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15 Communication Plan Templates for Professional Use (2025)

Written by Orana Velarde
Published at Apr 04, 2025
15 Communication Plan Templates for Professional Use (2025)

Communication plans can help you deliver information timely and effectively to stakeholders in various situations — from a PR crisis to a new product launch. They are excellent tools to share with your team and prepare them to communicate properly in any given situation.

If you're intimidated by the idea of creating a communication plan from scratch, it's okay. You can simply use a pre-designed communication plan template to speed up the process.

We've put together a list of 15 professional communication plan examples for various use cases.

The best part?

You can edit these communication plan templates online and download them or share them with your team.

Here's a short selection of easy-to-edit Communication plan templates you can edit, share and download with Visme. View more below:

Just choose the category from the list below that best describes your needs and start designing a successful communication strategy.

Before you start scrolling, here’s a video on how to create attractive documents with Visme to get your creative juices flowing.

 

Table of Contents

 

What Is a Communication Plan?

A communication plan is a blueprint for sharing information within your organization or team. This document outlines who needs to be informed and when to loop them in, what channels to use and when, how often updates should be shared, and who’s responsible for delivering key messages from each channel.

This 19-page corporate communications strategy is an excellent example of a well-drafted plan. It begins with a brief introduction, goals, principles, key objectives and key strategies. Then there's a deeper dive into the core details, including:

  • Who they are talking to
  • What they are talking about
  • When and why they are talking to their community
  • How they communicate
  • Methods of communication (advertising, publications, newsletters, web/online (internal and external), opinion surveys and more)
  • Review and monitoring

A good strategic communication plan should give your team clarity on which tools to use, when to use them, and who to reach out to for different needs. Without one, you might have a team member asking important questions on a platform that no one else checks regularly.

Instead of getting quick answers and moving forward, they end up stuck, frustrated, and out of sync with the rest of the team. Worse, if no one knows who’s responsible for different channels, they might escalate a simple question to the wrong person, like an executive who isn’t equipped to respond. What starts as a small miscommunication can quickly spiral into frustration, wasted time, and stalled progress.

 

What’s Included in a Communication Plan?

While all communication plans improve information flow, the details typically vary depending on what it's used for.

For example, a crisis communication plan streamlines information dissemination during emergency situations. But a project communication plan lays out how project details and progress reports are communicated.

Regardless of what your communication plan is designed to address, here are the key ingredients it should include:

  • Objectives and Goals: What is the main purpose of the communication plan? Is it to ensure transparency, improve collaboration, manage stakeholder expectations, or provide timely updates?
  • Target Audience: Who needs to receive updates? Are they internal team members, external stakeholders, clients, or specific departments? Understanding the audience ensures messages are relevant and reach the right people.
  • Key Messages: What critical information needs to be conveyed? Are there specific updates, project milestones, or challenges that must be communicated? Structuring key messages helps maintain clarity and consistency.
  • Communication Channels: What platforms and tools will be used for communication? (e.g., email, instant messaging, video conferencing, project management tools). When should each channel be used? Which tools are best for formal versus informal communication?
  • Communication Frequency: How often will updates be shared? Will there be daily, weekly, or monthly updates? What type of information requires immediate action versus scheduled reports?
  • Roles and Responsibilities: Who is responsible for sending out specific types of communication? Who are the key recipients, and how should they respond? How should urgent communications be escalated to the appropriate stakeholders?
  • Timeline and Deadlines: When should key updates be communicated? Are there specific project milestones, deadlines, or decision points that require communication at a certain time?
  • Feedback Mechanism: How will feedback be collected and addressed? Will there be surveys, check-ins, or open forums for team members to share concerns and ask questions? Establishing a feedback loop ensures communication is effective and responsive.
  • Escalation Procedures: What is the process if communication breaks down or urgent matters arise? Who should be contacted first, and what steps should be followed to resolve issues quickly and efficiently?
  • Approval Processes: Who needs to approve certain types of communication before they are shared? Are there guidelines to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with organizational messaging?

 

What Shouldn’t Be Included in a Communication Plan?

