It’d be naïve of us to say we can control success, but in truth, results can’t always be guaranteed. The fact is, after gathering research and insights and on the other side of painstaking planning, as soon as you launch a digital marketing campaign and roll out a media relations strategy to support it, the results are largely out of your hands. You may have an idea where it’s going to go, but you never really know. In the last couple of weeks, we’ve seen…
In a world where a business’s image and reputation can make or break its success, the role of public relations has never been more vital. Whether you’re a small startup or a well-established corporation, PR can help you navigate the complex landscape of public perception. But why should you consider hiring a PR agency? Strength in Numbers When you hire a PR agency, you’re gaining access to a whole team of experts. While your account might have PR pros dedicated specifically to your business, behind…
When last we met, I was musing about the three-part paradigm that has come to dominate the public relations landscape. I’m talking about EOP – earned/owned/paid – a winning PR trifecta if there ever was one. My last installment focused on the “E” of the acronym, “earned media,” which no doubt is the progenitor of our profession. Placing stories in the news media is where public relations first took root, and it continues to be an effective strategy for raising clients’ visibility while amplifying it all with…
In the age of social media dominance, businesses must answer one critical question: Why is your audience on social media in the first place? The answer to this question is what guides their digital journey. Whether the goal is community engagement, driving website traffic, boosting brand awareness, showcasing subject matter expertise or increasing sales, your approach to social media should match your marketing objectives. It’s not just about being on social media; it’s about making it work for you. Organic vs. paid social media: When…
Episode Notes: In this year-end episode of "Teaming Up," Tony Scida and Casey Prentice step out from behind the scenes of the podcast and discuss the peaks and valleys of marketing and communications in 2023. They each came to the table with one marketing high point and one low, plus a few bonus picks. Then the pair looked ahead to 2024 briefly and highlighted what challenges and opportunities may face marketing and communications professionals in the coming year. Key topics covered in this episode…
So you’re thinking of working with a PR firm. Whether you’ve worked with a PR firm before, or it’s the first time, it can be a big decision. How much is it going to cost? How much time is it going to take to manage? How to choose between firms? Why are we doing this? Here are a handful of things to consider if you’re looking to work with a PR firm. Set a Budget It’s not quite like Jerry Maguire’s escalating “Show me the…
This fall, the Hodges team hosted HodgesCon, an all-day learning event with guest speakers for staff to learn from and engage with. I moderated a morning session with local journalists who shared perspectives on how they cover the news and how to best work with them. Ian Stewart with VPM, Eric Kolenich with the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Brendan King with CBS-6 joined the Hodges team for a look inside their workdays, how they cover the news and how to best work with them. Some of…
Episode Notes: "Teaming Up" takes a creative twist in our latest episode, focusing on the fusion of strategy and creativity in communication. Aidan Newbold, THP’s Director of Creative Services, welcomed Christine Coffey, Creative Director of Karnes Coffey, to share her insights. Aidan and Christine dive deep into the world of creative projects, exploring how strategy plays a pivotal role in driving impactful communications. From Christine’s journey in graphic design, starting at Syracuse University to co-founding Karnes Coffey, to Aidan’s insights on collaborative models in the…
Regardless of size or industry, our clients come to us with a goal of finding the most impactful ways to connect with their target audiences. While strategies and tactics differ, one tried-and-true framework is the EOP model. Short for earned, owned and paid, the EOP model is a comprehensive approach that goes beyond isolated tactics and embraces a holistic perspective of strategic communication. Here’s what makes it so effective. The EOP Overview EOP serves as the foundation for a successful media strategy, but it’s not…
Honesty hour. As a self-proclaimed Swiftie, I fall victim to misinformation on social media more frequently than I’d like to admit. Between alerts on where Taylor was spotted, who she’s dating and when her new album will drop, it’s hard to keep up with what’s real as a fan. Social media has transformed the way we communicate and access information. Not just for Taylor Swift fans, but for everyone. It allows us to exchange information and connect with the other side of the world in…
I spent the first dozen years of my career in the federal government, and like much of the rank and file, I became adept at acronyms, those abbreviations that give insiders a sense that you know the lingo and leave outsiders scratching their heads. I remember that moment of clarity when I finally realized, for example, that NMI was not a popular middle name but stood for “no middle initial.” (Insert the sound of a palm slapping a forehead.) Suffice it to say that I haven’t…
Our annual agency day of learning returned this fall and, wow, it was a good one. HodgesCon was born last year as a result of our teammates sharing their desire to learn, but without the time to focus on expanding their knowledge base. This year, the HodgesCon planning committee reviewed topic areas and feedback from last year’s event to come up with this amazing line-up: We’re left with fuzzy pink monster ball and a handful of post-it notes that we’ll probably never remove from light…
