Brand Messaging Strategy Studio
Build your message.
Back your mission.
Move people to act.
Craft a messaging strategy that aligns story, strategy & impact.
Your mission deserves a message that sticks
Vague values don’t build movements.
Citizen Yard helps changemakers turn big ideas into clear, structured messaging that resonates—internally and out in the world. Whether you’re a startup founder or a comms lead at a purpose-driven org, we’ll help you say what matters and make it count.
Build Your Message, Your Way
The Messaging Matrix
A customizable framework to help purpose-driven brands define their messaging from the inside out.
Get clarity on what you stand for, how to talk about it, and how to adapt your message across audiences. Align your team on voice, values, and positioning—without needing an agency.
Consulting
For brands that need a strategic partner, not just a playbook.
We take on a small number of consulting projects each quarter—helping founders, sustainability leaders, and communications teams fine-tune their messaging across campaigns, decks, or rebrands.
Workshops & Facilitation
Get your team aligned and speaking the same language.
We lead custom workshops to guide teams through the Messaging Matrix in real time—whether you’re defining your voice, pressure-testing positioning, or aligning leadership on a communications shift. Available virtually or in person for values-driven organizations.
For people, planet & profit
Citizen Yard helps businesses rooted in purpose shape the message behind their mission.
You care about more than just business as usual—and your message should reflect that. We support teams who are building something meaningful and need the words to match the work.
Our services cater to:
- Solopreneurs with a mission
- Founders building the next great impact brand
- Sustainability and comms leads
- Agencies and strategists supporting purpose-driven clients
- The occasional eco-evangelist who just wants to say it right
Purpose is powerful—if people understand it.
In a world full of noise, clarity is a radical act. That’s why we created the Messaging Matrix: a framework built to help brands structure their voice, clarify their purpose, and speak with confidence. We help you articulate your impact across five essential areas:
Brand Purpose
Core Message
Voice & Tone
Positioning
Resonance
Because good intentions aren’t enough. Your audience needs to get it.
The message is the mission.
In a time when trust is fractured and attention is fleeting, how you communicate your values matters more than ever.
Purpose-led brands don’t just sell products—they lead conversations, build communities, and shape what business can be.
But without clear, cohesive messaging, even the best intentions get lost. Your message isn’t the final polish. It’s the foundation.We’re here to help you build it with strength, soul, and strategy.
Clarify your purpose
Your mission matters—but if people can’t repeat it, it’s not clear enough. We help you put purpose into words that stick, scale, and guide how you show up in the world.
Communicate your impact
Data without story falls flat. We help you turn your sustainability, DEI, or impact metrics into messaging that feels human—fueling campaigns, brand trust, and internal alignment.
Lead with intention
In a shifting world, your message is a signal. We help you find the words that set you apart and position you as a leader in the new economy—rooted, clear, and ready to connect.
"COMPANIES with purpose LAST. BRANDS with purpose GROW. PEOPLE with purpose THRIVE."
— Kris Michiels
Our stance against purpose washing
We have a zero-tolerance stance against purpose-washing, green-washing and all other instances of using your “impact” simply to market and mislead.
Small Team. Big, noble Ideas.
We're On a Mission
We believe mission-driven brands have the power to shape culture, business, and the future for the better. Like you, we’re a small team with big convictions. Our work is about cutting through noise, nuance, and nonsense to help purpose-led companies communicate with integrity.
Curious about what your small business can do to be more sustainable?
The Small Business Sustainability Guide is packed with 25 actionable tips small businesses can implement now to help your company become a better steward for the planet, your workers, community and customers.
A guide designed by small business owners, for small business owners.