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	<title>PR &amp; Communications Archives - Brighter Directions</title>
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		<title>Why Your Brand Needs a PR Agency, Not Just a Press Release</title>
		<link>https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/why-your-brand-needs-a-pr-agency-not-just-a-press-release/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:40:06 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[PR & Communications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brand]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brighter directions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brighter directions marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[journalists]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[media coverage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[narratives]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PR Agency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[press release]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/?p=5852</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>You’ve worked tirelessly to build your company, and a major milestone &#8211; a new product launch, a funding round, or a significant award &#8211; is finally here. Your gut tells you it’s time to get the word out. You write a press release, maybe even send it to a few journalists you found online, and&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/why-your-brand-needs-a-pr-agency-not-just-a-press-release/">Why Your Brand Needs a PR Agency, Not Just a Press Release</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk">Brighter Directions</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span data-contrast="auto">You’ve worked tirelessly to build your company, and a major milestone &#8211; a new product launch, a funding round, or a significant award &#8211; is finally here. Your gut tells you it’s time to get the word out. You write a press release, maybe even send it to a few journalists you found online, and then you wait.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Days turn into weeks. The story gets picked up by… no one. The silence is deafening. The pride you felt turns into frustration, and you’re left wondering why your amazing news didn’t resonate. You’ve invested so much, only to feel like you&#8217;re shouting into an empty room.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 aria-level="4">The Emotional “Why”</h3>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">This isn’t just about a failed marketing effort; it’s about a missed opportunity. It’s the feeling of your hard work not being seen. It’s the quiet dread that your brand might not be as important as you thought. You’re losing more than just media coverage &#8211; you’re losing credibility, authority, and the trust that comes from being featured in a publication your audience already believes in.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">When that happens, it’s not because your story isn’t good enough. It’s because storytelling &#8211; </span><i><span data-contrast="auto">real</span></i><span data-contrast="auto"> storytelling &#8211; requires more than a press release. It requires relationships, timing, strategy, and a deep understanding of what the media truly values.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 aria-level="4">Enter the PR Agency<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:319,&quot;335559739&quot;:319}"> </span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">This is where we come in. At </span><a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/services/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b><span data-contrast="auto">Brighter Directions</span></b></a><span data-contrast="auto">, we don’t just write press releases; we craft powerful narratives designed to be told, shared, and remembered. We are your story’s architects, and our foundation is built on two decades of trusted relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers across industries.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">A compelling pitch isn’t a broadcast &#8211; it’s a conversation. It’s about understanding what matters to each journalist and how your brand fits into the larger narrative shaping your industry. A PR agency doesn’t just tell your story; it ensures the </span><i><span data-contrast="auto">right</span></i><span data-contrast="auto"> people are listening.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Our work goes far beyond sending out a press release. We help you identify what makes your story truly newsworthy, find the right angle for the right outlet, and position your business as a credible voice in your field. That means when your story appears in the media, it doesn’t feel like an ad &#8211; it feels like validation.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 aria-level="4">Why Brighter Directions?<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:319,&quot;335559739&quot;:319}"> </span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">While other agencies might sell you a database of contacts, we sell you a relationship. We act as an extension of your brand, meticulously researching the right media for your story, tailoring our pitches to resonate with specific audiences, and following through until we’ve earned genuine coverage that you simply can’t buy.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Our team understands that visibility is not the same as credibility. You don’t just need clicks, you need confidence. The kind that comes when a respected journalist chooses to feature your story because it aligns with their readers’ interests, not because they were paid to.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">We’ve helped countless brands transform from being overlooked to being sought-after sources of insight. We turn that initial feeling of frustration into the thrill of seeing your name in a trusted publication, your leadership quoted as an expert, and your story shared across channels that matter.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Because PR isn’t about noise &#8211; it’s about influence. And in a world where attention is fleeting, influence is everything.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<p aria-level="4"><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:319,&quot;335559739&quot;:319}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">A press release can announce your story. A PR agency can amplify it. The difference? Strategy, relationships, and results that last far beyond a single news cycle.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong>At Brighter Directions, we don’t just get you seen &#8211; we get you <i>validated</i>. <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact us today</a> to discuss your PR needs.</strong></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/why-your-brand-needs-a-pr-agency-not-just-a-press-release/">Why Your Brand Needs a PR Agency, Not Just a Press Release</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk">Brighter Directions</a>.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Breaking down PR legalese: Your guide to NLA and CLA licensing</title>
