Does your company website have a press page? If not, you’re not alone. Many of our clients come to us without one. But you definitely need one — ASAP.
Why you need a press page
Reporters work on tight deadlines, and the last thing they have time for is searching your site for contact information. At the very least, your press page should have a dedicated press email that goes to your media relations team. But why stop there?
Think of your press page as an advertisement for your company aimed at a very specific audience — the media. Use it to position your company as an industry leader with a unique message and deep expertise. Putting some time into building an awesome press page increases your chances of being found — and contacted — by reporters working on relevant stories.
Everything you need to build a press page
While press pages vary across different industries, standard sections include the following:
Contact Information – Here’s where you list your dedicated email, which can be as simple as [email protected]. Some companies use fill forms, but we advise against it as they can be difficult to complete on mobile devices and deter media from reaching out. If possible, include a phone number as well.
In the News – This is where you show off all your media hits. It should include images or logos of publications, article headlines, and brief descriptions of the editorial placement. This section needs to be updated in real-time. Some brands will “pin” highlights (the most notable coverage) to the top of this page with reputable news logos showcased in the creative.
Press Releases – This section should include all past company press releases organized by year, with the most recent first, and be searchable. Collecting all your press releases in one place helps strengthen your company narrative.
News Feed – Consider integrating a social feed into your press page to show your brand personality and how you interact with consumers. Choose the social platform you update most frequently.
Media Kit – A media kit provides reporters with all the information they need, so they don’t have to spend time asking you for it. In addition to standard logos, company boilerplate, and images, consider including video (b-roll), executive headshots, fast facts, a company timeline, and/or honors and awards the company has received. Make sure your media kit is downloadable!
Let us take your brand’s visibility to the next level. We’re here, ready to help your company showcase your “why” and share it with millions of people.
How much does a PR agency cost? It’s a question that every potential client wants to ask on the first call but rarely ever does, so here’s a look into my truth as the owner of a midsize PR agency.
A boutique agency has the ability to be flexible with pricing
While some agencies won’t take clients for anything less than $25,000 a month, the boutique agency pricing is slightly different. This is because:
We’re growing, so we’re eager to land interesting clients that help grow our reputation.
We generally don’t have the overhead of a large agency — people who are not “billable” like a CFO, CIO, and Head of People, so we can be more flexible with pricing.
We usually don’t report to a board or investors, so we can choose to work with brands we believe in.
That said, boutique agencies also don’t have the financial buffer that larger agencies have. Meaning clients coming and going matter more.
By being flexible, we help our clients balance their desired results with their budgets.
What is the average retainer at Segal Communications?
At Segal, we have three main practice areas – consumer, tech, and executive visibility. We provide media relations, influencer programs, social media management, and creative campaigns for each of these.
Our clients fall into one of six categories:
Industry Specific Technology with 100-1,000 employees, focused on growth
Emerging Industry Technology start-ups that are investing in public relations to build awareness
Trusted Consumer Brands with 100-1,000 employees, focused on omni-channel purchasing (online and brick-and-mortar)
Growing Consumer Brands with great products that need to get into the hands of those who influence
Informers and Educators who have logged their ten thousand hours of expertise and then some and are working to share their experience and knowledge with a larger public audience
Passionate Founders with a product or service that warrants staning
Most Segal Communications baseline retainers currently hover between $6,000-$12,000, but there are exceptions to that rule. The exceptions include being a longtime client who has been with us from the start, someone or something too cool to pass up, or a mission-driven organization working on something for the greater good.
On the lower end of the price range are consumer clients that have a desirable product that we can get into the hands of influencers and media. On the higher end are B2B clients with unique audiences and customers.
Agencies offer the most comprehensive range of services
The baseline retainers are just that — baseline. Most clients want more than PR; they want social media, blog writing, bylines, sample campaigns, and creative. All of these elements have additional pricing structures. Working with an agency is valuable because we are a one-stop shop for all of your communications needs. We provide our clients with a fluid ecosystem of communications services that can ebb and flow with the needs of the business. By being flexible, we help our clients balance their desired results with their budgets.
Let us take your brand’s visibility to the next level. We’re here, ready to help your company showcase your “why” and share it with millions of people.
