Category: Blog

B2B Influencer Marketing – Move the Needle with Micro Influencers

Posted on by Kerry Fedro

We’ve all been there – scrolling through our social feeds and a well-known celebrity, or industry spokesperson, stops us in our scrolling tracks to explain how our lives will be better with this one tool or gadget. I’m the first to admit that I’ve been a victim of really great salesmanship by industry influencers that I follow and respect – and for the most part it’s worked out.

Why is it that influencers are so convincing? Influencers have worked hard to grow their following and build trust and credibility with their audience. They tend to do so by being authentic, consistent and transparent. That transparency is crucial as it helps them to maintain trust with their highly engaged follower base. It’s true that many associate influencers with consumer brands but the power of these trusted and relied upon experts extends to B2B as well.

To Engage or Not to Engage

Determining when and how to establish a relationship with an influencer is something almost every company will contemplate at some point. A recent study found that 86% of B2B brands found success with influencer marketing. So, the big question is: when is the right time for you?Let’s take a look at the Pros and Cons as our first step.

A few pros for engaging with influencers:

  • Increased Visibility – Influencers bring a large, targeted following and partnering with them can help companies to reach a wider audience.
  • Multi-Channel Offerings – Influencers engage with their audience in a number of ways: social media, podcasts, webinars, published articles, etc. The right influencer will tailor a package to meet the needs of your program – this customization is key to success.
  • Credibility – Knowledgeable and trustworthy are two words that go hand in hand with influencers. When they promote a product, they are giving an implied endorsement and their followers are more likely to trust that the product works.
  • Brand Building – Influencers can create content that highlights the unique features and benefits of a product or service; this can help to create a strong brand identity.
  • 3rd Party Feedback – When influencers test out your product or service you are able to gather invaluable input, helping to make it more appealing to end users.

On the flipside: some things to be aware of before jumping in:

  • High Costs – Partnering with influencers can be costly and the ROI may not be worth it. Ensuring that an influencer’s follower base is aligned with your target market is one way to alleviate this concern.
  • Unauthentic promotion – If an influencer promotes a tech product that they don’t actually use or believe in it can come across negatively.
  • Negative publicity – if a product is promoted that turns out to be faulty, it could backfire and be harmful for the reputation of the company – and the influencer.

Micro vs. Mega

Certainly, if you’re a startup or early-stage tech company then costs are key and determining how to spread your marketing dollars strategically is what keeps you up at night. In this case, micro influencers may be the way to go. Micro influencers come with all the same benefits of their mega counterparts, but they have two key differences: smaller but highly engaged following and greater accessibility. Now back to our study – when asked about the top qualities of an influencer, 98% of survey respondents said that ‘relevance of audience’ is the most important quality.

Micro influencers have a very specific niche audience, and they are experts in their field – and likewise highly respected and trusted. This micro influencer category is becoming increasingly popular as they offer a more targeted and cost-effective alternative – and they are more willing to collaborate with smaller businesses.

What Do You Do Now?

Not all companies should engage with influencers – the decision comes down to your goals, your target audience and your budget. If micro or mega influencers align with these factors, then you’ve identified an extremely effective strategy for building that next level of visibility and credibility.

Well, Hello There – Nice to See You, CES!

Posted on by Dena Jacobson

It’s been a while since we’ve all graced that hallowed ground of consumer technology – the Las Vegas Convention Center show floor – and it’s safe to say that the hustle and bustle that define the most influential tech event in the world has definitely been missed. Well – welcome back! This year’s show will be held in-person, with a digital event running in parallel. Are you ready for it?

It’s time to dust off that marketing mojo, and we’re just the team to help you do it. You need an exceptional PR and marketing partner to guide you through CES®, and Lages has been there and done that – over and over again. We have a full spectrum of tech experience working alongside everyone from startups to billion-dollar enterprises. Our years of experience will get you the media attention and analyst connections you are looking for.

Whether your CES 2022 experience will be in-person or online, there are just 72 days (and counting) to prepare.  As they say – there’s no time like the present.

