Communication Project Plan | 7 Steps & Meaning

The communication plan is the operational and structured translation of communication actions relating to a project. It constitutes the frame of reference for all project communications.

To develop it, you can use a 7-step method, based on the principle of the continuous improvement process. This is an iterative process: the communication plan follows the pace of the project, adapts, and evolves according to the needs of the project.

The 7 steps to establish a Communication Plan

The following paragraph provides a brief explanation of the different steps. At each step, you will also find the practical tools useful. These tools are all available on the internet if you're interested in each step.

Step 1: Take into account the context of the project

Step 2: Analyze the different target groups

Step 3: Determine the communication objectives

Step 4: Define which messages for which target groups

Step 5: Establish the action plan

Step 6: Follow up and adapt

Step 7: Assess and debrief

When should we build a communication plan?

As soon as possible: Once your organization begins planning goals and activities, you should also start planning ways to get them to the intended audience and beyond. This is because successful communication is an ongoing process, not a one-off event.

You should start announcing your organization as soon as it is ready to start activities, even if the scope of the activities is preliminary. You will find volunteers and participants knocking at your door as soon as more people know about you. In the event that you are planning a major event to launch the initiative or organization, it is important to start advertising for the initiative and event as soon as possible. You want people to attend, don't you?

If your organization has been around for a while, you may wish to renew public interest in it. A plan must be started to do so. What are the new goals of communication?

Are you looking for financing? If yes, is this not the right time to communicate the nature of your initiative and the achievements of your initiative to potential funding sources? The right format of exposure to the audience might actually be helpful in this case, right?

As mentioned, communication is not a one-time thing, but rather an ongoing organizational activity. If you do not have a plan, now is the time to create a plan and start using it, wherever you are in the life of your organization.