Checklist for campaigns
This breakdown provides a quick overview of aspects to consider and include when planning a communications campaign.
Objective
What are you trying to achieve? (e.g., increase survey responses, raise awareness, encourage attendance)
Audience
Who are you trying to reach? (residents, parish councillors, landowners, partners, press, funders)
Story or angle
What’s the one thing people should understand or do?
Plan your content
Story or angle
- What’s the hook that will engage people?
- Do you have a case study, quote, stat or image to bring it to life?
Core materials needed
- Media release
- Social media posts
- Website article or update
- Email/newsletter copy
- Short video or photos
Key facts ready
- Location
- Project purpose
- Dates/timelines
- Call to action
Choose your channels
Social media
- Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
- Local community groups or pages
Local partners
- Parish councils
- Housing associations
- District/borough councils
- Community groups
Website
- Dedicated campaign page or update
Offline options
- Print/broadcast coverage
- Noticeboards
- Events
- Leaflets/posters
Build a schedule
- Start date and end date
- Content plan (who posts what and when)
- Key campaign moments
- Launch
- Reminder posts
- Final call
- Follow‑up or results
Deliver the campaign
- Use clear, friendly, plain English
- Make messages local and relatable
- Include strong visuals (photos, video, graphics)
- Add a clear call to action every time
- Tag partners and use local hashtags
- Ensure all permissions/consents are in place
Monitor and engage
- Respond to questions or comments
- Share partner posts
- Re‑post content at different times to reach more people
Evaluate
What worked well?
- Engagement
- Reach
- Feedback
- Attendance
- Survey responses
- Media coverage
What could be improved next time?
- Timing
- Content mix
- Partner support
Capture quotes, stories or data
- Useful for future promotions and case studies
Comms and PR feedback and reporting template
Use this template when you’ve wrapped up a communications activity or campaign (e.g., Housing Needs Survey promotion, scheme launch, press release, social media push, event). It helps capture what worked, what didn’t and helps you understand what you can improve on next time. This can also be found as a download in the Downloads Hub.