PR Tips for Grand Openings

The grand opening to your business, whether it is your first location or another location, is a big deal and can be rather chaotic. You wonder if you are letting people know in the right way and if there is more you can do. There are several things you can do to help increase the promotion on your business's grand opening.

• Franchise Public Relations: having a franchise PR firm help you out will be absolutely worth the cost. Why would hiring a PR team be worth your time? Well, PR agencies have ties to the media that you might not, if you do, they might not be as good. The team can gather a story about you and write it up in a nice press release and then submit that to journalists in various areas of media: newspapers, magazines, online newspapers, radio, even television news. If you get your name out there in the media, then you will have your name be seen by thousands, perhaps even millions of people (depending on the medium and the location). The PR team can also help you with creating a promotion plan. 
• Blogging. Having a blog post or two will also help you get your promotion for your grand opening a big push. When you do a blog post, you will be able to give great detail about your business and your grand opening. This can allow for comments and discussion as well. 
• Social media: You probably expected this one because it is so easy to do. Your company likely has twitter, Facebook, and other social media (or, if it's your first location, then maybe just your personal accounts) and you just take a few seconds to push a few keys and get the message out there. 

If you have any questions or need assistance with your grand opening, contact All Points PR. 

Tying the Holidays into Your PR Tactics

Now is the time to give your PR strategies and tactics a holiday slant.  Working the holidays into a PR campaign, event, or press release can attract attention when done well.  As a franchise public relations firm we always work hard to ensure that our clients get the maximum amount of coverage throughout the holiday season.  Here are a few tips on tying the holidays into your PR tactics:

1- The holiday pitch: Consider how you will pitch your stories during the holiday season.  Pitching your stories in waves could prove to make your release much more successful during the holiday season.  What do we mean by waves?  By waves we mean pitching your story at multiple, critical times.  Pitch your story well before the holiday, especially if you are trying to get your business or franchise featured in a particular magazine's special interest section which will air at a certain time.  The second wave should be done two to four weeks before the holiday.  Some reporters need stories at the very last minute before a holiday and need a release to fill a vacancy, so pitching last minute could actually prove to be successful as well.

2- Have multiple story ideas: Gearing up for the holidays you should have multiple story ideas lined up way ahead of time.  Having multiple ideas in the works is always a great idea since you never know exactly what journalists are looking for, so give them a little bit of everything to help ensure getting some holiday buzz during the holiday season.

3- Run a contest: A holiday contest is a great PR tactic to have at your disposal.  We have seen some of the best, most effective contests done during the holiday season.  Throwing a fantastic holiday-themed contest could provide your business or franchise with some great exposure during the holiday season.

4- Create a poll:  Another great holiday PR tactic is creating a holiday-based poll.  We have seen some of our franchise public relations clients get some exposure from a good poll.  You could create a poll about "the hottest holiday gifts of this season."  When a poll is interesting, people typically will respond.  This could be as simple or complex as you want to be, but it could generate some buzz around your business or franchise.

Looking for some more holiday-based PR tactics or have your own ideas that you would like to share with our franchise public relations team?  Feel free to leave us a comment below or contact us.  

Promoting Your Business or Franchise During the Holidays

The holidays are once again upon us and with that in mind you and your franchise are probably gearing up to heavily promote your business or franchise's services and products.  A big part of franchise PR is preparation for the holiday season.  Whether your franchise or business is promoting a service or product, the holidays make for great opportunities to grab press attention.   Grabbing headlines during the holiday months can be a little more difficult, but keep the following tips in mind to get some great recognition for your franchise or company:  

1- Holiday news cycle: Before you try to take the holiday angle when promoting your business or franchise's service or products, make sure you know the holiday news cycle.  The holiday news cycle gives loads of opportunities for all organizations and whatever product or service they sell.  Publications everywhere are filled with special features on all sorts of topics ranging from holiday outfits on a budget to finding the perfect gift for $50 or under.  If you are looking to target a weekly or monthly publication you need to begin pitching in advance to secure your spot in your desired publications.  

