Media Relations/PR Archives

Top Tips for Getting Media Exposure Through HARO/Profnet

Many of the clients we work with are interested in getting media coverage to help establish themselves as thought leaders and build their reputations in a variety of fields. The good news is that it’s much easier these days to get coverage than it used to be, although the PR landscape has changed considerably since the days of sending out news releases via snail mail, calling reporters, and having limited outlets for exposure.

Continue reading “Top Tips for Getting Media Exposure Through HARO/Profnet”

Getting Media Coverage: 7 Best Practices That Really Work

Companies of all types and sizes understand that media coverage can be a great way to get their names in front of audiences of all types. Today’s massive media market means ample opportunity to do just that. And, the good news these days is that you don’t need to hire an expensive PR firm or publicist to get the exposure you’re looking for (although we do offer those services at a very reasonable rate). You may also be interested in our book, 21st Century Secrets to Effective PR, which offers our own tips as well as tips and best practices from many other PR practitioners.

Continue reading “Getting Media Coverage: 7 Best Practices That Really Work”

Peloton: The Latest Example of Consumer Outrage Over Ad Content

Occasionally companies and their advertising teams will find themselves in hot water for controversial advertisements or campaigns that set out to be edgy or funny, but push the envelope a bit too far. Consider, among the many examples, Bacardi’s “ugly girlfriend” ad, Burger King’s sexually suggestive “Super Seven Incher” ads and Dove’s “Before & After” ad showing a transition from a black to a white woman.

Likely these companies knew they were taking a risk in putting those ads out there but didn’t fully appreciate the likelihood of the level of potential backlash. But sometimes ads not intended to contain any type of offensive content still manage to offend. Continue reading “Peloton: The Latest Example of Consumer Outrage Over Ad Content”

Important Marketing and Branding Takeaways From Krispy Kreme and a Youthful Entrepreneur

by Justin Grensing, Esq., MBA

Every once in a while, a real-life situation comes up that lends itself nicely to some core marketing concepts. These serve as great teaching tools and discussion points because they actually happened, and they’re relatable. Here’s a recent example involving Krispy Kreme and an entrepreneurial college student. Continue reading “Important Marketing and Branding Takeaways From Krispy Kreme and a Youthful Entrepreneur”

Papa John’s Takes a Dip; Shaq Comes to the Rescue in More Ways Than One

Having a real person associated with your brand can help your company connect with consumers on a personal level. It can also bring negative publicity from the actions or statements of those spokespeople. While it might be harder for audiences to connect personally with the Trix Bunny or Pillsbury Dough Boy, neither is likely to be in the news for making offensive statements or getting arrested.

That can’t be said for real-life figureheads or spokespeople.

Continue reading “Papa John’s Takes a Dip; Shaq Comes to the Rescue in More Ways Than One”

What We Can Learn From Amazon’s HQ2 Failure

by Justin Grensing, Esq., MBA

We recently wrote a blog post on some of the lessons to be learned from a decision by retail giant Amazon to abandon plans to open one half of its HQ2 in New York City. The media have been quick to label the decision as a failure and a PR disaster for the firm that stirred up months of media frenzy when it announced its search for an HQ2 several months ago. Continue reading “What We Can Learn From Amazon’s HQ2 Failure”

Key Takeaways From Amazon’s NYC Exodus

by Justin Grensing, Esq., MBA

On February 14 – Valentine’s Day – Amazon announced a break up with New York City. The company faced intense backlash from community members after it was announced that the much-anticipated HQ2 would be split between New York and Arlington Virginia.

Here are some takeaways from a marketing perspective on the tech giant’s big decision. Continue reading “Key Takeaways From Amazon’s NYC Exodus”

Best Practice Insights: Include PR Implications in Decision-Making Processes

by Justin Grensing, Esq., MBA

In recent weeks there have been multiple high-profile instances of company policies garnering unwanted national attention. Continue reading “Best Practice Insights: Include PR Implications in Decision-Making Processes”

Delta and Coke Valentines Blunder a Good Lesson for Others

by Justin Grensing, Esq., MBA

The marketing world can be fickle. Marketers and advertisers are lauded as geniuses when their bold or creative plans pan out. But they’re derided as fools or worse when their plans fall flat. Often, it’s just the benefit of hindsight that makes a great idea turn out to be idiotic.

Well, in hindsight, a Valentines-themed gimmick looks like a pretty bad idea. Continue reading “Delta and Coke Valentines Blunder a Good Lesson for Others”

They Call It Public RELATIONS for a Reason

(excerpted from 21st Century Secrets to Effective PR: Tips and Best Practices for Gaining Media Exposure)

What’s the most important thing that any business person should know about working with the media? Relationships matter! I’ve been working with the media for a number of years — both as one of them in my role as a business journalist and on the other side of the relationship as a PR professional. Because I’ve had a foot in both camps for so long, I don’t have the same level of fear or anxiety about working with the media as many often do. I don’t view the media as “the enemy,” but as an ally in most cases. I need the media to help me get important messages out to various audiences. The goal: Continue reading “They Call It Public RELATIONS for a Reason”