Here are some of the keys to CES success:

First things first. What do you need help with at CES – how are you going to start building a buzz? Here’s a list to help you start brainstorming:

  • Product Launches
  • News Announcements
  • Messaging
  • Social Content
  • Pre-show Promotion
  • Awards
  • Media/Analyst Appointments
  • Show Coverage
  • Insider Suite Demos
  • Influencer relations
  • Campaign themes

No matter what program components you select above – they need to be compelling and resonate with your intended audience. We want CES buzz to grow into coverage and meaningful relationships with media and analysts. Think Forbes, Gartner, CNET, Anandtech, Digital Trends, Tom’s Hardware, TweakTown, TechTarget, IDC, all of your high visibility vertical outlets and more. It’s critical to get in touch with media and analysts well before the show and also beat holiday vacations/shut downs.

Get a move on in November:

  • Time is of the essence: Ideally, messaging and assets (photos, videos, collateral, etc.) should be completed before the Thanksgiving holiday. This will allow you to finalize your show strategy, begin outreach to media, draft your news release and package materials that tell your story.
  • Media outreach should start this month – And the earlier the better. It’s best to pulse media and analysts from your customized database and find out who is attending and get on their radar. Keep an eye out for the CES pre-registered press list as well – to identify contacts that are relevant to your market, product, etc.
  • Do you have a show floor presence? Not every company does – and not every company needs one. Consider affordable media events such as Digital Experience and ShowStoppers instead. These events are media receptions that enable exhibiting companies to directly meet with more than hundreds of pre-qualified journalists, analysts and key industry influencers.
  • Are you participating in the digital event?  If so, you’ve got your line-up of assets that need to be created and ready for prime time.
  • Have you decided on your premium items or giveaways? (i.e., bouncy balls, notepads, bags) – You’ll need these in hand before the show, so make sure you have enough time to order them.

December is crunch time:

  • By now, your news release should be finalized – and you’re deciding on a date during the week of CES to issue it over the wire. This is also an ideal time to offer up advance copies of your news release, so that media can plan their stories. It’s also key to offer an online press kit – we recommend a Dropbox – with the news release, photos, videos, fact sheets, FAQs, etc.
  • It’s time to get on media and analyst’s calendars. Outreach began in November, but now it’s critical to get on their schedules and book appointments. Make it easy for them to know where you are – give the building/hotel you’re in, the hall location and booth number. If you’re at a media event, expect media and analysts to stop-by your table (after all, your outreach let them know where to find you).
  • Finalize your schedule! It’s time to gather all the media and analysts that expressed interest in one place. A meeting schedule compiling day-by-day booth appointments, stop-bys, interview locations, and other details are helpful to keep your spokesperson(s) on schedule and in the loop. For appointments, creating background documents that include relevant details, recent articles, analyst reports, and more can make all the difference in building a good relationship face-to-face at the show. It’s best to review this for each media or analyst prior to your meetings.

January – here we go!

It’s time to make a splash! You’re welcoming the New Year and CES: The show is January 5 – 8, 2022.

  • Your news release is crossing the week of CES – and it’s critical to follow-up with all of the media and analysts who expressed an interest in your news. It’s best to send over a brief note with the link to the news release – and if they’ve booked an appointment, reiterate the meeting details (date, location, time), give your cell phone number just in case they need to connect, are running late, etc.
  • Messaging is key: For those staffing your media event table, hotel suite or show floor booth – run through key messages, master your elevator pitch, review materials, and don’t forget to snag contact information for those you interact with (especially media and analysts).
  • Post-event outreach is a must. CES is massive, so if someone misses an appointment – that’s okay. You got them on the hook and sent them your online press kit, so after the show is over – it’s prime time for post-event follow-up. That also goes for those you met with during CES. Following up with a thank you, items they asked for during an interview, and/or checking in to connect later that month are tactful ways to close the loop on these interactions.

Take a deep breath. Relax. You’ve got this – and help is just an email away. Send us a message to learn more about how we can assist: beverly@lages.com.

Going Virtual – 5 Tips for Success at Virtual Trade Shows

Posted on by Beverly Lages

Virtual trade shows have become a cornerstone of life during COVID-19.

Even with hopeful signs beginning to emerge, the public health crisis continues to shape enterprise strategy. Most organizers have come to the conclusion that the 2021 convention season will remain virtual. As virtual events gain traction, they will no doubt stay a part of the business world for years to come.

