In a bid to improve communication and engagement with residents, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has launched a WhatsApp channel, allowing residents to receive direct messages with service alerts, community announcements, updates, news, events, and information. This innovative move aims to make it easier for residents to stay informed and connected with the community.
Benefits of the WhatsApp Channel
The WhatsApp channel offers several benefits to residents, including:
1. Convenience: Residents can receive updates and information directly on their mobile devices, making it easy to stay informed on-the-go.
2. Easy Sharing: The WhatsApp channel allows residents to easily share information with their contacts, making it a convenient way to stay connected with the community.
3. Alternative Communication Channel: The council’s use of WhatsApp highlights the importance of exploring alternative communication channels to reach a wider audience, including those who may not use Facebook or other social media platforms.
4. Improved Engagement: The launch of the WhatsApp channel is part of the council’s efforts to improve the delivery of services and create more meaningful engagement with communities.
5. Increased Accessibility: The WhatsApp channel provides an additional way for residents to access information and services, making it more accessible to those who may not have access to other forms of communication.
6. Personalized Communication: The WhatsApp channel allows the council to send personalized messages to residents, tailoring the information to their specific needs and interests.
7. Real-Time Updates: The WhatsApp channel enables the council to send real-time updates and alerts, keeping residents informed about important events and changes.
Council’s Commitment to Improving Communication
Cllr Quesir Mahmood, the authority’s growth boss, emphasized the council’s commitment to improving communication with residents and partners. “We are always looking at how we can improve how we communicate with residents and partners by offering convenient and easy ways to engage with the local authority,” he said.
Growing Popularity of WhatsApp
WhatsApp, one of the world’s leading social media platforms, started off as an alternative to SMS when it launched in 2009. Today, more than two billion people use WhatsApp, and WhatsApp Channels is one of the latest features allowing users to keep up to date.
Why WhatsApp?
The council chose WhatsApp as its preferred platform for several reasons:
1. Widespread Adoption: WhatsApp is one of the most widely used social media platforms in the world, making it an ideal choice for reaching a large audience.
2. Ease of Use: WhatsApp is easy to use, even for those who are not tech-savvy, making it accessible to a wide range of residents.
3. Cost-Effective: WhatsApp is a cost-effective way for the council to communicate with residents, eliminating the need for expensive advertising campaigns.
4. Targeted Communication: WhatsApp allows the council to target specific groups of residents with tailored messages, increasing the effectiveness of its communication efforts.
Other Social Media Channels
Residents can also follow Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council on other social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. The council recognizes the importance of having a presence on multiple platforms to reach a wider audience.
Implementation and Rollout
The WhatsApp channel was launched after a thorough implementation and rollout process, which included:
1. Pilot Testing: The council conducted a pilot test of the WhatsApp channel to ensure that it was user-friendly and effective.
2. Staff Training: Council staff received training on how to use the WhatsApp channel and how to communicate effectively with residents.
3. Content Creation: The council created a content calendar to ensure that the channel was regularly updated with relevant and engaging content.
4. Promotion: The council promoted the WhatsApp channel through various channels, including social media, email, and local newspapers.
Conclusion
The launch of the WhatsApp channel is a significant step forward in the council’s efforts to improve communication and engagement with residents. By providing a convenient and easy way to stay informed, the council aims to build stronger relationships with the community and deliver better services. The WhatsApp channel is just one part of the council’s overall strategy to improve communication and engagement, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the way residents interact with the council.
Future Plans
The council plans to continue to develop and improve the WhatsApp channel, with plans to:
1. Expand Content: The council plans to expand the content on the WhatsApp channel to include more news, updates, and events.
2. Improve Engagement: The council plans to improve engagement on the WhatsApp channel by encouraging residents to share their thoughts and opinions.
3. Monitor and Evaluate: The council plans to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the WhatsApp channel, making adjustments as needed to ensure that it is meeting its goals.
By launching the WhatsApp channel, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is demonstrating its commitment to innovation and its willingness to adapt to the changing needs of its residents. As the channel continues to evolve, it is likely to play an increasingly important role in the council’s efforts to improve communication and engagement with the community.