs to be well researched, well planned, regularly monitored and closely evaluated to ensure that it's working.

Be focussed, not distracted…

We know that social media can eat up time so it’s important to be clear on where to focus precious resources. And with a never-ending array on new tools and apps it’s easy to be distracted by the latest shiny new toy.

So having a clear plan, based on sound research data, with great content and an engaging approach is the only way to cut through in a cluttered digital world.

Social media strategy - 12 steps to help you get the most from social media

To help communications teams with this the Local Government Association and comms2point0 have collaborated on a new resource: Social media strategy - 12 steps to help you get the most from social media

This online resource features 12 all-new case studies from local government and the wider public sector, including: how to create greater engagement; how to better understand the digital landscapes we operate in; how to plan and evaluate social media activity; where social media can support customer services; and when and where to utilise paid-for advertising.

The resource also includes tips on the best tools for creating compelling content and advice for ensuring strong governance.

Sounds good - where can I find it?

You can take a look at the new resource here.

And if you would like to submit a case study of your own for consideration to feature here do get in touch.

Matt Nicholls is Head of Local Government Communications Support

Darren Caveney is creator of comms2point0

image via the Local Government Association