Give your Franchise Brand the Staying Power it Needs with Franchise PR

Franchise networks that can change with the times and keep up with customer tastes and desires have the advantage over competitors. This also requires keeping your brand in the public eye, tailoring outreach and communications to both customers and potential franchisees. Franchise public relations can offer the right voice to make that possible.

Dealing with Change

The franchise industry is not immune to ongoing changes in consumer preference. As demand for services like home delivery and mobile ordering put a dent in foot traffic at restaurants and retail locations alike, franchisors need to find new ways to help boost their overall brand image and visibility to keep their brand relevant.

Increasing visibility requires carefully crafting a brand image that makes visiting individual franchise locations worth the effort for customers. Ripley PR’s skilled team of franchise public relations professionals can turn announcements of new store locations, products and services into news coverage, bringing crowds through the door and attracting prospective franchise owners to your brand. A well-crafted social media strategy can give your franchise network the image you’re looking for, from professional, high-quality posts to fun and unique content that builds an engaged fanbase.

Our team of talented content specialists will craft every tweet and post on your social media platforms to ensure organic growth. If things do go wrong, having a crisis management plan, developed by PR professionals, in place can help keep your reputation intact even in the wake of supply chain failures, missed targets and social media mistakes.

Looking Forward

The growth of franchise brands depends on the health of its individual franchise locations. As a franchise-focused PR agency, Ripley PR can help your company grow, whether you’re looking to attract new location owners or boost visibility with consumers. Let us show you how public relations can help your franchise navigate the changing marketplace. For more information, call us at (865) 977-1973 or contact Ripley PR online.

This post was written by Joel Davis, Content Supervisor on November 21, 2019

Let PR Help You Grow Your Franchise Brand

Growing a franchise brand is hard work for even the most experienced entrepreneurs. It’s different than just owning multiple businesses. Not only do you have a brand reputation to build, but you also have to market to both potential franchise owners and customers.

At first, it might feel overwhelming, but if you allow a specialized franchise public relations agency to help you with brand messaging and positioning, your workload will seem a lot more manageable.

Specialized Franchise PR can Help You Build a Strong Brand Identity

Brand identity is especially important for franchise networks. It’s what ties everything and everyone together. It gives individual franchise locations business continuity in the eyes of your customers.

Building a strong brand identity takes work, though. It takes consistent messaging and consistent content development, and that’s a lot to think about while you’re trying to grow a franchise system.

But the good news is building a brand identity is something specialized franchise PR agencies can help take off your plate. They have the time and know-how to make sure all of your brand messaging is consistent and effective.

Good PR will Help Attract the Right Franchisees

One of the most important aspects of owning a franchise business is finding the right franchisees — and good PR can even help with that!

Public relations agencies that specialize in helping grow franchise brands will know how to reach the right people with the right message. That doesn’t just help with sales. It also plays a huge part in recruitment.

At Ripley PR, we know that franchise businesses require a specialized approach to public relations because we specialize in franchise PR. And we’re here to help! Contact Ripley PR today at 865-977-1973 to find out more.

This post was written by Brianna Langley on November 19, 2019

Ripley PR Recommends 5 Best Practices to Maximize Franchise Discovery Days

National franchisors can attract more qualified leads with advice from one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s top ten franchise public relations agencies of 2019

MARYVILLE, Tenn. – Nov. 19, 2019 – Ripley PR, a global franchise public relations agency, is offering five tips to franchisors for maximizing Discovery Day events, driving attendance of prospective franchisees and securing more qualified leads.

Know when and where to host your Discovery Day. Heather Ripley, founder and CEO of Ripley PR, has planned countless Discovery Days for emerging and established franchisors, and she has found there’s more to the timing than just positioning in the sales cycle.

Ripley worked for one of the nation’s largest home service franchisors before founding Ripley PR. When promoting Discovery Days, the company strategically chose locations attractive to prospective franchisees. Sarasota, Florida, for example, has pleasant weather throughout the year. Las Vegas, she said, was another hit with their candidates in any season.

