A communication audit is a good first step in developing a strategy, and essential to helping an organisation identify its strengths and weaknesses of current internal and external communications.
We use a well-honed research process that includes analysing the reality of what happens once a communications strategy is implemented. We talk to staff, Board members, stakeholders including the media. The result is turned into a document to help inform management of future priorities and resource planning.
Our ten-step process begins with:
- Determining which areas are to be audited
- Choosing research methods
- Reviewing past communications
- Talking to stakeholders about their impressions of the communications, including graphic designs, messages and website
- Talking to the community about what they know about your organisation and their perceptions
- Talking to staff and volunteers about their opinions, what was effective, what future communications could be used
- Analysing media coverage, including social media
- Conducting a SWOT analysis
- Analysing the results
- Putting together a strategy and plan for the next phase.