Develop a Channel Strategy
Learning Objectives
After completing this unit, you’ll be able to:
- Explain the importance of creating channels before users join Slack.
- Describe the key elements of a channel strategy session.
Slack channels significantly impact the end user experience. Workspaces can become overwhelming without a channel strategy. Lack of thoughtful management can make Slack feel chaotic. Therefore, during the design phase, you work with your stakeholders to develop their channel strategy.
A strong channel strategy begins with understanding the basics of Slack channel management. In this module, you get familiar with the different channel types and uses, standard naming conventions, and best practices for setting up new users with default channels.
Explore the Importance of Setting Up Channels
Setting up channels in Slack before launch helps orient users and make them feel welcomed. Once Slack is launched, users create and archive channels as needed. However, you don’t want to rely on employees to establish an initial channel structure and strategy. You need to guide your clients through developing their channel strategy and creating an initial set of channels for launch. There’s a reason for this.
Imagine yourself looking for a new home and visiting two homes to compare. One is empty and one is furnished. How do you feel in each house? You’re much more likely to feel comfortable, connected, and included in the furnished home. The same is true for a Slack instance that is populated with channels.
Prioritize a Channel Strategy Session
Part of your role as a Slack consultant is to ensure that your client develops a channel strategy before launching Slack. To do this, it’s important to educate clients on channel fundamentals. Impress upon them how an effective channel strategy can enhance their users' experience and productivity. This can be done in one or multiple sessions, depending on your client’s needs and maturity rating.
To prepare for the session, it’s important to understand the client’s Slack experience and maturity level.
To gauge how they’re currently using Slack channels, you can ask questions like, “Does your team have existing standard channel norms or best practices?” or, “How do users ask for help in Slack today?” In the next lesson, you learn how to use the Slack Value Curve to better understand your clients’ experience and maturity with Slack.
Let’s go over some key logistics for the Channel Strategy Session.
Identify Who to Include in Channel Strategy Sessions
Involve the person(s) who can translate existing communication standards and guidelines into Slack channel standards and guidelines. And involve individuals who see the value of an intentional and consistent channel strategy. Depending on your client, this can include the Slack launch project manager, Slack admins, and a communications lead. Be sure to include the individual(s) responsible for executing all channel decisions in Slack ahead of launch.
Decide When to Host the Channel Strategy Session
This session should take place during the design phase of the project. Typically it comes after your Grid Design Workshop and before your Governance Session. It’s important for channel policies and settings to be somewhat finalized before you run this session.
Ultimately, the goal of the workshop is that your client walks away with a foundational knowledge of Slack channels and has a plan to create and manage channels before the launch.
Before you’re ready to lead a Channel Strategy Session, become an expert in channel basics. You review that next!