The social media landscape can seem impossible to conquer. But all hope is not lost. A plethora of resources can help you become adept at using online networking sites, even for government purposes. A good place to start is by viewing successful uses of social media by organizations similar to yours, such as the NOAA Coastal Service Center’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. At the same time, check with your agency for its list of approved sites and any rules and regulations that go along with using those sites. A few pointers can go a long way toward smoothing your path:
Educate yourself and your team members before starting – Get to know each social media site you are considering before diving in. I’m sure you have heard of Twitter and Facebook, but perhaps you do not know the intimate details. Take time to read the “About” pages, ask colleagues and friends for pointers, and look at how other people and agencies are using the site. Then take the time to educate your team on what you have discovered. Having everyone starting on the same page will be worth the trouble.
Have a plan – Develop an outline of why you want to use a specific site, and articulate your goals. Chances are you’ll need to fill out an application to receive approval to use the site, and your outline will help you answer questions that the application will raise. You may even need to list points of contact and suggested user names. Before signing up, have a team meeting to discuss all these areas so the site has a focused purpose.
Determine your process for writing and approving posts for the site – Who will be writing the posts and managing the site? Will several people be involved? Do the posts need to go through editing or the communications office before they can be sent out? Knowing all of these answers and the exact process for how you will manage your social media sites will save you time and frustration.
Remember to plan well. There’s no need to rush into social media. Take the time to learn about each site to determine which ones are right for you and your agency.
Visit the Center’s social media accounts, as well as those of the Multipurpose Marine Cadastre, for examples of how to use social media effectively: www.facebook.com/NOAACoastalServices, www.twitter.com/CoastalService, www.facebook.com/MarineCadastre, and www.twitter.com/MarineCadastre.
