Make email work for your public relations strategy
With so many professionals working from home this year, communications reps like me are using email in campaigns more often than not. As the year lags on here’s the question: Are we suffering email fatigue? Perhaps. But I believe when used properly and well, email newsletters and updates can be effective to meet goals […]
Public relations and marketing strategy 2022: Stick with the basics
The New Year is coming, and that feeling of a fresh calendar always builds a sense of possibilities. Often business leaders want to hear what’s trending to catapult business in a New Year. Our recommendation, stick with the basics and focus on these three areas. Plan, measure, adjust. Remote and hybrid work is now normal. […]
What is an independent PR agency?
Business owners looking for public relations support and counsel often discover an independent PR agency is better suited to fit their needs. What exactly is the difference between a firm and an independent? If you’re shopping for a partnership, here are a few things to keep in mind. The PR Firm: Easy answer, a firm […]
The world is reopening. Adapt your PR strategy to people’s (NEW) expectations.
The wild COVID ride feels like it’s about over, and now it’s time to refocus (and yes, get back out there and have some fun). So now that we’re moving back toward normal in business, what (if anything) should change in your public relations strategy? We believe in keeping all things business simple and easy, […]
Media relations studies support best practices
Two companies that provide industry media directory and distribution services for media relations in the PR business released reporter surveys recently. This data is collected annually and examines reporter perceptions and preferences. These are international surveys. 2021 State of Journalism 2020 State of the Media I took time to join a Zoom call to dig […]
Public relations firms hear from local reporters
This week, we joined a virtual Meet the Media session. These quarterly discussions give reporters from around Indianapolis a chance to share how they want to hear from public relations firms. We call it pitching (or providing information for a news story). It’s a good opportunity to listen to what reporters need and how to […]
What’s your 2021 public relations strategy?
This year is certainly one we want to forget but will always remember. The New Year is certainly uncertain. Yet business continues. If you’re thinking, “How do I keep the business momentum? Or saying, “Let’s hope next year is better.” Remember this: “Hope is not a strategy.” (Vince Lombardi) If you’re ready to plan for […]
Celebrating 20 years owning a public relations business
Twenty years ago, this summer I founded Hostetler Public Relations. The date popped up on LinkedIn, and I appreciate so many professionals, friends and colleagues who’ve sent greetings. Two decades. WOW! Yes, a long time. And if I had to write a resume, this is the only job I’ve ever known—working for clients. Back in […]
Media relations: Remember the basics during COVID-19
In May, the Indianapolis chapter of the Public Relations Society of America hosted a Meet the Media panel. Four journalists (see right) answered questions about how they and their colleagues continue to work (from home) during this time. During the hour-long Zoom call they offered what I will call “great reminders” about the foundation of […]
Be a PR promoter: Now is the time
Study after study shows companies that continue promoting their business are stronger than companies that slash their marketing budgets during an economic downturn. A U.S. study of recessions looked at 600 companies covering 16 industries. Firms that sustained or increased marketing communications budgets during the 1981-82 recession averaged higher sales growth post-recession than the others. […]