While a communication plan is essential for structuring information flow, there are some elements it should not include:

  • Marketing or public relations strategies: A communication plan is not a substitute for a PR or social media strategy. Focus on communication logistics, not marketing outreach.
  • Sensitive or confidential information: Avoid including passwords, credit card details, or other personal or confidential data that could compromise security.
  • Personal opinions and biases:  Refrain from expressing personal opinions or displaying biases toward individual stakeholders or team members.
  • Excessive project details: A communication plan should focus on how information is communicated, not on the specifics of the project, which should be covered in a separate project plan or roadmap.
  • Jargons and complex language: Use clear, concise language that’s easily understood by the intended audience. Avoid using terms that might confuse or alienate your team.
  • Speculative or unverified information: Stick to facts and avoid including speculative or unverified information that could lead to confusion or damage credibility.
  • Stereotypes and generalizations: Avoid making unqualified and sweeping generalizations or using stereotypes that could harm team dynamics or misrepresent people.
  • Vague goals and objectives: A communication plan that’s poorly thought out or lacks structure will likely fail to achieve its objectives. Ensure your messages and goals are clear and well-defined.
  • Unclear expectations:  Without clear expectations outlined, the plan becomes ineffective. Be sure to specify who is responsible for what and when things need to happen.

 

How to Write a Communications Plan

A solid communication plan is about making sure the right people get the right information at the right time—without drowning in unnecessary meetings or endless email threads.

Here’s how to build one that actually works:

1. Define the Goal and Audience

Before jumping into tools and schedules, ask yourself: Why does this communication plan exist? Are you trying to improve internal communication? Keep stakeholders informed? Reduce back-and-forth confusion? Your goal will shape the entire plan.

Once you’ve nailed down the purpose, figure out who needs to be information. Communication isn’t one-size-fits-all.

A communication plan for a five-person startup looks very different from one for a multinational company. The IT team doesn’t need the same level of detail as the executive team. Clients don’t need every behind-the-scenes update. If you blast the same message to everyone, half your audience will tune out.

Here are key questions to answer in this step:

  • Who needs to be informed? (Employees, executives, clients, partners?)
  • What do they need to know? (High-level updates or step-by-step details?)
  • What’s the best way to reach them? (Email, Slack, town hall meetings?)

2. Choose the Right Tools and Timing

Not every message deserves an email. Not every question needs a meeting. A good communication plan clarifies which tools to use and when. Otherwise, you end up with people sending urgent messages in Slack threads that get buried or sharing sensitive updates in public channels.

For example, you might decide to use:

  • Instant messaging (Slack, Teams, WhatsApp): For quick updates, informal check-ins, and brainstorming.
  • Email: Best for detailed messages, formal approvals, and documentation.
  • Project management tools (Trello, Asana, Monday.com): Ideal for tracking progress, deadlines, and assigning tasks.
  •  Meetings and calls: Necessary for major decisions, team alignment, and sensitive discussions—but should be used sparingly.

Setting expectations around response times matters as much. If employees feel like they have to be available 24/7 just to keep up, something’s wrong.

Define what’s truly urgent versus what can wait. That way, people aren’t glued to their notifications, constantly wondering if they’re missing something important.

 

3. Outline What to Include

A communication plan should be structured, but not overcomplicated. The goal isn’t to create a 50-page document no one reads—it’s to make sure everyone knows what needs to be shared, who is responsible, and how urgent messages are handled.

At a minimum, your plan should outline key updates, message owners, and escalation processes. If something urgent comes up, what’s the protocol?:

  • What needs to be communicated? (Project updates, milestones, risks, approvals)
  • Who is responsible? (Who sends the message? Who needs to receive it?)
  • What happens if a project runs into delays?
  • How are urgent messages handled? (Escalation process)
  • How will confidential information be protected? (Security protocols)

Without these clear guidelines, small missteps turn into major roadblocks.

And let’s be clear about what doesn’t belong in a communication plan. Don’t clutter it with unnecessary jargon or bloated approval processes that slow things down. Avoid speculative information or vague language that leaves people guessing. And for the love of clarity, keep it simple.

Imagine a team managing a big event. Instead of endless email chains and last-minute texts, they define everything upfront:

  • Weekly progress updates go out on Mondays.
  • Urgent issues are flagged in a dedicated Slack channel.
  • Final decisions need approval from the event lead.

That way, no one has to ask, “Hey, did you see my email?” or “Who’s handling this?” because it’s all mapped out from the start.

4. Allocate Resources to Put the Plan into Action

Creating a communication plan is only half the battle; the real work begins when you put it into action.

To make sure your plan is executed well, you need to allocate the right budget and the right people to the process.

This means setting aside funds for the tools you’ll need—whether that’s paid communication platforms, graphic design software, or subscription services for email marketing. Don’t forget to factor in costs for ongoing activities, such as producing content, running ads, or handling external communications with stakeholders.

