Internal vs. External Communications

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by Brian Cooney | Last Updated: Sep 5, 2022

Internal and External Communications are both important for businesses. Internal Communications are important for building employee morale and keeping everyone on the same page. External Communications are key for marketing and maintaining relationships with customers and others outside of the company. Let's take a closer look at which one accomplishes and how they have similarities and differences.

What is Internal Communications?

Internal communications refer to the sharing of information within an organization. This can take many forms, such as emails, company memos, or meetings. The goal of internal communications is to ensure that everyone in the organization is on the same page and that everyone has the information they need to do their job effectively. There are many different ways to handle internal communications, and the best way will vary from organization to organization. Some companies prefer to keep things informal, while others may have a more formal system in place. No matter your approach, it's important to ensure that your internal communications are clear and concise. Otherwise, you run the risk of confusion and misunderstanding among your employees. Internal communications can be tricky to master, but it's essential for any successful organization. By creating a clear and effective internal communications strategy, you can ensure that everyone in your company is on the same page and has the information they need to do their jobs effectively.

What are External Communications?

External communications refer to sharing information between an organization and those outside of it. This can include customers, suppliers, investors, media, and the general public. External communications aim to build and maintain relationships with these important groups. External communications can take many different forms, such as press releases, website content, or social media posts. No matter the form, it's important to ensure that your external communications are clear and concise. You want to make sure that you're providing accurate information and that you're representing your company in a positive light.   External communications can be a tricky thing to master, but it's essential for any successful organization. By creating a clear and effective external communications strategy, you can ensure that you're building and maintaining positive relationships with those outside of your company.

Internal vs External Communications

Now that we've looked at what internal and external communications are, let's take a closer look at the similarities and differences between the two. One of the biggest differences between internal and external communications is the audience. Internal communications are typically directed toward employees, while external communications are typically directed toward customers, suppliers, investors, media, and the general public. Another difference between the two is the goal. The goal of internal communications is to ensure that everyone in the organization is on the same page, while the goal of external communications is to build and maintain relationships with those outside of the company. Despite these differences, there are also many similarities between internal and external communications. Both require clear and concise communication and should be carefully planned and executed. Additionally, both play an important role in any successful organization. By understanding the similarities and differences between internal and external communications, you can ensure that you're using the right approach for your needs. By taking the time to create a clear and effective communications strategy, you can ensure that you're building positive relationships with those inside and outside of your company. What are some real-life examples of when to use internal vs. external communications? Some common examples of when internal communications would be used vs. external communications include: - Sharing company updates, announcements, or changes with employees (internal) - Press releases or statements sent to media outlets (external) - Marketing messages or campaigns targeting customers or clients (external) - Employee training materials or manuals (internal) In general, internal communications are typically used for messages that are meant for a company's employees, while external communications are geared towards those outside of the organization. This can include customers, clients, investors, media, etc. External communications are important for building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders who are not part of the company. This could include customers, suppliers, shareholders, and the media. On the other hand, internal communications are focused on building relationships and fostering communication between employees. This can include company-wide announcements, employee training materials, or departmental updates. Both internal and external communications play an important role in the success of a business. By understanding when to use each type of communication, companies can ensure that they are reaching their target audiences in the most effective way possible.

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