DENTON, TX, May 28, 2025 – The City of Denton’s Marketing and Communications team has achieved significant recognition at a national level, bringing home two awards from the Government Media Social Media Association (GMSA). The wins, for ‘Best Brand Voice’ and ‘Best Paid Campaign,’ showcase Denton’s innovative approach to social media in the public sector.
The GMSA is a prominent organization that includes social media professionals from local, state, and federal government agencies across the United States. The association’s annual awards highlight outstanding achievements in communication strategies.
One of the awards, ‘Best Brand Voice,’ was given in recognition of Denton’s successful overhaul of its social media strategy. This transformation focused on creating a brand voice that is both friendly and witty, resonating with the unique vibe of Denton. By emphasizing the importance of building a community relationship rather than merely conducting transactional communications, the team has seen a notable increase in engagement on their platforms, with a 300% rise on Facebook and an impressive 1,286% increase on Instagram.
Kayla Herrod, Deputy Director of Marketing and Communications, notes, ‘At its core, social media is much more than a broadcast tool – it’s about building relationships. By blending humor, storytelling, and relatable, punchy copy with dynamic visuals, we’ve built a brand that residents don’t just follow but actually engage with.’ Herrod describes the social media persona as a true embodiment of Denton, merging edgy coolness and southern charm.
The second award, ‘Best Paid Campaign,’ was granted for the team’s outstanding work on the inaugural Denton Halloween campaign in 2024. The campaign turned downtown Denton into a ‘Halloween Town’ for the entire month of October, effectively drawing approximately 662,000 visitors. This initiative not only boosted local tourism but also contributed to Denton being officially designated as the ‘Halloween Capital of Texas’ by the state government.
These accolades highlight Denton’s commitment to innovative, community-centered communication strategies, setting a standard for other municipalities looking to enhance their social media presence and community engagement.