Simple Social Media Tips for Busy GOV Agencies, Libraries, & Other Orgs: Maximize Your Impact

We all know that today's social media landscape is a wild ride. It can feel like every government department, library branch, or college satellite campus is trying to shout above the noise. Even worse, well-meaning staff might accidentally undermine each other with conflicting messages or confusing posts. It's enough to make a hardworking Public Information Officer (PIO) throw up their hands!

But take a deep breath. At Goodsides, we get it. We've helped countless social sector organizations streamline their communications to get bigger results with less headache. 

Here's the secret... small adjustments can make a huge difference!

How Can My Videos Be More Mobile-Friendly?

Picture this: You've got a video promoting a fantastic new program – a library storytime, parks and rec event, or community safety initiative. But different branches or departments post it in various formats, from tiny squares to links that get buried. 

This inconsistency not only dilutes your impact and potentially confuses viewers, but it misses an opportunity to build a strong visual brand that resonates with your community.

The Fix:

• "Vertical Video First" Rule: Make vertical video the standard for public outreach on your main account, ensuring optimal display on mobile devices where most people consume social media.
• Branding Guidelines: Provide simple guidelines on using your logo, fonts, and even color palettes in video content. This creates a cohesive look across all your social channels.
• Templates: Offer user-friendly video templates (available in many editing apps) for staff to quickly create polished, on-brand content.

Accessibility = Inclusive Reach. How Can We Improve?

Accessibility isn't just a legal requirement, it's about creating a welcoming online space for all members of your community. 

But reminding every staff member or busy department about alt-text on images or avoiding tiny fonts in those event flyers can feel overwhelming.

The Fix:

• "Visuals Cheat Sheet": Create a one-page resource with high-contrast color combinations, accessible fonts, and reminders about alt-text.
• Accessibility Training: Integrate basic accessibility principles into your social media training for staff.
• "Explain Like I'm Five" Guides: For complex initiatives or policy announcements, provide options for plain-language summaries alongside official documents to boost understanding.

Key Takeaway: Little Changes, Big Impact

Implementing these small shifts offers huge benefits. A unified approach builds a strong communication culture throughout your organization. When everyone's on the same page, it saves time and energy for busy PIOs and overworked staff. 

A consistent voice strengthens your brand recognition and builds trust with your community, ensuring those critical announcements aren't ignored.

Focusing your efforts on the social platforms with the highest ROI for your agency will streamline your efforts even further. And it's not just about consistency, it's about consistent engagement!

External studies and our own research show a clear link between regular posting, user interaction, and message impact.

Goodsides: Your Partner for Amplified Impact

This is where a video production partner like Goodsides comes in. We understand your unique challenges. 

What do we provide besides cinematic production?

• Strategic Communication Plans: Tailored strategies and guidelines that unify your messaging across platforms.
• Training Workshops: Empower your staff with best practices for social media, video production basics, and visual design.
• Compelling Short Content Creation: From short explainer videos to event coverage compilations, we make your vision for a shorter video a reality.
• Data-Driven Results: We track metrics, so you can see the clear impact of streamlined communication on your reach and engagement.

Think of us as an extension of your team, helping you navigate this ever-changing social media landscape. 

With Goodsides on your side, you'll spend less time firefighting and more time celebrating the wins that come from reaching your target audience effectively.

You'll also be able to use various Goodsides-produced video files in your new archive that can be transformed into shorter formats like the one above.

FAQs for Social Sector Communication

Q: Which social media platforms are best for reaching my local community?

Consider factors like your target audience's demographics, platforms like Nextdoor for hyperlocal engagement, and content style (video vs. image-focused). Research which platforms are most popular in your area.

Q: How can we handle social media during a crisis?

Learn from examples like the Government of British Columbia who have mastered unified communication during emergencies for immediate and effective information dispersal. (SMM Dashboard). Consistency and a centralized voice are key to building trust!

Q: Can we measure the success of our social media efforts?

Absolutely! Track metrics like reach, engagement (likes, shares, comments), and website traffic generated from social media. Tools like Google Analytics and platform-specific dashboards provide valuable insights.

Q: What are the first steps to integrating a unified communication strategy across multiple departments?

Start by conducting an audit of existing social media practices. Then, develop clear guidelines for branding, tone of voice, and content creation. Encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing across departments.

Q: How can we measure the qualitative impact of our social media outreach on public perception?

Utilize tools like social listening and sentiment analysis. Track comments and conversations surrounding your organization online. Conduct surveys or focus groups to gather direct feedback from your community.

Call to Action

Ready to simplify your social media strategy with a unified message? Want to learn how values-driven campaigns like Ogilvy's "Proud Whopper" can inspire your own outreach in the public sector?

‍Let's chat about how Goodsides can help you create a cohesive and impactful online presence!