The end of the year for any PR pro can be overwhelming, but it’s also a great time to strategize for the coming year. Maintaining relationships with customers, third-party vendors and media contacts is just the tip of the iceberg. This may seem daunting, but we have strategies for you to implement that won’t break the bank.
Holiday greeting cards go a long way
Let your media contacts know you value your relationships with them by sending an online holiday greeting card. Remember to keep it sweet and to the point. This is not a time to make a pitch or sell an idea. It’s merely a way to nurture important relationships. In business as in life, relationships mean everything.
It’s an excellent time for promotions
Many brands announce year-end promotions. As a PR pro, you should work closely with your marketing department to develop unique ways to generate sales. The possibilities are endless: free shipping, discounted rates and promo codes to name a few. You can also hold contests, such as an Instagram holiday photo or ugly sweater competition where the winner gets featured on your social media channels. Maximizing the holiday shopping craze with a holiday sale is a great way to generate sales and win over your target audience.
Give back to those in need
Showing corporate social responsibility is one of the hallmarks of positive sentiment and good publicity. Not only does it make you feel good, but it also makes you look good to your customers and prospects. Organizing or partnering with nonprofits for community service programs like a winter coat or toy drives helps build your brand awareness while also giving back. It’s also a great photo-op that you can share on all of your social media channels.
Team up with local organizations
Teaming up with locally-owned businesses is a great way to cross-promote. You can launch special promotions together or be a part of their events. It is best to collaborate with companies whose products or services are similar to yours. For example, if you are a PR firm that focuses on real estate, you can team up with a local interior design company and endorse each other or even throw a joint holiday party to benefit a charity. Collaboration builds a mutually beneficial relationship, and both businesses can make a profit.
Review your messaging style
Words have the power to inspire or shed a negative light on a company. To strategize for next year, go back and analyze your messaging style in an unbiased manner and understand the intricacies of modern messaging. Having a consistent message that’s short, sweet and has a bucketload of visuals usually does the trick!
Analyze your mentions
Sitting down with your team and discussing what did well and what didn’t for the year is an invaluable tool to strategize for what’s next. Using a media monitoring platform with robust reporting tools allows your company to see how your audience perceived your brand, industry trends and how you faced against your competitors. This information will dictate how your company moves forward.
Until next time!
Critical Mention
Poorvi Adavi
Poorvi Adavi is a freelance web content writer and editor in South Bay, California. She is inspired by observing people around her and being aware of things happening in the world. She has completed her Masters in Communication from Christ University and also has a Business Management Certificate from UC San Diego.