Have an airtight plan and keep a solid agenda. Charles Bonfiglio, former multi-unit automotive repair franchise owner and CEO of Tint World®, draws on his first-hand experience as a franchisee prospect to host successful events that have contributed to Tint World®’s expansion.

“I’ve attended both good and bad Discovery Days, and it’s obvious the good ones never tried to wing it,” Bonfiglio said. “It’s important to remember that prospective franchisees are evaluating your system too, and you should have an agenda prepared that respects their time, accomplishes specific goals and maximizes value. Ensure that next steps are crystal clear to your staff throughout the event, and equip them with a contingency plan for unpredictable circumstances.”

Prequalify to ensure the best prospects are invited. Bryan Richards, vice president of operations at leading home service franchise Mister Sparky, stresses the importance of not only filling seats, but filling them with best possible candidates.

“Franchisors in different industries have asked us how we filled so many seats at our events at Clockwork Home Services,” Richards said. “We focused not only on having great attendance, but getting the right people in the seats. You must have a skilled franchise development team to thoroughly vet and prequalify your prospects to avoid tire kickers, which will save you valuable time and resources. Obtaining key information, like whether or not a prospect can secure financing, is critical when speaking to them about attending Discovery Day.”

Create awareness, drive registrations and promote your event. Properly announcing a Discovery Day with a multi-pronged public relations and marketing campaign is critical to ensure success and attract the highest quality leads.

Ripley says that central to building an attractive franchise model is ongoing positive PR to build awareness and credibility around the brand. A full-service public relations agency with an experienced content team can also develop engaging e-blasts and a digital ad campaign to target prospective franchisees, and they’ll be able to support road show-style Discovery Days with dynamic social media ads inviting prospects within a suitable driving range to attend. It’s important, she said, that Discovery Day dates are not promoted too far in advance to create a sense of urgency.

Showcase your buttoned-up, professional and well-prepared corporate team. Bill McPherson, vice president of franchise development at AlphaGraphics, has decades of experience growing franchise systems and understands what a difference a prepared and professional team can make for your Discovery Day attendees.

“Before hosting your Discovery Day, ask yourself if each Corporate team member that is expected to interact with prospects can be fully trusted to represent your brand,” McPherson said. “If the answer is no, the chances of losing a well-qualified franchisee increase exponentially. Each employee must be trusted, personable, professional and well-versed in your key messages and values. The most engaging program can be completely derailed by a poor experience with your team, so we place a high priority on training and employee preparation leading up to each Discovery Day.”

Ripley PR was named on of Entrepreneur Magazine’s top ten franchise public relations agencies of 2019. The global agency offers strategic communications services for its clients, including crisis management, media relations and social media strategies. The agency’s unique combination of strategic business accounting and creative public relations help clients build brand awareness, establish positive reputations and drive increased leads and sales.

For more information about planning a Discovery Day with franchise public relations, visit www.ripleypr.com.

About Ripley PR
Ripley PR, Inc. is an elite, global B2B public relations agency specializing in construction, franchising, technology, home services and manufacturing. Offering a full range of strategic communication services, including crisis management, media relations and social media strategies, Ripley PR uses a blend of strategic business accounting and creative public relations branding to tell compelling stories and deliver measurable results. Ripley PR is a partner in IPREX, the $350 million network of communication agencies, with 1,800 staff and 115 offices worldwide. For more information, visit ripleypr.com or call 865-977-1973.

This post was written by Heather Ripley, Founder/CEO on November 19, 2019

Looking for Investors? Construction Tech PR Can Help

Investors are seeing dollar signs as the construction industry finally gets serious about technology. With plenty of venture capital flowing into the sector, now is the time for ambitious startups to capture investor attention through construction tech public relations.

