FAQs

At the corner of questions and answers.

General

At our core, we help brands tell their stories through a variety of internal and external communications channels. Our services include media relations, internal communications, crisis communications, thought leadership, media and presentation training, content development, social media management, video production and strategic consulting. In short, if you’ve got a communications challenge, we can solve it.

We are on a mission to power brands through words, video and strategic vision. Founded by former journalists, we are passionate about driving results with outstanding work and a collaborative process clients actually enjoy. With an integrated strategic communications and video production model, our agency is a single partner for any organization’s communications needs. We bring strategy, creativity, hard work and just the right amount of fun to every project.

We believe variety is the spice of life! We partner with clients in healthcare, banking, sports marketing, insurance, retail, nonprofit, startups, education, real estate and more. Let us know where and when and we’ll be ready to dive in.

At the beginning of any project, we align with our client on what success looks like so our goals are clear, defined and shared. This intentionality ensures we can stay focused on the right objectives, measure progress along the way and pivot as needed throughout our engagement.

Of course! We play well with others. We find the most success for our clients when marketing and communications teams are working in lockstep, including an external public relations agency. We believe marketing and communications should work together rather than in silos.

Absolutely! We aim to meet each client where they are and can tailor our services to fit their goals, needs and budget.

Strategic Communications

Strategic communications is the art (and science) of making sure the right people hear the right message at the right time. It helps organizations build trust, navigate challenges and connect every communication back to a larger goal. Strategic communications is more than sending a press release or posting on social media. It’s about aligning your messaging with your goals so every communication has purpose, consistency and impact.

We employ a collaborative approach to advise and guide clients on press and media strategies, external and internal communications, brand positioning and more. We work closely with teams to develop thoughtful approaches and tactics to navigate challenges and make the most of opportunities. From there, we build a roadmap that connects your messaging, media opportunities, content, social presence and storytelling into one cohesive strategy that actually works in the real world — not just on a PowerPoint slide.

Your communications strategy shouldn’t exist in a vacuum. We tie messaging directly to your organization’s priorities — whether that’s increasing visibility, building trust, driving attendance, supporting fundraising, launching a product or navigating change. Every message should move the mission forward.

Absolutely. Strong communication starts from within. We find the best communications strategy includes messaging for both internal and external stakeholders across the channels that matter most.

Honestly? Everything. Facts matter, but stories are what people remember. Great storytelling helps organizations sound human, build emotional connection and stand out in crowded spaces. We help uncover the stories that make audiences stop scrolling, start listening and actually care.

Video Production

If it can be filmed, there’s a good chance we can do it. We produce brand videos, social content, event recaps, testimonials, executive interviews, thought leadership videos, campaign content, nonprofit storytelling pieces, recruitment videos, podcasts and more. Some projects are polished and cinematic. Others are intentionally casual and social-first. The best format depends on your audience and goals.

Our process is typically broken down into three parts: pre-production, production and post-production.

  • Pre-production: We define the goals, message, format, script and shot list before the camera rolls.
  • Production: We capture the footage, interviews, visuals and audio needed to tell the story well.
  • Post-production: We bring everything together through editing, music, graphics and revisions.

In other words, we handle the details so you don’t have to stress about lighting, timelines, interview prep or where to stand on camera.

The short answer: we can meet you at any deadline. The long answer: it depends on the scope, but most projects take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks from concept to final edit. Some shoots are quick-turn social videos. Others involve multiple filming days, interviews and extensive editing. We’ll always outline timelines upfront so there are no surprises.

Absolutely. We approach every video with your goals, vision and audience in mind. You already have a full plate? We get it and can take the reins, providing a storyboard and script for your feedback. Emerson Street Media’s decades of expertise and tailored production process ensure your goals, vision, and messages are at the heart of each step in the creative process.

The secret? Real people, real stories and conversations that sound like actual humans. We guide interviews and messaging in a way that keeps people comfortable and confident while avoiding the robotic “corporate video voice.” The best content feels natural because it is. Decades of experience behind (and in front of) the camera uniquely position Emerson Street Media to help clients create video production that feels polished, purposeful and real.

