Choosing the right agency to launch your B2B public relations plan

In the United States alone, there were more than 75,000 startups launched in 2023. And, according to some statistics, a shocking 90% of them will fail in the first 20 months. 

Reasons for failure include lack of funding, no market need, poor leadership and the list goes on. But, as communications professionals who have witnessed our share of business successes and failures, we believe that the successful launch of a startup and its new products or services hinge on effective communication, strategic positioning, and widespread visibility. 

Partnering with a proficient PR agency can make all the difference in driving excitement, generating buzz, and ultimately achieving your product’s objectives. 

When searching for the ideal PR partner to spearhead your product rollout, several crucial factors should guide your decision-making process.

First and foremost, look for a PR agency with a proven track record in your specific B2B sector. They should possess deep industry knowledge, understand the nuances of your target market, and be familiar with the competitive landscape. They should also have an understanding of technology trends and innovations affecting the space, which will aid them in creating compelling narratives and securing meaningful media coverage.

A one-size-fits-all approach won’t suffice when it comes to launching a new B2B product. Seek an agency that demonstrates the ability to develop tailored B2B public relations strategies that align with your product’s unique value proposition, target audience, and market positioning. 

A qualified PR agency will have established relationships with key journalists within the B2B tech space. Assess the agency’s ability to articulate your product’s value proposition, highlight its distinguishing features, and position your brand as a leader in the industry through compelling content. Ask key questions about their media relationships and seek to explore client testimonies to ensure their ability to secure placements in top-tier publications, tech blogs, and influential online platforms. 

Transparency and accountability are also key considerations. Select an agency that has the ability to provide comprehensive reporting and analytics, allowing you to track key performance indicators and measure the impact of their efforts accurately.

Finally, consider their crisis preparedness and reputation management capabilities. Despite careful planning, unforeseen challenges may arise, necessitating a swift and effective response to protect your brand’s integrity.

By carefully evaluating these factors and selecting a PR agency that aligns with your goals, you can ensure a seamless product launch that captivates your audience, garners widespread attention, and positions your product for success in the competitive B2B landscape.

If you are ready to move forward with choosing an agency for your B2B product launch, call the experts at Ripley PR.  We have the expertise and we’re here to help. Call us at 865.977.1973 or contact us online here.

This post was written by on March 18, 2024


Why construction companies need social media

In today’s digital age, social media has become an essential tool for businesses in all industries, including construction. According to Smart Insights, 62.3% of the world’s population uses social media. With the rise of social media platforms, construction companies now can reach a wider audience and connect with potential clients in a more personal and engaging way. At Ripley PR, we understand the importance of construction public relations and why social media has become a necessary tool for your company’s success.

Let’s explore what social media could do for your construction company.

Expand reach and connect with target audiences

Social media allows construction companies to connect with their target audience in a more personal and engaging way. By sharing updates, behind-the-scenes content and interacting with followers, companies can build a strong relationship with their audience and establish trust and credibility.

Showcase projects and services

With the use of visual content, companies can showcase their completed projects, ongoing construction, and even before-and-after transformations. This not only allows companies to highlight their capabilities and expertise but also can serve as a portfolio for potential clients to see their work.

Build brand awareness and reputation

By consistently sharing engaging and valuable content, companies can establish themselves as thought leaders and experts. This can help build trust and creditability with industry professionals and potential clients. Social media also allows companies to manage their online reputation by monitoring and responding to reviews and comments. Companies can address concerns or issues that may come up and show their commitment to customer service, which helps to build a positive reputation in the industry.

Network and collaboration opportunities

By connecting with other businesses and professionals in the construction industry, companies can expand their network and collaborate on projects. This can lead to new business opportunities and help companies stay at the forefront of industry trends. Social media also allows companies to participate in online communities related to the construction industry which creates a platform to share knowledge, exchange ideas and learn from others in the industry.

If you’re ready to stand out on social media, contact the experts at Ripley PR today. You can reach us online or by calling (865) 977-1973.

This post was written by on March 16, 2024


3 reasons your B2B tech company needs PR

You have the innovation, solutions, and are developing and improving new technology tools to help businesses improve efficiency, train employees, and streamline processes.

Isn’t it time that more key decision makers in your target market know about your technology and products?

An experienced B2B tech PR partner such as Ripley PR can position your executives as experts and innovative problem solvers in your field to get more eyes on your company.

We will help you share your innovations and updates

Whether you are launching a new product, or making updates to it, our team of writers can create your press release to announce and showcase the details and benefits of your latest business tech. Our media relations pros have researched media outlets with audiences who want to hear the latest news on technology available in their industry and work for you to get your release published.