		<link>https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/breaking-down-pr-legalese-your-guide-to-nla-and-cla-licensing/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Feb 2024 10:40:41 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[PR & Communications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brighter directions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brighter directions marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CLA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[coverage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[licenses]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[licensing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NLA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[publication]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[publisher]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/?p=5587</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>PR is hard work. Securing positive coverage for a business, especially when it’s the editorial kind, is hard work. When it finally happens, when Financial Times, or The Tribune, or even Forbes features you in their publication, it&#8217;s natural to want to shout from the rooftops. But think twice before you do, because it might&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/breaking-down-pr-legalese-your-guide-to-nla-and-cla-licensing/">Breaking down PR legalese: Your guide to NLA and CLA licensing</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk">Brighter Directions</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span data-contrast="auto">PR is hard work. Securing positive coverage for a business, especially when it’s the editorial kind, is hard work. When it finally happens, when Financial Times, or The Tribune, or even Forbes features you in their publication, it&#8217;s natural to want to shout from the rooftops. But think twice before you do, because it might leave you in breach of copyright laws. </span><span data-contrast="auto">In the UK, the reproduction and distribution of your hard-earned press coverage is managed and carefully monitored by licensing bodies like the Newspaper Licensing Agency (NLA) and the Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA). While it may seem irrational that publishers insist on a license before businesses promote their platforms for free, it&#8217;s proven that not having one will get you in trouble.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Licensing rules</h3>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">There are a lot of license-granting organisations out there, but most of the UK media publications are either managed by the NLA or CLA. According to the regulations set by these governing bodies, a business cannot share any part of articles or features without a license, or without written permission from an official officer of the publishing house. Failing to have either one of them could result in thousands of pounds in unexpected fines and licensing fees.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Surprisingly, this also includes those snippets of articles that pop up automatically when you type in a URL on your LinkedIn page. Teaser images, headlines, or excerpts – anything that appears from the publisher’s owned-page to yours can and will leave you in breach of the law. But don’t be disheartened, there are some ways you could navigate this, without having to lose out!</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>How to share coverage without getting in trouble</h3>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">The very first thing you would do is check what licensing body manages the publication you’re trying to share coverage from. You can do this by checking if the publication is listed under a CLA or NLA title, or even consider emailing the journalist to double check.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">            &#8211;  CLA: </span><a href="https://www.cla.co.uk/checkpermissions"><span data-contrast="none">https://www.cla.co.uk/checkpermissions</span></a><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">            &#8211;  NLA: </span><a href="https://www.nlamediaaccess.com/title-search/"><span data-contrast="none">https://www.nlamediaaccess.com/title-search/</span></a><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">If you do find the publication listed, fear not. You can still share the coverage, as much as you want, on your social media – as long as you’re rewording the content. Paid features or not, you cannot share anything directly from the feature. This includes screenshots of the article, headlines, excerpts, and even titles.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">You can share the URL everywhere on your social media, BUT you’ll need to share it as a simple link. The auto-generated snippet you see popping up every time you paste a link on your LinkedIn? That will need to be deleted before you hit share.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Even though you can’t share images directly from the article, you can share images of your own that are still plenty relevant. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Reword the content. Summarise the article in your own words, tell people why they should read it and find value, and paste the URL for them to dive right in. Make sure to tag the publication in the post, even go the extra mile and thank the journalist who made it happen. This increases your chances of getting some re-posts, as well as buying you some brownie points for future pieces.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Share, re-share, and then share it a couple of times more. Make the best of the re-worded content and make sure to include the links of your hard-earned coverage across all of your communication channels. The news page on your website, your newsletters, and even your staff and associates’ social media channels are good places to boost your coverage.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Feature their logos. While publications’ logos are also copyrighted by the NLA, it’s not uncommon to use them under an ‘as featured in’ section on your website.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">A simple and easy solution, work with publications that do not mandate an NLA or CLA license. Check back on the list and see if your relevant publications are covered by them, reach out to them if not!</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">The last, but by no means the least, good option would be to get the license. If you’re a business projecting lots of PR coverage in the coming years, it’s worth investing in an official license. There are different options too, like the long-term kind or the single-use license that gives you distribution copyrights for that specific article you have secured.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Media licensing may seem like a minefield, but rest assured, it is one that can be navigated with ease once you know how, without losing out on maximising its benefits. If you have any questions or want to find out more about this, </span><a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span data-contrast="none">get in touch</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> for a free consultation!</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}"> </span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/breaking-down-pr-legalese-your-guide-to-nla-and-cla-licensing/">Breaking down PR legalese: Your guide to NLA and CLA licensing</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk">Brighter Directions</a>.</p>