An active social media presence is essential for businesses in the modern age. As a consumer of social media, likely your first instinct when hearing about a new company is to look them up on social media. Social media is also valuable for telling your story and connecting with your customers. Customers who feel seen and heard are more likely to become brand loyalists. With so many social media platforms at your disposal, how do you know which ones to prioritize and which may not benefit your business? Here are the fundamental points to consider when determining which social media platform is best for your business.
What industry does your business fall under?
Understanding where each industry is most active on social media is the first step in determining the ideal platform on which to focus the majority of your time. Are you selling a product or service? Are you selling to other businesses?
If you’re a direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand, you’ll want to focus on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Especially if you are selling a product- these three platforms offer a shopping feature, making it seamless for your customers to purchase directly from your posts. On the other hand, a business-to-business (B2B) company should focus its social media efforts on LinkedIn and Twitter. LinkedIn allows your brand to get directly in front of company decision-makers, and you can analyze your audience demographics based on job title and function. Twitter is a great place to send real-time updates about your company and seek out conversations your customers may be having about pain points your company could resolve. It’s also an excellent opportunity to speak directly with potential customers by inserting yourself into the conversation.
Who is your target audience?
Knowing your audience’s complete demographics is essential to understanding where they likely spend most of their time on social media. Sprout Social’s blog on social media demographics is a valuable resource for determining which social media platform is best for your business.
Analyzing audience demographics and engagement metrics is key
If you’ve been posting consistently to multiple platforms for months now, your analytics will tell you exactly where your audience is strongest. While follower count is a vanity metric, it’s the first sign of where your customers are most active. Next, take a look at your engagements and engagement rate. Engagements on a post consist of likes, comments, saves, and shares for most platforms, and engagement rate is a percentage calculated by the number of times users engaged with your content compared to the number of impressions it received during its lifetime. You can find these analytics on each post when you are logged in to a business account on most platforms.
Take a risk
It’s okay to take risks and test out content on each platform to see how your audience will react to it. You just might find that your followers take well to a cheekily-captioned Instagram post.
Need help getting started with a customized social media program? When we work together, your brand does more than show up. It shows up with a story, a purpose, a unique reason for being – and it makes an impact. At Segal Communications, we become an extension of your team – we work fast to become brand experts and make sure we’re keeping your company relevant on social media.
The fast-paced nature of the internet has created a consumer demand for Google search results to be delivered instantly and precisely. A survey found 60 percent of mobile users were very likely to click on the first two to three search results they saw, and more than 90 percent were likely to click on the first set of results.
Leveraging search engine optimization (SEO) to boost your visibility online has become a highly valued and sought-after strategy for companies. Traditionally, SEO has been a marketing practice but this is no longer the case. The ever-changing nature of today’s digital landscape offers new possibilities for PR pros to incorporate SEO tactics in their work to strengthen their clients’ presence in search results.
The ever-changing nature of today’s digital landscape offers new possibilities for PR pros to incorporate SEO tactics in their work to strengthen their clients’ presence in search results.
The Relationship Between SEO and PR
SEO and PR can work cohesively to increase brand recognition. They are reliant on one another, often more than we think. How effective can PR efforts be if consumers cannot find your company on Google? There is little content and opportunity for SEO to grow organically without PR.
Including SEO tactics in your PR strategy can differentiate between how you and your competitors stand in search rankings, ultimately deciding which sites both new and returning consumers choose to visit. PR pros can incorporate two components in their daily practices to achieve optimal SEO for their clients:keywords and backlinking.
Keywords and backlinking are essential in the relationship between SEO and PR as they are easily manipulated and offer significant influence when utilized correctly.
Identifying the Keywords You Want to Rank For
Keywords are phrases included in your content that make it possible for search engines to list your company as a reliable and accurate result. This is where most will look to start in their SEO journey.
You first will want to audit the keywords your company is already ranking for. This builds your foundational understanding of which keywords are influencing your ranking. You are likely to see your company rank highly for obvious keywords relative to your company, like your name, service, or product. An audit can provide insight into what phrases are commonly addressed in already published content and help in identifying new opportunities to focus on in the future to target those infrequently used keywords.