We get you in front of key audiences

Our team takes the time to research the trending topics in your industry, and has established connections and relationships with the people who write for the publications that the decision makers in your industry read. We look for opportunities for your team to share their expertise and understanding of industry challenges, and the solutions your tech company is providing.

This story highlights how technology through VR simulations and virtual trainings is helping HVAC and plumbing technicians get job ready faster than traditional methods, since there is such a high need to find workers to fill these jobs.

We can help you write a case study

Do you have a customer who is experiencing more success as a result of using your technology in their business? If their business is more efficient and profitable after utilizing your technology in training and business applications, our team of professionals can showcase this success in a case study. It can then be shared with media outlets for potential publication or posted on your website.

If you’re ready to see how a PR partner can help you showcase your technology, contact us or give us a call at (865) 977-1973.

This post was written by on March 14, 2024


Three Ways PR Jumpstarts Your Startup

Every year, 305 million startups are created globally, and 3.2 million of those are located within the United States.

Even though not all of them are direct competitors of your B2B tech startup, it’s still hard to stand out in a group that large.

Most startups have a limited budget. And, if a venture capital team is involved, that budget may be regulated by their restrictions. Even though you want to keep the lights on, you still need to get the word out about your brand.

That’s why you need a solid B2B tech public relations plan to help introduce your startup to the market.

Here are three ways that PR can help your new business stand out from the pack.

Building Awareness

PR’s most common goal is to get the word out about your brand and tell your startup’s story.

Research has shown that seven out of 10 consumers prefer to purchase from companies that they trust. And the general consensus is that you don’t trust companies you don’t know.

That’s why getting the word out about your brand and sharing your message is so important, especially in your company’s earliest days. While advertising may be a sprint, PR is a marathon. And building on your company’s message should start early and be repeated often.

Establishing Credibility

Building on a long-term B2B tech PR plan also helps you establish more credibility for your brand.

You can advertise to your target audience, of course, but the most effective messaging is built on earned media. Consumers trust information they hear from independent third parties about companies far more than they trust the advertising they know you’ve paid for.

If consumers see you quoted in the news or on podcasts, they’re more likely to trust your credibility. If journalists take your advice, they should, too.

Increasing Visibility

Your startup is not only one of millions of new businesses, it’s also vying against these other businesses for media attention.

If you have had an interview with your local news outlet or penned a byline with a trade journal, you’re ahead of the game. Earned media is the gift that keeps on giving. Not only does it remain visible to online search engines, it can also be repurposed. Turning your earned media into blogs, social media posts and marketing material can give you a competitive edge.

But it can also be time-consuming to write industry articles or reach out to thousands of journalists just to get your foot in the door. That’s why you need a PR partner like Ripley PR.

Our team has contacts at several major news outlets and has solid relationships with the editors of many of your industry’s trade publications. And our content team has years of communications experience as reporters and writers.

So jumpstart your startup with PR by calling Ripley at (865) 977-1973 or by contacting us online.

 

This post was written by on March 12, 2024


Strategic manufacturing PR solutions propel brands

Embracing a strategic approach to manufacturing public relations is pivotal for amplifying brand resonance and fortifying market positioning.In the fast-paced realm of manufacturing, where market dynamics constantly shift and innovation reigns supreme, the significance of crafting a robust brand message cannot be overstated. Embracing a strategic approach to manufacturing public relations is pivotal for amplifying brand resonance and fortifying market positioning. At Ripley PR, our adept comprehension of the manufacturing domain empowers us to tailor PR strategies that resonate profoundly with target demographics, thus augmenting brand visibility and influence.

Manufacturing public relations transcends exposure; it is a multifaceted endeavor aimed at sculpting perceptions, nurturing credibility, and fostering enduring connections with the intended audience. Whether navigating the intricate pathways of an established industry titan or steering the trajectory of a nascent startup, a meticulously sculpted brand narrative serves as the linchpin for distinguishing oneself amidst the competitive cacophony of the marketplace.

Ripley PR prides itself on harnessing a spectrum of expertise encompassing brand elevation, media liaison, and narrative architecture to engender narratives that not only captivate but also galvanize audience engagement and allegiance. From spotlighting distinctive value propositions to spotlighting unwavering commitments to excellence and innovation, our adept team crafts messages that resonate indelibly across diverse communication channels.