2- Deck out your press releases during the holidays:  Press releases sent out during the holidays, whether your company does them in house or is working with a franchise public relations firm, need to have that holiday slant.  The holidays provide a great time to start creative campaigns which could include an online contest or video creation contest.  Whatever you choose to do, it needs to be fun, exciting and needs to snag some holiday headlines.  Press releases that surround your holiday PR tactics should be as fun and exciting as the holiday contests you are running.  The point is you have to have your press releases truly stand out during the holiday season in order to stand out from the rest of the crowd also trying to grab headlines during the holiday season.  The goal is to make your press releases the ones journalists want to feature.  

3- Getting some visibility:  As we said before, getting some attention from the media during the holiday season can prove to be quite difficult, so in order to be seen and get some visibility you must be willing to think outside of the box.  That is the nature of public relations.  To get some visibility consider gaining additional exposure by creating a feature news release.  A feature news release is typically written like a news article and are used by various media outlets as source material.  Newswires have feature news calendars that cover a variety topics, which includes holiday themes.  The themes correspond with publication dates.  Distributing your feature news release to the appropriate editors in advance of the deadline is a great way to increase your business or franchise's visibility during the holiday season.

As a franchise PR firm we know that getting great press can be difficult during the holiday season.  If you are looking for more tips and tricks on promoting your business or franchise during the holiday season feel free to comment below or contact us.  

Make Your Press Conference Successful

In a previous blog we mentioned events associated with public relations.  One of those events is the press conference.  Press conferences can be very successful for your franchise or business when it is done in the right way.  What makes a press conference successful versus unsuccessful?  Multiple factors make up the answer to this question and we though we would cover that in a blog.  Here are a few tips on making your press conference successful:  

1- Pick a good date and time:  Choosing Christmas Day or an even lesser known holiday isn’t a great day to hold your press conference on.  Time is also another factor.  If you decide to throw your press conference right at the rush hour time slot reporters will not be pleased having to fight the traffic just to attend your conference.  Try to choose a day that is holiday free and time appropriate to ensure the max amount of coverage, after all, the point of throwing a PR event like a press conference is to get coverage.  

2- Take control:  Always keep in mind that you and your franchise (and perhaps your franchise public relations firm if you are working with one) run the show when it comes to a press conference.  You are throwing the event and you control it.  Reporters shouldn’t be shouting out questions or speaking out of turn.  You have the right to call on reporters and answer the questions you wish to answer.  It’s your show, so take control.

3- Manage your time wisely:  Most press conferences don’t run very long.  Some will run for fifteen minutes, some for a half hour and some for perhaps an hour.  Always keep the time in mind.  Make sure you are covering exactly what you wished for the press conference to cover.  Don’t waste time or stall.  Get straight to the point.

4- Watch how you answer questions:  During a press conference, be prepared for a full battery of questions.  Know what questions you are willing to answer and which questions you are not comfortable answering.  If you are working with a public relations firm they will get you prepared for this type of event. 

5- Preparation is key: Preparation is a vital part of holding a great press conference.  Do a basic run through of possible questions and answers that may get asked of you and your franchise during the press conference.  A mock press conference is a great way to help you prepare for the real deal. 

Have any great tips you can recommend on throwing a successful press conference?  Feel free to leave tips below or contact us.  

Building Relationships with the Media

One of the driving forces of franchise public relations, or really just public relations in general, is the relationship between those in public relations and those in the media.  Those in PR want to spread the word about a client and the media provide the vehicle or ability to do so.  The relationship between the two parties is essential for both to succeed.  Here are some tips on building strong relationships with those in the media:

1- Value:  Before you approach anyone in the media, such as a journalist, evaluate your story and your pitch.  Ask yourself, “Why is this story important?  In public relations the criteria for any piece you create are: timely, human interest, significance, prominence, and proximity.  Now ask yourself a question based off of each of the criteria, for example, “Does my story have significance?” or “Is my story timely?”  If you can’t answer the questions with solid answers, then you can’t expect a journalist to have any interest and you should reconsider pitching the story.  To build a solid relationship with the media you must provide them with a story they will want to use.  In the future, they may remember you and be more willing to help you.

2- Approach: Once you have determined your story is journalist-worthy, you must carefully consider your approach as this is key to the start of developing a good relationship with anyone in the media.  Know the publication you will be pitching to.  Know the scope and look at their editorial calendar so you know the topics that are planned.  This way you can time your pitches and give them the types of pieces they will want at the correct time. 

