4 PR Trends That Will Impact Your Business

Technology continues to rapidly change how business is done and with that, impacts your marketing and public relations strategies.  Here are 4 key trends to keep in mind:
  
1. Updating Content

The old expression "Content is King" is more relevant now than ever.  Content directly affects how your is viewed by the public. When someone searches for your business online and finds plenty of results – and much of that coverage is favorable – it is likely because of frequent and effective news releases, articles and other stories implemented by a strong PR team on its behalf.  Likewise, when a company has fewer hits to show, it tends to get lost in the big conversation online, and that can threaten its survival.

2. Social Media Shapes Perception

Using a solid social media strategy will positively impact your brand. Through Facebook alone, companies are reaching hundreds or thousands of potential customers when they post items about new developments or just images of recent events. Businesses who fail to take advantage of Social Media will find potential customers have already shaped their perceptions about them – namely, as being out of touch, aloof and unwilling to adapt with the changing times.

3. Video Will Meet The Need For Speed

Using a professionally produced and edited online video to communicate your major messages about your business in a rapid and easy-to-digest manner is hard to surpass. If you want someone to be enticed by an aspect of your business, the impact of a well prepared video can not be overstated.  It heightens people’s favorable impression of your company and gives your business a sense of its importance.

4. Publications Will Remain Strong

The written word is dead -- or is it?  Don't discount the power of new media -- blogs, niche newsletters, online books, newspapers and magazines.  While it is true that readership of printed material is down, overall readership is up when you add new media to the mix.  As a result, they are a strong part of any successful public relations campaign.

Questions?  We're here to help. Just give us a call at 305-597-0055 or send an email to info@tenbrook.us.

Social Media For Business: It’s Worth The Work!

Small business marketing is not always as easy as it sounds. While many companies are beginning to utilize Social Media to promote their business, it is not an overnight “slam dunk.” 

The evolution of the internet and the introduction of social media have forever changed the way marketers do business.  Social Media marketing is a powerful and effective way to amplify your marketing mix and generate new business.  Social media has become direct mail for the internet age.  Obviously, having a social media presence for your business is critical. 

But Social Media is constantly changing.  To make it work you need to stay up to date.  Features come and go, social media is a constantly evolving dynamic offering new ways to reach your target audiences – provided you understand how it all works.

Social media success comes from integrating all your social channels to achieve optimal results.  That means repurposing your press releases, newsletter, special offers etc so that you a providing consistency of messaging not only in your e-blasts but also on your website and all your Social Media postings.

Here are a few key stats from a recent Vocus survey of small businesses about the effectiveness and use of Social Media:
            ▪ 87% percent believe social media has helped build their organization;

▪ 77% spend more than 25% of their marketing budget on social media;

▪ 73% use Facebook in their marketing.

Social Media is obviously effective and very cost efficient.  While it does take work -- it’s worth every ounce of effort. 

4 Ways to Raise Your Profile & Get New Business

There's a lot of competition out there, so you need to turn the odds in your favor.  Here are "4 Ways to Raise Your Profile & Get New Business." 

1. Get Active In Your Community
Volunteer for a charity or business group.  We don't mean just lend your name - be an active and committed volunteer.  The exposure you generate as a result of your volunteer work is a win-win for your business and the group for which you volunteer.

2. Be a Speaker
While that might seem out of your comfort zone, you need to change your perspective.  You are an expert in your field.  Everyone wants to have the inside scoop from business leaders who are in the trenches.  They want to hear how to stay competitive, what you've done to survive in this tough economic climate, what spells success in your industry, keys to staying innovative, and on and on.  Just please don't make your presentation a sales pitch for your product or service.

3. Write a guest Article or a Letter to the Editor 
Letting others know your thoughts on topics related to your business is a good thing.  It reinforces your professionalism and, at the same time, generates a positive impression of you, your company and your industry.

4. What's New With You?
Did you or someone in your company receive an award or special recognition?  Has someone in your business been promoted?  Do you have a new hire?  Are you introducing a new product or service?  These are all great reasons to send out a press release.

Now here is our pitch.  Whenever you have questions about your marketing, public relations or social media, Tenbrook Associates Marketing & Public Relations is here to help.  Our consultations are always free.  Simply e-mail us at info@tenbrook.us or call 305-597-0055.

Is Your Facebook Fan Page Ready for Timeline?

March 30 is the big switch to the new Timeline format

You probably know by now that March 30th is the date when all Facebook Fan Pages switch to the new Timeline format.  Among many of the changes, you'll be able to place a large image called a "cover photo" at the top of your page.  Businesses should seriously consider what to put there.  Use a bit of imagination, a talented graphic designer and focus on the message you want to convey.

Your business "cover photo" does not have be stagnant.  We have clients that will be changing their "cover photo" on a regular basis to ensure it reinforces their brand and current marketing promotions.


The Facebook Fan Page Timeline places "status updates" by the date they were posted.  In effect, visitors to your Facebook Fan Page Timeline will see your company's history.  So this is a great time to add milestones.  When were you founded?  When did you move into your current office?  When did you add a key product or service?  Adding important company events to your Timeline provides a strong back story to your company. 

Word of caution to those currently using some 3rd party apps and/or have a special "landing page" on your current Facebook Fan Page.  They'll go away in Timeline.  But word on the street is that these companies are diligently working on how to operate in the new Timeline format. So we're confident you'll see many 3rd party apps back in action in the coming weeks.

As March 30th approaches and your business focuses on getting set for its Facebook Fan Page Timeline, remember that we're here to help.  We can even do all the leg work for you, so you can concentrate on your business while being confident your new Facebook Fan Page is a solid and positive reflection of your business. 

Consultations are free so give us a call at 305-597-0055 or email us at info@tenbrook.us.