External communication

A company's external communications encompass all actions taken to communicate with an external audience.

When it comes to corporate communications, there are two opposing and complementary concepts: internal and external.

The first type of communication focuses solely on communication between different members of the organization (employees, management, etc.). It can take several forms, such as upward communication (from employees to management) or downward communication (from management to employees).

External communication, on the other hand, is oriented towards the outside. It goes in one direction only: from the company to an external audience.

It involves disseminating a message to consumers, prospects, customers, suppliers, potential investors, or even the company's partners. Press relations, for example, form an integral part of a company's external communications strategy.

Implementing an external communications strategy can thus meet a variety of objectives: making your brand known to consumers, attracting new customers, creating your own identity, standing out from competitors, improving your image, etc.

To do this, a business can rely on different marketing media or techniques, such as print or digital advertising, press releases, trade shows, and professional events.

To be effective, the company's external communications must be based on a number of points, such as the following:

• Analysis of the company's situation: this involves a diagnosis of its strengths and weaknesses.
• Choice of a clear position: this is necessary to assert your values and stand out from the competition
• Identification of precise objectives: these will determine the actions to be taken and the means to be employed.
• Identification of targets: they will receive the message and must therefore be precisely defined.
• Development of the message: this must be in line with both the targets and the objectives to be achieved.
• Choice of means: these are chosen according to the targets, the objectives, and the message to be delivered.

External communication is a key element for any company. It enables the company to build a strong image and position itself in the marketplace. It must therefore be carefully constructed and evolve in step with the expectations and habits of the company's target audience.