Thursday, 20 March 2014

Honda and it's PR

Try to imagine a world without cars or any automotive transport. It is a bit hard isn’t it? The automobile industry is one of the world’s most significant economic sectors by revenue and it plays very important role in people everyday lives.
PR in this industry is particularly vital. The most interesting thing about it is the creative campaigns and strategies it manages to use in order to attract more clients, raise awareness and to create a buzz about their new products.
An interesting example is that of Honda. Yes, it is not the best car industry manufacturer in the world and people probably won’t see Honda’s car models in movies like James Bond, but it can surprise public with interesting PR campaigns.





Honda manages to do that by using social media means. A good example is Honda’s Vine campaign. In July, 2013 to promote company’s Summer Clearance Sales Event, Honda had launched a campaign that combined both, Vine and Twitter social media platforms. It accomplished doing so by engaging with Twitter users by utilising real- time Vine videos. The key here was to encourage users to buy a new car on sale. So here is what Honda did.  It responded with live Vine videos to tweets with the #wantnewcar hashtag.
"If a user mentions needing a new car to pick up a pizza, that Vine video response may feature a Honda dealer offering a great deal … with a mouth full of pepperoni," Susie Rossick, a senior manager at Honda, said in a statement. Now, how awesome is that?!




This Campaign provided a new and unique way to engage with public by using social media. As a result, it was very successful! Let’s have a look into campaign from the perspective of social media manager.  The average tweet engagement rate almost tripled in the first and second day of the campaign, increasing from average 0, 0130% to 0, 0400%. Moreover during the first day of the campaign Honda have received 1020 new followers and nearly 10, 000 mentions.



  
The journey of looking into Honda’s creative PR doesn’t end here. Next example to look at is Honda’s Project Drive In.
Everybody loves cars and everybody loves movies. When you combine these two things together, here is what you get: drive in movie theatres! They are popular in America and it plays an important role in a country’s history. However, since many theatres still use 35-milimeter film, which is phased out in the movie industry, many drive-in theatres are in jeopardy of closure. Here is where Honda steps in. It sponsors Drive In Project in order to save as many drive-ins as possible. So far there have been $55,865 raised, 44343 pledges made that people will visit a drive-in theatre and 9 drive-ins saved!



The tricky thing about this campaign is that, by sponsoring Project Drive In, Honda has raised the awareness about its brand. The campaign used social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumbler and YouTube. By sponsoring this project Honda is also advertising its name and most importantly improving and creating a positive reputation.
All in all Honda is a good example of how automobile industry is using its tricky and unusual ways in PR and increasing awareness about its brand. Go Honda!

By Gabriele Povilaityte
  

Monday, 17 March 2014

Apple's PR!


Hey Humans!

I’m going to be looking at how Apple has reached where they are now and how their PR helps them. Everybody already knows how immensely successful Apple are; ask anybody you walk past about Apple and they’ll say one word: iPhone!

Apple’s reputation over time has grown and their relationship with the public has only become stronger. This is partly because of the quality of their products but also because Apple’s PR team is always at the ready if anything goes wrong.


A while ago, back at the start of last year, Apple went through a rough patch with disappointingly low sale numbers of their products so what they decided to do was increase its PR because  they knew that good PR would mean that people would be likely to pay more attention to them again.

After the addition of members to their PR team, a number of press releases have been released and Apple have been honest with all the information that they have released. Apart from that, Apple also have been sending out positive messages about third party media to journalists! This is something that they aren’t known for doing but after noticing the competition around them, I guess they decided that being nice to everyone around them would benefit them…and it has! Recently it was revealed that their iPhone 5C has sold better than they thought it would even though when it was released, it had low sale numbers.

 
Another effect of being nice to the competition is the recent release of Microsoft office on the iPad. Everyone and everyone already knows that when people speak of computers, it’s either Microsoft with Windows or Apple with OS. So immediately you would think that these two major businesses are rivals but I think Apple is going all out with its attempt to be as nice as possible to everyone. Nobody would ever have imagined that Microsoft Office would be released on the iPad before the rumours started circulating but now it’s been confirmed and Microsoft Office is available to download to an iPad. Both rumours and the actual apps were released on the same day! Talk about being stubborn and full of surprises! Obviously Apple releasing a Microsoft product in the app store would not have been a hasty decision. It’s been reported that Apple will be taking a 30% cut of any subscription that people make when paying for Office 365.

Overall it’s clear that without this decision of improving their PR, Apple would maybe not have been able to improve to become even better than what they already were. For a big company to suddenly have a decrease in sales is a major ego blow so it was a good idea for them to fix that through the addition of people to their PR team that would help deal with any issues and promotions.

You know what they say, any PR is good PR! Haha.

Mohammed Balal

Saturday, 15 March 2014

M.A.C Cosmetics and Celebrity Endorsements.

