Sharing Your Consultation: Publishing and Access

Overview

This guide covers how to publish your consultation, share it with participants, and manage access. Learn about preview links, sharing options, and making your consultation live.


Accessing Share Settings

Navigate to Project → [Your Consultation] → Share to access all sharing and publishing options.


Preview links allow you to share your consultation with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders before it's published. Preview links:


  • Provide temporary access to unpublished consultations
  • Allow review and feedback before going live
  • Don't require the consultation to be published
  • Can be revoked or expire

  1. Go to Share page
  2. Find the Preview link section
  3. Click to generate a preview link
  4. Copy the link
  5. Share with reviewers

Using Preview Links

  • Share Securely: Only share with trusted reviewers
  • Set Expectations: Explain it's a preview, not the final version
  • Gather Feedback: Use preview to get input before publishing
  • Test Thoroughly: Use preview to test all features

  • Preview links can typically be regenerated
  • Old links may expire or be revoked
  • Generate new links as needed
  • Monitor who has access

Publishing Your Consultation

Before Publishing

Complete these steps before publishing:


  • Consultation title and description are complete
  • Banner image is uploaded (if desired)
  • Areas are set up and configured
  • Forms are configured (if using)
  • Content is reviewed and correct
  • Preview has been tested
  • Dates are set correctly
  • All customisations are complete

Publishing Steps

  1. Go to Share page
  2. Review the Share your campaign section
  3. Click Publish Campaign button
  4. Confirm the action
  5. Wait for confirmation message
  6. Your consultation is now live

After Publishing

Once published:

  • Consultation is accessible via share links
  • Participants can access and interact
  • Responses can be collected
  • Consultation appears in public views (if applicable)
  • Embed codes become active

Publishing Requirements

Some consultations may have requirements:

  • Subscription Level: Certain features may require specific subscription
  • Limits: Check if you've reached publishing limits
  • Permissions: Ensure you have permission to publish
  • Configuration: All required settings must be complete

Unpublishing

When to Unpublish

You may want to unpublish:


  • Consultation period has ended
  • Need to make significant changes
  • Temporary pause in engagement
  • Consultation is complete

How to Unpublish

  1. Go to Share page
  2. Click Unpublish Campaign button
  3. Confirm the action
  4. Consultation is no longer publicly accessible

After Unpublishing

  • Consultation is no longer accessible via public links
  • Existing responses are preserved
  • You can republish later if needed
  • Preview links may still work (depending on configuration)

Share links are the URLs participants use to access your consultation. These links:


  • Work once consultation is published
  • Can be shared via email, social media, print, etc.
  • Are the primary way participants access consultations
  • Can be customised or shortened in some cases

  1. Go to Share page
  2. Find the Share Links section
  3. Copy the consultation URL
  4. Share as needed

Using Share Links

Email:

  • Include in email newsletters
  • Send to mailing lists
  • Add to email signatures

Social Media:

  • Post on social media platforms
  • Include in social media campaigns
  • Share in relevant groups

Print Materials:

  • Add to leaflets and flyers
  • Include in posters
  • Print on consultation materials

Website:

  • Link from your website
  • Add to project pages
  • Include in news articles

  • Test Links: Always test links before sharing widely
  • Clear Context: Provide context when sharing links
  • Call to Action: Encourage participation
  • Deadline Reminder: Include consultation end date

Embed Code

What is Embed Code?

Embed code allows you to embed your consultation directly on your website:


  • Consultation appears within your website
  • No need for participants to leave your site
  • Seamless integration
  • Responsive design

Getting Embed Code

  1. Go to Share page
  2. Find the Embed Code section
  3. Copy the embed code
  4. Use in your website

Using Embed Code

  1. Access your website's HTML editor
  2. Paste the embed code where you want the consultation
  3. Save and publish your webpage
  4. Consultation will appear embedded

Embed Code Notes

  • Only Works When Published: Embed code only functions after publishing
  • Responsive: Typically responsive to different screen sizes
  • Customisation: May have limited customisation options
  • Browser Compatibility: Test in different browsers

Copying Embed Code

  • Click copy button (if available)
  • Or manually select and copy the code
  • Ensure you copy the complete code
  • Paste exactly as provided

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