This document discusses how local authorities can effectively use Facebook to engage with people. It recommends that organizations create Facebook pages rather than profiles or groups. Pages allow for more customization and flexibility than profiles or groups. They are also indexed by search engines like Google. The document also suggests using applications to extend an organization's reach on Facebook with more flexibility. Overall, it advises organizations to have a clear purpose and strategy for using Facebook and to communicate their online presence and goals.

1. Better engagement through
Facebook
How local authorities can
maintain an effective presence in
social networks

2. @davebriggs
d@vebrig.gs
www.davepress.net

6. Social networks 101

7. Focus on Facebook

9. Something changed…

11. Why have a presence?

13. Be where people are

14. What sort of presence?

15. a) as an organisation
b) projects and campaigns
c) as individuals

16. Types of presence

17. Profiles

18. T&Cs say only for real people
Not good for organisations
Maybe for individual officers
- perhaps dedicated ‘work’ profile

19. Groups

20. Best for causes and campaigns
Can message up to 5,000 members
Minimal customisation

21. Pages

22. More appropriate for orgs
More flexible
Indexed by Google
Can message all ‘fans’
No limits on numbers

23. Some numbers

24. (thanks, Liz)
http://bit.ly/lgfbdata

25. As of January 2009,
of 21 Council Facebook pages…

26. Average of 28 ‘fans’

27. Highest was Barnet with 199

28. Though well done Medway (97)

29. Lowest was 2
(and one of those was the person
who set it up)

30. Vocabulary is an issue

32. Profiles are for ‘friends’
Groups are for ‘members’
Pages are for ‘fans’

33. You really do need to market these
things
(talk to Mr Canning about it)

34. Other people will be talking about
your stuff and there is nothing you
can do about it

36. 2,051 members

37. Actually, there is something you
can do…

38. …listen

39. Another way

40. Applications

43. If it’s good enough for Gordon…

45. Much more flexibility
No emotional commitment
First step towards widgetisation

46. Summing up

47. Simon’s wrong
I’m right

48. But please, think about what you
are doing and why you are doing it

49. And tell people what you are
doing!