It’s crucial to note keyword selections are not set in stone. They can be adjusted to cater to new product offerings or different PR campaigns, but be careful in selecting which ones and how many you want to monitor. The best practice is to start basic and simple before expanding to longer, more complex keywords.
Optimizing Earned and Owned Coverage Through Backlinks
Your search ranking is also determined by the number and quality of outside websites that link back to your website within their published content. Backlinks from credible and trustworthy sites positively influence your SEO ranking, making earning digital media placements one of the most beneficial SEO-boosting tactics. These placements work to increase your brand’s searchability, ultimately enhancing the quality and quantity of website traffic you receive. To ensure a published story results in an SEO-boosting backlink, your PR rep can ask a journalist to include a link to your company’s website along with including relevant links in their pitch for the journalist to reference and embed.
Owned media, which includes things like press releases and blog posts, also presents opportunities for PR pros to help you drive your SEO rankings. Linking to other relevant content you own within a piece of media on your website can increase domain authority and traffic to other landing pages. Overall, we see this as a win-win!
The Takeaway
Your SEO ranking determines your accessibility, affecting how both new and returning customers can find you. Working with the right team of PR professionals can ensure your company ranks for relevant search terms and generates a healthy stream of backlinks to achieve maximum visibility.
At Segal Communications, we’re here to help your business reach its full SEO potential. Ready for a custom audit to identify your business’s optimal keywords and assess backlink health?
Living in the digital age, technology is now an integral part of our everyday lives. Brands have transitioned from traditional marketing practices to developing a presence and following on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, among others. Most companies know they shouldbe on social media but often haven’t given deeper thought to the reasons why. We’ve compiled the top three reasons why having a social media presence is a crucial marketing tool for every modern business to implement.
1. Less expensive than traditional marketing
An organic social media strategy is free! With the growing number of social media platforms, companies can create accounts to post about all aspects of their business. Whether that be who you are, what you do, day-to-day life, product features, and more, the possibilities are endless. It’s important to actively post, engage with other accounts, and utilize each platform’s features.
Companies can venture into paid advertisements if they choose with costs based on your account’s reach. However, it’s best to establish a strong organic social media strategy first.
Many apps have enabled features specifically for business purposes, including professional or business profiles to track analytics and insights easily. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook have enabled features for businesses to sell their products directly in the app.
2. Boosts brand awareness and engagement
With social media, you can increase brand visibility and awareness by engaging with millions of potential customers.
Once you’ve established your target audience, creating original and engaging content is important. You’ll want to have your values and goals at the forefront of your posts by having fun and creating content that will make your company stand out. Content tailored to your brand’s values will help you increase engagement and target your audience appropriately, which can ultimately direct them to your website.
Having a social media presence on multiple platforms, including hosting a website, helps users become familiar with your brand and encourages them to engage.
3. Creates brand authenticity
Brand authenticity can be achieved through social media by establishing your expertise and authority in a field, making your goals and values consistent throughout all aspects of your company’s image, and building clear communication between the brand and your audience.
Customers appreciate when brands they love interact and care about the support they’ve shown for a company. Social media helps brands create meaningful relationships with their customers. Your presence on social media gives your audience a glimpse into the daily operations of your business through behind-the-scenes content and speaking directly with them through comments and direct messages. These aspects will drive customers’ trust in your company.
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Social media managers play a pivotal role in your overall communications plan. They craft well-thought-out social media strategies and campaigns, monitor analytics and trends, track conversations and keep your audience engaged. Ready to get started? Email us at [email protected]
15 ways to inspire journalists to attend — and hopefully write about — your launch, product, or service.
It’s been a rough two years for all of us, and the world of PR is no exception. Publicists who once relied on in-person events to help introduce journalists to brands had to find alternate ways to connect. And while Zoom events were fun, in-person events are back.
As we’re actively planning the rest of the year, we’re also collectively gearing up for launches and events. Before you start planning your next big media lunch or cocktail party, have a read through some of our best tips on how to get media to attend your event.