A collaborative, organized and surprisingly fun experience. Our team handles the logistics while keeping the environment relaxed and efficient. Expect cameras, lighting, lots of problem-solving, occasional hype speeches and probably someone saying, “One more take just to be safe.”

Absolutely. And we highly recommend it. One shoot can become multiple pieces of content across platforms, including short-form clips, reels, teasers, quote graphics and behind-the-scenes moments. We’re big fans of getting the most mileage possible out of great content.

Social Media & Content

Yes! We create social-first content designed to connect with audiences, reflect your brand voice and support larger communications goals. That can include videos, graphics, captions, campaigns, executive content and platform strategy.

Every platform has its own personality, audience behavior and best practices. What performs on LinkedIn may not translate to Instagram. We shape content with each platform — and audience — in mind while still keeping your brand consistent.

We’ll let you in on a secret: video is king on social media. Want the most eyeballs on your content? Leverage video. The most engaging brands educate, entertain, inspire or start conversations — ideally all four. Strong visuals, storytelling and authenticity go a long way.

Certainly. Content calendars help organizations stay proactive instead of scrambling for last-minute posts. We help map out content themes, campaigns, key dates, storytelling opportunities and platform strategies that make content planning far less chaotic.

We look beyond vanity metrics. Engagement, reach, audience growth, website traffic, video views, media coverage, conversions and audience sentiment all help tell the story. The “best” metric depends on your goals — because not every post is trying to go viral.

Communications Training

While there is no such thing as a guarantee, we strongly believe that training is the most effective and reliable way to prepare for media engagements. Media training sessions help equip you with tools that can be readily implemented for any public speaking opportunity. Coupled with the benefits of simulated interviews with experienced journalists, the learned skillsets result in a detailed understanding of how to leverage any type of interview opportunity and prepare to be impactful.

Anyone who may represent your organization publicly. That includes executives, subject matter experts, nonprofit leaders, healthcare professionals, educators, founders and emerging spokespeople. Media opportunities can happen fast — make sure you’re ready.

With decades of experience in journalism and communications, our expertise is ingrained in a comprehensive, advanced curriculum we tailor to each participant and opportunity. Our team outlines every aspect of the interview process highlighting scenario possibilities, types of journalists, messaging guidance, speech evaluation and more.

It’s only our favorite thing! Most people are nervous at first — even experienced leaders. Our approach is supportive, conversational and practical. We help people feel prepared without sounding rehearsed so they can show up as polished, confident versions of themselves.

Yes — and they’re often the most valuable part of training. Mock interviews give spokespeople a chance to practice messaging, receive feedback and get comfortable responding in real time before the cameras roll.

Presentation training helps speakers communicate more effectively in front of audiences — whether that’s on stage, in a boardroom, at a conference or over Zoom. It’s part messaging strategy, part delivery coaching and part confidence-building.

Everyone. Executives, subject matter experts, nonprofit leaders, healthcare professionals, educators and emerging spokespeople can all benefit from presentation coaching.

Absolutely. We help shape messaging, structure presentations, refine delivery and prepare speakers for everything from conference keynotes and panel discussions to internal meetings and stakeholder presentations.

Preparation changes everything. We focus on helping speakers feel comfortable with their material, understand their audience and practice delivery in a supportive environment. Confidence usually comes from repetition — and knowing you’re prepared for the unexpected.

Clear messaging, strong storytelling and a speaker who sounds human instead of scripted. The most effective presentations create connection, not just information overload. Audiences remember stories, energy and authenticity far more than bullet points.

That’s our goal! We coach leaders on communication style, body language, vocal delivery, audience engagement and on-stage presence. The goal isn’t to change someone’s personality — it’s to help them communicate with clarity, confidence and credibility.

About Us

“Let’s get one more take just to be safe” or “You’re on mute.”

Very strong lattes and great stories.

Ben’s Chili Bowl Half Smoke.

Our founders lived on the same D.C. street. Cute story, strong partnership.