Virtual and face-to-face trade shows have the same purpose, but they are very different.

It’s the difference between analog and digital. Analog is a glossy brochure, digital is a fully interactive website. We learned early on that simply turning our company brochure into a website was a missed opportunity: The potential for a richer, more customer-focused experience was being lost.

Today, no one designs a website this way. The medium’s merits are recognized and used.

When it comes to virtual trade shows, we need to be just as diligent in recognizing that this is a leap into the digital world – with all that entails. Simply templating our analog strategy will limit the potential that can be reached.

It was not that long ago when virtual events were considered a pale imitation of the “real thing.” Now, they are taking center stage.

Let’s review five of the most effective ways to leverage virtual trade shows:

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Technology

Nearly all of us have gotten a crash course in videoconferencing over the last year. That said, you shouldn’t assume the event management platform is one you’ll be familiar with. Take time to learn about its key features and check compatibility with your hardware.

2. Make Networking a Top Priority

Networking is the core of any trade show. To make the most of it, it’s crucial to be sure you fully understand the event’s networking options. Most events have pre-scheduled blocks of networking time you’ll want to attend. Eliminate any distractions, like phone or email notifications, so you can focus completely during this time.

3. Pre-Book Video Calls with Qualified Decision-Makers

A show’s attendee list provides you with an easy way to identify promising leads and make contact. Schedule one-on-one time whenever possible, but be mindful of the show’s other events. Leverage your social media to promote your meeting sign-up link – this gives the right contacts the opportunity to find you.

4. Choose Your Event Attendees Strategically

Relevant product and persona insights pave the way for your representatives to build relationships. When you choose your team, select those who know your target audience well and easily engage with prospects. Make sure those social skills have made the digital leap! Charisma doesn’t always translate over webcam.

5. Empower Your Team with Quality Content

Content gives your contacts a lasting reason to explore what you have to offer and connect with you outside of an event. Your reps should be ready with content that aligns with your top buyer personas and use cases – from e-books to case studies and spec sheets. Then, be ready to follow up when the event closes.

Have you tried virtual events? We’d love to hear your feedback – was it a positive experience? Did you get a decent ROI? Would you do it again? As tech marketers, you’re writing the new playbook for how to take trade shows into our digital world.  So go ahead, own it and make it yours!

The New Normal

Posted on by Rachel Mayhew

Here we are, nearing five months into self-quarantine, and my apartment has never felt so small!

Living and working in the one-bedroom apartment that I share with my partner, Brian, and our two cats, Rosie and Milo, has definitely meant making some adjustments. Now more than ever, defining a work/life balance is key. Keeping focused work hours, minimizing distractions, and constant communication with the Lages team are all factors that have kept me on track and sane during this time.

The Adventure Begins

At the beginning of this work from home adventure, I was worried I would fall behind on some of my routines. Thankfully, I have two furry alarm clocks who help me keep on schedule! Rosie and Milo make sure that, even though my commute has gone from a one-hour drive to a mere 15 steps, I’m still maintaining their 6:00 a.m. feeding schedule as if it were business as usual.

The thing my cats love to do best is trying to keep me from working. They will climb on my desk and sit on my arms as I type. Rosie and Milo are almost honorary Lages team members, with how often they sneak into my video calls!

It’s The Little Things

Despite some uncertainty, most things remain the same. I still change out the color of the sticky notes I use every month, I still get to chat with my coworkers while sipping my coffee (thanks Microsoft Teams!), and my office plants are now bringing me joy at home. Lunch breaks have become simpler with easy access to my kitchen, and I’ve found myself cooking more meals and experimenting with ingredients I’ve never used before. Did anyone else try to keep a sourdough starter at the beginning of quarantine? Mine is now sadly sitting in the back of my fridge … baking bread in an apartment with no A/C in the kitchen is a no go in the summer. My new normal also includes Brian becoming my “new co-worker”, so to speak. In a small space like ours, we’re both sharing what we like to call our office… even though it’s just a small corner in our living room. Trying to coordinate staff meetings, various work calls, and different starting schedules has been a unique challenge. Thankfully, we can now call ourselves #WFH Pros. Brian has even made some cameo’s in the background of our Monday afternoon Lages staff meetings (as I have in his!).