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		<title>Secrets to a successful PR campaign</title>
		<link>https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/secrets-to-a-successful-pr-campaign/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2023 13:59:18 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[PR & Communications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brighter directions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brighter directions marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[journalism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pitch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PR campaign]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pr marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[product]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[research]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[services]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/?p=5351</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>News rooms are shrinking while the number of new start-ups looking for media attention continues to grow. Knowing how to cut through the noise during your PR campaign can make a huge difference in results. In modern journalism interaction is key, articles which can spread on social platforms is worth more in this digital-first era.&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/secrets-to-a-successful-pr-campaign/">Secrets to a successful PR campaign</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk">Brighter Directions</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>News rooms are shrinking while the number of new start-ups looking for media attention continues to grow. Knowing how to cut through the noise during your PR campaign can make a huge difference in results.</p>
<p>In modern journalism interaction is key, articles which can spread on social platforms is worth more in this digital-first era.</p>
<p>If you lack a strong enough hook in your product or service, at least in the initial stages, try approaching editors with comments or thought-leadership ideas. Fresh outlooks within your industry which goes against the norm to get people talking about you and your business.</p>
<p>Be aware though that the line between provoking a conversation and causing offense can sometimes be thin and the last thing that we want is to upset readers or editors.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Know where to start</strong></h3>
<p>Unless you are delivering a truly revolutionary product reaching out to national media is unlikely to bring results except if you have personal contacts.</p>
<p>Instead, work up through the ranks. Reaching out to local and regional media to build a solid base of coverage which larger media outlets can see during their research into your business.</p>
<p>A smaller, more refined list of targets will be easier to pitch than a wider scattergun approach.</p>
<p>First however you need to create your pitch for editors. There are a few things to keep in mind here. Once you know who you want to reach out to, check:</p>
<ol>
<li>Do they have specific guidelines for pitching or editorial approaches?</li>
<li>Who is the best person to reach out to? The overall editor is often not your top option.</li>
<li>Are there any specific points of information they want from you? Some editors like to receive images, others just want text to begin with.</li>
<li>Is your product or service relevant to their audience?</li>
</ol>
<p>Once you are happy that what you have to offer is worthwhile it is time to pitch.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>How to pitch?</strong></h3>
<p>Each journalist wants slightly different things. With job cuts and smaller teams most editors and reporters will have an inbox overflowing with pitches, many of which will never be opened.</p>
<p>Which makes your subject line vital to grabbing attention.</p>
<p>Distil the essence of your product, service, comment, or business down to its most basic form in a way that would make someone want to open and see more.</p>
<p>Due to the low chances of being seen first-hand, following up on your pitching is also imperative to getting in front of the right person.</p>
<p>We suggest following up four to five days after the initial pitch, and a final chase a week after this. Constant follow-ups every day could end up with you being blacklisted.</p>
<p>PR campaigns can be tough, time-consuming, but ultimately rewarding when successful.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you need help with your own PR marketing activities the expert team at Brighter Directions can help with any PR, social media, email marketing, or general enquiries. <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Get in touch</a> today at <a href="mailto:hello@brighterdirections.co.uk">hello@brighterdirections.co.uk</a> or call us on 01246 586 330.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/secrets-to-a-successful-pr-campaign/">Secrets to a successful PR campaign</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk">Brighter Directions</a>.</p>
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		<title>Using traditional PR to raise credibility</title>
		<link>https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/using-traditional-pr-to-raise-credibility/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:11:46 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[PR & Communications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brighter directions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brighter directions marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[digital]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[print]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[professional]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[traditional PR]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/?p=5303</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>For businesses new and old, there is a holy grail of marketing. Positive PR. Even better, natural positive PR as a direct result of the groundwork put in place by your team. Today, marketing professionals must straddle a line between social media, advertising in print or digital, creating topical and engaging press releases, maintaining close&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/using-traditional-pr-to-raise-credibility/">Using traditional PR to raise credibility</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk">Brighter Directions</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For businesses new and old, there is a holy grail of marketing. Positive PR. Even better, natural positive PR as a direct result of the groundwork put in place by your team.</p>
<p>Today, marketing professionals must straddle a line between social media, advertising in print or digital, creating topical and engaging press releases, maintaining close working relationships with editors, writing charming copy, adhering to marketing budgets, coping with crisis management… the list goes on.</p>
<p>What if we focus only on traditional PR channels?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Traditional PR in a nutshell</strong></h3>
<p>We just listed every aspect of a modern marketer’s role, so if we distil this back down to the core of traditional PR what is left?</p>