Besides the budget, you need the right team members. Who will be responsible for executing the plan on a day-to-day basis? Whether it's a communication coordinator, a project manager, or an entire team, you need people who are skilled in handling the different aspects of communication.

Assign clear roles for who manages content creation, who’s in charge of approvals, and who’ll be responsible for distributing information to stakeholders.

 

 

 

5. Use Templates to Keep Things Consistent

Templates are like cheat sheets. They give you a framework so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel each time.

Think about it: if your team is required to send out weekly updates, it’s easy to fall into the trap of overcomplicating things or forgetting important points. By using a pre-designed template, you can focus on tailoring the plan to suit your specific needs and goals. Just quickly fill in the details and you’re good to go.

Crisis communications expert Leeza Hoyt mentions the importance of using communication templates in her article for Forbes:

“A delayed response can create a vacuum, giving rise to speculation and rumors that may undermine the organization’s reputation and credibility. Such a situation can also erode stakeholder trust and confidence, resulting in the loss of customers, clients and investors. To avoid this, developing communications templates for the most-likely scenarios will save time and provide structure when it's needed the most.”

You don’t have to create your plan from scratch. We’ve got 15 communication plan templates designed to give you a creative head start. In the next section, you’ll find templates for various scenarios, whether you’re planning for internal communication, client updates, or even crisis management plan.

 

6. Build in a Feedback Loop

Setting clear metrics for evaluation should be the first step in building your feedback loop.

How will you measure the success of your communication plan? Whether it’s tracking the open rates of emails, the speed of response on a communication platform, or stakeholder satisfaction with project updates, defining these metrics upfront helps you understand what success looks like.

Once you have your metrics in place, regularly fine-tune your plan. What works today might not work six months from now, especially as teams grow, tools change and new challenges arise.

Encourage feedback from your team and other stakeholders. After gathering data and feedback, don’t just let the insights sit there. Track what’s effective and what’s causing frustration.

If employees feel overwhelmed by too many updates, streamline things. If a specific tool isn’t working, switch it up. Noticing delays in the delivery of updates? Adjust your communication frequency or simplify your approval process.

Let’s say you notice employees ignore long email updates but respond quickly to short Slack messages. Instead of sticking to the old way, they adapt—using Slack for day-to-day updates and reserving emails for major announcements. The result? Better engagement, faster responses and less communication overload.

 

15 Communication Plan Templates

 

Template #1: Strategic Communication Plan

Strategic communication plans are essential documents that corporations, organizations and companies use to maintain stable and constant communication with their audiences. Below is an example of a communication plan template you can use to streamline communication.

Create your own Communication Plan with this easy-to-edit template!Edit and Download

This sleek strategic communication plan uses contrasting desaturation with bright colors to bring attention to the content. The placeholder sections in the table of contents include:

  • Executive Summary
  • Objectives
  • Situational Analysis
  • Demographics

Adding your content is easy as all you have to do is copy and paste into the template and adjust as needed. If you want to add pages with a type of graph or more text content, just duplicate a page. Use the same colors as the rest of the design to have a balanced look and feel.

And if you’re short on time, you can use the Visme AI document generator to generate your communication plans or any other document in a matter of seconds. Just type in your prompt, provide a bit more context, select your preferred design and watch the tool produce your first draft in seconds.

Check out how the AI document generator tool works.

Create beautiful and professional documents and reports in seconds!Sign up. It’s free

 

Template #2: Crisis Communication Plan

Every startup, company or enterprise is bound to have a moment of crisis to deal with. It could be an unhappy customer or a global pandemic. For that reason, you need a crisis communication plan to specify actionable practices in any crisis.

Create your own Communication Plan with this easy-to-edit template!Edit and Download

With crisis communication plan templates like this one, all involved parties have access to the necessary information so they can respond quickly.

Crisis communications expert Leeza Hoyt mentions the importance of using communication templates in her article for Forbes:

“A delayed response can create a vacuum, giving rise to speculation and rumors that may undermine the organization’s reputation and credibility. Such a situation can also erode stakeholder trust and confidence, resulting in the loss of customers, clients and investors. To avoid this, developing communications templates for the most-likely scenarios will save time and provide structure when it's needed the most.”

The template above has several ready-made pages and sections to get you started, including:

  • Crisis Communication Policy
  • Crisis Command Center Team
  • CCC Activation Hierarchy
  • Media Liaison

To personalize your brand’s communication plan, simply change the colors and fonts using your Brand Kit. If you need more pages for more key messaging sections, it’s easy to duplicate the pre-designed pages and add your content.