We briefly had a look at the ‘M.A.C Aids Fund’, so what other campaign plans have they used to brand their name everywhere. Over the last couple of years, celebrity endorsements has become a big thing with M.A.C a variety of well known celebrities such as, Nicki Minaj, Lady GaGa and the biggest of them of all of course Rihanna, each celebrity has contributed their creativity to the ‘VIVA GLAM’ collection this was the perfect PR strategy as each celebrity created something to represent them to their fans and of course this created more sales and donations to the 'VIVA GLAM' collection.   

http://newnownext.mtvnimages.com/2014/02/o-RIHANNA-VIVA-GLAM-facebook.jpg

Since being introduced to M.A.C Rihanna has already participated in three solo campaigns with the brand, her endorsement has proved to be the biggest ever since the launch in 1994. 


"#MACgirlz my new #VIVAGLAM lipstick AD CAMPAIGN is out now!" she posted on her Instagram earlier today (January 3)." 



http://jugnistyle.com/new_website/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/VivaGlamRihanna-Lipstick-72.jpg

From what I can see, to promote the lipstick and lip-gloss range, each lipstick has Rihanna's signature, I don’t know about you but I love the fact that I’m wearing something chosen by Rihanna (J) I am pretty sure thats what the PR practitioners had in mind when it came to endorsing the brand and it has worked wonderfully for M.A.C to bring her back for the third time.

(http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/news/a541437/rihanna-unveils-mac-cosmetics-ad-campaign-picture.html)

By Ruwaidah Maudarbux





Friday, 14 March 2014

M.A.C Cosmetics Campaign Strategy

M.A.C Cosmetics is a global make up brand it derived from Estee Lauder in 1984, but this make up empire has dominated the world of beauty. I’m sure many of you reading this post can’t say that when you think of makeup, M.A.C doesn’t come to mind. This is because of the PR campaigns that have been used to promote a good image for the organisation; yes marketing has helped but it all links with Public Relations and its campaign strategies.


In 1994 M.A.C created the ‘M.A.C. AIDS FUND’ to help raise awareness and make a difference as during that time it was huge pandemic because the issue came to light, so how was PR used to promote M.A.C and show their softer side.   

http://www.thrivedc.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/tumblr_lnf8phTB591qj0usl.jpg


This Image was very effective because this ‘Viva Glam’ red lipstick was created specifically for this campaign, it was the used as the M.A.C symbol to encourage donations for Aids and believe it or not the donations came pouring in, "The bullet in passionate red that was the shot heard around the world - the first lipstick created to directly confront and raise money and awareness". This purpose of this PR campaign was to show that life is precious and that this make up brand cares, it also showed M.A.C as more than just a make-up brand and they should be taken as a serious organisation in all sectors and their name became integrated with all different kinds of audiences.


http://www.oldergirlbeauty.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/index-1024x682.jpeg

(https://www.macaidsfund.org/theglam/campaignhistory)



By Ruwaidah Maudarbux 






Tuesday, 11 March 2014

Burberry Campaign Analysis!

Burberry, a British Fashion empire is one of the most biggest and iconic brands in the world. But ever thought how a company founded in 1856 has managed to stand the test of time? What are the secrets to its success? We shall try and uncover these questions by looking at some campaigns and strategies implemented by this luxurious company.

Everything was truly going well for brand Burberry since its introduction to the fashion market in 1856, however it was during the nineties when this company decided to up its game to be taken seriously in the fashion industry. It increased its advertising budget and plastered its trademark check on every product you could possibly think of! Unfortunately, this brand became popular with the upcoming chav generation and football hooligans (see below). 




Over exposure had caused this high fashion brand to become undesirable. Burberry needed help, and fast. This is where its excellent PR team came to the rescue and helped to reinvent its brand name! These are just some of the successful strategies they came up with:

Tweetwalk
In 2011, Burberry decided to showcase its latest designs on twitter before they came out during London Fashion Week. This simple move attracted thousands of new users to follow the brand! (ker-ching!)

Celebrity endorsements
If having Emma Watson as part of their team wasn’t enough, when One Direction’s Harry Styles (ahh) was pictured on the front row to the brand’s Spring/Summer 2014 show in September, the response was overwhelming with over 21,000 mentions on social media!

CONTEMPORARY CASE STUDY:
Burberry recently revealed its new campaign, as part of its aim to maximise coverage on a digital platform called ‘Burberry kisses’.  This is where users are able to send a virtual kiss to loved ones all around the world. Users have the ability to personalise a message, choose a lip colour from the Burberry beauty range and share on Google+ or any other social media site! (Sweet stuff, ey?) However this latest innovation has not been without its critics, with some calling it a gimmick and having little relevance to the brand name. But I have to disagree with them all! I think this idea is pure genius and according to this article by the Guardian http://www.theguardian.com/media-network/partner-zone-brand-union/burberry-digital-strategy-brand this new interactive campaign has been hugely beneficial for the company! (wahey!)

                         

Results released by interbrands in 2013, show how Burberry was in 77th position as the most valuable fashion brand in the entire world! Impressively, it increased its brand value by almost 20% more than the previous year. (www.interbrand.com/en/best-global-brands/2013/top-100-list-view.aspx). Whether it is their PR activity, advertising strategies or their fashion line that is to be credited for its success, Burberry is making sure to conquer our minds. Most famous for its trademark trenchcoats, (coming with an impressive price tag, which living on a student budget is a far-fetched dream waiting to happen!) I believe Burberry is a fashion brand to watch out for the in the future!