1. Make the invitation stand out
Whether you plan on sending out an engraved note with hand calligraphy or prefer an email blast, spend some time thinking about your message. What’s your event for? What or who are you promoting? Whether you’re planning a launch of a new diet or a one-on-one with an A-lister, the invitation mood should match your event. Whether it’s punny or extremely serious, create a design to match the wording. Make sure your contact information is updated and everyone’s names are spelled correctly. Always include contact information and an option for feedback. While you’re at it, include teasers. If you plan on giving away a trip to Hawaii, make it clear, especially if attendees must be present for the drawing.
2. Don’t muddle the message
If your goal is to connect with journalists, set up a smaller event so you can have more one-on-one time. If your goal is to introduce writers to your client in person, create a series of conversation starters so that writers find a reason to engage with your client. If your goal is to launch a product, make that front and center of your invitation, event and follow-up. Offer enough cues and incentives to make it easy and inviting to write about whatever it is you’re promoting.
3. Swag matters
Speaking of winning, try to make everyone attending feel like they won something simply for showing up. Create memorable giveaways and try to be plentiful about them. Not to sound jaded, but many journalists receive a lot of useless swag. Don’t just slap your client’s logo on an unidentifiable tech accessory, try to make your giveaways (plural is always better) match your product, client messaging and writer’s beat when at all possible. And if at all possible, co-brand an advance gift. In this way, you’re already creating a positive association with the reporter and your client.
4. Plan a fun activity
The best events are on some level interactive in service of the product or client being feted. I once made dessert with a former chef for the royal family. Another time I learned how to create cocktails using a kitchen torch. Years later, I still remember the brands that went above and beyond to ensure that not only was their brand or product highlighted, but the event was so much fun that it stuck out in my mind. I still talk about the best events I’ve attended. And believe it or not, the best events have multiple attractions and activities to keep all types interested.
5. Make it easy for guests to get there
…and leave. Despite the fact that you’ve spent months planning your event, not all journalists will plan to be there for the whole thing. Be gracious if they pop in and have to go. Arrange transportation when possible, and don’t pout if they leave before the presentation. Budget for a car service through ride-share apps. Better yet, arrange the cars to make them feel even more pampered.
6. Have a great venue
While every single element matters, the venue is crucial – and so is decorating your space. While having a step and repeat feels like a no-brainer, it isn’t always appealing. If possible, bring in a designer to help you create a look that highlights your client’s aesthetic and then display the product accordingly. And as sad as it sounds, have some people around just to keep an eye on the swag bags and other items of value to make sure they don’t disappear.
7. Feel free to show off
I once attended the 20th anniversary of an online jewelry brand, and they held the event in a room filled with sparkly things, including rings with 20-carat diamonds. Even more fun, we were free to try everything on and play dress-up for a while. If your client has an incredible product, show it off in as many ways as possible. Tactile works well at an event since even shy journalists can find reasons to chat with team members.
8. Keep your room well staffed
If you’re expecting a crowd, make sure that you have enough team members there to personally greet guests and give them a walk-through when possible. And while you’re at it, have two-tiers of staffers- some with name tags or other identifiable details, and some that blend into the crowd and act as conversation starters.
9. Be a great host
We all know how stressful it can be to host an event, but if you’re the one inviting someone, don’t ignore them when they show up. After check-in, assign a few people to be unofficial greeters and lead guests in, and point you out. Or give them a VIP list not of the A-Listers, but rather of the people you really want to speak to!
10. Present an alternative option to attending in person
Not everyone is going to feel comfortable showing up to your event and that’s fine. Create an option for people to attend via Zoom or the video conferencing software of your choice. And don’t make them feel guilty if they can’t make it. Consider sending gift cards so you can treat them to a snack while they virtually socialize at your event.
11. Plan a great menu
Whether it’s branded cocktails or doughnuts with your corporate colors, try to ensure that there are subtle branding reminders throughout. Unlike a personal or family gathering, the point here is to find a way to do business together.
12. Send out reminders
Make it easy for journalists to remember your event. Send calendar invitations and remind them a few days before your event and again that morning. Despite people’s best intentions, it’s sometimes easy to totally miss an event. Be friendly, not annoying when you send out the reminders, and try to include one previously not shared details. Maybe it’s a celebrity visit or a crazy cocktail.
13. Don’t disappoint your guests
I once attended an event since I was curious about interviewing an A-List celebrity with a new movie out. You can imagine my disappointment when they rolled out a screen with a previously recorded message.
