In today’s digital age, where communities thrive on social media, it’s essential for your council to be part of the conversation.
According to the ‘Digital Global Statshot 2024’ report, it's estimated that of the 66.3 million internet users in the UK, 56.2 million people actively use social media.
In other words, more than 7 out of 10 of your local residents use social media every day. It's therefore never been more important for parish and town councils to engage with their communities through social media.
Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok are an integral part of daily life. For parish and town councils of all shapes and sizes, these platforms are crucial communication pillar. As such it's important to remember that even if you personally don't engage or use social media it is an important tool for your council.
Why Social Media is Crucial for Councils
Social media platforms are regularly used by many town and parish councils to share news, promote events, and engage with residents and community stakeholders.
By incorporating social media into your council’s community engagement strategy, you can foster trust and enhance transparency with your residents. It is essential to approach social media strategically to maximise engagement.
Here are a few reasons why social media is important:
Community Engagement
Social media allows councils to directly engage with residents, answer questions, receive feedback, and involve them in decision-making. It creates a space for dialogue, making residents feel heard and valued, building a more connected community.
Promoting Local Events and Activities
Social media is an effective way to promote local events, activities, and initiatives, reaching a broad audience and encouraging greater participation. Councils can create event pages, share updates, and use features like countdowns to boost excitement and engagement.
Transparency and Authenticity
Councils can build trust by being transparent and authentic on social media, acknowledging both successes and challenges. By engaging honestly and responding with empathy, councils show accountability, making residents feel their voices are valued in decision-making and fostering a stronger sense of community.
Real-time Updates and Information Sharing
Social media offers a dynamic platform to deliver real-time updates, offer guidance, and help keep the community informed. Tools like Stories (temporary posts that appear at the top of users’ feeds) and interactive polls allow for quick communication, ensuring timely updates reach residents instantly.
Building Trust and Strengthening Reputation
An active social media presence shows your councils' commitment to the community. By engaging respectfully, addressing concerns, and showcasing initiatives, councils strengthen trust and improve their reputation.
Making it personable
Using video to show the faces behind the council helps humanise the authority, making it more approachable. This invites your community to develop a positive connection with your council fostering community spirit and encouraging participation in local activities.
Social media is a powerful tool for councils to connect with their communities. To discover how to use social media to strengthen relationships with residents and explore best practices, sign up for your free Council Hive trial today. With just one post, you can connect with your community!
How Council Hive can help you achieve an engaged community.
With self-paced learning from local council experts, virtual Lunchtime Webinars, Half-Day Masterclasses, practical resources, toolkits, and 1-2-1 advice, you’ll have everything you need to communicate with confidence and build stronger connections with your community.
Designed specifically for councils like yours, Council Hive gives you the tools, support, and expert guidance to save time and effort—helping you create a highly engaged and informed community.
Wherever you are on your engagement journey, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Council Hive equips councils with the tools and expert support needed to engage their communities effectively on social media. From self-paced learning and webinars to practical resources and 1-2-1 guidance, we help councils communicate with confidence, build trust, and stay compliant.
Sign up for your free trial at councilhive.co.uk and start strengthening your community connections today.