The New Normal

Having been well over 4 months into self-quarantine, I’ve gone through the more difficult parts of transitioning to #WFH. I remind myself of these silver linings – I’m so grateful to have the privilege to work from home, that my Lages family is supportive and caring, and that my family and friends are safe and healthy. Most of all, I’m thankful for and so proud of my dad, who works in healthcare, and is on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

So, let’s take a moment to relax, to thank our essential workers, to wash our hands and wear our masks, and to count our blessings. I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that we will come out of this pandemic stronger and more resilient from working together.

How a New Media Model Puts You in the Driver’s Seat

Posted on by Beverly Lages

We all love getting positive media coverage. It gives us a credible ‘thumbs-up’ and gets the word out about what we have to offer and how we make life better for our target audience.

But today, the breadth of publications has lessened as the publishing world continues to be transformed by the digital revolution. So – how do you get your message out when you can’t get as much traction in earned media as you would like?

Simple: Pay to play.

Sponsored editorial content looks like earned media from a journalist, but has the distinct advantage of being controllable. Yep, you control the story and your message comes out exactly the way you want it.

Sponsored Media – the Backstory

Sponsored media is a growing and thriving category that merits a role in PR and marketing programs. Of course, earned media is the gold standard for any PR program, but sponsored media can round out the program and fill gaps with controlled messaging and timing.

A spinoff of advertorials, which are special paid articles inserted with care into traditional media publications, including everything from Bloomberg Businessweek to trades such as Electronic Design. These publications label the articles as advertorials or brand content and typically present them in a different layout so they are not mistaken as earned media. The goal is to protect the integrity of the publication and provide transparency while allowing the sponsor to get their message out to readers.

Fast forward to today, and we see a new breed of communication: sponsored media properties. In stark contrast to advertorials, sponsored media makes no apologies for the pay-to-play business model and operates as a vehicle to level the playing field – giving companies of all sizes and stature a platform to tell their story.

Fuel for your Content Marketing Engine

As with all media, some are better than others, but there is no denying the value that sponsored media properties offer. The top echelon has reach strategies built into to their offerings to ensure your article gets exposed to key audiences. Others simply provide a platform that appears to be editorial, but the heavy lifting of pushing out your article to target audiences is on your plate. That’s not all bad when you consider most companies have a content marketing machine that’s focused on nurturing prospects and leads with valuable content.

But how do you find these new mavericks of the media trade? Well, that is a bit tricky. Today most of these media properties reach out directly to companies that come into their view through news releases and other means. Here at Lages, we’ve taken on the task to capture these media properties and have compiled a list.

So why not take a test drive?  Remember, you’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to sponsored media!

Dancing in the Rain

Posted on by Beverly Lages

No doubt these are unusual times. My natural life rhythm has been hijacked by a pandemic.

While I cannot ignore the enormity of this crisis and can’t help but be saddened by the toll it is taking, I have come to appreciate some of the good things that come from everyone being in the same boat.

Getting to Know You

I love getting to know our team and clients on a deeper level, and nothing helps that along better than everyone working from home. Somehow, all of the formalities of the business world seem to melt away. There was the day I was having a one-to-one Zoom video meeting with the president of one of our clients. While discussing some of the pressing items at hand, I had to pause and giggle as a cat tail appeared before his face. Ha! Yes, he has cats and the cats love him. Then there are the shared stories about family, pets and their habits, the apologies for children – singing, barging in, photo bombing Zoom, and always asking about food. There is the chiming of a grandfather clock, the consistent …hello, are you there as we sync up our voice connection, barking dogs, beeping devices, and all those things that shout ‘we are in a new normal!’

I do love our Monday team meetings. We all Zoom together and I get a kick out of seeing all of us stacked up on the monitor just like opening scene from the Brady Bunch! We are family…that is for sure!

Pivot – Time to go WFH

While working at home remotely is nothing new for me, I have relied upon my brick and mortar team to be my rock. Now, we are all in the same boat and learning to swim with the challenges of a totally online world. I am completely in awe of our team… they have made the remote adjustment with little trepidation. Our awesome IT consultant made sure we didn’t skip a beat. You just never completely know how good everyone is until the unknown happens.

