Should My Town Use Social Media? (C-Post #3)

Yes.

This is an interesting topic because on my trip to Steamboat Springs with the in-laws I had a discussion with my mother-in-law – who works on marketing for the City of San Dimas – on how Facebook groups, Twitter, etc. could help communications for the city.

Whether the community will use the tool or not is a separate question.  But eventually, when the masses get hip with social media, a city’s ability to be ahead of the curve will be crucial to its public relations.  And this will become more evident in a disaster situation such as wildfires, earthquakes, tornadoes, etc.

In addition, it’s a cost-saving and time-saving measure when social media is incorporated into its strategy.  Not only should social media tools be used to commuicate outward to a community, but city leaders should use it as a forum to listen to its people.

If I were a mayor, I’d immediately implement the following:

TWITTER: An account for the mayor, city council members, and the city.

E-NEWSLETTER: An opt-in email system where residents can find out the latest about new measures, road closures, school sign-ups, recreation, etc.

WIKI: The best way to learn and share about a city is to solicit the expert residents in the community.  DavisWiki is a great examples (and a resource I wish would have existed while I lived there!).  Some of the cool things I wish I had a one-stop resource for in my city (and surrounding cities) include:

• City Life Outdoor Activities, Study Spots, Entertainment, Local Publications, Night Time, Music Scene, Volunteer Opportunities, Schools, Research & Development, Libraries, Gyms, Local Art, Retail, Public Services,  Medical Services, Spiritual Organizations

• Food and Drink Grocery Stores, International Foods, Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Catering, Buffets, Cheap Food, Breakfast, Lunch Specials, Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Alcohol

• City Orientation Town History, Glossary, Breaking News, Weather, Environment, Geography, Davis At-a-Glance, Social Structures, Organizations, Local Politics, Media, Member Pages, Outskirts, Parks, Greenbelts, Transportation, Driving in Davis, Gas Stations, Bike Paths, City without a car, Rental Housing Guide, Residences, Apartments, Cooperative Housing, Links to nearby wikis

My prediction is that business owners will jump on the Wiki bandwagon because it will serve as a free advertisement of their business and is more telling than an entry in the yellow pages when photos, videos and reviews are incorporated.

That said, someone please start a local Wiki!  I’d be a willing and able participant.