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Key takeaways
Running a community consultation on social media typically falls within the £1,500–£5,000 campaign band for a UK development or infrastructure project, plus local ad spend. Moderation of comments is the biggest variable, because consultations attract strong views. Plain language and clear data handling are essential.
- Campaign: usually £1,500–£5,000.
- Local ads reach residents who never follow you.
- Moderation is the biggest variable.
- Use plain language and clear privacy notices.
Running a consultation? Message us on WhatsApp for a costed plan.
Chat on WhatsApp →What does a social media consultation involve?
A social media consultation tells local people about a proposal and invites their views: posts and ads explaining plans, links to an online survey or events, replies to questions and moderation of comments. It supplements, not replaces, any formal consultation requirements.
What does it cost?
Content, ads and reporting usually fit the £1,500–£5,000 campaign band. Moderating comments at community rates of £40–£60 an hour can add significantly on contentious schemes. Local ads to postcodes around the site need a media budget.
- Content and ads plan: within campaign band.
- Moderation: £40–£60 an hour.
- Local media budget: separate.
- Feedback report: included or extra.
Tell us about the proposal on WhatsApp and we will discuss your requirements.
Chat on WhatsApp →What must a consultation get right?
Plain English, honest information about what can still change, accessible formats and a clear privacy notice for any survey data. Have a moderation policy that removes abuse but keeps critical views visible.
When is social media not enough?
Many residents, especially older people, are not active on social media. Combine it with leaflets, events and local press so every group can respond.
What does this look like in practice?
A pattern we see: consultation posts use technical planning language and attract confusion. Rewriting them as plain questions with simple visuals usually brings more useful feedback.
Consultation checklist
- Write in plain English.
- Target local postcodes with ads.
- Publish a moderation policy.
- Use a privacy notice for surveys.
- Combine with offline channels.
Next step
Write the three questions you most need residents to answer. Build every post around them.
Message us on WhatsApp for a consultation plan, or book a 30-minute consultation.
Chat on WhatsApp →Sources and further reading
- Writing to GOV.UK standards: writing guidelines · GOV.UK
- Lawful basis for processing personal data · Information Commissioner's Office
Frequently asked questions
Can social media be used for planning consultations?
Yes, as one channel alongside events, leaflets and any formal requirements. It reaches residents who would not attend events, especially through local ads.
How do you handle negative comments in a consultation?
Keep critical views visible and reply factually; remove only abuse, threats or personal data under a published moderation policy.
Does survey data from social media need a privacy notice?
Yes. Tell people who is collecting their views, why, how long data is kept and their rights under UK GDPR.
Written by
Global Bridge Labs (GBL) is a UK–Sri Lanka partner for social media, websites and BPO. Everything here comes from client delivery, not theory.