14. Follow up in a fun way
Maybe you have pictures from a photo booth or a personalized trinket, but don’t only follow up to ask about their plans for coverage.
15. Make your client available for follow-up interviews
There’s nothing as frustrating as being pitched a story or source only to be told they’re not available for an interview.
And don’t ever do this:
Don’t CC everyone on your random media lists in the hope that someone will show up. Spend time curating your guest lists so that you’ll have an appreciative and hopefully interesting crowd.
Need help getting started? When we work together, you and your brand do more than show up. You show up with a story, a purpose, a unique reason for being – and you make an impact. At Segal Communications, we become an extension of your team – we work fast to get to know you and your brand and make sure we’re keeping you and your company relevant on social media.
As part of increasing brand awareness and visibility for your company, it’s essential not to skip out on your own social media profiles as an executive or member of the c-suite. Likely, you are the face of the company, and making sure your social media is buttoned up and active is a crucial step in maintaining good PR.
Whether you’re just starting out or have had Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook profiles for years, here are five ways to increase executive visibility on social media.
Clean up and optimize your profiles
This may seem obvious, but it’s imperative that your social profiles are buttoned up and used to their full potential in order to increase visibility. Have you filled out all the sections on your LinkedIn profile? Is your LinkedIn headline optimized for your industry? Set your LinkedIn profile to allow anyone to follow you by turning on Creator Mode, and make sure your DMs are open on Twitter. Don’t forget this crucial step when getting started on increasing your executive visibility.
Define the purpose of each social media profile
While sharing the same content across all your social media pages is tempting, it’s not something we recommend doing. Provide value to your followers and make it worthwhile for them to follow you on all platforms. On LinkedIn, share your wins, accolades, and awards – treat it as a place to share updates relating to your professional life. On Twitter, share real-time thoughts and updates, speak to current news in your industry, and retweet others’ content with a comment (also known as a quote retweet.) Instagram and Facebook are great for sharing more personal updates. Instagram stories are a great way to share your day-to-day life. Show your face and talk directly to your audience.
Share your work
Don’t be afraid to show off what you do and humbly brag about yourself. After all, you are an expert in your field, and you should express that to your audience. Did you recently contribute an article to a major publication? Did your company make an exciting announcement? Be proud of your work! You worked hard to get to this place.
Provide followers with your expertise
Along with sharing your work, there is great value in providing your audience with your vast knowledge relating to your industry. After all, that’s likely why they follow you. You’re successful, and you got there somehow, so share that with them. What advice can you give to other folks hoping to make it up in the ranks within your industry? How did you get your start? Transparency and authenticity will go a long way with your audience and allow them to put their trust in you as an industry leader.
Engage with your community!
Social media is meant to be social, so engage with your audience. Spark conversation out of them and then participate in those conversations. Allow your audience to feel heard just as much as they hear you.
Recap
Complete your LinkedIn profile
Add a LinkedIn headline (for search optimization)
Turn on Creator Mode on your LinkedIn profile to allow others to follow you
Open your Twitter DMs
Share your wins, accolades, and awards on LinkedIn
Share real-time thoughts, updates, and speak to current news in your industry on Twitter
Share personal updates on Instagram and Facebook
Need help increasing your executive visibility? When we work together, you and your brand do more than show up. You show up with a story, a purpose, a unique reason for being – and you make an impact. At Segal Communications, we become an extension of your team – we work fast to get to know you and your brand and make sure we’re keeping you and your company relevant on social media.
This blog was originally published in Hotel Online.
Influencer marketing can be a valuable means of reaching new audiences, but not every influencer will be a right fit for your property. If you’re going to go through the effort of hosting an influencer (and often a plus one or family) on the property, you should be confident they will showcase your hotel or resort in the best possible light. Here are a few guidelines to help you ramp up your hosting game.
Destination
For starters, if you want to attract influencers, it’s essential to make it a high-touch experience at the outset. Have a designated place for influencers to request a stay at your property. We recommend a dedicated email and appointing a staff member to handle inbound requests to streamline the hosting process.
Influencers love the feeling of exclusivity and special service, so taking these steps will attract more of them.