You’ll need to adjust the layout a bit, so the pages don’t look the same. Change the image background for another and customize the text boxes and icons to match your content.

 

Template #3: IT Communication Plan

Here’s another great example of a communication plan. Share your project ideas and future goals effectively with our easy-to-use IT communication plan template. It's designed to help you choose the right communication channels and strategies for your IT projects.

IT Communication Plan
IT Communication Plan
IT Communication Plan
IT Communication Plan
IT Communication Plan
Create your own Communication Plan with this easy-to-edit template. Edit and Download

The communication template has a bold dark and red design theme that sets a powerful visual tone. With eye-catching visuals and straightforward layouts, this template makes it simple to present your project proposals, timelines, and resource allocation.

Collaborating with your team becomes a seamless experience, ensuring that your message is conveyed accurately and efficiently to all stakeholders.

Upgrade your project communication with this attention-grabbing dark and red-themed IT communication plan template, and make a lasting impression while conveying your ideas and goals with impact.

 

Template #4: Project Management Communication Plan

Is your team working on a project together and you need to keep everything in check and on track? Are you looking for a way to let everyone know what needs to be done and when?

This project management communication plan sample is just what you need as the basis of your action plan.

Create your own Communication Plan with this easy-to-edit template!Edit and Download

Be clear and direct about what needs to be done, by whom and when. Putting it all in this project management communication framework template is going to create transparency within your team.

Your job as a project manager is to make sure everything is taken care of correctly and on time. When you use project communication plan templates like this one, your success rates go up.

Use the table of contents in this project management plan to outline all necessary information and key messaging. Explain how and when deliverables are to be expected and who are the key stakeholders in the process.

Link to collaboration channels and give instructions on how to use them best. Give instructions on how to name files and where everything is stored in the cloud.Use the Visme workflow tool to assign and manage each task, set deadlines and review and approve projects—all within your workspace.

 

Template #5: Internal Communication Plan

Working on a project together takes careful planning. A project manager needs to ensure that everyone knows what’s expected of them and who to contact about different things. That's where an internal communication strategy comes in play.

This internal communications strategy template is just what you need to keep the team on track.

Create your own Communication Plan with this easy-to-edit template!Edit and Download

Our professionally designed internal communication plan is easy to use and customize with your content. The sections are separated as follows:

  • Goals
  • Stakeholders
  • Implementation
  • Team Involved

If you plan to share your communication plan as a digital PDF, add links to the respective pages. This way, the reader can navigate to their desired content from the table of contents.

Use the timeline feature in the implementation section to visually schedule the tasks for the project. If you need to make the timeline longer, simply duplicate the page. Customize the colors and fonts for your brand using your Brand Kit.

Here’s what Optum’s internal communication team has to say about using Visme for content creation:

“Visme has everything you need to create something cool. From data analysis to a demo video, everything is all in one place. It allows people of varying design skills to create professional work that’s engaging and within brand guidelines.”

 

Template #6: Event Communication Plan

Simplify the process of planning, organizing, and executing your events with our outstanding event communication plan template.

This complete communication strategy template comes equipped with step-by-step instructions, enabling you to seamlessly coordinate crucial event particulars, create detailed timelines, and ensure your guests are well-informed, all within a single platform.

Event Communication Plan
Event Communication Plan
Event Communication Plan
Event Communication Plan
Event Communication Plan
Create your own Communication Plan with this easy-to-edit template. Edit and Download

Featuring captivating visuals, contemporary fonts, and customizable color schemes, this template not only enhances the functionality of your event communication plan. The rich blend of serene blues, pristine whites, and vibrant pinks also adds an aesthetic touch that will leave a lasting impression.

Add flipbook effects so readers can interact with the document as if they are reading a book. Make event planning a breeze while keeping everything visually appealing with this versatile template.

 

Template #7: Simple Communication Plan

Communications planning doesn’t always need to be complicated. A simple communication plan will do the job for any small project. All you need for effective communication is the key messaging and the relevant links to the preferred communication channels.

Create your own Communication Plan with this easy-to-edit template!Edit and Download

This corporate communication plan template is simple and keeps things to only two pages. It effectively uses icons, progress bars and a table format to visualize possible situations of crisis and the appropriate response to each situation.

You can remove the cover page and download your communication plan as a single-page infographic. Or you can add more pages to turn it into a more comprehensive document.

 

Template #8: Change Management Communication Plan

If you’ve ever had to change something inside a company, you know how difficult it can be to do it seamlessly. Change can be about a piece of software, a physical working location, a process or system.