<p>Before the explosion of digital media there was print. Today many PR professionals seek clicks and engagement online but print media still exists, with many now sharing newsrooms with an online edition making any secured coverage here worth twice as much as digital alone.</p>
<p>Reputable titles such as The Guardian and The Times still see a circulation of hundreds of thousands of copies and can be key targets for media coverage. Tabloid titles such as The Sun maintain a circulation of close to a million copies.</p>
<p>These figures have declined significantly in recent years but when taking into account for the shared coverage online too their appeal remains strong. The Guardian alone sees hundreds of millions of visitors each month.</p>
<p>So, what are the traditional methods of PR?</p>
<p>Step one, the press release. For a business looking to promote their latest product or service, big-wig hire or acquisition the press release remains a go-to form of communication.</p>
<p>When creating a release it is vital to have a target in mind, particularly if crossing mediums and industries. Consider who you would offer exclusivity to, if anyone, and reach out to them first before circulating wider or self-publishing on your website. Editors will often edit a release if they are interested in covering your news so try not to become too attached to your work.</p>
<p>Option two, media relations.</p>
<p>Maintaining a close relationship with editors and reporters is the sure-fire way to get eyes on your news. It is a two-way give/take situation. If you can provide interesting news or features for an editor’s readers, they can provide the audience you are seeking.</p>
<p>Traditionally these relationships would grow from in-person meetings, conferences, phone calls. Now, this aspect of PR remains of importance but has evolved. It is possible to reach thousands of reporters instantly via social media, engaging with their posts and stories to build a rapport without ever actually speaking. Digital PR has not replaced good relationships, in fact it has made them easier.</p>
<p>Not only easier but more widespread. In addition to editors and reporters of newspapers and magazines we now also see value in working with ‘influencers’ and online bloggers who build their own community of followers often with more trust and closer ties than that of a newspaper reader to their title of choice.</p>
<p>National, regional, and local newspapers, print and digital, editors, reporters, influencers, bloggers. A mixture of professional, working relationships across this selection remains as important as ever.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Traditional marketing strategies remain viable</strong></h3>
<p>Outside of strictly PR, other longstanding marketing activities remain as prevalent and rewarding today as they always have.</p>
<p>Company newsletters, especially for larger businesses with a large database of recipients, is an easy way to spread news to an engaged audience who have chosen to subscribe to your mailing list.</p>
<p>Working with the local community, sponsoring events or fundraising for a good cause, appearing at tradeshows and business conferences to network. The modern marketing professional should not neglect any of these. Instead embrace how digital platforms have made each easier to handle.</p>
<p>Traditional PR strategies are as relevant today as they were for marketing figures in decades past. If you need a little help with your own outreach the team at <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brighter Directions</a> are happy to have a chat and see if we can assist.</p>
<p>Drop us an email at <a href="mailto:hello@brighterdirections.co.uk">hello@brighterdirections.co.uk</a> or call us today at 01246 586 330.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/using-traditional-pr-to-raise-credibility/">Using traditional PR to raise credibility</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk">Brighter Directions</a>.</p>
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		<title>The Social Selling Index: What is it, how to find it and how does it affect your business?</title>
		<link>https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/the-social-selling-index-what-is-it-how-to-find-it-and-how-does-it-affect-your-business/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2022 12:08:52 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Insights]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PR & Communications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social selling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Selling Index]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SSI]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/?p=5251</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The integration of social networks like Facebook and Instagram are attractive for most marketers. The ability to gather exposure for a brand or product organically has allowed exponential growth in the e-commerce space with firms gathering demand through greater use of social media content marketing. This even includes platforms like TikTok. Real salespeople, however, know&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/the-social-selling-index-what-is-it-how-to-find-it-and-how-does-it-affect-your-business/">The Social Selling Index: What is it, how to find it and how does it affect your business?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk">Brighter Directions</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The integration of social networks like <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/instagram-and-facebook-reels/">Facebook and Instagram</a> are attractive for most marketers. The ability to gather exposure for a brand or product organically has allowed exponential growth in the e-commerce space with firms gathering demand through greater use of social media content marketing. This even includes platforms like <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/tiktok/">TikTok</a>. Real salespeople, however, know that LinkedIn is where the action really is. Home to professionals from all over the globe, it’s become a haven for brand awareness, consideration, and conversion. Yet, it’s surprising how few people have heard of LinkedIn SSI, or LinkedIn social selling index despite its wide accessibility.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>In this article we’ll have a look at SSI. What is it? What does it mean? How to access and use it for your own brand.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h1>What is Social Selling?</h1>
<p>Essentially, LinkedIn’s Social Selling Index helps you identify, measure and tailor your advertising and exposure. The LinkedIn SSI score tells you how successful you have been at developing your brand, whether a company or your individual’s adaptation of the four pillars of selling on LinkedIn, based on a scale of 0 to 100.</p>
<p>Social selling, the act of utilising social media as a sales space can include the use of any social network, not just LinkedIn. For most, LinkedIn represents the benchmark social network tool for B2B sales as this is where personal brands, professional development and leadership are most valued.</p>
<h1>How to beat the LinkedIn SSI score</h1>
