Training forms a key part of organisational capability; how to build it into your team
Capability helps your team respond to rapid change or approach tasks outside of their skillset. And as seen within government communication, the biggest change in recent times has been the result of digital transformation and the communi...
5 Steps to integrate powerful storytelling into your communications strategy
‘Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world today.’ ~ Robert McKee Government Communication is no longer just about sharing programs, projects or policies; it’s about presenting them through story. When we th...
The changing landscape of social media for government communication
2018 has been a theatrical year for social media leading to a lot of debates around data collection and distribution, anti-fake news measures and algorithms changing what audiences see. So how can we increase government engagement? As go...
How to create your customer empathy map
You may have heard the term ‘customer empathy map’ and thought it was simply marketing jargon or private sector speak. And that’s understandable because it’s still a young concept in the public sector. In short, it’s a tool usi...
The definitive guide to creative writing: how to create compelling content
Creative writing can be a powerful tool for communication. Think about what content you remember best; is it an article full of dry facts? Or is it a social media or blog post that was thought-provoking and informative? When writing gove...
Thinking outside of the box to find your target market
The key to effective communication is to ensure your message reaches your desired audience of influence. But if you’re not reaching that audience it is a waste of resources. And it isn’t uncommon. At contentgroup we often hear from o...
Social Media & Government: How to manage it successfully
With over two thirds of Australians checking social media daily, it’s no secret that social media is an important tool for the government to connect with citizens. But when managed incorrectly it’s a lost opportunity. We help a numbe...
How generating public value is key to transforming government communications
When it comes to improving political governance and government communications, the age of excuses may finally be over. There is a very real and positive shift taking place thanks to governments recognising that solutions arise from bette...
The Ultimate 10 Step Content Creation Checklist for Government Communications
Your website is one of the first places people will look for information about your government department or agency. It represents who you are, what you value and gives insight into what you can offer to your audience. Recently, we condu...
Four Step Guide for Government Communicators to Effectively Engage Citizens
“Everything that we’ve designed within the framework is anchored in the research, and into what we heard when we’re listening to people.” – Damian Carmichael, Department of Industry, Innovation and Science In 2015, Australia joined...
The Digital News Report: Australia 2018 in review
One of the great perks of working in government communications here in Canberra is access to the latest innovations and research on the Australian media and communications landscape. Recently some of our team attended the launch of Unive...
Strengths in local government communication
In May 2018, contentgroup presented at the Local Government Communication Professionals Summit in Melbourne alongside Neryl East Communications. Held annually, the event assists local governments and councils to approach their communicat...
Public participation in the digital age
Public participation is a core principle in contemporary politics and policy used to involve people and communities in problem solving and decision-making discussions. The result of doing so is producing a product (e.g. infrastructure, e...
Trust at the beating heart of communications
More than ever, government and the public sector must commit to building trust with citizens. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. For communication between government and citizens to be successful, there is one ingredient th...
OPINION: Can AI be innovative?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and innovation Today, we’ll jump straight in with a question. Here it is: will artificial intelligence really reach a point where a machine can out-think us? Realistically, yes. The Future of Humanity Insti...
Creating digital personas of your government audience
Personas are semi-fictional representations of your ideal audience based on research and data. Personas can help government departments improve the way they create content and interact with their audience in a way that solves genuine pro...
Four media skills that comms professionals need
“When I first started working in journalism, I was given the advice to write for my 12-year-old cousin. If they don’t understand what you have written, start again.” – David Pembroke, CEO & Founder At contentgroup, a big portion ...
Blockbuster vs Netflix: the case for quality content over quantity
How good is Netflix? All your favourites in one spot; documentaries, drama, TV shows and big blockbuster movies old and new as well as high-quality original content. Oh, and it’s cheap; $14 a month, better than shelling out per DVD or ...
Preparing for effective measurement and evaluation
“Do measurement, would you! Measure! Just measure already!!” your boss cries. “I need effective measurement and evaluation now!!?” Shudder shudder. One of the most feared phrases in the communications industry, “doing” measuremen...
Forget the door, break a window: how to speak to your niche audience
Chances are, if you’re using influencer marketing to market to your niche market, the audience you’re marketing to know that you’re using influencer marketing. Makes sense right? And that’s OK. We’ve said it before; rather than ...