There are routine tasks that tend to pile up on communications professionals’ to-do lists throughout the year. As more pressing issues emerge – which has happened constantly in recent months – these tasks understandably get pushed aside.
But there is great value in maintaining the core components of your communications strategies. When I learned to drive and was responsible for my own car, my dad always stressed how crucial routine maintenance was (sound familiar, anyone?). The same is true for your organization. Upkeep is important and can help you avoid future headaches.
As 2021 gets into full swing, here are some quick tasks you can accomplish to tidy up your organization’s communications for the year ahead:
1. Revisit your key messages and elevator speech. Is there anything you need to change to reflect new priorities or goals?
2. Verify and update the key facts, figures, and statistics that you use in your messaging.
3. Give your website a once-over. Is there outdated information or language that needs a refresh?
4. Google your organization and see what pops up. Are you happy with the results? If not, develop a plan to improve your Google performance.
5. Update the bio and “about” sections on your social media pages.
6. Audit your photo and video assets to determine if you need fresh visuals.
7. Clean up your media list and other distribution lists.
8. Review who you’re following on Twitter and LinkedIn. Add organizations or people that may be missing, like newly elected officials or reporters covering your industry, and unfollow accounts that are no longer relevant.
Crossing some of these tasks off will give you a strong foundation for your communications as we head into what promises to be another unpredictable year.