A change management communication plan will help everyone involved in the transition by making sure they’re all on the same page.

Communications expert Jaime Cohen offers advice on how to effectively communicate change to your employees:

Develop a clear narrative that explains the 'why' behind the change. Your people need to understand the business context, market pressures, and opportunities that drive the restructuring. Be transparent about challenges while painting a compelling vision of the future.
Jaime Cohen

Communications Expert

This change management communication plan designed by our Visme designers uses placeholder content for a change in CRM.

Create your own Communication Plan with this easy-to-edit template!Edit and Download

The sections apply to any type of change and are:

  • Summary: What is changing and why?
  • Stakeholders: Who is involved in the change and how?
  • Phases: How will the change take place with the help of a timeline?

This is the perfect communication plan template to help your team change something seamlessly without affecting other aspects of your work.

When working on your plan, use Visme’s shortcut tool to easily find anything you want in the editor. Simply type forward slash (/) on your keyboard and search bar will appear. Type in a keyword to easily find design assets, tools and features in the Visme editor.

 

Template #9: Stakeholder Communication Plan

Having many stakeholders aiming for the same goal requires good organization and planning. Make sure everyone’s on board with this stakeholder communication plan example.

Create your own Communication Plan with this easy-to-edit template!Edit and Download

This professionally designed template offers all the pages you need to organize the information for your stakeholders. Share everything they need to know about your company, the goals, objectives, changes, projections and more.

Plus, share all relevant information like the dates for team meetings, a project roadmap, and the manager’s phone number.

If you need more pages than the template provides, simply duplicate and add your content in text boxes. Also, maintain a visual balance in the general look-and-feel of the page.

To keep the communication plan easy to read and understand, link to longer content with popups or external hyperlinks. Make sure to share the finished communication plan as a digital PDF file.

 

Template #10: Donor Communication Plan

A well-planned donor communication strategy is essential to the success of any fundraising campaign. With our user-friendly template, you can impress your donors and streamline your fundraising efforts. This comprehensive tool includes easy-to-follow sections for outlining your donor engagement strategy, establishing effective communication channels and tracking the progress of your campaigns.

Donor Communication Plan
Donor Communication Plan
Donor Communication Plan
Donor Communication Plan
Donor Communication Plan
Create your own Communication Plan with this easy-to-edit template. Edit and Download

Our template features engaging graphics and icons, sleek fonts, and customizable colors that not only make it visually appealing but also allow you to tailor it to your organization's unique branding.

Every part of this template is customizable. With Visme’s intuitive editor, you can change colors, fonts and more to fit your branding. Elevate your fundraising endeavors and make a lasting impression on your valued supporters with this visually captivating and user-friendly template.

 

Template #11: School Communication Plan

Ensuring that all communication levels are clear and concise within a school setting can be difficult without a communication plan. That's because precise instructions and direction are often essential for teachers, staff, parents and managerial positions.

Create your own Communication Plan with this easy-to-edit template!Edit and Download

Our school communication plan sample was created especially for you by our Visme designers. The three main sections cover communication strategies at three different levels:

  • Academic Communication
  • Staff Communication
  • School-Wide Communication

Customize the tables with your school colors and input your specific information into the cells. Make your communication plan interactive by adding links to the correct communication channels for direct messaging and virtual or in-person meetings, and then share it online.

 

Template #12: Emergency Communication Plan

An effective emergency communication plan is vital for ensuring the safety and well-being of your team members. When a disaster strikes, a well-structured and thorough plan can ensure swift, coordinated responses and minimize risks.

Emergency Communication Plan
Emergency Communication Plan
Emergency Communication Plan
Emergency Communication Plan
Emergency Communication Plan
Create your own Communication Plan with this easy-to-edit template. Edit and Download

Prepare your organization for emergency situations by sharing proven methods and solutions with this invaluable template. This stunning and user-friendly template simplifies the process, allowing you to outline essential procedures, contact information, and crucial resources. It provides indispensable guidance to your personnel in times of crisis, ensuring they are well-prepared and can respond effectively when needed most.

What makes this template shine are the striking images, visuals and design elements. In Visme’s library, you’ll find tons of visuals and design assets to communicate your ideas. Feel free to swap the template color theme to match your branding.

Need help writing or proofreading content for your plan? Visme’s AI writer is your handy assistant. All you need to do is write an accurate prompt that reflects your need and watch the magic happen.

 

Template #13: Marketing Communication Plan

Marketing and social media campaigns are successful when everyone involved knows what their part is in the process and what their tasks are. Setting every team member up with the information they need to reach a common goal is the primary purpose of this marketing communication plan.

