the communications toolbox

Communications Planning:

The Communications

Toolbox

Who is James Howe?

How to

Choose

Factors in choosing your tools

• Be realistic about what you can do• Speed, ease and control of distribution• Complexity of the message & degree of

control• Set priorities based on how you can get the

best bang for your buck• Be open to new tools in the future that are

consistent with your plan/strategy

What

works best

(most of the time)

• News releases & media coverage

• Mail/e-mail• Newsletters• Website• Speaker’s Bureau

• e-newsletters• Blogs• Special Events• Annual Report• Social Media –

Facebook & Twitter

The Top 10

Overview of the

Toolbox

Print Materials• brochures/pamphlets

• posters

• newsletters

• annual report

Online Communications

Social Media Strategy

Online Strategy

Communications Strategy

Website

• website

• e-mail

• e-newsletters & e-promotions

• social mediaoblogs

• social mediaoFacebook

• social mediaoTwitter

• social mediaoYoutube/

Vimeo

Media relations

• news releases / media coverage• one-on-one interviews with the

media• meeting with editorial boards

• issue spokesperson• news conferences

• talk shows

• letters to the editor /opinion columns

Public Service Announcements -

PSAs• cable television and radio

may accept community PSAs

Community Relations

• public speakingo speaker’s bureau

Community Relations

• direct mail / admail• public meetings

• educational opportunities• mall displays

Organization/Corporate

Communications

• spokesperson• speeches

• special events• displays

• trade shows • special client-group meetings

• annual and other reports• annual meetings

Internal Communications

• meetings• newsletters (internal)

• e-mail• bulletin board messages• employee special events

Government Relations

• regular contact with key officials• add government officials /

offices to your mailing list• briefings/briefing documents

Paid

Advertising• print• radio

• television • outdoor

• transit ads• pay per click

• website banners

Where can you

learn more?James HoweBlog: communicateandhowe.com

Twitter: @communic8nhowe

Facebook: facebook.com/communicateandhowe

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/communicate-&-howe-

e-news: subscribe - communicateandhowe.com

james@communicateandhowe.com

519-589-9597