Let’s Dance

Well – we are 30 plus days into our new virtual reality and all is well. I am grateful for my team, our clients, our supporters, our families and our good fortune to be well. Let’s see… I think I’ve got this. I can dance in the rain!

Is CES Haunting You?

Posted on by Justine Houston-Brown

On the list of things that have the potential to frighten, CES – the biggest consumer tech tradeshow of the year – can rank right up there with the latest episode of American Horror Story for those of us in tech circles.

If the mere thought of Las Vegas in January makes your heart race and palms sweat, we’re here to put your fears to rest. You need an exceptional PR and marketing partner to guide you through CES, and we’re it. #TeamLages has been there and done that – over and over again. We have a full spectrum of tech experience working alongside everyone from startups to billion dollar enterprises. Our years of experience will get you the media attention and analyst connections you are looking for.

You have 82 days (and counting) to prepare – let’s get started, shall we?

Here is the recipe for CES success:

First things first. What do you need help with at CES – how are you going to start building a buzz? Here’s a list to help you start brainstorming.

  • Product Launches
  • News Announcements
  • Messaging
  • Social Content
  • Pre-show Promotion
  • Awards
  • Media/Analyst Appointments
  • Show Coverage
  • Insider Suite Demos
  • Influencer relations
  • Campaign themes

No matter what program components you select above – they need to be compelling and resonate with your intended audience. We want CES buzz to grow into coverage and meaningful relationships with media and analysts. Think CNET, Gartner, The Wall Street Journal, Frost & Sullivan, Anandtech, TWICE, Tom’s Hardware, Forrester, Digital Trends, and more – it’s critical to get in touch with media and analysts well before the show and also beat holiday vacations/shut downs.

Get a Move on in November:

  • Time is of the essence: Ideally, messaging and assets (photos, videos, collateral, etc) should be completed before the Thanksgiving holiday. This will allow you to finalize your show strategy, begin outreach to media, draft your news release and package materials that tell your story.
  • Media outreach should start this month – the earlier the better. It’s best to pulse media and analysts from your customized database and find out who is attending and get on their radar. Keep an eye out for the CES pre-registered press list as well – to identify contacts that are relevant to your market, product, etc.
  • Do you have a show floor presence? Not every company does – and not every company needs one. Consider affordable media events (approximately $6-12K) such as Digital Experience and ShowStoppers instead. These events are media receptions that enable exhibiting companies to directly meet with more than hundreds of pre-qualified journalists, analysts and key industry influencers.
  • Are you interested in awards? Many have deadlines from now until early December – i.e. CES Last Gadget Standing, CE Pro’s CTA Mark of Excellence Awards, Women in Consumer Technology Legacy Awards, etc.
  • On-stage or live interview opportunities are also booking this month. If you’re interested in presenting your product, it’s time to pitch these and try to secure an interview spot – i.e. CESTV, TWiT.TV, Tech Talk with Craig Peterson, etc.
  • Have you decided on your premium items or giveaways? (i.e. bouncy balls, notepads, bags) – You’ll need these in hand before the show, so make sure you have enough time to order them.

December is crunch time:

  • By now, your news release should be finalized – and you’re deciding on a date during the week of CES to issue it over the wire. This is also an ideal time to offer up advance copies of your news release, so that media can plan their stories. It’s also key to offer an online press kit – we recommend a Dropbox – with the news release, photos, videos, fact sheets, FAQs, etc.
  • It’s time to get on media and analyst’s calendars. Outreach began in November, but now it’s critical to get on their schedules and book appointments. Make it easy for them to know where you are – give the building/hotel you’re in, the hall location and booth number. If you’re at a media event, expect media and analysts to stop-by your table (after all, your outreach let them know where to find you). You’re on their radar, and both ShowStoppers and Digital Experience provide ample time for them to swing by to learn more.
  • Finalize your schedule! It’s time to gather all the media and analysts that expressed interest in one place. A meeting schedule compiling day-by-day booth appointments, stop-bys, interview locations, etc. is helpful to keep your spokesperson(s) on schedule and in the loop. For appointments, creating background documents that include relevant details, recent articles, analyst reports, etc. can make all the difference in building a good relationship face-to-face at the show. It’s best to review this for each media or analyst prior to your meetings.