Check-in
Before you agree to host an influencer, it’s vital to ensure they are a good fit. We recommend establishing a vetting system that helps determine whether an influencer will be able to match the level of value you provide. Will the value of their post(s) offset the expense of hosting, which includes the rate you’re not getting from a paying customer, housekeeping, in-room amenities (food, snacks, bathrobe, etc.), on-site dining, and the time spent coordinating a visit? Obtaining a media kit from influencers is a great first step in determining whether they have the audience you are aiming to target. An agency can help you develop a checklist with associated values that can help automate the decision-making process.
Reservations
Influencers expect to get contracts. ‘Influencing’ is a full-time job for most, and they understand the process. That said, if you are working with an influencer with a fantastic following on their Instagram channel don’t assume they will be posting in-feed. If you prefer a stationary post to a story, then put that in writing along with any preferred messaging and hashtags you’d like included. Depending on their follower count and engagement, you’ll often need to negotiate rates depending on whether you want an in-feed post, story, or combination. Provide a time frame for the influencer to share their post within, usually a specific number of weeks after their stay.
Guest Experience
When drafting the agreement, be sure to include specifics about new services or hotel features you’d want the influencer to experience while on the property and, in turn, share with the public. Whether you’ve added a new treatment to your spa menu, a new cocktail to your lounge, or have a promo worth mentioning, you should relay that before signing on the dotted line. Think about which amenities are attractive to their followers. A fashion influencer would be great for promoting an on-site shop vs. a foodie influencer whose followers might enjoy the restaurant or lounge.
Length of Stay
The excitement that builds before the arrival of an influencer can quickly leave management crestfallen when hours go by with no posts in their feed. If you want an influencer to start posting the moment they walk in the door, you need to make sure they understand that before they begin their stay. Some influencers plan their feeds far in advance, so it’s worth confirming post dates in early negotiations. Another idea to consider is to include a “flashback” post 6-8 months after their stay – your relationship does not have to be one and done. Some influencers might offer better rates for long-term packages, so consider how you might maximize your ROI.
Confirmation
Another benefit to working with influencers is that you have more control over the visit outcome. While most members of the travel media are freelance, they are often held to the same standards as credentialed media and are not allowed to share work before publication. Influencers are a paid (or trade) relationship; you have every right to seek post-approval before they go live. Make sure this is included within your agreement.
Amenities
There are several ways you can optimize the value of an influencer stay. First, ensure that your agreement allows the repurposing of content created by the influencer with appropriate credits in your own property’s social feed. Second, if you love the influencer’s content, you might work to secure additional images to use on your channels throughout the remainder of the year. We have all seen influencers strike pose after pose; you might consider using that as a means to get more content to use well after they have checked out! This can often help you save big on in-house photography costs, while diversifying your content.
Check-Out the Data
Most savvy influencers won’t be surprised by requests for a data report on the success of their posts. Be sure to add this as part of your agreement. It will help you better understand and fine-tune your vetting process for the future. It also might indicate that a return visit from the influencer may be worthwhile. Ongoing relationships with influencers come with the benefit of audience recognition, and can be especially valuable if your property constantly updates and adds services, amenities, and activities.
Cancellation Policy
It’s not uncommon for influencers to clean up their feeds and remove posts after a while. While we can appreciate the need for a fresh start, we recommend adding a clause to your agreement that ensures your post will live in perpetuity. Back-scrolling is common for Instagram followers, so a 6-month-old post can still provide value.
While initially daunting, hosting influencers is easy to manage once you have set up a process. We find that influencers appreciate clarity in the relationship and are amiable to most requests. Check out our blog for more tips and tricks on working with influencers and members of the press.
Ready to get started with your customized influencer strategy? When we work together, your brand does more than show up. It shows up with a story, a purpose, a unique reason for being – and it makes an impact.
The restaurant industry is an interesting animal. It’s one of the most riveting and communal industries to be a part of yet also one of the most challenging. Though we’re all a bit fatigued by reflecting on the pandemic’s impact, so many restaurant owners are still hurting from this unpredictable era. So where is the silver lining? Despite the challenges, the past few years have shown an impressive level of grit, community, and nimble course correction, with employees stepping up to the plate to cover shifts of sick colleagues and go above and beyond their pay grade to adapt to operational pivots.