3- Know the journalist: If you pitch a story to a journalist that is outside the realm of their area of interest, then you will be wasting their time and that is no way to start a solid relationship with anyone.  Pitching relevant stories to the right journalist is an excellent way to build credibility and appreciation from a journalist whose time you will not be wasting.  Also, dig through past pieces of what a journalist has written to get a better idea of the type of pieces they typically cover.  That’s a great way to assess your own piece and see if you think your piece will be something they are interested in.

4- Honesty: Always, always, always be honest!  Lying to a reporter is a huge no no.  Besides the fact that lying is unethical, it will only give you a bad reputation.  Lying will completely destroy your relationship with anyone in the media.  Journalists will not even bother reading pieces you send if they have to continually check your facts because they can’t trust you. 

5- Be available: Try your best to always be available if a reporter calls with questions or needs any additional information.  If you miss the call you run the risk of the journalist going to another source for information or scrapping your story all together.

Looking for more tips on building relationships the media?  Feel free to comment below or contact us.  

Increase Your PR Efforts

As a franchise public relations agency we will go to any length necessary to help our clients succeed.  We strongly believe in doing whatever you can do to increase and pump up your PR efforts.  Any PR agency will tell you that there are a few extra activities your franchise or business can do in addition to your current PR campaign.  Here are a few tips on increasing your PR efforts:

1- Charity involvement: A great way to increase your PR efforts is to get involved with a charity.  Research and contact local charities to see what types of opportunities are available to your franchise or business.  Promote your company’s good will in addition to your current tactics.

2- Partnerships: Partnership events are a great way to bump up your PR efforts.  Consider partnering with a local, similar business to your own and throwing an event.  Partnering will help you to maximize the press coverage for the event.  It’s a great way to team up with another similar business and bring a wider audience together. 

3- Community involvement: Try contacting your local Chamber of Commerce to find out more about events that you and your business or franchise could participate in as an addition to your current PR tactics.  Helping out the community is another way to show your company or franchise's good will and do something great.  

4- Local media involvement: Contact local newspapers and magazines to see what types of opportunities they have for submitting articles or advertisements to help promote your franchise or business.  This is a simple yet great additional way to increase your PR efforts.  

5- Sponsorships: Consider sponsoring a local sports team as another great way to promote your franchise or company.  It is a sure fire way to get your company or franchise’s name out there.

For more tips on how to increase your PR efforts feel free to leave us a comment below or contact us.  

Handling Bad Publicity

Unfortunately, bad publicity happens.  You and your franchise or company are not perfect.  How many times have we all heard the old adage, "there's no such things as bad press," or at least some spin off of that phrase?  Is that true?  Well, perhaps, but as a Franchise Public Relations Agency, we try our best to keep our clients out of any bad publicity.  If you find yourself or your franchise catching some backlash for a bad move, consider the following steps to help recover:

(1) Develop a plan: Developing a plan should come before you ever encounter a crisis.  You should always be prepared for battle.  Have a step by step strategy outlined and when the time comes and you need to implement it, you will know exactly what steps to take.  Always plan ahead!

(2) Choose a spokesperson:  Appointing a spokesperson is another step that should probably be taken before your franchise or company receives bad press.  Your franchise or company's spokesperson should be someone that is capable of staying calm during media enquiries, can handle pressure and will respond well to difficult questions.  

(3) Keep people informed (to a point!):  This is a tough one!  You've got one of two options typically: A- to speak out or B- stay silent.  The tough part is knowing which way to go.  If you're facing extremely bad publicity for something major, you may want to stay quiet until you've thoroughly thought about how you will address the media and the public.  Typically speaking out is the best way.  Speaking out gives you the ability to try and put out the fire surrounding your franchise or company.  Saying the wrong thing could seal your fate, so proceed with caution.  

(4) Press statement: Preparing a well-thoughtout press statement could really serve you and your franchise or company well during times of crisis.  Why?  Reporters have a knack for finding a story with or without explanation from key members of the company they are writing the story about, so take the initiative to get them the information they are looking for before they create a story with incorrect information.  

(5) Post an explanation: If you feel that it is safe to take matters into your own hands, then use your website to post an explanation.  This will allow you to get your side of the story across to the public directly.  Let the public hear your side of the story.

