Strategy and messaging give your communications direction. 

Organizations change. Messages evolve and communications priorities shift.

A shared message and plan help your team make decisions as new communications needs arise.

The engagement focuses on:

  • Messaging: A shared message for your organization
  • Priorities: Communications needs in order of importance
  • Plan: Recommended communications for the months ahead

How It Works

Four weeks from review to plan

1: Start with inquiry

Review current communications and talk with people who know the organization well.

2: Set the priorities

Identify the audiences and communications needs that should come first.

3: Develop the message

Create positioning and core messages your team can use consistently.

4: Build the plan

Turn the findings into a practical communications plan.

What You Receive

A message and plan guided by dignity, inquiry and plain language

  • Review of current communications and messaging

  • Audience priorities and guidance

  • Positioning and core messages

  • Messaging for priority audiences

  • Voice and language guidance

  • Recommendations for channels and content

  • Communications plan with recommended next steps

Your plan can guide communications across the organization.

Depending on your priorities, that may include:

  • Advocacy & Public Education
  • Donor & Supporter Communications
  • Multilingual & Multicultural Communications
  • Media Relations & Thought Leadership
  • Websites & Digital Communications
  • Marketing & Recruitment

Research, interviews, facilitation or message testing can be included when the assignment calls for them.

Four-week engagements start at $7,500

Why Hook

For nearly 20 years, Hook has helped nonprofits and foundations make complex ideas easier to understand. Our approach draws from journalism, communications strategy, plain language and dignity-first communication.

Hook developed an insightful assessment of our marketing foundation and messaging. Their process provided a concise and effective set of strategies and priorities — delivered in a matter of weeks. The value was substantial. I recommend it to any organization looking to project a bigger and more professional presence.

George Pastrana, Living Greens Farm 

FAQ

Does the engagement include a review of our current communications?

Yes, Hook reviews the materials most relevant to the assignment. The review looks at how messages are being used across the organization and where adjustments may be useful.

The scope is set at the beginning of the four-week engagement. It identifies the audiences, messages and communications priorities that will receive the most attention.

A small group of people who know the organization well usually participates. Others may be included when their perspective would be useful.

An existing strategic plan can provide useful context, but it isn’t required. Current goals and other organizational materials can also inform the engagement.

Your team leaves with messaging and a communications plan to put into practice. Hook can also help with implementation through a project or ongoing communications support.

What’s Next

Start with your message and plan

In four weeks, your team can have both in place.