<p>LinkedIn launched its SSI service back in 2014, with the aim of measuring how successful you are at developing your brand. Clearly, this directly assesses how well a marketer does its job. Whether you own your business, want to develop a personal brand or need greater exposure for a particular product or service, ensuring you maintain a high SSI score can be a good indicator for success.</p>
<p>The four pillars making up your SSI score are each assessed up to a score of 25 each in the following:</p>
<ol>
<li>Create a Professional Brand</li>
<li>Find the Right People</li>
<li>Engage with Insights</li>
<li>Build Strong Relationships</li>
</ol>
<h2>Create a Professional Brand</h2>
<p>Here, LinkedIn looks at the fundamentals of your profile. Have you put together a complete and professional looking profile? Make sure all the different sections are filled out. LinkedIn includes pointers and hints to help you understand the next steps to undertake to make for a complete and professional looking profile.</p>
<p>This can include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Having a consistent and coherent theme for a profile and cover photo</li>
<li>Partaking in LinkedIn Publisherposts</li>
<li>Constantly expanding your network</li>
<li>Creating and establishing articles and content relevant to your industry</li>
<li>Commenting on trending topics</li>
<li>Replicate industry leaders until you become one</li>
</ul>
<h2>Find the Right People</h2>
<p>LinkedIn, as a social network, is all about people. Yet unlike other social networks, LinkedIn focuses primarily on professionals. This is a great opportunity for businesses favouring B2B sales or general brand exposure and lead generation.</p>
<p>Building a great network is all about connecting with the right people. Building buyer personas, understanding your consumers, clients and people of interest is the first step in networking. Making the most of the different ways you can find people relevant to your industry is essential. On LinkedIn, this can be done through:</p>
<ul>
<li>Using the keyword search tool</li>
<li>Following industry-specific hashtags</li>
<li>Commenting on relevant posts</li>
<li>Interacting / engaging with market leaders</li>
<li>Holding polls / quizzes &amp; promoting audience interactions.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Engage with Insights</h2>
<p>Key to the use of LinkedIn is its metric system. LinkedIn is beneficial to businesses attempting to grow their brand in that they are presented with a lot of information at very little to no cost. Analytics and insights about who your ideal clients are, who interacts with your posts, as well as similar people in your industry will undoubtedly help your brand tailor its services and marketing to client wants and needs.</p>
<h2>Build Strong Relationships</h2>
<p>Despite all your marketing efforts, LinkedIn will remain a social media platform. In that, client relationships and individuality play a central role. Whether you’re concerned about lead generation or brand awareness, you’ll want to make relationships that involve all key players of interest to your brand.</p>
<h1>What is a good SSI score?</h1>
<p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-5253" src="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/SSI-pic-300x248.png" alt="Example of an SSI dashboard" width="357" height="295" srcset="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/SSI-pic-300x248.png 300w, https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/SSI-pic.png 656w" sizes="(max-width: 357px) 100vw, 357px" /></p>
<p>LinkedIn SSI is very relative. As such, the dashboard will compare you to your peers within the same industry. There is no specific perfect score that determines whether your SSI is good or not. It also depends on the goals of your brand and whether you believe achieving a higher SSI score will genuinely benefit you towards reaching your goals.</p>
<p>Irrespectively, you should aim to be in the top ten percent of the industry you belong to.</p>
<p>If this isn’t where you are currently, LinkedIn Sales Navigator claims it can boost your SSI by 20% in the span of 6 months.</p>
<h1>Finding Your SSI Score:</h1>
<p>We’ve established what an SSI is, what it represents, how it’s calculated and how to improve it. Now, finding out your LinkedIn SSI score is relatively simple and very quick.</p>
<p>Simply,</p>
<ul>
<li>Log in to your LinkedIn account.</li>
<li>Navigate to <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/sales/ssi">https://www.linkedin.com/sales/ssi</a></li>
<li>Enjoy</li>
</ul>
<h1>How important is it?</h1>
<p>Having a high LinkedIn SSI score is all fun and games but does it matter? Well maybe…</p>
<p>LinkedIn claims that the higher the user’s score, the more successful that person or company is at reaching their sales goals. For example, highly active LinkedIn users gain 45% more sales opportunities, are 51% more likely to hit their quotas, and are 80% more productive.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, your goals are yours and they can only be achieved by you. Certain metrics such as SSI only aim to help guide you on the fundamentals of social influence. The SSI is valued up to the amount of value you give it. Certain influencers such as Social Selling Trainer <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/howedavid/">Dave Howe</a> calls LinkedIn’s SSI score “The ultimate vanity metric of the social selling world.”. Yet it’s commendable to achieve scores exceeding 80.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Whether you are looking for effective and efficient lead gen, brand awareness / exposure or outsourced marketing, Brighter Directions have worked in the marketing space for over 15 years with large success in industries ranging from Healthcare, Finance, Construction to Tech and Education. <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/contact/">Get in touch</a> with one of our marketing experts and we’ll happily provide tailored marketing solutions for content, social media, PR or white label.</p>
<p>Or alternatively,</p>
<p>Contact</p>
<p>01246586330</p>
<p><a href="mailto:Hello@brighterdirections.co.uk">Hello@brighterdirections.co.uk</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/the-social-selling-index-what-is-it-how-to-find-it-and-how-does-it-affect-your-business/">The Social Selling Index: What is it, how to find it and how does it affect your business?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk">Brighter Directions</a>.</p>
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		<title>What does content revolution mean for your business?</title>
