social media: a revolution in local government communications?

Social media: a revolution in local

government communications?

Simon Wakeman

Head of Marketing

our experience

podcasting

• create a new two-way communication channel

for young people in Medway

• get young people actively involved in

producing the podcast

• help the organisation learn about

podcasting as a communications tool

objectives

equipment

• don’t underestimate time investment

• accessibility

• pick the best technology

we learnt…

social networks

fuse medway festival

fuse medway festival

fuse medway festival

• more than just an online billboard

• invest time in interacting

and responding

• need to offer value to community

• need more online/offline integration

we learnt…

microblogging

Medway

Council

100

Medway

Council

RSPB

100

765

Medway

Council

RSPB

SCC

100

765

478

Medway

Council

RSPB

SCC

100

765

478

1243 people

Medway

Council

RSPB

SCC

• to provide interesting content

• to be human

• to monitor and respond

we’re learning…

social media relations

• role of social media

monitoring in issues management

• be ready to engage when appropriate

• how new media can lead old media

we learnt…

• skills required

• team roles and structure

• policies and processes

• social media advocacy

revolution?

• awareness and readiness

• participation

• content creating

• opening up

four steps to getting started

simon.wakeman@medway.gov.uk

simon@simonwakeman.com

+44 (0) 7771 701902

twitter: simonwakeman

www.simonwakeman.com/psf2009