Developing and presenting cutting-edge information is a layered and complex process. Whether you’re reporting new findings or announcing your new company, the subtle nuances of effective communication can make or break your launch.
A well-rounded communications plan will help you tailor your message and reach the people who need to hear about your work, no matter how complex the research is. Our team at Thinkbuator Media is here to help you readily incorporate a stronger understanding of the communication essentials needed for a successful launch.
We have outlined six defining factors of a well-rounded communications plan. Thinkubator Media’s Communication Toolkit offers actionable guidance to help you and your team develop a message that is relatable and accessible to your intended audience. If you give yourself and your team at least 6 months to move through this communications toolkit, you will end up with a well-rounded and straightforward approach to reaching your audience.
Create a Production Timeline
The first step in creating a successful communications plan is establishing a steady production timeline. A production timeline is simply a tentative guideline to help you manage and maintain specific goals around brand development and marketing.
Your production timeline would include goals and strategies that you and your team hope to meet. You can use this timeline to track your progress and address any strategies that may or may not be working in your favor. The sooner you and your team work on this production timeline, the more streamlined your entire communications process will be.
Pinpoint Your Mission, Vision, and Values
Whether you work alone or on a team, defining a strong mission, vision, and values will keep you on track in your marketing campaign. Your mission statement details the purpose of your organization and is most effective when it’s short and sweet. Having a simple and understandable mission makes it easy for your audience, potential investors, and others to know where you stand.
Your vision statement helps your audience understand where you want to go, laying out your goals and inspiration. Your vision should align with your brand and its overall mission while highlighting the company’s long-term goals and aspirations.
Your values help others understand who you are as a brand, inside and out.
Developing Your Communication Goals
There are many ways to use your communication strategy to get the desired results for your brand. By setting attainable goals, you breathe life into your brand and its ability to grow and expand.
Some examples of communication goals include:
- Hiring staff.
- Building reputation before a raise.
- Creating a clear research message.
- Creating a message that resonates with an interdisciplinary team.
Your communication goals will likely change over time as you test and refine your strategies. By defining your company’s goals, you will have a much easier time developing your brand’s style and voice, along with your approach to your content and the services you offer.
Identifying Your Audience
Knowing who you want to reach can help you make your content attractive to the right people. If you’re trying to educate youth, you might want to use simpler language and concepts than if you’re targeting people 55+. If you’re aiming to educate seniors, you might not want all of your content to be on Instagram.
Identifying your audience will help you organize and present accurate and relatable information in areas where your desired audience will find it. By making your message accessible and easy to relate to, your audience will readily engage with your content.
Messaging
Once you’ve defined your target audience, developing your messaging and content style will come much easier.
There are a few key factors in creating an ideal messaging strategy, our Communications Toolkit outlines the elements you need to consider for successful outreach, such as your Big Idea, or highlighting what you want to be known for. Depending on where you intend to display your message, whether as a press release, a blog, or a social media post, you will write with this in mind.
Using a messaging guide as your guidepost, you can outline your content and copy to make your message clear, consistent, and concise.
The Art of Storytelling
Your story will be what stands out in people’s minds and appeals to your audience. Everyone has a unique story to tell. In a time of regular virtual vulnerability, a personal story makes your brand more relatable. When your audience knows who you are, it can be easier for them to trust your brand and stay loyal to your growth.
Conveying your story in a meaningful way will come naturally as you define what your ideal story is. Once you know what you want to say, expressing your authentic truth will be a breeze.
Check out our Communications Toolkit today to build out your communications strategy along with a special peek at some helpful bonus material to guide your successful brand launch!