Create your own Communication Plan with this easy-to-edit template!Edit and Download

This marketing communication plan example has a colorful, modern feel. Circles form a big part of the visual layout, making the content easier to digest and more interesting to look at.

In this marketing communication plan template, there are four sections for your key messaging:

The SWOT analysis page is a practical guide to see where your project has weaknesses and what strengths will pull it through. On the last page, you’ll find a timeline to help keep every team member on track of their tasks and in what timeframe.

Easily customize the template to match your brand by using your Brand Kit. Share the template with team members to get feedback and collaborate on the final design. Track how many people have viewed or taken action on your plan using our analytics feature.

 

Template #14: Product Launch Communication Plan

When launching a new product, it’s good practice to work as a team. The best way to make sure all the pre-launch tasks are taken care of is to create a product launch communication plan.

Create your own Communication Plan with this easy-to-edit template!Edit and Download

In the six pages of this attractive product launch communication plan, you can lay out all the steps for your product’s pre and post-launch activities.

Use the timeline page to explain in detail what needs to happen. Specify which communication teams take care of what tasks, like the press release and influencer outreach emails.

Use hyperlinks to more in-depth content for specific teams and don’t forget to share the links to relevant communication platforms.

Use the sections set up for you in the template or create your own. Your key messaging will probably be similar to this but it’s easy to personalize or add more.

  • Launch Phases
  • Pre-Launch Activities
  • Launch Day
  • Post-Launch Follow Up

Make sure to include the steps for recording post-launch metrics, as these are just as important as the ones done pre-launch. Plus, measurable insights can help with other product launch projects in the future.

 

Template #15: Diversity and Inclusion Communication Plan

Achieving diversity and inclusion in the workplace requires a clear and comprehensive communication plan. A plan will serve as a strategic framework to promote diversity and inclusion initiatives across your organization.

Remember to pair your DEI commitments with realistic, measurable goals. As Matt Horwood, Director of Communications at Open for Business, says:

Diversity and Inclusion Communication Plan
Diversity and Inclusion Communication Plan
Diversity and Inclusion Communication Plan
Diversity and Inclusion Communication Plan
Diversity and Inclusion Communication Plan
Create your own Communication Plan with this easy-to-edit template. Edit and Download

This remarkable, fully customizable template is your compass for systematically advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within your organization. The template has a clean and creative design layout with high-quality images and graphics that add visual excitement.

The eye-catching images are carefully selected to support your narrative and enhance the overall aesthetic of your plan. With its captivating design, you can effortlessly engage your entire workforce, presenting your vision, initiatives, and progress with impact and clarity.

There are multiple options for sharing your plan with stakeholders. You can share it online with a link or embed it on your website or landing page. Alternatively, you can download it in multiple formats.

 

Communications Plan Best Practices

1. Align Communications with Organizational Goals

Every communication decision you make should tie back to your organization's big-picture goals. Whether you’re sharing internal updates or communicating with external stakeholders, always ask yourself: How does this align with our mission and objectives? This helps ensure that each message drives toward a shared vision, rather than being just a series of disconnected tasks.

2. Utilize Data-Driven Audience Insights

Your audience is unique, and so should be your messaging. Leverage data-driven insights to tailor your communication strategy.

By analyzing past communication performance and audience behavior, you can segment your audience effectively and craft messages that resonate. Do your customers respond better to email, text, or social media posts? Are they more likely to engage with visuals, or do they prefer written content? Use tools like surveys, analytics, and engagement tracking to fine-tune your approach.

3. Ensure Message Clarity and Consistency

Clarity and consistency are key when it comes to effective communication.

Keep your messages simple, clear, and jargon-free. Repetition of key messages across different platforms will help reinforce the intended takeaways, ensuring that your audience doesn’t miss important information.

For example, if you're announcing a new product, you want to mention its features, benefits, and availability across all channels, using a consistent tone and style.

4. Adopt a Multi-Channel Communication Strategy

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to communication.

People consume content through various channels—email, social media, in-app notifications, and more. A multi-channel strategy allows you to meet your audience where they are, increasing the chances that they’ll engage with your message.

But remember, while using multiple channels, each message should be tailored to fit the medium. The message on Twitter might need to be shorter and punchier, while an email may go into more detail.

