Main benefits of using social media by the administration
Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2025 6:18 am
Social media isn't just a great way to share memes and follow trends. It can also be a very effective medium for public agencies looking to communicate with the public.
Below are six benefits of using social media in government.
Crisis communication
The spread of COVID-19 is an unprecedented phenomenon in almost every area of the public sector, including communications. Public information professionals, like you, are urged to provide a worried public with regular updates during uncertain times.
How can you ensure you're using social media effectively during these challenging times?
With so many people worried and glued to their screens, the wrong message bulgaria phone number data risks making matters worse. The public expects the government not only to provide direction but also to set the tone for how to address the situation. It's particularly important for the public sector to convey the message in a clear, calm, and professional manner. For example, it may be helpful to avoid excessive use of exclamation points or tweets in all caps. Highlight public servants who can convey important messages in a controlled and reassuring manner, as the National Institutes of Health does in the United States.
The city of Newark, New Jersey, is using Facebook Live to keep its citizens informed during the crisis. Watch one of Mayor Ras Baraka's daily press conferences below and check out our Facebook Live user guide for tips on how to broadcast your own update.
To learn more about using social media for crisis communication, we have an article with a wealth of practical tips and some useful tools.
Citizen engagement
An engaged audience is a happy audience.
And if you can keep him engaged, you can keep him informed about politics and the issues that matter most to him.
You thus fulfill two objectives:
You build trust. Social media gives you the opportunity to be more transparent. And if you're open, the public will trust you more (see below).
You humanize your image. Too often, people forget that there are real people behind agencies and administrative offices. Social media gives you the opportunity to show the public that you, too, are human.
For example, take this video from the U.S. National Park Service's Instagram account. Although it's only 30 seconds long, the video managed to generate significant engagement and has been viewed over 25,000 times.
View this post on Instagram
Then there's the Nextdoor app, which local governments use to hold town hall meetings, educate citizens on safety issues, and engage the community in public debate. Check out our complete guide to using the Nextdoor neighborhood app for more tips on how to use it to connect with constituents.
Build public trust
According to a survey conducted by Open the Government , more than half of voters want to see more authenticity and transparency in their administration.
And why not? Just like with any business, the ability to remain authentic and honest with your audience is crucial to building a good relationship with them. Social media is an ideal way to remain as transparent and clear as possible with your constituents.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a good example, using Instagram to give her supporters a glimpse into how Congress works.
Below are six benefits of using social media in government.
Crisis communication
The spread of COVID-19 is an unprecedented phenomenon in almost every area of the public sector, including communications. Public information professionals, like you, are urged to provide a worried public with regular updates during uncertain times.
How can you ensure you're using social media effectively during these challenging times?
With so many people worried and glued to their screens, the wrong message bulgaria phone number data risks making matters worse. The public expects the government not only to provide direction but also to set the tone for how to address the situation. It's particularly important for the public sector to convey the message in a clear, calm, and professional manner. For example, it may be helpful to avoid excessive use of exclamation points or tweets in all caps. Highlight public servants who can convey important messages in a controlled and reassuring manner, as the National Institutes of Health does in the United States.
The city of Newark, New Jersey, is using Facebook Live to keep its citizens informed during the crisis. Watch one of Mayor Ras Baraka's daily press conferences below and check out our Facebook Live user guide for tips on how to broadcast your own update.
To learn more about using social media for crisis communication, we have an article with a wealth of practical tips and some useful tools.
Citizen engagement
An engaged audience is a happy audience.
And if you can keep him engaged, you can keep him informed about politics and the issues that matter most to him.
You thus fulfill two objectives:
You build trust. Social media gives you the opportunity to be more transparent. And if you're open, the public will trust you more (see below).
You humanize your image. Too often, people forget that there are real people behind agencies and administrative offices. Social media gives you the opportunity to show the public that you, too, are human.
For example, take this video from the U.S. National Park Service's Instagram account. Although it's only 30 seconds long, the video managed to generate significant engagement and has been viewed over 25,000 times.
View this post on Instagram
Then there's the Nextdoor app, which local governments use to hold town hall meetings, educate citizens on safety issues, and engage the community in public debate. Check out our complete guide to using the Nextdoor neighborhood app for more tips on how to use it to connect with constituents.
Build public trust
According to a survey conducted by Open the Government , more than half of voters want to see more authenticity and transparency in their administration.
And why not? Just like with any business, the ability to remain authentic and honest with your audience is crucial to building a good relationship with them. Social media is an ideal way to remain as transparent and clear as possible with your constituents.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a good example, using Instagram to give her supporters a glimpse into how Congress works.