Communications strategy

Effective communication requires effective strategy—it doesn’t just happen. It requires careful planning, goal setting and evaluation. An organisation may need a communications plan that sits next to its strategic business plan—as a tool for the whole organisation. Or it may need a communications plan for a particular project or program. A media strategy sometimes forms part of the overall communications strategy. They can be as big or small as you like—but they are always a living document, to be referred to, amended or added to.

To be effective, a coherent communications strategy requires:

• An objective or several objectives aligned with those of your organisation
• Concrete, achievable goals
• Articulated messages
• Operational constraints and imperatives
• Environmental conditions and risks, including audience
• A timeframe
• Tools, activities and channels
• Resources
• Evaluation measures and amendment processes

Ethos CRS staff have a wealth of experience in developing, following and evaluating communications strategies for government departments and agencies.

They can work with you to develop a communications strategy that takes your message to the right people, and ensures it’s heard using the right tools and timing.