		<link>https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/what-does-content-revolution-mean-for-your-business/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jan 2022 12:02:39 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Marketing Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marketing Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PR & Communications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[apps]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[audience]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brighter directions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brighter directions marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[content]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[content creators]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[content economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[content revolution]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[creative]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[creators]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[influencer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing agency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing strategy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing team]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[monetisation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[monetise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[no-code]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[no-code tools]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[platforms]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/?p=5161</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>As the world continues to tackle the pandemic with vaccine rollouts being distributed across the world, the way in which content creators can build a sustainable business has changed with the emergence of the “Content Economy.” This term has been used to describe the media trend which has seen content creators such as writers, YouTube&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/what-does-content-revolution-mean-for-your-business/">What does content revolution mean for your business?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk">Brighter Directions</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As the world continues to tackle the pandemic with vaccine rollouts being distributed across the world, the way in which content creators can build a sustainable business has changed with the emergence of the “Content Economy.”</p>
<p>This term has been used to describe the media trend which has seen content creators such as writers, YouTube influencers and TikTok stars build their own successful businesses independently without the help of media companies.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Content Economy has given creators the chance to monetise their following and looks set to revolutionise the way content engages with audiences over the next decade.</p>
<p>Reflecting on the last year, two technological forces have made it much easier for content creators to build their own independent businesses: monetisation platforms and no-code tools.</p>
<p>Subscriptions have proved to be more effective than traditional ad revenue with platforms such as Substack, Patreon and Revue making it simple for people to subscribe directly to a creator’s work. Alternative platforms such as Teachable and LinkedIn Learning also allow creators to make paid courses for potential consumers to sign up to.</p>
<p>The rise of no-code tools has allowed content creators to break away from media companies which would typically design and develop professional content. Platform apps allow people to create their own websites, produce high quality graphics and edit videos in a way which were not possible in the past. These include Squarespace (website design app), Canva (visual design app) and TikTok.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>As the content industry changes, here’s how businesses can adapt to build a larger, and more engaged audience:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Know your audience </strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>As a marketing leader you need to know your audience inside out by making sure you understand what your audience wants from you.</p>
<p>Platforms such as Substack can help you in this aspect as it allows creators to focus on a smaller niche audience of people that are interested in specific work rather than a broader audience which a media company would cater for. These people are willing to pay for that work as the creators know exactly what interests them.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Embrace internal influencer talent</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Credibility and affinity mostly come from individual influencers rather than traditional media brands if they consider creating thoughtful content that engages and identifies with the people they are targeting.</p>
<p>Your own internal influencers don’t need to be full-time and can be freelancers who write regularly for your brand. Creating efficient bylines for blogs and earning the trust of your audience. Having an excellent freelance writer is more likely to stay producing content for your brand than the average employee would typically do.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<h3><strong>Allowing creative freedom </strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The tools that are available for people to use means that we can create content at a faster rate than ever before. Allowing your own team to implement their own ideas can prove beneficial to both your brand and themselves.</p>
<p>Make sure there is a strategy and guidelines to follow but allow creativity to come from your individual team members rather than collectively brainstorming for ideas.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you are looking to develop your content marketing strategy in 2022, we would love the opportunity to support your business, please do reach out to us <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/services/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> at Brighter Directions!</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/what-does-content-revolution-mean-for-your-business/">What does content revolution mean for your business?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk">Brighter Directions</a>.</p>
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		<title>Impact of changing privacy laws on your marketing activities</title>
		<link>https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/impact-of-changing-privacy-laws-on-your-marketing-activities/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ryan]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 25 Nov 2021 12:15:06 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[PR & Communications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brighter directions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EU]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[GDPR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Legislation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Privacy]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/?p=5144</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Three months ago the British Government announced an overhaul of privacy rules, splitting from the European Union’s GDPR policy. Two months ago an open consultation on this change was initiated although we are still in the dark on what these changes will actually look like. What we do know is that those behind the decision&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/impact-of-changing-privacy-laws-on-your-marketing-activities/">Impact of changing privacy laws on your marketing activities</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk">Brighter Directions</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Three months ago the British Government announced an overhaul of privacy rules, splitting from the European Union’s GDPR policy. Two months ago an open consultation on this change was initiated although we are still in the dark on what these changes will actually look like.