Five (communications) things to review as you start the year

It’s the start of a new year—what better time for an audit? Regularly reviewing your communications ensures that they stay relevant, effective, and aligned with your core values. A review provides opportunities for growth, improvement, and the ability to adapt to the evolving needs and expectations of your audience.

Let’s break down five key areas to review:

1 | Mission and Vision Alignment

As a church, a Bible college, or a non-profit organisation, you have a mission and vision that guides your purpose and goals. Regular reviews ensure that your content and communications consistently reflect and reinforce these guiding principles.

Conduct a thorough audit of your existing content, including website copy, social media posts, and printed materials. Ensure that the messaging aligns with the core mission and vision of your organisation. If any content deviates, consider revising it to maintain consistency.

Bonus tip: Provide training to the staff and/or volunteers responsible for creating your content. Make sure they understand your organisation’s mission and vision, empowering them to communicate these values effectively in their respective roles.

2 | Audience Engagement and Feedback

Audience preferences, behaviours, and expectations evolve over time. Regular reviews will help you understand how well you are connecting with your community, and if any adjustments are needed.

Take the time to analyse data from various platforms to assess audience engagement. Look at metrics like website traffic, social media engagement, and email open rates. Identify patterns and trends to understand what types of content resonate most with your audience.

Consider implementing and encouraging feedback mechanisms, such as surveys, comment sections, or suggestion boxes—and then act on the feedback received to address concerns, incorporate suggestions, and demonstrate that your organisation values the input of its community.

3 | Content Calendar and Planning

Planning content in advance = maintaining a consistent and meaningful presence. Regular reviews will help your organisation stay organised, relevant, and responsive to changing priorities or events.

If you haven’t already, spend time developing a content calendar that aligns with key themes and events throughout the year. This could include holidays, special services, or educational initiatives. Thematic planning helps maintain relevance and keeps your content fresh and engaging.

Make sure you establish a consistent posting schedule for different communication channels. Whether it's weekly newsletters, daily social media updates, or monthly blog posts, consistency helps in building anticipation and keeping your audience informed.

4 | Technology and Communication Platforms

You don’t need us to tell you that technology evolves (quickly), and communication platforms change (also quickly). Regular reviews ensure that you are using the most effective tools and platforms to reach your specific audience.

Review your organisation's website for functionality, design, and content accuracy. Ensure that information such as service times, events, and contact details are up-to-date. Optimise the site for user-friendliness and mobile responsiveness.

Evaluate the performance of your communication platforms. Are your emails reaching inboxes? Is your social media strategy effective? Consider what needs updating or adjusting, so that you can improve your overall communication efficiency.

5 | Diversity and Inclusivity in Content

Christian communities are diverse, and inclusivity is crucial for fostering a welcoming environment. Regular reviews will help you assess how well your content reflects the diversity within your community.

Examine your content for representation across diverse demographics within your community. Ensure that images, stories, and examples reflect the variety of backgrounds and experiences present in your church or organisation.

Pay attention to the language used in your communications. Strive for inclusive language that embraces different perspectives and avoids unintentional exclusions. Foster an environment where everyone feels seen and valued, just as God values and includes us through Jesus.

Remember: these reviews are not one-time tasks, but ongoing processes. Regularly revisit these areas throughout the year to adapt to changes in your community, technology, and wider communication trends.

And if there’s anything we can help with, let us know!