At Purpose, we like to say that communications isn’t just a function of your organization - it is your organization. How you speak, show up, respond, and engage with the world shapes how your community, customers, funders, and partners see you. That’s why strategic communications is the first tool in our toolbox. But let’s break that down, because “strategic communications” can feel like an industry buzzword. So what does it actually mean?

Strategic Communications Is the Blueprint

If your organization were a house, strategic communications would be the architectural plan. It’s the intentional use of communication to move people toward a goal, whether that’s building awareness, deepening trust, or growing your reach. It’s about more than just sounding good. It’s about understanding who you are, where you’re going, and how to make sure every message you send helps you get there. When we step in, here’s what that often looks like:

• We start by listening. Deeply. We want to understand your mission, your journey, your team, and where you dream of going next.
• We build a clear communication plan. One that aligns with your mission and maps out how to engage your audience, when to speak up, what platforms and moments will have the most impact.
• We support your team every step of the way. From message development to media outreach, internal communications to press training. We're by your side every step of the way, like an in-house comms team but with a wider lens.
  

A Real-World Example

• Identify the most important stakeholders to reach.
• Develop messaging that connects emotionally and factually.
• Train your spokesperson to talk about the issue with confidence.
• Build a campaign timeline tied to your program milestones.
• Pitch reporters and outlets that can amplify your work to the right audiences.

The goal? To ensure your message doesn't just go out, it lands. It moves people.

What It Looks Like in Practice

While every organization's needs are different, here's a snapshot of what we might build together:

• A full-year communications roadmap with key moments, audiences, and goals mapped out, including your target audience, pitch ideas for reporter outreach, campaign slogans or thought leadership to pursue.
• A refreshed narrative and messaging framework that speaks to today’s climate and tomorrow’s ambitions.
• A rollout strategy for a new program, leadership change, or milestone anniversaries.
• Guidance on internal communications to ensure your team is just as informed and inspired as the public.
• Crisis communications planning to protect your brand and respond with clarity under pressure.

And along the way, we pull in tools from our digital marketing or brand management services.

Why It Matters

Your message is more than noise, it's a compass. In the vast sea of information, Strategic Communications is your sail and your anchor, keeping you steady while moving forward. Every email, interview, headline, and campaign becomes part of a story that's not only seen, but felt where it matters most. And that's where we come in. Not just to amplify your message, but to help you find the current that carries your truth and carry it to the hearts that area ready to listen.

In our next newsletter we’ll unpack Brand Management - and how it supports everything from reputation to recognition. Until then, if your organization is ready to move with more clarity and intention, let’s talk.