As the industry has finally begun to experience the light at the end of the tunnel, it’s more important than ever to build a solid foundation in every area of your restaurant business, especially if you’re getting started from the ground up or launching a new concept.
With a refreshed mindset in 2022 and restaurant fans excited for the next big launch, it’s crucial for restauranteurs to hone in and sharpen their plans when it comes to openings. We’ve pared down our thoughts to five essential strategies that will ensure your launch is a success and builds the momentum needed to stay in the game.
1. Timing is Everything
The media is one of the most powerful resources for restaurant owners, and timing out your strategy is something worth overthinking. Whether you’re an established restauranteur or an industry newbie, you have to keep your local, regional, andnational customer base informed. From the moment you sign the lease on your new space, that’s your first opportunity for press coverage that helps build anticipation. Engaging with a PR firm to map out a timeline is one of the best investments you can make. Depending on your restaurant and existing reputation, your team will analyze the best (and most realistic) outlets, as well as your viability for exclusives, which typically offer a greater quality of coverage, along with more clicks and shares. Building out the right media/influencer list and release timeline takes a huge piece of the puzzle off your plate, so you can focus on the dozens of moving parts involved with staffing, design, and finessing your menu.
2. Do overbudget on photography
As mentioned, the restaurant industry is tough… and it’s notorious for slim profit margins. However, if there’s one area of promotions where you should never pinch pennies, it’s photography. Your competition varies depending on your location, but great photography should always be viewed as a bare minimum investment no matter who you’re up against. Think about how much money was poured into fine-tuning your space, design, branding, and menu. Your business deserves visuals that do it justice. Round-up coverage and ‘Best of’ lists are just important as reviews in driving traffic, and media always prioritize great photography when it comes to picking out lead images for their content.
3. Extend Your Launch Timeframe
Like any great vacation or celebration, longer is usually better. Don’t feel constrained to hosting one event and calling it a day. Consider one or two “friends and family” nights to kick things off, using those as the training ground for new staff to work out any kinks with service and the kitchen. From there, take a day or two to soft launch, keeping things quiet while staff continues to gain their footing. Then, depending on the size of your city and your invite list, set aside one or two nights for your official launch. Have your PR team build a list of key media, influencers, and industry stakeholders, with RSVPs to ensure your staff is up-to-speed on who will be in attendance on which nights.
4. Go Big With Your Invite List
Look to your PR team to optimize your invite strategy, but don’t be afraid to go big with your list. If you need to spread things out over a full weekend, it’s better to have more big names in attendance than less, and offering them the chance at exclusivity will maximize the quality of coverage and word-of-mouth impact (since you’re still the newest spot on the block).
5. Rub Every Elbow In The Room
Launching a new concept is one of the best times to network. The story behind your restaurant is most well-received and anticipated by key industry players during the launch phase. Take the time to float around and chat with every table, thanking them for coming in and asking for any feedback. If your team is doing things right, those in attendance will make for great lasting relationships. An influencer who had an enjoyable time and connected with the owner is much more likely to return in the future, continue to promote your business (often at little to no expense) and invite their other influential friends. The same goes for media and potential investors down the line.
Ready to get started with your customized PR program? When we work together, your brand does more than show up. It shows up with a story, a purpose, a unique reason for being – and it makes an impact.
An Insider Take on Maximizing Your Brand’s Holiday Pitching Efforts
When it comes to product PR, it’s no secret that holiday gift guides are the holy grail for many brands looking for revenues to move into the black before the end of the year. Getting your brand featured in a coveted Gift Guide like the ones produced by Oprah, Good Housekeeping, and The Today Show puts your product, experience, or service directly in front of your target audience, and inclusions are also suggestive of the publication’s implied endorsement, i.e., the icing on the cake that sets you apart from competitors.
Gift Guides: The Process
What industry outsiders don’t recognize outside of the end result of trending online listicles or glossy pages of a magazine is the time, preparation, strategic execution, and relationships that publicists nurture to secure that coveted spot. It’s so much more than simply meeting an editor’s deadline.
If you’re considering hiring a PR agency to get your product, service, or experience into a holiday gift guide, you’ll want to keep the following in mind.
