social media and local government - what we do and why we do it

Social Media and Local Government

What we do and why we do it

What is social media

Websites which allow users to share interests

Two-way conversation

High growth rates

Some of most popular sites on web

Source: Hitwise.co.uk

Source: Hitwise.co.uk

What do we do?

Twitter – case studyWhat is Twitter?

Twitter is a micro-blogging service

140 characters to provide updates

Works in similar way to instant messaging

People ‘follow’ others whose updates they wish to receive

Why Twitter?

974% UK Growth in 2008 (Source: Hitwise.co.uk)

Timing

Ease of use

History of @NewcastleCC on Twitter

December 08 – Launched

January 09 – Fenham by-election

January/February 09 – Heavy snow hits UK

March 09 – World Book Day

April 09 – Reaches over 1000 followers

Followers of @NewcastleCC

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Data from tw itterholic.com

Press coverage

Feedback from users

Most popular council on Twitter?

Any questions?