A media and communications plan can have many different elements depending on the objectives, target audience, time, resources and budget. The below covers some of the most widely used communications methods.
Media release
A media release is a good way to notify journalists about your work. The aim of a media release is that a journalist will pick up the story and write an article about it.
Before you write a media release make sure there is something newsworthy about it, such as an announcement about a new program.
Social media
Social media refers to platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn that let users create and share content and participate in an online dialogue with anyone else on the platform.
Social media can be a great way to communicate with people interested in your cause. It is fast, easy to use and can help build lots of interest and momentum.
Each platform has a unique style, language and etiquette. To make your content ring true for the platform, you should research the differences between platforms and conform to their protocols.
E-newsletters
An e-newsletter is usually called an electronic direct mail, eDM or just ‘newsletter’. The upside is it is a quick and easy way to communicate with a large group of people. The downside is that most people get a lot of email and cutting through the ‘noise’ can be difficult.
Events
Having an event can be a good way to engage with a very targeted audience and to celebrate an important achievement. However, events are generally expensive, time-consuming to organise and there are no guarantees that people will attend.
Here are some tips for producing a successful event:
- Be clear about your purpose and audience for the event – is the aim to raise awareness, advocate or gain support for your program or further work?
- Carefully consider who you will invite to speak at your event and include women as speakers, leaders and/or experts. Work towards shifting gender inequality by elevating women’s voices and experiences.
- Ensure that family violence and sexual assault support service information, such as www.1800respect.org.au, is available.
- Make sure the venue and presentation are accessible with disabled access, enough space for people who use wheelchairs, chairs for people who may prefer to sit, disabled toilets and an inclusive presentation style.