By Risha Pattani




Friday, 7 March 2014

McDonalds Intro



                                    

PR + McDonald’s? I’m loving it.


We all know how fast food can be cheap, but at the same time incredibly delicious. However, it can also be extremely unhealthy. Some people though are "addicted" to fast food because of the taste, variety and amazing prices. Unfortunately, I am one of those people who simply cannot live without fast food, eg. McDonald's. 

The question here however, is how can companies like McDonald's present something SO unhealthy but at the same time irresistible? This is where PR steps into the picture and turns everything around.

Everyday, 68 million people visit McDonald's. They present new menus with more salads and fruits, which is a positive thing. However whenever I decide to go to McDonald's to order a salad, I end up ordering a big mac!


One of the most important factors McDonald’s invests on, is the brand’s image. This is what basically makes the whole company stand out. Going back in 1995, Ronald McDonald had become the spokesperson and Chrildren goodwill ambassador. This way, the public sees McDonald’s as a helpful company, that has amazing food and is also helping children in need through different events, etc. Is this the real case however? Or, is it just a smart way of PR to attract more and more customers?


‘’In today's tough economic environment, you can use PR principles to further your business without spending a lot of money.’’- Roy Bergold (QSR)

                                     

Nowadays, thanks to the social media, it is easier to create a public communication between company and customs. On the McDonald’s website, you can find information and even children’s games. This can have both positive and negative outcomes for the public. 


Sometimes PR can be tricky in my opinion. In the UK at least, the PR team is very strong. Although it's not for my own benefit as McDonald's can be extremely fattening, they achieve their goal which is to attract even more people. 

The company announced the creation of 2,500 new British jobs and positions. (even though they pay them ridiculously low wages)

I noticed how PR attracts the public when I paid for my bus ticket and got a McDonald's deal for £1.99. I find it suspicious how something so "healthy" as they present it, is also so cheap! Usually healthy foods cost a bit more than junk food. Their actions can be seen manipulative, however I know deep down that I will be using that ticket deal soon enough..


                      


McDonald's is open 24/7, which means anyone can eat there anytime they want. This automatically makes it the popular place to eat after a late night out.

Adverts and PRs present McDonald's burgers as 100% beef. However my homemade 100% beef burgers don't taste like that at all! (they're quite delicious as well though.)

Therefore obviously McDonald's burgers are not 100% beef...

People also noticed the difference in the McDonald's salad, and how their lettuce tastes like ‘fig leaves.’ They basically present healthy-looking food and salads in order to sell more burgers.


In Cyprus they recently announced the McDonald’s delivery service, where food will be brought right outside your door.The easier you make things for customers, the more they will be requiring your services. This only confirms their successful PR strategies though. It is noticeable that a big tasty with bacon, large fries and a chocolate milkshake contain 1,780 calories. which is a HUGE amount to consume in just one meal.


PRs influence onto the public around fast food restaurants like McDonald's can be seen as successful and tricky at the same time. However their main goal is achieved, and they now have restaurants all around the globe.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gmOwkxKeMo



By Panagiota Charalambous.


                                               

                                      






Thursday, 6 March 2014

Introduction

Hello Readers!

We are students at De Montfort University studying Public Relations, and this is our PR blog. Throughout this blog we want to inform you about how PR campaigns are used positively to bring success to global businesses. With PR becoming a successful profession with young people, we want to direct you into this growing industry.

With every Advertisement, Press releases and Social Events, public relations is the key element to make it all happen. Public Relations have a positive impact on large organisations by building up all different kinds of campaign strategies to promote a good image. This blog will look at five different global organisations and research what campaign tactics has been used to reflect the respectable side of these businesses and how it has been effective on their target audience.

There are five of us in our group, so we would like to introduce you to:

Mohammed Balal:  Hey humans! I've chosen to look at PR in technology; particularly at Apple and how they work their magic. I'll be looking at how they've managed to work their way up to the top using PR. Go me!

Gabriele Povilaityte: Hey everybody! The topic that I have chosen to look at is cars industries. Everybody loves glamorous and amazing cars, so lets look at what interesting ideas are used to promote it. I will particularly look at Honda and Volvo, since they are especially creative within their PR campaigns. 


Panagiota Charalambous: Hey all! I've decided to talk about PR and McDonald's. (what an awesome combination eh?) Well, basically I will be looking at the ways PR is attracting the public to try something so delicious, yet very unhealthy. Now sit back, relax, and maybe enjoy a Big Mac? :p

Risha Pattani: Hi! The sector I have chosen to explore is Fashion PR. It may sound glamorous and enticing but let me tell you this, it actually is more harder that it looks! In particular I will be looking into the huge British brand that is Burberry. (YAY)

Ruwaidah Maudarbux: Hey guys! My chosen organisation is M.A.C COSMETICS, for those readers who just love make up stay tuned for my blog post, I will be reflecting on how M.A.C has promoted themselves with different campaign plans to appeal to a wider variety of audiences. 

Keep in touch with all of our latest post and feel free to comment. :)