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">What we do know is that those behind the decision suggest there will be just minor changes which will aim to simplify GDPR rules. Look deeper at what is being proposed and you may find cause for concern.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">After years getting to grips with the EU rules we face the need to adapt our approach yet again.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Impact of change</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Initially there is a question of how to integrate regional differences into your data handling. Those operating within the EU may need to segregate data by market in line with differing legislation or choose to forgo the new rules in lieu of GDPR requirements so painstakingly implemented.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There are advantages to both, but by separating datasets you may find strategic decisions become tougher, more diluted due to the new barriers splitting your customer data. Whereas maintaining one databank restricts you to EU rules meaning a lost opportunity may slip by under the new UK-specific rules.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Of course there is also the need to consider the ethical side of things. Customers now accustomed to added privacy may take a dim view of companies they perceive to be taking liberties with their data. Trust in your company is among the most valuable commodities, regaining trust after it is lost is among the most difficult tasks you can pursue.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">What this really means for us is unclear, because the Government’s aim of “simplifying” privacy rules could amount to a simple rewriting of existing European law or it could introduce a myriad of brand new obstacles.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Time will tell, but your customers will be keeping a close eye on proceedings.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/impact-of-changing-privacy-laws-on-your-marketing-activities/">Impact of changing privacy laws on your marketing activities</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk">Brighter Directions</a>.</p>
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		<title>Promoting mental health awareness in the workplace</title>
		<link>https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/how-leaders-can-promote-mental-health-awareness-in-the-workplace/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Aug 2021 21:25:31 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[PR & Communications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[meantalhealthawareness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mentalhealth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wellbeing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[workplace]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/?p=5129</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>During the last year, everyone has been affected by the pandemic crisis in some way. This helped recognise the importance of prioritising mental health and raising mental awareness in both personal and professional lives. As part of this, workplaces have worked to destigmatise issues around mental health. Employees are to feel better supported. Leaders can&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/how-leaders-can-promote-mental-health-awareness-in-the-workplace/">Promoting mental health awareness in the workplace</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk">Brighter Directions</a>.</p>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">During the last year, everyone has been affected by the pandemic crisis in some way. This helped recognise the importance of prioritising mental health and raising mental awareness in both personal and professional lives. As part of this, workplaces have worked to destigmatise issues around mental health. Employees are to feel better supported.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><br>Leaders can help promote mental health in workplaces with several implementations. In return, leaders will create positive change in workplaces and communities. We’ve listed a few areas you can address to help drive mental health awareness which also improves employee performance.</p>



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<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Communicating effectively with your team</strong></p>



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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A report from a Qualtrics and SAP study found that employees who suffered from poor communication with management endured a 23 percent higher chance to experience a decline in their mental health since the outbreak. This is understandable when economic uncertainty and fears of physical safety were prominent. People searched for answers from their workplace leaders for clarity and to ease the worries they had surrounding their professional lives. The concept of clear communication can always be applied, and employees deserve the right to be communicated with as primary stakeholders of their companies. Therefore, leaders need to commit to open dialogue with their workforce and allow themselves to be available to support their employees.</p>



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<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Show vulnerability</strong></p>



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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One of the positives to come from the last year is the normalisation of mental health challenges through a sense of shared trauma and uncertainty. With most people experiencing some sort of discomfort caused by the pandemic. The universal aspect of the experience has decreased the stigma associated with mental health problems. Additionally, if leaders themselves can reveal their own vulnerability by sharing their own personal experiences, it can help further destigmatise and normalise dialogue surrounding mental health.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Showing vulnerability can create empathy, as when we open ourselves up to others, they can feel empowered to open up themselves. Taking this important step can help drive positive dialogue around mental health or other pressing issues that workplace employees may have or want to discuss.</p>



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<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Providing autonomy</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Another common issue encountered by people who battle their mental health issues at work is a feeling of powerlessness in their position. According to psychologists when we are afforded control in our jobs we can also feel in charge of our destinies. By adopting a sense of autonomy in the workplace, leaders can help improve the mental well-being of their teams. Employees feel autonomous when they are given a meaningful role in decision-making and when their inputs are taken seriously. As a result, empowered employees are more engaged, productive, and loyal.</p>



