Description

Building a communications strategy is one of those tasks that is easy to delay because the blank page gives you nothing to push against. This template gives you a structure to fill in rather than a framework to admire. It covers objectives, audiences, key messages, channels, and evaluation. Updated for 2025/26. Comes as an editable Word document and a PDF.

How to use this

Start with sections 2 and 3 (context and objectives) before anything else. If you cannot clearly articulate what you are trying to achieve and why, the rest of the template will not help much.

Section 1 (summary) is designed to be completed last, once the rest is done. It is the version you share with senior leaders who do not need the full detail.

Expect the first draft to take a few hours spread across several conversations with colleagues. That is normal. A strategy that took 20 minutes to write probably is not much use.

What’s included

• Editable Word document (.docx)
• PDF reference version

Who it’s for

Communications managers, directors, and freelance consultants who need to build or update a strategy. Particularly useful if you are starting from scratch, or if previous attempts have stalled because the blank page was too daunting.

Before you download

• This template gives you a structure, not the strategy itself. You will need to invest time thinking through each section to get real value from it.
• After downloading, you will find both files in your account.
• You are getting a licence to use this and adapt it for your own work. You cannot sell, redistribute, or share it with others.