As marketing expert Lauren Kersanske mentions in her article for Crayon:

“When you communicate to your target audience, you tailor your messaging depending on the nature of the content as well as who you’re communicating to. Conversely, internal communication often gets a one-size-fits-all approach—send a company-wide email, share a quick announcement at a company meeting, and the work is “done.” Why aren’t we treating our communication approaches in the same way? When it comes to product launches, your external and internal communications should both be tailored to your target audience – externally, your customer segments, and internally, each of your key stakeholders."

 

5. Implement Continuous Feedback and Optimization

Your communication plan should never be static. Implementing a feedback loop ensures you're constantly optimizing your approach. Regularly assess how your messages are being received and adjust accordingly. 

Whether you’re gathering feedback through surveys, analyzing engagement metrics, or simply having conversations with your team, continuously improving your communication strategy will keep it fresh and effective. 

Don’t be afraid to tweak your plan as you go—what works today might need adjustment tomorrow.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are you still weighing your options about creating a communication plan? Hopefully, the templates on this list inspired you to take a look and give them a try.

But you might still need a little help deciding if this is a suitable document for what you need. That’s why we’ve put together the most common questions asked about communications plans.

A communication plan is a strategic document that shares coordinated, consistent and directed messaging for achieving a specific goal, such as managing a PR crisis or successfully launching a new product.

A communication plan can be printed, sent via email as a PDF or shared as a live online link. A well-structured and effective communication plan is the single most crucial factor of project management in any industry and for every use case. Be sure to add a press release to the mix to have a well-rounded communication plan.

The primary purpose of a communication plan is to deliver consistent information about a shared goal. It keeps everyone on the team on the same page about what needs to be done, how and when.

A communication plan solves many problems that teams usually face when there’s no clear direction for everyone involved. With a clear communication plan, everything is explained in detail and easy to follow.

All communication needs are laid out in detailed sections covering topics from goals and objectives to timelines and schedules. A communication plan brings together all the communication channels into one single document. From there, team members can spread out through relevant links and supplementary documents.

Every communication plan example is different, just how every project is different. But what remains the same across the majority of communication plans is the relevant and strategic information.

A standard communication plan includes sections like:

  • Short and long-term goals for the project.
  • A set of key messages to be explained in detail, separated into sections.
  • Strategies for communication, both in-house and outbound.
  • Details about the people involved in the project.
  • A schedule and timeline for specific events, deadlines and reporting.
  • Further communication methods.
  • Specific instructions about your company’s communication process.
  • Strategies for measuring success.

Apart from the list above, a communication plan must also include details pertinent to the specific project. If there are folders or systems that people need to access for the project’s success, list them and explain how to use them.

The first step in communication planning is to define the goals you and your team want to achieve. Outline both short and long-term goals so it’s easier to plan the project as pieces of a whole.

Following the goals, set the objectives. Explain how you plan to achieve these with the help of timelines, schedules, and tables. Include a list of involved stakeholders and links to further means of collaboration.

A communication plan’s specific key messages will depend on what you want to achieve and who your target audience is. Your key messages are the most essential communication points for any particular project.

For example, let’s say you’re creating a communication plan for a product launch. The key messages would cover;

  • The goals and objectives of the product launch.
  • The reason and story about why this product was created and what problem it solves for people.
  • A timeline of pre-launch activities including who will be contacted for outreach and what information will be shared with them.
  • What messaging and visual strategies to use for social media and advertising.

An excellent way to make sure all key messaging is clear is to add each one as an item in the Table of Contents.

If you want to create a communication plan that makes an impact, use Visme! Our professionally designed communication plan templates will look amazing with your content and be super easy to customize.

With a Visme communication plan, you can include data visualizations using data from a Microsoft Excel sheet. In fact, if you’ve been creating project communication plans in an Excel spreadsheet, it’s time to upgrade your communication efforts!

Knock your team out of their seats with your impactful communication plan!

Head over to Visme’s professional document creator and look through the template library, or click on any of the communication plan template buttons in the list above.

Writing a communication plan is in two phases:

Phase 1:

  • Audit Your Existing Communication Plan: Before you put pen to paper, do a situational analysis of communications in your company. The goal is to identify gaps, problem areas and opportunities for improvement.
  • Set SMART Goals: Based on the audit results, highlight SMART goals you want to achieve with your communications plan. An example of a SMART communication goal would be to improve client response time to complaints from six hours to three hours within the next 2 months.
  • Identify Your Target Audience: Are you working with media outlets, customers, partners, investors, employees, customers or the government? Understand who your intended audience is. Consider their demographics, interests, needs, and communication preferences. This will help you tailor your messages and select appropriate channels.