(6) Find some positive in the negative: While enduring bad publicity, try and find some positive through all the negative.  Perhaps there's a good news angle waiting to be uncovered.  

(7) Consider a PR Firm:  If you and your franchise or company are not currently working with a great public relations company, consider doing so.  A great public relations firm can help you successfully navigate the waters of both good and bad press.  A PR agency can help you complete all of the steps listed above.  

Looking for more tips on how you and your franchise or company should handle bad press?  Feel free to leave a comment or contact us.  

Successful Event PR

Most public relations experts are skilled in creating successful event PR.  Successful event PR, which includes but is not limited to special events or press conferences, can have a powerful impact on an audience when it is done well.  The main goal of any type of event PR is to inform the public (consumers and media), share thoughts and ideas, and give good information.  Here at All Points PR, we definitely know a thing or two about how vital creating successful PR can be for our clients.  Let’s start by breaking down the main 2 types of events by what they are and how they can be successful.

Special Events

Special events do not necessarily have the same connotation for everyone. Special events can range from once-in-a-lifetime occasions  or recurring events.  A once-in-a-life occasion occurs only once and can include for example a business’s 20^th anniversary as a company.  Recurring events can include an employee Christmas party or an employee recognition ceremony.  The concept of what a special event is might vary, but the PR surrounding it stays the same.  The PR for a special event must, above all, be newsworthy.  You do not want to create a special event, try to pitch it to the media, and have no one be interested or even want to attend.  The whole goal is to generate interest, press and get people interested and get people attending the event.   If it is not an event for the mass public to be apart of (like that company Christmas party) then you must still be able to show why it's an important event.  Perhaps your company is combining the company Christmas party with a charity auction.  Now that can easily become a newsworthy story and timely if promoted at the right time.  

Press Conferences

The press conference is one of the most popular PR event methods. It is the main method used to promote PR efforts.  While the press conference can act as an event itself, its main job is to promote any and all PR efforts you are pursuing and will be pursuing.  A press conference is a quick, efficient way to get out a message to the public and media.  Instead of contacting journalists one by one, a press conference enables you to speak with multiple journalists all at once.  The best part is that you lead the show.  Journalists are giving you the stage, so make sure you are well-prepared.  

Making Events Successful

As a Chicago PR Firm, we know how important throwing a successful event can be.  No matter what type of PR event your doing, there are some surefire ways to make it successful.  Here are a few tips:

(1) Identify need for event:  Your PR plans for you company should take into account the need for an event and how the event ties into the company's overall objective and goals.  The event needs to fit in with the big picture strategies you have previously identified for your company.

(2) Plan, plan and plan some more!:  No matter what type of event you’re doing, one of the best ways to make your event successful is by planning your event out in great detail.  Creating backup plans is necessary as well.  Before you take that first step, you should identify beforehand how you are going to proceed before you act.  And remember, there's no such thing as too much preparation.

(3) Work closely with the company employees:  Work closely with company employees to make sure you are telling the whole story.  Get employee feedback and facts to help thoroughly understand the event you want to promote.  Make company employees the resource for your event.  They can help you identify the details that need to be incorporated for the event, the business's goals, who the target audience is and what tactics you should work with and avoid.  Employees are a great source since they tend to have all the details needed to make your event go off without a hitch.  

(4) Be flexible:  If plans need to change to make the event happen, be flexible and have backup plans.  Remember, the end goal is to make your event happen, so do whatever you need to do to make that happen.  Adapt your plan to meet any challenge or problem that could arise.  

(5) The follow up after the event:  Follow up after the event is necessary to continue to create buzz around your event after it is happened.  You don't want your event to suddenly be brushed under the rug right after is has ended.  You want to keep the buzz going, so follow ups are key.  In the after event stage, you also need to evaluate the event.  From here you need to measure and analyze results, just like you would do with any PR campaign.

If you're looking for more tips on creating successful event PR, feel free to comment below or contact us.  

