Tips for Local Governments for What and When to Post on Social Media

In 2023, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, with millions of users scrolling through various platforms daily to find necessary information and services.

For local government employees, social media presents a significant opportunity to engage with community members and promote administrative services. Not all social media content is created equal, however, and striving to create posts that are engaging, informative, and relevant to your target audience is essential.

In this blog post, we discuss the best content to post on social media platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Instagram to engage and delight (yes, delight) your community members.

Facebook Social Media Tips

Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms, with over two billion active users. For local government leaders, Facebook provides an excellent opportunity to engage with community members and share information about upcoming events, news, and services.

Here are some of the best types of content to post on Facebook:

Event announcements: Share information about upcoming events in your area, such as town hall meetings, community festivals, and public hearings. Ensure to include all the relevant details, including the date, time, location, and necessary registration information.

Photos and videos: Visual content is much more engaging than text alone, so consider sharing pictures and videos of local landmarks, community members, and public services. This content can help promote a sense of pride and ownership among your community members and enhance overall resident engagement.

Public service announcements: Keep your community members informed and engaged by sharing information about local public services, such as trash pickup schedules, street cleaning, and public transportation updates.

X Social Media Tips

X is a fast-paced social media platform that allows users to share short, snappy updates. For local government employees, X can be a highly effective way to share real-time news and updates with community members.

Here are some of the best types of content to post on X:

News updates: Share breaking news from your local government, such as new laws or regulations, road closures, and emergency updates.

Interactive polls: Use X polls to engage community members and gather feedback on important issues.

Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience and increase the visibility of your posts. For example, use #localgovernment or #community to connect with other users interested in your content.

LinkedIn Social Media Tips

LinkedIn is a professional social media platform that allows users to connect with other professionals and businesses. LinkedIn can be a meaningful way for local governments to share information about their community initiatives and connect with other professionals in their field.

Here are some of the best types of content to post on LinkedIn:

Professional updates: Share updates about your community development projects and other initiatives community leaders are championing.

Job postings: Share job postings for open positions in your administration to help attract qualified candidates committed to your community and its progress.

Elected Officials’ Thought Leadership Messages: If your community leaders are active on LinkedIn, share their updates and messages to your community profile to amplify reach.

Pinterest Social Media Tips

Pinterest is a visual social media platform that allows users to share and discover new ideas and inspiration. For local government leaders, Pinterest can provide a space to showcase everything that makes your community beautiful and unique and promote local tourism.

Here are some of the best types of content to post on Pinterest:

Local landmarks and attractions: Share photos of local landmarks and interests, such as parks, museums, and historical sites. These posts are popular with residents who feel pride in their community and can help promote local tourism and attract visitors to your area.

Public art and murals: Share photos of public art and murals in your community to help showcase local artists and promote a sense of community pride.

Community events: Share information about upcoming community events, such as festivals and fairs. Event posts promote community engagement and increase event attendance.

Instagram Social Media Tips

Instagram is a visual social media platform that allows users to share photos and videos with their followers. For local governments, Instagram can showcase the community and promote available services.

Here are some of the best types of content to post on Instagram:

Behind-the-scenes action: Share glimpses of local government heroes, such as public work staff fixing potholes or maintaining public parks. Visual proof of community progress helps build community trust and showcase your dedication to your work.

Philanthropy and Volunteerism: Share photos and videos of community members who positively impact your area, such as volunteers or local business owners.

Photo contests: Why not host a photo contest on Instagram? This concept could help encourage community members to share their favorite photos of your town, which can, in turn, help promote local tourism and showcase the beauty of your community.

Channeling the Power of Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for local government leaders looking to engage with their community and build feelings of trust and appreciation. Using the above best practices for each platform, you can help ensure you create engaging, informative, and relevant content that resonates with your audience.

Final tip: When creating content for social media channels, remember to stay authentic and transparent in your messaging and always prioritize the needs and interests of your community members. With the right approach, social media can be a valuable tool for building resident trust, increasing engagement, and creating a sense of community pride and cohesion.