Marketing, Communications and Media Strategies
We can develop a comprehensive marketing strategy for your organization, including online engagement and fund raising, or a more focused communications strategy that encompasses advertising, media and special events. We can also create a targeted media strategy, including a compelling message platform, designed to generate coverage for a specific project, campaign or event.
e-Strategy
Reach the audience you seek on their home turf. MAKE WAVES starts where you are and works with you to develop a plan to improve and expand your online presence. Refine your message, raise more money online, educate people and engage them in your cause. We help you develop an overall e-strategy or work on specific projects. Speed up the time from idea to website through content management; enrich your individual relationships through eCRM; become a thought leader on your issue through blogging, podcasting and video; reach a broad audience through your e-newsletter. We help you build capacity within your organization so you can keep your e-strategy rolling long after we’re gone.
Message Development
Effective communication is a two-way street. Make Waves develops message platforms based not only on what your organization wants to say, but on what your target audience is likely to hear. We assess the external operating environment and your organization’s position within it. Then we craft messages designed to resonate with the values of your audience and maximize your organizational strengths relative to the media marketplace.
Strategy Implementation
We apply proven media advocacy and social marketing techniques to help our clients achieve genuine impact. And we always include measurement indicators so we can realistically assess the impact of our work. Whether you want to move key issues forward on the public agenda, get attention for a new idea or event, or influence target audiences to adopt new behaviors and attitudes, we’ll help you move beyond just making noise so you can make waves.
Writing and Editorial Services
We research, write and edit speeches, scripts, op-eds, media materials and Web copy. We also manage publishing projects and will assemble a creative team to take your annual report, newsletter or marketing collateral from conception through completion.
Training and Coaching
The Make Waves team gives priority to building capacity within our client organizations. We offer training in a full range of communications skills, including spokesperson training for CEOs and communications staff, message development and media advocacy techniques for staff and volunteers, online communications, and management training for those who lead in-house communications departments. We also offer one-on-one coaching for nonprofit communicators who are new to the field or who want to refresh their personal “toolkits” with knowledge of the latest technologies, techniques and measurement strategies.
Crisis Communications
Make Waves will evaluate your organization’s vulnerabilities to negative media attention, make specific recommendations for action in the event of such a situation, prepare position statements on likely topics of contention and develop a written plan for implementation should a crisis occur. We have deep experience in crisis management and can be available to direct crisis communications activities on site and serve as your organization’s spokesperson for the duration of the crisis event.
Earned Income Assessment
Could your nonprofit be generating income by selling products or services that are related to your mission? Let Make Waves conduct an assessment of your program and business operations to find out. We’ll analyze your organization to assess its potential for earning income and, as appropriate, identify specific activities to pilot. We can also help you implement an earned income initiative and provide ongoing strategic counsel to maximize its effectiveness.
Design and Video
Make Waves will assemble a design or video team and supervise their work on behalf of your organization. Through our strategic partners, we provide a full range of graphics, design and video services, including the creation of logos, Web sites, print and electronic publications and video presentations.