A cornerstone of effective manufacturing public relations lies in the art of storytelling. By artfully interweaving narratives that chronicle the trajectory and milestones of your brand, we infuse a humanizing essence into corporate identity, thereby forging emotive bonds with the target demographic. Whether through thought leadership, case studies, or impactful social media initiatives, we ensure seamless dissemination of your brand message, fostering resonance and relevance.

In the contemporary digital setting, the cultivation of a robust online footprint assumes paramount significance in navigating the terrain of success. Ripley PR seamlessly integrates social media into PR strategies, effectuating the amplification of your brand ethos while fostering meaningful engagements with your audience.

Our approach to manufacturing public relations extends to crisis mitigation and reputation management. In the eventuality of adversarial circumstances or adverse publicity, our adept team stands poised to execute swift and efficacious measures, safeguarding the integrity of your brand and preempting potential reputational encumbrances.

The craft of perfecting a manufacturing brand message demands a judicious amalgamation of creativity, acumen, and industry acuity. If you’re ready to maximize your brand value with a team that knows manufacturing PR, give Ripley PR a call at (865) 977-1973 or contact us online.

This post was written by on March 10, 2024


Build your home service brand with earned media opportunities

There are three basic ways an organization can communication with a consumer audience:

  • Owned media refers to the channels a company has direct control over, such as a blog, social media, emails and newsletters.
  • Paid media includes advertising – billboards, online ads, TV and radio spots, print campaigns and sponsored content.
  • Earned media is coverage your company enjoys in a dispassionate, impartial outlet such as a local TV news broadcast, a news or lifestyle website and trade publications.

It’s easy to see why owned and paid media are popular. Whether you’re posting to your company’s social media accounts or publishing a paid advertorial in a trade magazine, you have control of the message. You pick the talking points. You can name your company and its products as many times as you like. You get what you pay for.

Many business owners, however, particularly in the home services industry, are skeptical about earned media. They worry that earned media opportunities will require them to give up control of their message or that journalists will deliberately distort their talking points through selective editing. They don’t necessarily see a link between an appearance on a local TV morning show and increased revenue.

But time has proven that earned media’s value can be exponentially greater than paid exposure. Third-party coverage of your brand doesn’t just drive awareness – it presents you to your audience as a trusted expert providing essential services to the community.

Viewers and readers appreciate the difference, too. They recognize the fact that you were selected for your expertise and credibility. Over time, that will build into trust – which is something you just can’t buy.

Earned media is one of the pillars of effective home services public relations. At Ripley PR, we leverage our experience and an extensive network of media contacts and resources to help clients land the strategic earned media opportunities that position them as leaders in their industries.

To find out more about how we can help your home service business take advantage of earned media, call (865) 977-1973 or visit ripleypr.com.

This post was written by on March 8, 2024


Set your franchise apart from the competition through PR

The COVID-19 pandemic left its mark on so many aspects of our daily lives, from how we greet others to how we get groceries. Perhaps one of the biggest impacts was on the workforce itself.

A 2023 Gallup poll noted that 50% of the workforce was “quiet quitting” — doing the bare minimum at work — while others were just out-and-out resigning. According to this Harvard Business Review article, creating a happy work environment is not only good for your employees, it’s good for your business, too.

Culture is king, as they say, and this is especially true when it comes to franchising. Check out this TeamStage statistic: 94% of entrepreneurs and 88% of job seekers need flexibility and a healthy culture at work.

I can throw statistics out all day, but the point is always the same: Having — and showcasing — a strong culture is key to creating success, both for your franchise as a whole and its individual locations. Entrepreneurs and workers both want to find fulfillment and joy. Your corporate team is more likely to produce better franchise development efforts if they believe in you and the company you’ve built. And entrepreneurs and budding business owners are more likely to sign on if they see you make the well-being of your team a priority.

The right PR partner can help you put your amazing culture on display with a franchise public relations strategy that’s tailored to your needs. It’s not just about showing off happy hours after work. Culture can also include the support system you’ve implemented to help franchisees find success from day one. It’s about the Discovery Days you host as you introduce prospective owners to your brand. It’s about networking and hosting events that bring your franchise family together.

PR can help you tell those stories through interviews, contributed articles, press releases and even website or social media content. We can help you illustrate what sets your franchise apart from the others out there. Contact Ripley PR today.

This post was written by on March 7, 2024


Navigate your next crisis by partnering with PR

For most of us, when we think of a plumbing crisis, we picture things like burst pipes or clogged toilets. For a plumbing contractor, though, a crisis can be something much more serious.

