local government social media - lessons learnt

New media:

What has worked, what hasn’t

and what have we learnt?

Simon Wakeman

Head of Marketing

LGcomms

5 February 2009

Medway

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

sample clips

• 360-400 downloads per show

• positive face to face feedback

• limited direct responses

• experience of new communications tool

results

• be clear why

• don’t underestimate time investment

• accessibility

• pick the best technology

we learnt…

social networks

fuse medway festival

• more than 100 “fans”

• raised profile among new audience group

• maintain presence between festivals

• a starting point…

results

• more than just an online billboard

• invest time in interacting and responding

• need to offer a reason to visit – incentives, exclusives…

• need better online/offline integration

we learnt…

media relations

• monitor as widely as possible

• be prepared to engage when appropriate

• internal communications – be joined up

• how new media can lead old media

we learnt…

• learn the ropes

• get the organisation ready

• present a balanced case – risks and benefits

• don’t be afraid to try – and have fun!

closing thoughts

any questions

[email protected]

[email protected]

+44 (0) 7771 701902

twitter: simonwakeman

www.simonwakeman.com/lgcomms