Phase 2:

  • Outline and write your plan: Your communication plan should include sections like:
    • Short and long-term goals for the project.
    • A set of key messages to be explained in detail, separated into sections.
    • Communication methods, both in-house and outbound.
    • Team members responsible for delivering communication
    • A schedule and timeline for specific events, deadlines and reporting.
    • Escalation plan
    • Communication channels
    • Specific instructions about your company’s communication process.
    • Strategies for measuring success.
  • Choose appropriate and effective channels: Consider using a combination of channels such as email, meetings, presentations, the intranet, newsletters, social media, or face-to-face interactions. Adapt your channels based on the nature of the message and the preferences of your audience.
  • Assign responsibilities: Determine who will be responsible for executing different aspects of the communication plan. Assign roles and responsibilities to team members or stakeholders involved in the process. Clearly define each person’s tasks and deliverables.
  • Set a timeline for execution: It’s important to have a rough estimate of the time required for each step in implementing your strategy. For example, if your plan involves sharing information from top-level management to employees, it’s wise to consider the duration it will take to go through the chain of command.
  • Regularly review and assess your communication plan’s performance: Evaluate the effectiveness of your messages, channels, and activities. Identify areas for improvement and make adjustments accordingly.

When it comes to communication planning, here are some tips to ensure effective and successful communication:

  • Define clear objectives and identify the target audience: Whether it’s providing information, generating buy-in, or addressing concerns, having clear objectives will guide your communication strategy. Understanding who your target audience is will help you tailor your communications to their needs, interests, and preferences.
  • Be consistent and transparent: Maintain consistency in your messaging across different channels and ensure transparency throughout the change process. Share relevant information, progress updates, and any challenges or risks involved. This helps build trust and credibility with your audience.
  • Engage leaders and influencers: Leverage the support of influential leaders and stakeholders within the organization. Engage them early on and involve them in the planning process to help drive change and promote a culture of open communication.
  • Establish a feedback loop: Create channels for employees to share their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. Actively listen and respond to feedback to build trust and engagement.
  • Evaluate and Adapt: Gather feedback, track engagement, and assess whether your communication objectives are being met. Use the insights gained to adapt and refine your communication plan as needed.

To effectively use communication plan templates, follow these steps:

Choose a suitable template: Select a communication plan template that aligns with your specific needs and goals. Visme has a comprehensive library of templates that provide a comprehensive structure and include sections relevant to your project or initiative.

Gather relevant information: Collect the necessary information to complete each section of the template.

This may include objectives, target audience details, key messages, communication channels, timelines, budgets, and evaluation methods. Refer to existing documentation, conduct research, and consult with stakeholders as needed to gather accurate and relevant information.

Customize the template: Tailor the template to fit your specific requirements.

  • With Visme’s intuitive editor, you can easily modify section headings, add or remove sections as needed, and adapt the content to align with your project or organization.
  • Customize the visual elements of the template to match your branding or style guidelines by adding your logo, adjusting colors, and modifying fonts.
  • Access a rich library of images, videos and design assets to make your plan visually appealing.
  • Automatically generate and incorporate captivating images, art, and graphics into your plan using Visme’s AI image generator.

Share and collaborate: Share the completed communication plan with relevant team members and stakeholders using Visme’s collaboration features. Encourage them to provide feedback, input, and suggestions for improvement.

Implement and monitor: Implement the communication plan and monitor the progress and effectiveness of your communication efforts. Make adjustments as needed based on feedback, data, and changing circumstances.

 

Design Your Own Communication Plan Online

Creating a communication plan is easy when you have practical and inspiring templates to guide you. To get started with designing your communication plan, simply choose the template that best fits your vision and input your content.

If you're new to Visme, use one of the free templates and adjust the content accordingly. That said, you’d be surprised at what you can do with a premium Visme subscription.

With a premium subscription, not only will you get access to premium templates and graphic assets, you'll also be able to create any type of visual — from documents and presentations to infographics, charts, surveys, social media graphics and more.

You'll also be able to download your designs in multiple formats, from image to PDF to HTML5, work in collaboration with your team, create a Brand Kit and much more.

Ready to get started? Sign up for a free Visme account today and create a great-looking, comprehensive communication plan to share with your team.

Written by Orana Velarde

Orana has been a writer for Visme since 2018, covering topics like design, visual marketing, data visualization and visual content creation. Orana has a background in graphic and web design, makeup artistry for film and theater and ongoingly takes courses on digital marketing, UI/UX and other related topics. See Orana’s work at www.oranavelarde.com.

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