Following the Money

From 2011 through early 2017, investors poured $10 billion in funding into tech companies serving the industry. Entrepreneurs have noticed, and the race to become the next big thing in construction tech has begun. Meanwhile, the demand isn’t going away. As tech becomes more embedded in the industry, contractors have to up their games in order to keep up, according to a McKinsey report:

Construction-technology startups have developed hundreds of tools for use cases across the project life cycle, ranging from design management to scheduling to safety monitoring. In the future, we’ll see even more tools emerge, particularly for use cases related to field management and performance management. With the role of construction technology growing so rapidly, and new use cases emerging constantly, E&C companies that do not invest in the right tools risk being left behind.

Finding the Right Opportunity

What does this mean for your tech company? Since construction companies are being forced to invest in new technological solutions or be left behind, it’s a target-rich environment for tech companies like yours aiming to serve the market.

It also means that your company is going to have plenty of competition. To remain visible in the crowded marketplace, consider partnering with Ripley PR, a construction public relations agency with years of experience and insight into the industry. We can help your startup generate visibility and interest from construction professionals while attracting the attention of investors.

If you’re ready to start promoting your construction tech startup for real, Ripley PR is ready to help. Contact us today at (865) 977-1973.

This post was written by Joel Davis, Content Supervisor on November 15, 2019

Construction PR Keeps Your Company’s Innovation in View

To stay on top in the construction industry, contractors need to be constantly innovating and adapting to new technology. Not only can investing in new technology boost productivity, but it can also serve as a selling point in marketing your construction company.

According to McKinsey, the construction industry is set for transformation. Contractors will have to keep up with technological change or fall by the wayside:

The engineering and construction (E&C) industry is at the cusp of a new era, with technology start-ups creating new applications and tools that are changing how companies design, plan, and execute projects. … Such improvements could not come at a better time, since construction projects are becoming increasingly complex and expensive, putting managers under greater pressure to improve costs, timelines, and efficiency.

More Than Just Marketing

It turns out that just keeping up as the industry changes isn’t enough, construction companies constantly need to be managing their image and publicity in order to secure the next job. That’s where construction public relations can help. Getting the word out about what your company does to stay at the forefront of changing technology can keep you in the front of mind for potential clients.

If you’ve used the newest products and techniques in your recent projects, you’ve seen firsthand how important they are for the future of construction. And clients love a company that’s staying on the cutting edge.

Turning Tech Advantages into Market Success

The groundbreaking technology and processes you employ in your business do more than just improve efficiency on the jobsite, they tell your clients that you care about their projects and are interested in going beyond the standard to get things done. Positioning your company’s tech interests as added value for your client’s products can set you apart from the pack.

The experts at Ripley PR can help. Our talented team of PR pros and content specialists know both sides of the construction technology field and can turn your company’s commitment to innovation into regularly-produced blogs, social media posts, earned media and more. We want to talk to you, so contact Ripley PR online, or give us a call at (865) 977-1973 today.

This post was written by Jared Sebby on November 14, 2019

It’s Time to Step Up Your Game If You Want to Reach Industry Decision-Makers

As a kid, I used to love commercials. Sure, they interrupted my shows, but I got to see new toys I could ask Mom for or what tasty treats my favorite restaurants might have on special. Christmas commercials were especially magical. Polar bears drinking soda and Ronald McDonald ice skating were fluffy goodness that made me smile. They also made me want to support those brands. Raising brand awareness can be fairly simple when you’re a company that markets to consumers.

But what happens when your target audience is other businesses?

Thinking outside the box

Traditional advertising isn’t ideal for reaching other businesses, which is why you need a B2B public relations agency like Ripley PR in your corner. We’ll help you create brand awareness and promote your business in a way that lands you in front of decision-makers.

Reaching the right audience

There are steps you have to take, but taking a B2B company from good to great is what we do best.