Timing Is Everything
You’ll need to consider editorial deadlines, production timing for sample products, shipping deadlines, and the initial onboarding phase for your agency once you have selected one.
Although a seasoned agency can quickly become familiar with your brand and product, sending out samples and getting samples in editors’ hands ahead of publication is a time-sensitive and sometimes logistically complicated feat – this is especially true when it comes to perishable foods. Above all else, you need to consider your ultimate goals (i.e., print, digital, or both focuses) and work backward from those publication deadlines.
Outlet Deadlines
As soon as the holidays are over, agencies are already working on next year’s holiday outreach strategy. Print publications are long lead, with some outlets working 6-7 months in advance. The rule of thumb with these outlets is the sooner, the better! If you are interested in Oprah or similar you need to begin working on gift guides no later than April. Oprah’s team opens submissions in May and closes by the end of June if not sooner. Oprah’s print publication mirrors what they include online later that year. Historically, they don’t add last-minute additions.
There’s a bit more wiggle room for digital publications like blogs and online outlets. Expect outlets to work around two months in advance on their stories, but some blogs may have a shorter turnaround time and accept submissions up to two weeks before their deadline. Still, you will need to engage with an agency by the end of August. Online gift guides requests start piling up in September and often go live in October.
Getting ahead of these deadlines is essential, especially if it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss. Sometimes the best plan of action is to reach out to editorial directors in advance to get a concrete deadline if not included in a media kit or editorial calendar.
Prep Time
Yes, we already mentioned that an experienced PR agency could quickly be brought up to speed with your branding and become familiar with your product, but fleshing out a gift guide strategy is a whole different story. You should account for the amount of time your new agency will require to flesh out the best approach after completing critical research. Finding the proper outlets for your brand’s target audience, the best contacts at each outlet, and drafting the individual pitches themselves are crucial to landing a quality press hit.
Account for Samples, Press Kits, and Marketing Material Production
Most media outlets, bloggers, and influencers expect non-returnable product samples in exchange for consideration so they can feel confident recommending your brand and product. (Although some may accept products on loan for big-ticket items) Be sure that you have shelf-ready product samples available. Some outlets will ask for inventory totals before they are willing to include your item as they don’t want to feature something that gets sold out immediately. Journalists will be less impressed with non-functional or dummy models, products missing final packaging, or frequently loaned items that show wear and tear. With influencers and bloggers, it’s essential to invest in a good presentation as many will still include the “unpacking” as part of their coverage. A cardboard box with bubble wrap is going to get much less appreciation than a well-adorned gift with other “surprises and delights” included.
Additionally, media will request high-res images and photos of your products that they can add to coverage with a simple click. You should have product shots and lifestyle images ready to go. Journalists’ time is precious. Ensure your agency can skip the back-and-forth by providing an all-in-one, streamlined pitch. Plus, they’ll be more inclined to include in coverage if the agency does the cumbersome heavy lifting.
When considering the appropriate time to bring on a PR agency to pitch for gift guides, consider production timelines for samples and whether or not you will need assistance from your agency in compiling marketing materials and assets.
Affiliate Program Enrollment
It’s not the case for all digital opportunities, but affiliated gift guides have quickly become the status quo. 81% of advertisers and 84% of publishers in the US are currently leveraging affiliate marketing to earn revenue. Some online gift guide submissions may even require a specific (prime-powered) affiliate link to be featured. While this allows the outlet to make money per click, rather than relying on more advertising on their website, it makes it increasingly harder to be featured in online gift guides.
If you’re considering enrolling in an affiliate program to overcome this challenge (and potential barrier), make sure to account for the time it takes to select a program, register, and be approved ahead of your holiday campaign. Need a quick crash course on affiliate marketing? Check out our blog post here.
All Wrapped Up (in a bow, naturally)
Once you’ve considered all of the time constraints and worked backward from your intended holiday publication date, you can pinpoint the ideal time to hire a PR agency. While this seems like a hefty to-do list, once hired and onboarded, your agency will take it from there – tapping into their burgeoning contact list and getting your product in front of target audiences right on time for gifting.
Ready to get started with your customized PR program? When we work together, your brand does more than show up. It shows up with a story, a purpose, a unique reason for being – and it makes an impact.
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