If you post about university on WhatsApp or social media as a consultant, label the post clearly as an ad, share plain information rather than hype, and make no claims about income, “free degrees” or guaranteed funding. Respect group rules, never share anyone else’s details, and move anyone who is interested to a private conversation.
Why do WhatsApp and social media need extra care?
Posts reach people you don’t know. They are public or semi-public, and they can be screenshotted and shared. A comment that sounds friendly in conversation can read like a promise in a post, which raises the stakes for anything you say about money, funding or places.
Student recruitment consultants introduce people who want to study to proper admissions support. Payment only follows when a genuine student enrols and stays on their course, and income isn’t guaranteed, so a post should never suggest that referrals are an easy or certain way to earn.
How do you show that you are paid?
Say it clearly and up front. The Advertising Standards Authority’s guidance on recognising ads on social media says that someone earning commission from a post is acting as an advertiser, so the post counts as advertising and must be obviously identifiable as an ad. It names “Ad” as an acceptable label and expects it to be prominent and up front, usually at the beginning. A label buried among hashtags at the end isn’t enough.
For example: “Ad: I’m a student recruitment consultant for Omega Partners, and I’m paid if someone I refer enrols and stays on their course.” The ASA also says that both the brand and the person posting are responsible for making ads identifiable, so it is worth getting right. This is general information, not legal advice.
How should you word a post?
Write it as information. Say, in your own words, what Omega Partners does: it helps adults apply to university and to Student Finance England, at no cost to the student. You might mention that many courses start with a foundation year for people without A-Levels, and that classes are usually about two days a week. Then invite anyone curious to message you privately.
A simple structure works well: the “Ad” label, one sentence on who you are, one on who the service is for, and an invitation to message you. Avoid urgency, countdowns and rows of emoji. Plain posts tend to attract people who are genuinely interested.
What should you never claim?
- Never claim anything about income, such as how much referrals can bring in, or that this could replace a job.
- Never use phrases such as “free degree”, “get paid to study” or “free money”.
- Never suggest that anyone is guaranteed a place or funding. The university makes every admissions decision and Student Finance England makes every funding decision.
Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans are loans, repaid through the tax system once income passes a threshold, and eligibility depends on residency, previous study and other rules. If someone asks about money in a comment, point them to our Student Finance guide and continue in a private message.
How do you handle other people’s details?
Never post other people’s details, photos or messages. That includes names, numbers, screenshots of chats and stories about someone’s circumstances, even without a name, if people in the group could work out who it is. Don’t tag anyone in a post about university unless they have asked you to. Our guide to getting consent before you refer someone covers what to do before you pass details on.
What about group rules and admins?
Read them first. Many community, school and workplace groups ban promotion, or ask you to check with an admin before posting anything that looks like an advert. If you are unsure, message the admin, ask, and accept the answer. A post removed from one group is minor. Being removed from a community you care about is not.
If you are in a group because of your job, such as a staff chat or a school parents’ group, think carefully about whether it is appropriate to post at all. Many employers have rules about this.
When should you move to a private conversation?
As soon as someone shows interest. A group is the wrong place to discuss anyone’s qualifications, money or circumstances. Reply with something short, such as “Thanks, I’ll message you”, and then ask what they are hoping for. From there, our checklist on who makes a good referral is a useful guide.
Consultants must never offer money, gifts or any other incentive to a student to apply or enrol, and must never refer someone who doesn’t genuinely intend to study and attend.
Frequently asked questions
Can I post in a group chat at all?
Only if the group allows it, and only as plain information with a clear “Ad” label. If the rules don’t mention promotion, ask an admin first.
What if someone comments that it sounds too good to be true?
Thank them, say what the role is and isn’t, and be honest that payment depends on a genuine student enrolling and staying on their course and isn’t guaranteed. A calm reply persuades more than a defensive one.
Should I post photos of students?
No, unless the student has clearly agreed and Omega Partners has confirmed what can be shared. Even then, keep their personal details out of it.
Can I share Omega’s rates in my posts?
Keep your posts about the service for students, not about what you earn. Anyone who wants to become a consultant can read the rates and terms on the vacancy page.
