11 Mar It’s time to conduct a communications audit when…

It’s time to conduct a communications audit when…

For most people, the word “audit” is a negative term, creating mental images of government bureaucrats and grim-faced accountants. In the communications and marketing world, the concept is not nearly so dire. In fact, businesses and non-profits who want to succeed should embrace conducting a communications audit.

So, when should your non-profit or small business conduct a communications audit? Here are some starting points:

• When your board of directors can’t agree on what your organization’s message is, or should be;
• When you put together your publications and electronic communications from the past year and you can’t pinpoint a recurring message or singular graphic identity;
• When you aren’t sure you’re reaching your most important audiences;
• When you can’t name which audiences are most important;
• When your business isn’t growing or your non-profit is helping others as fast as you’d like;
• When, as a non-profit, you aren’t sure how best to reach the people you want to help;
• When, as a business, you’re not convinced you’re reaching potential customers.

If you are presented with any or all of these factors, or if you found yourself nodding in agreement as you read them, then it’s time to conduct a communications audit.

A communications audit will review your messaging, your marketing and communication vehicles and your target audiences through qualitative and quantitative research. A completed audit will hone sharper messaging and select communications and marketing options most suited to reach your audiences. It will provide you with a thorough assessment of your current situation, and a strategic plan to make changes for the better.

Need help with your audit? Give us a shout at (813) 865-3093.