When we think about podcasts, we usually picture shows designed for customers, clients or for the wider public. Most brands use them to tell their story, share expertise, and build trust externally. But what if the biggest impact could happen inside your company? Many leaders want to communicate better with their teams but struggle to find the time or the right way to do it. A communication problem A friend of mine started her first full-time job after finishing her studies. I was surprised when she shared that on her first day, she arrived at the office, collected her laptop, and was sent home! Every part of her onboarding was done online. I remember thinking how strange … [Read more...] about Podcasts build connection inside your company
Comms
The following blog posts cover a variety of themes and aspects within the area of communications. We share insights into the nuances of Public Relations, email marketing and outreach activities. We help you to understand how these areas need to blend into your digital marketing strategy.
Brand Personality
As we evolve further into the digital age, I am even more convinced than ever that people (in their human form) need to come out from hiding behind brand names/logos. Before I transitioned into mainly working with subject matter experts, I worked with company brands and this was one of my biggest challenges to get over: How do you speak to other humans…as an inanimate logo/identity? The answer is that you don’t – unless you can wear a personality and behave like a person. Now, for personal brands that’s fairly easy to do (she says), however, company/business brands find it trickier. Why is having a Brand Personality beneficial? There are quite a few benefits actually. Here are … [Read more...] about Brand Personality
Brand Ambassadors
Have you wondered what a brand ambassador is? Over the past few years, methods of reaching key target audiences have changed significantly. Public relations is shifting from pitching to journalists and traditional media to working with individuals across all forms of media. Marketing teams are now capitalising more on their RoI by investing in brand relationships for mutual benefit and not just buying advertising space (for example). An important part of the modern marketing armoury is the use of credible, third party endorsers to spread the word of a business and its products. After all, people trust recommendations from their network far more than traditional ads. Terms such as … [Read more...] about Brand Ambassadors
8 Tips for Business Awards
Winning business awards can reap rich rewards when it comes to bolstering brand awareness and the reputation of your business. When we work with clients on their communications plans, we put some templates and workflows in place to optimise when these milestone events occur. It takes a lot of effort to apply for those noteworthy awards. Our advice is to make the most of them if you get shortlisted or, indeed, win one. Top 8 tips to make the most of awards: 1. Be selective about which ones you apply for Check which awards will reap the most rewards for you and will catch the eye of your prospective customer audience. We would suggest doing a little research based on your industry and … [Read more...] about 8 Tips for Business Awards
Customer Avatar Exercise
It is natural to run out of ideas for content for your social media, blogging and email content strategies. But, even after many many years of working with clients - my answer to your creative block is to relook at your customer avatar(s). How well do you know who you are trying to reach by telling your business story? Customer Avatar Exercise This is a structured way to really flesh out and get to know your target audiences (customer avatar) as well as possible. This is what we use when working with clients and honestly, it's the magic wand you have been looking for. Old school marketing people will remember the concept of ‘personas’. Gartner provides a definition of a Persona … [Read more...] about Customer Avatar Exercise
Community Management
This is the 5th and final post of a series I have written providing some help and advice to answer the question: "How much will social media cost me?" Make sure you read the full series – ‘Social Investment’. Social media is not a 'set and forget' environment. It is highly charged with conversation and action. So, while I do advocate scheduling content (which has already been thought-through and planned) - it is still important that you pay attention too. This means you need to be live on the platforms each day to make sure you are responding to people and also being seen to be sharing other people’s content. For bigger businesses, they may well be using social media as a serious … [Read more...] about Community Management
Content Creation Sweat
This is the 3rd post in a series I have written providing some help and advice to answer the question: How much will social media cost me? Make sure you read the full series - 'Social Investment'. This area is definitely not given as much time and attention as it needs to be. I think I can best describe underestimating content creation by saying it's like expecting to win the London Marathon by making sure you walk 30mins a day with your dog. Disjointed thinking right? Exactly. Value is at the heart of creation In order for you to truly attract your ideal customers on social media…or at least ‘find’ them - you need to value them. You value them by really getting to know them and what … [Read more...] about Content Creation Sweat
Pause for Creative Thought
Finding time in your day, your week, your month to just PAUSE is rare. Until recently I would have said to you - I just don’t have time to think. I felt “full-up” - my brain wasn't able to take in or process any more information. Then…I met Duncan Wardle of ID8 & Innov8. Creative thinking is the key to innovating…evolving your service, your delivery, your products and the way in which you care for your clients/customers. What I haven’t completely gotten on a logical level is that you need the space for thought. I know you will say: Isn’t that obvious? But I have literally been so busy in my business and deep in delivering my service to my clients that I have made no space for … [Read more...] about Pause for Creative Thought
Mobile and App Usage Trends
Designing for “mobile” is key to reducing friction and holding the attention of your audiences. This concept is at the heart of everything we do and advise our clients on. As a business, you need to keep an eye on global trends on (1) advances in technology and (2) the behaviours of the users of that technology. Today, you cannot ignore certain inalienable truths - i.e. that you are affected by: software, hardware, social media and human behaviour …and this is unrelated to what business or industry you are in. That means…the ice-cream shop in Florida (like Vicky Jeavons’ “Haze Ice Cream” that just got the other side of Hurricane Irma); the chocolate shop in Sydney … [Read more...] about Mobile and App Usage Trends
Business Interview: Caroline Prout
This is a series where we go out and have a Facebook Live interview with a local business owner. We talk about their business, what the story is behind why they started their specific business and how they are using social media to support their ambitions. In this interview, we talk to Caroline Prout, who runs her Hypnotherapy Practice from Islip (near Thraptson) in Northamptonshire. Caroline Prout's background… In the video, you’ll learn about the three career Caroline has had - and what her journey to entrepreneurship has been like. Like Ellen, in our previous interview, she has had quite a tough personal path to choosing the business she specialises in today. Her passion … [Read more...] about Business Interview: Caroline Prout