As a small town leader in Oregon, you're likely juggling multiple responsibilities with limited resources. While marketing your community might seem like a daunting task, social media offers an accessible and cost-effective way to showcase your town's unique charm and attract new businesses and residents. This guide will provide practical strategies to get you started on your social media journey.
Why Social Media Matters for Small Towns
Social media platforms allow you to:
Showcase your community's assets and events
Engage with current residents and businesses
Attract potential visitors, new residents, and businesses
Share important updates and information quicklyShowcase your community's assets and events
Getting Started: Choosing Your Platforms
For small towns, we recommend focusing on these three platforms:
Facebook: Ideal for community engagement and event promotion
Instagram: Perfect for showcasing your town's visual appeal
LinkedIn: Great for connecting with businesses and professionals
Start with one or two platforms and expand as you become more comfortable.
Creating Engaging Content
The key to social media success is sharing content that resonates with your audience. Here are some ideas:
Highlight Local Attractions
Post photos of scenic spots, historic buildings, or unique local businesses
Share brief histories or interesting facts about town landmarks
Create "Did You Know?" posts about your town's history or quirky features
Promote Community Events
Create event pages for local festivals, farmers markets, or town hall meetings
Share behind-the-scenes preparation photos to build excitement
Post recap photos and thank-you messages after events
Showcase Local Businesses
Feature a "Business of the Week" highlighting a local enterprise
Share updates on new businesses opening in town
Post about job openings at local companies
Community Spotlights
Profile local volunteers or community leaders
Share stories of residents making a difference
Highlight student achievements or school events
Engaging Local Businesses in Your Social Media Efforts
Local businesses can be powerful allies in your social media strategy:
Create a local business directory on your town's website and share it on social media
Encourage businesses to tag your town's account in their posts
Repost or share content from local businesses to your town's account
Organize social media cross-promotion events (e.g., a town-wide Instagram challenge)
Maintaining Consistent Posting with Limited Resources
Consistency is key in social media, but it doesn't have to be time-consuming:
Create a content calendar:
Plan your posts in advance, aiming for 3-5 posts per week
Use scheduling tools: Platforms like Facebook allow you to schedule posts in advance
Repurpose content: Turn one piece of content into multiple posts (e.g., photos from an event can be shared over several days)
Engage community members: Encourage residents to submit photos or content ideas
Set aside dedicated time: Block out 30 minutes a few times a week for social media management
Platform-Specific Tips
Create a town page, not a personal profile
Use the Events feature for community gatherings
Encourage residents to follow your page for important updates
Focus on high-quality, visually appealing images
Use relevant hashtags (e.g., #VisitOregon, #SmallTownCharm)
Create a unique hashtag for your town and encourage its use
Share economic development news and business opportunities
Connect with other municipal professionals and industry leaders
Post about your town's business-friendly initiatives or available commercial spaces
Getting Started: Your Action Plan
Choose one platform to start with (we recommend Facebook)
Set up your town's official page
Create a simple content calendar for the next month
Start with 2-3 posts per week, focusing on community highlights
Engage with followers by responding to comments and messages
Track your progress and adjust your strategy as needed
Remember, social media is just one piece of a comprehensive economic development and marketing strategy. While these tips will help you get started, developing a full-fledged plan tailored to your community's unique needs and goals requires expertise and resources.
At HSC, we specialize in creating customized economic development and marketing strategies for small to mid-sized Oregon communities. Our team can help you leverage your town's unique assets, engage your community, and attract new businesses and residents.
Ready to take your town's marketing and economic development efforts to the next level? Contact HSC today for a consultation on how we can help your community thrive.
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