Feeling overwhelmed by email, web site and social media options? Join the club!
With the wild proliferation of online and email-based communication alternatives, it’s no wonder many of us are experiencing keyboard paralysis. Here are five principles I use to help clients develop simple, manageable communication strategies.
1. Clarify Your Objectives – Who are you trying to reach, and what do you want them to understand or do? Until you answer these questions, it is impossible to craft effective messages or choose the right media, because both depend on the audience.
2. Refresh Your Web Site – Regardless of what else you do, a strong web site is the foundation of your communication strategy. Everything else will either live there or drive people there. It has to be fresh, accessible and easy to update. No excuses.
3. Use the Tools Your Audiences Prefer – Email, newsletters, Twitter, Facebook and blogs will only be effective if the people you hope to reach choose to pay attention. Don’t make assumptions about how your key audiences want to be reached; ask them!
4. Choose Simple Systems – Once you’ve decided which tools to use, pick systems that are easy to use. If you can’t remember how to send a group email, you’ll put it off. If your website is frustrating to update, you’ll avoid it. Make things as easy as possible.
5. Make a Calendar – Once your systems are in place, set up a calendar of recurring tasks. The first week of each month, update your web site; the second, send email updates to targeted groups; and so on. Now you can relax, focus on one thing and do it well.
Communication feels overwhelming when there’s too much to do and we’re not sure what’s most important or where to begin. These five principles can make it simple and manageable. If you’d like help applying them to your situation, give me a call.
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