McDonald's Canada: PR Through Video

Early in July 2012, McDonald’s Canada took PR into their own hands.  After being asked multiple times why their burgers look so different on commercials and in ads versus the real deal, they finally decided to answer those questions in an rather creative way.  A standard PR approach probably would have been something along the lines of answering the questions via social media or releasing some kind of statement, but no.  Apparently McDonald’s Canada decided to do things differently. They unleashed a video answering the questions about the promo burgers versus the restaurant burgers. 

As a Franchise PR firm, we love to see different, effective approaches to handling the mass public and media.  For McDonald’s Canada, the approach worked and following the unveiling of the popular video they created another video, which revealed the secrets behind the making of the popular Big Mac burger.  McDonald’s executive chef, Dan Coudreaut, lays it all out on the line explaining in great deal how to recreate the burger.  He even goes as far as unveiling the secret Big Mac sauce.  Almost unheard of and pretty brave.  

When visitors go to Youtube and search McDonald’s Canada, up pops their Youtube channel asking Youtuber’s to ask questions saying, “Ever wanted to ask us about the food in our Canadian restaurants?  Now’s your chance! We’ll answer any questions about our food- even the tough ones- then post a personal reply from McDonld’s Canada.”  Brave!  The videos posted by the Canada chain are posted in response to a question from a Youtuber.  And yes, they even answer the tough questions. 

Everyone’s idea of good PR is different.  While standard methods are typically viewed favorably, sometimes taking a different approach can yield great positive results.  The approach by the Canadian McDonald’s is definitely a brave one at that, so for that we applaud them. 

We love to create good PR opportunities for our Franchise PR clients.  Have a good or bad PR moment you’d like to share with us?  Share away in the comment section below. 

Again, here’s a link to the McDonald’s Canada page, check it out.

Press Kit Must Haves

One of the most important parts of any PR effort is the press kit and any public relations specialists will confirm that.  Before the era of electronic information, press kits used to be physical, but now most are electronically based. 

Online press kits have become the way to go for several reasons; they can be interactive, they’re up to date, and information is easily made available.  Don’t let your press kit gather dust.  Utilize some of our tried and true tips to make your kit stand out above the rest:  

(1) Easily accessible- Make your press kit, if it’s online, as easy to find as possible.  The easier information is to find and read, the more likely it is to be found and read (especially contact information—no one wants to have to dig for it!).

(2) Keep it simple- Don’t go overboard.  Stick to press kit basics.  Give people the core information they need—nothing more, nothing less.

(3) Interactive- In today’s technology-crazed environment, kits should be interactive and keep the readers attention. 

(4) Avoid vague copy- Kits need to be well written, which is where experts at PR firms come in to play.  Firms are adept at this.  Try and be as direct as possible and talk about your company or product as clearly as possible.  If what you’re describing is too hard to understand people are less apt to continue reading. 

(5) Continually update information- Here at All Points PR we always suggest kits are continually updated in case information has changed.  It happens!

(6) Always include a biography- Company bio’s are a definite must have.  Biography sheets should feature key management and any other important company facts.  People reading press kits want to know more about the brains behind the company. 

(7) Product or service information- If you’re selling a product, details about the product need to be included so that the need for the product is made apparent.  A potential customer needs to know why the product is necessary.  If you’re selling a service, make sure to outline exactly what the service includes, specifically the benefits.   

           (8) Include press pieces- If your company or product has been featured in magazines, has published press releases or product reviews, be sure to include them in your press kit.  Editors and journalists get to see what other people think of your product or company and it also gives them ideas on what they could potentially write about if they choose to feature you. 

           Press kits take time and effort to truly stand out.  Franchise PR Firms like All Points PR know what it takes to put your company or product on top.  Contact us on the web or by phone.  

What can Public Relations do for your Company?

You’ve made the decision to hire out a Chicago-based PR firm to make your company stand out from the crowd.  What can you expect from utilizing public relations?  For starters, you can expect your business to increase its earnings, but what are some PRs other benefits?  Here are just a few of the many benefits that public relations can provide for your company:

         (1) Forming strategies- One of the best parts of hiring a PR firm to help your business is the strategies developed to make your company stronger.  Branding strategies promote your company's identity and crisis strategies come to your company's aid during hardships.  Reputation management strategies increase recognition and awareness among your target audience.  All of these strategies are put into use to make your company bigger, better and stronger.  It's just that simple! 

(2) Media Connections- Most PR firms are experts when it comes to media relations.  Not only are firms good at it, but they usually have strong connections with various reporters and media outlets that they have worked with in the past.  These connections are what help them gain leverage for promoting your company or brand.  This is what can help your company stand out among your competition as well.  Essentially, your PR firm gets your business the coverage it needs.  

(3) Tactics into action- PR firms work hard everyday to implement tactics to catch people’s attention and direct it towards your company.  Whether it’s an event, product release or some kind of media stunt, PR professionals implement creative tactics to get your company noticed.  

(4) Thinking about the future- PR professionals are always one step ahead of the game because they know you have to be to stay in business.  That entrepreneurial mindset is something they can lend to your company.  Using the latest social media to continually promote your brand is just one way they secure your company’s future.    

(5) Networking with other local businesses- PR professionals can also help you network your business with other businesses that could be potentially beneficial.  An established firm usually has great business and community ties.

The benefits to working with a local public relations firm definitely don’t stop here.  The benefits are endless.  PR is meant to enhance your brand and working with a good set of PR professionals can certainly help you do that.

If your franchise company would like to know more about how public relations can be beneficial contact us and we will tell you how we can help.  

PR Goodies: Why We Love Franchising

PR Firm Chicago

It's the people. The people of franchising that I can connect with on so many levels. They are the reason why I have completely fallen for the industry. As the owner of a PR Company in Chicago that serves the Franchising industry with exceptional Franchise PR, I feel I can talk about this.

The bonds that I've formed as a pr consultant within franchising over the years have opened my eyes to countless new personal and professional discoveries. I know millions worldwide feel the same way about franchising's impact on their lives. That shared respect for the industry is what keeps franchising moving forward. Whether at the local level or at company headquarters, franchising feeds the fire in all of us.

It truly brings out the best in us. We share a common passion for perfection, a belief that we must always go beyond expectations. I think this need to succeed comes from a vibe that emanates out of all of us. The energy I feel, which I think many of us can relate to, stems from our entrepreneurial instincts. We in franchising are optimists by nature but pragmatic in what we do. We have hard time wasting time and setting daily goals isn't about punching in or pounding the keyboard. it's about progress that pushes our visions forward. For us, the future is now; tomorrow is just as important as today.

We're franchisors, franchisees and suppliers. Our organizations may serve different purposes but the drive deep inside of us is the same. And, it serves all of us well because we relish the opportunity to inspire each other to reach our potential.

Most importantly, the people of franchising harness their talents to support others. It is this element that is unique to franchising. Innovation occurs at all levels and is then shared throughout franchise systems. Franchisors develop new products, franchisees share best practices and suppliers turn visions into reality. Our businesses become better because of each other. We're independent but gladly reap the benefits of working collaboratively. No other industry I've come across offers this much independence with as much networking and sharing.

It feels good to be a piece of a larger whole that is working together.