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3.2 Digital Media

Traditional media can no longer reach people quite like digital media. The group of potential customers that are found online is a much larger group of people than you are likely to be able to attract locally. Using digital media, you can reach an enormous audience in a way that is both cost-effective and measurable.

3.2.1 Social media

Social media platforms have become an integral part of our communications strategy. We recognise the opportunities that social media can deliver in terms of reputation enhancement, engaging with the public using their medium of choice, greater two-way dialogue, and the insights that social media can provide, and as an opportunity to reduce cost versus other communications channels.

We will exploit the penetration of social media in dealing with crisis communications, providing regular news updates on our digital channels to create a channel shift away from phone calls during busy periods. While operating and monitoring established Facebook, "x", and Instagram, we will examine the potential of other social media platforms.

Our social media targets for each of our pages are:

• to post on Facebook 1-3 times per week
• to post on 'X' as needed
• to post on Instagram 1-3 times per week
• to increase page likes and followers by posting regular and engaging content
• We are not a business so we do not need to increase sales, our social media will be used to increase our presence and engagement with the public
• We will continue to use social media management tools such as Meta Business Suite to monitor our own social media activity.

3.2.2 Website

We recognise the value of our website www.newquay.gov.uk as a source of information, as a point for customer transactions and as a low-cost alternative to face-to-face and telephone contact. We also have the Newquay Neighbourhood Plan website, which is frequently accessed by developers and the public www.newquayplan.org.

Our communications going forward will focus on:

Newquay Town Council – Office Policy/Procedure Document