The Local Government Association has launched an online resource for council staff to access guidance on using social media.
The body has worked with communications agency to launch Digital Councils, aimed at officers and councillors with varying level of existing skills.
The LGA says the website will be updated regularly to reflect emerging work and trends, and will carry a range of case studies to spread good practice.
David Sparks, chairman of the LGA, said: “Many councils have already got to grips with social media and are using it to communicate with their residents about things like bin collections, weather warnings and road closures.
“Digital Councils will give council communications teams help and advice as they discuss how to develop their social media presence. Councillors and councils are working at different speeds and this resource will provide a hub so we can work with everyone and learn from each other.”
All elements of social media from Twitter to building a digital strategy are covered, along with a mythbuster section and a hints and tips page.
The hub also includes a council social media handles and accounts on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube as well as blogs and other social media platforms.
Matt Bowsher, chief officer of adult social care at Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, is quoted in one of the case studies as saying: “With the scale of the challenge that faces us we need to find ways of finding good stuff and ask questions. At its best Twitter can be a coalition of the willing.
“A source of great ideas and constructive challenge; it is of course also free! At its best it can be a tremendous resource but it can at times also be a source of considerable negativity.”