Understand your audience: Who are you trying to reach? Identifying your target audience and understanding their needs is essential to brand success. With a PR plan in place, we take the guesswork out of the equation.
Revamp your content marketing: Creating exceptional content isn’t about writing blog posts or sharing a funny meme on social media. Sure, a funny meme might get a few likes, and a blog post about how awesome your company is might get read a few times. But, does either post truly engage the audience you’re hoping to reach? We can do it right.
Network within the industry: Building relationships within your sector can do wonders for your brand awareness. From speaking engagements to trade shows to features in trade publications, these connections must be nurtured. But who has time to do that? Well, we do and more importantly, we do it well.

At Ripley PR, we understand you have a select market you need to reach, and we know how to help you do it. Contact Ripley PR today or give us a call at (865) 977-1973.

This post was written by Amanda Greever on November 13, 2019

Put Your Auto Technology Business in High Gear with Public Relations

The average American car is almost 12 years old, according to a recent survey. That’s a historic high. There are also 278 million cars, trucks and SUVs on the roads in 2019 – another all-time high.

Both of these statistics are good news for the automotive technology industry. More vehicles means more opportunities for parts and service, from routine maintenance to audio upgrades, wireless technology and other enhancements. And the longer a car or truck stays on the road, the more upkeep it requires.

But it can take extra effort to take full advantage of opportunities like these. Fortunately, there’s a proven solution: Working with an experienced automotive public relations agency can often make the difference for both B2C and B2B automotive tech companies that want to distinguish themselves from competitors.

How Can PR Help?

Here’s how retailers, manufacturers and distributors can benefit from PR and make the most of trends in the auto technology industry.

Build a brand identity: An automotive PR team can offer strategic perspective that will define your company’s value and help establish a relationship of trust and confidence with your target market.
Reach the right audience with the right message: PR professionals with auto industry experience will have an edge connecting you and your company with editors, producers and reporters who understand the business.
Protect your reputation: Nobody expects a worst-case scenario. The best way to deal with a public crisis is before it happens, and quality PR firms will make a detailed crisis communication plan a priority. It won’t prevent bad news from happening, but it can keep it from getting worse.

A Public Relations Partner

Our team of public relations experts is available to work with you to create the right strategy for your brand to stand out in the increasingly competitive auto technology industry. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact us online at Ripley PR or call (865) 977-1973.

This post was written by Matthew Everett on November 11, 2019

Simplify the Conversion Process – How to Attract Quality Candidates for Your Franchise

Generation X is one of the most undervalued demographics in the U.S. Boomers and millennials seem to receive attention from the media daily, but you rarely hear about what is arguably the most forgotten generation in U.S. history. So, where do they fit in, and how is it important for your brand?

Members of Generation X own around 40% of businesses in most states. While retirement is likely not a top priority right now, setting up their businesses for future success is. How can you convert a small business into a successful franchisee? How can you position your brand as the premier option for the candidates you seek?

A franchise public relations agency will have the experience necessary to promote your brand and attract the high-quality candidates you are looking for.

Promoting Your Brand

Showcasing your industry expertise will advocate your brand, offering faith and security to the market of Gen X business owners trying to grow their business as much as possible. Promoting your brand’s experience and success will provide confidence that conversion is a win-win for both parties involved. With that in mind, promote the usage of earned media and brand recognition that will assist in the maximization of their revenue stream. If candidates see a return-on-investment from this decision, their confidence in your brand will make them more likely to invest and eventually convert

An experienced franchise public relations agency like Ripley PR will be able to use your success stories, awards, expansion news and franchisee satisfaction ratings to properly position your brand as the go-to option when for candidates that are considering conversion or investment.

Let’s Get Started

Ripley PR has a team of dedicated experts ready to promote your franchise brand and position it as the best choice for potential candidates. We will create the right kind of narratives to reach the most qualified business owners looking to boost the value of their companies. To see how we can help, call (865) 977-1973 or visit us online at www.ripleypr.com.