January – here we go!

It’s time to make a splash! You’re welcoming the New Year and CES: The show is January 7 – 10, 2020.

  • Your news release is crossing the week of CES – and it’s critical to follow-up with all of the media and analysts who expressed an interest in your news. It’s best to send over a brief note with the link to the news release – and if they’ve booked an appointment, reiterate the meeting details (date, location, time), give your cell phone number just in case they need to connect, are running late, etc.
  • Messaging is key: For those staffing your media event table, hotel suite or show floor booth – run through key messages, master your elevator pitch, review materials, and don’t forget to snag contact information for those you interact with (especially media and analysts).
  • Post-event outreach is a must. CES is massive, so if someone misses an appointment – that’s okay. You got them on the hook and sent them your online press kit, so after the show is over – it’s prime time for post-event follow-up. That also goes for those you met with during CES. Following up with a thank you, items they asked for during an interview, and/or checking in to connect later that month are tactful ways to close the loop on these interactions.

Take a deep breath. Relax. You’ve got this – and help is just an email away. Send us a message to learn more about how we can assist: beverly@lages.com.

Video Marketing – Tips for a Solid Video Plan

Posted on by Kerry Fedro

My son is an aspiring baseball player. If you’re familiar with the game of baseball you know it’s a very cerebral game. In the batter’s box every movement must come together perfectly – from the way the bat is held, to the twist of the wrist as the swing is moving through, to the precise movement of the hips and legs to get power in the swing. The baseball swing is a symphony of movement that crescendos precisely as the ball meets the bat. But this is just one aspect of a very difficult game.

How do these young players gain an edge? Of course, lots of practice and money tossed at batting, fielding, pitching, and even running coaches. We’ve been to several coaches that have helped my son over the years. And, each one has their own set of tools they use to help young players. But over the years I’ve found the coaches that use this one tool to be the most effective.

Can you guess what it is? If you said video, then you’re right!

According to Curata, two of the three most effective types of video are tutorial videos (50%) and demonstration videos (49%).

If you consider this along with the overwhelming number of stats that show the value of video marketing, then you may be able to convince your company to embrace video as a means for communicating with your target audiences.

In my last blog on this subject, we explored how important video marketing is. And I’d be willing to bet that video marketing is one the of first forms of communication that most companies ignore due to fears over costs, content and bandwidth.

Fear no more! You CAN take advantage of the many benefits of video marketing and here’s how to get started:

  • Your partner makes the difference – Find a partner that understands your video marketing goals and shares the same views for how to get there. Part of this discussion early on is budget. Look at their sample videos and understand the costs of the videos they’ve produced that you like.
  • Less is more – Keep your videos under two minutes as visitors lose interest beyond the two-minute mark.
  • Visuals help tell the story – Work with a production company that is skilled in motion graphics. Videos give you the opportunity to take your message to the next level. Imagine a simple infographic brought to life in an educational video.
  • Keep it authentic – An over-produced video may send the wrong the message. Authentic videos featuring employees vs. paid actors, shot in your office vs. a studio may help the viewer to ‘connect’ on a personal level with your company. And it cuts costs dramatically.
  • Demo, Training, How-to videos are very powerful – We’ve already explored the importance of tutorial and demo videos. Keep this in mind when you want to show the ease with which your product can be installed or used.
  • Keep it simple – Enlist your marketing team to create a script that is easy to bring to life in video. Whether it’s a talking head video or a video completely done in motion graphics – having a clear plan in place before starting the process ensures success.
  • Give it some marketing muscle – Be sure to put a solid marketing plan in place to drive viewers to the video. Ensure that you’re pushing the video to target audiences via your website, social media, email marketing, and advertising.

Give it a try. Have some fun with video and weave it into your marketing program.

Let us know if you’ve had success with video marketing. We’d love to hear the challenges you overcame and how your videos were received by your customers and partners.

How Does Your PR Program Measure Up?

