Saving Money Using Social Media
As I'm writing this, people are opening their pay checks and feeling sick. It's not bad enough that everything is costing more but the government took a big bite out of your bring home. We avoided the cliff for now but I have a feeling it won't be long and we will be looking at it once again. Unless we all figure out how to save money. Saving Money using Social Media is something business have been doing for a while. I think the heads of governments can try to live like the rest of us and get creative about saving.
Just like businesses have been doing over the past few years, governments of all sizes, from the federal government on down, have got to figure out how to save money. And I'm here to tell you that one of the tools that might help them save money but improve their customer service is, you guessed it, social media!
If used well, social media has the possibility for saving local governments both time and money as they provide services to the public. And while those aren't the only reasons to use social media in government offices, they're pretty darn good right about now, wouldn't you say?
3 Ways Social Media Can Save Governments (and Businesses!) Money in 2013
1. Mailings:
Any mailings such as newsletters, parks and recreation department schedules, etc., that go out regularly to all residents could be offered in digital format. This saves postage, not to mention the costs associated with printing brochures and newsletters, and the staffing costs of getting the things mailed out.
2. Who Needs a Call Center?
By using Facebook and Twitter to receive and respond to citizen inquiries, the costs associated with a complex phone system requiring multiple inbound lines, not to mention the additional people needed to answer phones, could be avoided. And, an added bonus – interaction among citizens just might mean that their questions are answered correctly by their fellow residents, also decreasing staffing needs. Also – since most people are more likely to remember information in written form rather than when it's given out verbally over the phone, sending a link to provide an answer actually gives more information than a simple phone call might.
3. Boost Local Tourism!
Just like brands can boost sales by providing pretty pictures on, say, Facebook or Pinterest, local governments can use similar social media savvy strategies to encourage people to visit. Encourage interaction by residents by having them post pictures of their favorite recreation spots in your city or include quirky or fun facts about your city or town in quote graphics (one of the most shared kinds of content online).
No matter what 2013 brings from a budget perspective, it's definitely a great time to cash in on social media's ability to help you market more efficiently for less money!
Does your local government use social media? What's the best use you've seen? Leave a comment below!
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Sounds like a great idea to me!
Thanks Karen!
Our local chamber of commerce does not use social media. However, a neighboring county does. They do post pictures showcasing different tourist attractions in the local area. Pretty cool idea if you ask me.
These are great tips. I know I subscribe to newsletters in e-format whenever possible. I like that it makes for less clutter & I can easily find them on my computer when I am ready to read.
I love this! Governments could certainly take a lesson from business in how to interact with their customers/constituents. I like your point about citizens answering each others' questions too. It might even be a way to get people talking to their neighbors again!
Thanks Helena! I think so too! Appreciate you coming by to read my blog!
Thanks Helena! I think so too! Appreciate you coming by to read my blog!
Great use of Facebook and Twitter! We could use social media here in Canada for this as well!
I think all governments around the world could use it!
Interesting post Liz. My hunch is that it will probably be a while before local governments use social media as a standard way to connect with us. There are significant numbers in the general population just don't own or use a personal computer (let alone social media) and access is limited or non-existent for a good many others across the country. Practically every US city and state has a website now, so the basic structures are in place. But local governments today don't have the extra money to train staff to use Facebook and Twitter, or the resources to invest in reliable chat systems for customer service. It's a difficult situation that's going to take time, money and commitment to solve.
Not too hard to do that! I would give my time if it would save my tax dollars!
These are great points! Now if those in charge of government funds be willing to try something new!
Let’s hope so Wendy!
These money savers are awesome for work from home Moms, and others. New businesses don't always have a lot of extra cash so saving in these areas are a hidden blessing until they grow. Internet is awesome!
Great points Elizabeth! Social media is cost effective when compared to other communication alternatives as you mention above. The company Statista pulled data on social network use in the US and according to that data Facebook gets 167 million visitors per month, if you are wondering where your message will get attention you have to start by knowing where the people you are trying to communicate with are at and apparently by the numbers we know 167 million are on Facebook. Many people are crediting President Obama's win on his very well executed social media campaign, just mentioning that to make people realize the power of social media.
It is amazing the rise and the sheer number of people that are now using social media. I remember when I first stumbled on it and KNEW this was huge! Those are great stats huh?
Interesting mix of topics…
thanks Lorrie.
I agree there are always ways to save. Att he same time, the population is aging too. My 96 year old grandmother using email and Facebook is quite unique! Another relative is mine is easily confused by pressing so many numbers on the phone when you have to make choices. She definitely won't be going online any time soon.
well we socially savvy are the ones aging fast..;) LOL
It's interesting. I was having this same conversation with the editor of our local city newsletter. He does do a digital version but said there are still many who don't use computers (I know!), so they still send it through the mail also. I think eventually the world will become digital, but for now, there are still so many who are handicapped because they don't have access.
Well My husband was in the newsprint production business for 20 years.. That mill closed because the market and demand of news print is so low. Back when he started to work there we never thought the economy could effect the newspaper industry.. People bought newspaper in good times and bad. I tell him I’m sorry for putting him out of business once a week..;) The world is digital!