This post was written by Rob Slaughter on November 9, 2019

Finding and Leveraging Your Voice in Manufacturing

In today’s crowded marketplace, manufacturers fight for recognition. To earn visibility among consumers and potential employees, your manufacturing company needs a clear message about your role and your value in the modern world.

Ripley PR can provide a great manufacturing PR strategy that can help hone in on your key messages and provide your company a voice to gain the attention of consumers and stakeholders.

Female manufacturing worker analyzes daily task list.

How do you Create Traction for your Company?

Earned coverage is a great way to get recognition for your manufacturing company. Getting media coverage in local, national, or trade media carries a lot further than advertising. Earned media is authentic and an honest endorsement by the media outlet. PR professionals develop relationships with the media to keep your company in print.

Telling Your Story

Domestic manufacturing is vital to the country’s economy and places the United States as a global leader in innovation. Manufacturing companies are also big drivers in local economies.

An experienced manufacturing public relations agency can tell your story through blogs and case studies. Creating compelling stories can help drive traffic to your company’s website. Regular and thoughtful content creation can help position you as an expert in the industry and will boost your company’s SEO (search engine optimization). Through content, you can boost your presence online.

Partner with a Manufacturing PR Expert

Partnering with an experienced manufacturing public relations agency like Ripley PR will help your company boost its brand and messaging. We can help get the word out to the right media outlets to give you the visibility you deserve.

Our team of experts knows the manufacturing industry well and can help with identifying and implementing strategies to boost your manufacturing business. Contact us today.

This post was written by Kaitlyn Clark on November 5, 2019

Haines Structural Group Selects Ripley PR as Agency of Record

Global agency will represent East Tennessee’s full-service structural engineering leader

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Nov. 5, 2019 – Haines Structural Group, a leading East Tennessee full-service structural engineering firm, announced today it has partnered with global agency and architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) public relations specialist, Ripley PR, to further the company’s brand awareness and business development.

Founded in 2009 as a branch office of Chad Stewart & Associates, Inc., Haines Structural Group has been instrumental in downtown Knoxville’s revitalization over the past 10 years, as well as a key partner in several projects at the Knoxville Zoo and Dollywood Theme Park. In October, after a decade of serving Knoxville and the East Tennessee region, the business was rebranded to Haines Structural Group to better define the purpose, mission and vision of the organization.

“Heather and her team not only know our industry, they’re passionate about it,” said Bobby Haines, owner of Haines Structural Group. “They were instrumental in our rebrand outreach, and their expertise is only going to help us get our new brand and message out to more potential business partners.”

Ripley PR offers strategic communications services for its clients, including crisis management, media relations and social media strategies. The agency’s unique combination of strategic business accounting and creative public relations help clients build brand awareness, establish positive reputations and drive increased leads and sales.

“We work with companies all over the world, but we love it when we can work with local companies and owners like Bobby,” said Ripley, CEO of Ripley PR. “Haines Structural Group has a real passion for the city of Knoxville and for serving the East Tennessee community. Often engineers don’t get a lot of love when it comes to the work they do, it’s mostly behind the scenes but so critical to bringing structures to life. We’re looking forward to helping Haines Structural Group build more awareness about all the amazing projects they’ve been a part of and to help them continue to create places to live, work and play our community.”

For more information visit www.ripleypr.com.

About Haines Structural Group

Haines Structural Group is a full-service structural engineering firm that provides practical and creative solutions for architects, contractors and owners nationwide who value extraordinary service and premier quality. The Haines team prides itself on being a valued partner to the clients they work with to achieve their vision of creating projects that are as functional as they are beautiful. The foundation of Haines’ business is to build relationships and design structures that last a lifetime.

For more information, visit http://www.haines-sg.com/ or call 865-329-9920.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Ripley
Ripley PR
865-977-1973
hripley@ripleypr.com

This post was written by JD Sizemore, Account Director, Client Services on November 5, 2019