Posted on by Dena Jacobson

It’s a question we get asked pretty much every time we develop a PR program: “…but how will we know it’s working?” And, fair enough – the resources put into PR and marketing efforts can be considerable, both from time spent and a financial standpoint. Data collection and interpretation are playing a huge role in every aspect of business, and the PR profession is not immune. After all, what gets measured gets improved.

But can goodwill towards your brand be quantified?

I hate to answer a question with a question, but in this case it must done: what, exactly, are you hoping to achieve? A startup looking to enter a crowded field will measure success differently than an established player that aims to enhance its reputation and good standing within its market. Where are you now – and where do you want to go?

One note here: Sales and conversions are easy to measure – but sales are the domain of your sales team. Think of a well-balanced PR and marcom program as being the ideal complement to your sales process – an enhancement of your efforts that can (and should!) be leveraged to boost the bottom line.

Now, let’s get to the answers:

There are a number of measurement techniques that can be used to assess the success of your PR program. It’s our job to develop a measurement process that specifically collects and reports on the metrics that are most important to each individual client. Below are a few of the metrics that can be considered:

  • Deliverables: These are tangible items and services provided, including news releases, message counsel, media intelligence, and content development
  • Media Placements: Coverage and posts
  • Influencer Relationships: New relationships cultivated
  • Impressions: Impressions as measured by the reach of news releases issued over a wire service
  • Website Traffic: Referral traffic in Google Analytics
  • Digital Reach: The digital reach of secured online article placements (aggregated unique visitors per month)
  • Share of Voice: Benchmark coverage by topic, competitor or other category
  • Sentiment: Treatment of a story (positive, negative, neutral)
  • Social Reach/Shares: Likes, followers, shares, mentions, re-tweets
  • Video Reach: Views or shares on video content

The data generated via your chosen metrics needs to be gathered – there are several tools and dashboards out there that can help you do exactly this, Google Analytics being a popular one. How you use this data is extremely important, as within the data lies the map that will help you (and your PR firm) make the necessary tweaks that will guide your program forward for optimal impact.

By no means is this meant to be an exhaustive list. Rather, the metrics above are a starting point for building a process to assess the progress of your program. Moreover, you’ll now be able to make adjustments and refine your course for greater results.

To Shoot or Not to Shoot? Why Video Belongs in your Marketing Mix

Posted on by Kerry Fedro

It’s a standard question we ask every new client: “Do you have any videos we can use?”

Surprisingly, the majority of our clients answer no. Why when video is so pervasive? Whether it’s a quick, 30-second video of a pair of shoes we’re tempted to buy or a video of our favorite professional athlete hitting a walk-off home run – it’s a fact that video touches us all on a daily basis.

What keeps you from adding video to your marketing mix? Likely the answer is time and budget. In fact, according to Buffer 73% of marketers said they’d create more video content if there were no obstacles like time, resources and budget. And, if it’s not time and budget then the other answer may be, “We’re too technical for video.”

Well, time and budget may continue to be an issue…but let’s explore “too technical” and why this should come off of your list of reasons NOT to shoot videos.

First, let’s start with a few stats that might help push the needle in favor of video marketing: 80% of users can recall a video ad they viewed in the last 30 days. And, before reading any text, 60% of site visitors will watch a video if one is available.

Buffer shares other video marketing stats here:

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With these stats in mind, it makes sense to rethink video.

But, you may be feeling like your company isn’t right for video. Think again. Every company has a target audience with individual decision makers that digest content in different ways. Some rely on news feeds, some on white papers and others on various forms of online content. This fact is why marketers communicate in a variety of ways.

Video is a very compelling marketing tool as it is easily consumed in bite-sized chunks. And, even the most technical of stories can be told via video. The key is to understand your audience and what they need to make a buy decision. Ask yourself, “What are my sales prospects searching for online?” Almost any way you answer this question can be wrapped up with a bow and delivered via video.

It may be that your prospects are looking for:

  • Benefits videos on your new product
  • Motion graphics videos that highlight key applications
  • CEO providing the company vision
  • Training or demo videos
  • Tutorials in an explainer format
  • Lifestyle videos showing your product in action

You name it – there are endless opportunities for video content in your marketing mix. So, set aside the skepticism about your company message, and whether it’s good for video, and pencil some ideas for your video marketing strategy.