Making the Most out of Your PR Coverage

In today’s social media dominated world, it can be monumentally easier to extend the press coverage your business or franchise receives.  Traditionally, media outlets would cover a story and once it was read, heard or seen, it was easily forgotten.  The news coverage of the next day would drown out the stories from the day before.  Since getting popular media attention can be so difficult, it seems like a waste, but media coverage today is different.  Social media enables us to make the most out of PR coverage.  Social media extends the life of stories and also enables more people to read, hear or see it.  With our business and franchise clients, we always utilize social media to the fullest to maximize coverage.  Here are some of our tips on making your PR coverage last:

(1)   Share: If your business or franchise receives good press, then share it.  Share as much good press as possible on social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Digg.  Let friends and followers know all about the positive buzz surrounding your business or franchise, after all, that’s what good franchise public relations is about.

(2)  Email signature: Include a link to the media coverage in your email signature after it has occurred.  Including a link is a good way to make sure people in your close circle get to see the coverage.

(3)   Blog: If you have a blog, put the coverage on your blog.  A blog isn't just a great place to post your thoughts or ideas,  it is also a great place to post positive press coverage. 

(4)   Website post: If you have a section on your website that warrants press coverage clips, you can put your business or franchise’s coverage there, which is what we do for our clients on our website. 

(5)   Get consistent coverage: Your goal for your business or franchise should always be to receive as much positive coverage as possible.  Consistent coverage is necessary to build up positive buzz around your business or franchise.  We consistently provide PR coverage for our business and franchise public relations clients as we know how crucial this is to their success.  Make it your goal to seek consistent coverage. 

If you’re looking for more tips on making the most out of your PR coverage, ask us.  We have plenty more tips where these came from and we'd love to share more.   

Getting Buzz for Your New Business

When it comes to getting the buzz going for a new business, there is nothing better than securing publicity in the local press.

Depending on the business and the grand opening plans that an owner wants to put into motion in terms of events and activities, the publicity can take several forms. This may include publicity in local newspapers, magazines, online, television programs and radio stations.

Regardless, securing the kind of publicity that makes a difference is why you hire professional PR firms such as All Points Public Relations. Fact is, new businesses open every day. Sharing with members of the local media that you are opening a new business may get you a few mentions and brief articles, if anything. But, a publicist who understands what compels reporters and editors to write feature stories will find the right hook.

For instance, when we work with the press on behalf of our clients for new openings, we always share a noteworthy human-interest angle/hook that elicits triumph, motivation and emotion. We share story lines that demonstrate overcoming the odds, beating personal and professional challenges, and living out ones dreams to bring a new business to life, whether that relates to management or ownership.

We know that starting a new business comes from the heart and takes endless devotion, commitment and time to get off the ground. That emotional element is what moves the press to write stories that can connect with customers and create an opening sales swell. It takes skilled publicists at a talented PR firm to properly pitch the press, write impactful press releases and secure the coverage that generates responses and heightens awareness. The short-term benefits can have long-term impacts. And, the advantages of great press coverage largely outweigh what paid advertising will get you.

If you are in the process of planning to open a new business and are seeking grand opening publicity, All Points PR can help.

5 Tips to Get Publicity for your Business

Why do people call All Points PR? Because they want to gain media coverage, publicity and in the end, sales and business for their company. There are many ways to generate publicity for your business though. Take a look at the following tips, and then contact me for more information. With a little help, All Points PR can get your business the success it needs to stay strong for years to come.

You need a hook
When sharing an idea with a member of the media, you should have a hook that compels them to move forward with doing a story. For starters, it should be timely and local. Additionally, elements of prominence (i.e. surpassing historic records or community leadership) and originality (i.e. oneof-a-kind product or service) can help convince the media to do a story.

Determine who you want to target
Just like your customers, you need to decide which media outlet, reporter, producer or blogger you
want to report on your story.

Practice your pitch
With your hook and target decided upon, now you should practice what you are going to say when
you call the media.

Call in the morning
If you want to speak to the media, the best opportunity is first thing in the morning. This is when
they plan their coverage and by the time the afternoon hits they are too engrossed in their work to
talk to you.

Follow-up
Similar to advertising and other marketing elements, it takes multiple reminders to get the person
you are targeting to take action.

Be persistent
Following up once, twice, even three times probably won’t be enough. If you wait for the reporter to
call you back, you’ll be waiting a very long time.

Want to know the rest? Download the PDF document on our website by requesting information!

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