A recent headline speaks of a shopping center evacuated after a plumber hit a gas line. Other stories talk about plumbing techs being involved in traffic accidents while driving company cars. In another, a contractor apologizes for his employee’s alleged DWI.

This doesn’t downplay burst pipes or clogged toilets, but incidents like these can be catastrophic for a plumbing contractor’s business if/when their company’s name is featured on the six o’clock news.

At Ripley PR, we know a crisis can happen anytime. It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. It’s why we make a crisis plan part of every home service public relations strategy we develop. We also know that not all crises are life-changing like a workplace accident, but can be something as simple as an employee going on a rant online, perhaps posting offensive language or content. It could be a service call gone wrong, where an employee is rude to the homeowner, or worse threatens your integrity with shoddy service or worse.

Your reputation is arguably your most valuable business asset. It’s what makes customers trust you. It’s what makes your employees proud to be a part of your team. If something happens to tarnish it, you must act quickly. With a PR partner on your side, you can minimize the damage from day one.

From crisis statements to interview prep, we can help you face tough questions from journalists, respond to bad reviews and start planning for what comes after the crisis.

Do you have a crisis plan in place for when the worst happens? If not, contact Ripley PR today and let’s build one together.

This post was written by on March 4, 2024


Be the Expert in your Market with Construction Public Relations

The construction industry is ever-changing. Over the past five years, we’ve seen material costs fluctuate, the introduction of AI and even a shift into modular construction. When potential clients see these topics mentioned, they immediately want to know more and how it can affect their project. Whether they want to know how much to budget due to increased prices or how efficient your construction company can be at completing a project, it’s important for your company to own the market and be equipped to answer the questions.

Partnering with a PR agency that specializes in construction public relations, like Ripley PR, can put you ahead of the game by addressing these questions before they are ever asked. As the industry expert on construction or construction tech, you have the knowledge to address the market. The only thing you need is a megaphone to spread the news and showcase your expertise. A construction PR agency can be that megaphone.

Our experts utilize proactive media outreach to pitch story ideas to trusted journalists in your industry and market that allows you to establish yourself as a thought leader and subject matter expert. For instance, if there is an increase in materials, our experts can pitch you to local publications to discuss how that can affect projects while also explaining how your company can ease the pain in their wallets. Or, for example, if there is a new technology that has been introduced, we can pitch you to discuss it on a podcast if it falls within your expertise.

In addition to proactive media outreach, our content team can write blogs for your website to help you provide information about changes in the industry. Being one of the first to address a change will further solidify you as the subject matter expert.

If you are ready to partner with a PR agency that specializes in construction public relations, give our team a call at (865) 977-1973 or contact us online.

This post was written by on March 2, 2024


Building a Big Project? PR Gets it in the News!

Publicize your construction company's accomplishments with proven construction PR tactics.As a leader in the construction industry, you probably know the value of getting your name in the news.

And one of the best ways for a construction company to do that is by showcasing your work. After all, a solid, well-designed building is a permanent reminder of your team’s abilities.

That’s why getting your most interesting buildings in the news should be a prominent part of your construction public relations strategy.

Creating Your Message 

In order to communicate effectively with your local and trade industry reporters, you need to have a strategic messaging strategy that ties all your communications together. From blogs on your website to posts on your social media to press releases and interviews, you want your message to be consistent.

You can pay for marketing and advertising to get your message in front of your target audience. But your ultimate goal should be to get the news media to cover your next project.

Studies have shown that more people trust information they get from respected journalists. These reports also show that people have the least trust in paid-for advertising.

You need to ensure that what your company is saying is actually what it’s doing. If you portray your construction company as innovative, make sure your team uses state-of-the-art equipment or advanced project management software, for example.

Consumers can see through phony messaging and aren’t always forgiving.

Creating Compelling Content 

One way to get reporters to cover your next big groundbreaking is to paint an irresistible picture. Boiled down to its basic components, public relations is about building relationships and telling your construction company’s stories.

Reaching out to local media to cover another strip mall might not be interesting in and of itself. But if your new project is using green building technology or will provide hundreds of new, well-paying jobs, you can pique their interest.

Sometimes the story isn’t necessarily about the building but can be found in the building’s potential. 

Creating this compelling content or developing a relationship with the reporters who cover your industry isn’t always easy. 

That’s why you need the creative writers and determined media relations specialists at Ripley PR. 

Our professional team of public relations experts is ready to help you get your next project in the news. 

Call Ripley PR today at (865) 977-1973 or contact us online today. Let’s start building your construction company’s image. 

This post was written by on February 29, 2024


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