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<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Work-life balance</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Short-term, long hours may seem manageable to employees in their workplaces, but sustained pressure and a poor work/life balance can quickly lead to stress and burnout. This reduces employee productivity, performance, and creativity. To avoid this from happening, leaders can encourage staff to take full lunch breaks, avoid working at weekends, and exercise in their spare time.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Flexible working, especially during remote working can help support healthier and more productive ways of working for all staff. For example, it can help employees reduce stress levels by allowing a later start time twice a week to accommodate exercise. Whenever possible, leaders should consider themselves role models for better work habits and encourage their staff by leading by example.</p>



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<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Keep a running conversation</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Everyone has mental health which is present at all times. As part of this, we need to keep a running dialogue around the issue. This could mean that as a leader of your business, maintaining constant encouragement with your employees to keep the mental health conversation going in the workplace.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Lead by example, this could be done by arranging regular one-to-one meetings (via Zoom or Microsoft Teams due to current times) during which you discuss your own personal mental health with them. Outside of meetings with staff, check in on how employees are feeling and what further support they need. Additionally, maybe ask people twice how they are to add extra effectiveness.<br>A report by Time to Change revealed that 75 percent of people will say they are okay even if they are not. By asking twice, you may discover an issue that previously went undetected. Ensuring that you keep the conversation going will give staff the encouragement to reflect more about their mental health.</p>



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<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Invest in training</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Mental health should be a priority in any workplace, more now than ever.  As part of this, implementing proactive and preventive mental health training for leaders, managers, and individual employees should be considered. If you don’t have the budget to invest in training, mental health resource courses are a good low-cost alternative. Courses like this can help spread awareness and offer support that everyone could benefit from.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/how-leaders-can-promote-mental-health-awareness-in-the-workplace/">Promoting mental health awareness in the workplace</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk">Brighter Directions</a>.</p>
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		<title>New year, new strategy: Trends to look out for in 2019</title>
		<link>https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/new-year-new-strategy-trends-to-look-out-for-in-2019/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Claire]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 21 Dec 2018 10:09:46 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Brighter Directions News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marketing Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PR & Communications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2019]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brighter directions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Year]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trends]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/?p=2354</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Public relations campaigns are well-proven means of attracting and retaining audiences to your brand through consistent messaging and ethos promotions. The lines between marketing and public relations continue to blur as we enter 2019; many emerging trends cross multiple defined strategies, take a look and see which could bring the greatest impact to your business.&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/new-year-new-strategy-trends-to-look-out-for-in-2019/">New year, new strategy: Trends to look out for in 2019</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk">Brighter Directions</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Public relations campaigns are well-proven means of attracting and retaining audiences to your brand through consistent messaging and ethos promotions. The lines between marketing and public relations continue to blur as we enter 2019; many emerging trends cross multiple defined strategies, take a look and see which could bring the greatest impact to your business.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><u>Artificial intelligence</u></p>
<p>Integrating artificial intelligence in your PR strategy can help you create a story to your audience, alongside enhancing your role as a company. However, by generating an effective story for your audience, try not to create fake news. In 2019, it’s thought that AI usage will increase by 26% and consumer personalisation will increase by 29%. This improves SEO and helps find relevant content based on the searchers previous queries and pattern.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><u>CSR</u></p>
<p>Corporate social responsibilities are prominent aspects of many businesses, this is expected to grow rapidly in 2019 with more brands and SMEs expected to build marketing plans inclusive of their social actions. External issues that could influence these CSR objectives include social, political and environmental elements. Examples of good CSR objectives would be; environmental efforts, philanthropy and ethical labour practices.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><u>Earned media</u></p>
<p>The best type of media you can generate as a company is online likes and shares as it is an extremely cost effective way of marketing because, it’s free! Earned social media is the new and improved “word of mouth” public relations. When customers share positive feedback or comments online, or an influencer decides to share brand content, it can create an overall positive image for the brand. It is a beneficial way of creating customer trust through a third party.</p>
<p>This type of trust can be built through many different channels like social media, press releases and blogs.  In 2019 it is predicted that there will be a decrease in highly branded content and more authentic content will come to the forefront of PR strategies. This has already taken place with Google going back to basics and emphasising its natural, high-quality content. So 2019 will be the year to create natural, more authentic messages from the heart of your business.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><u>Social listening</u></p>
<p>Social listening is the process of monitoring digital communication from customers to understand their view of the brand and using this feedback as a way to differentiate their/your product.  Social listening is a highly effective tool that can help control the narrative of your public relations and marketing. The brands that invest in this crucial strategy will be rewarded, responding in real-time to customer concerns or issues can help minimise the possibility of a PR crisis. Further engaging with the outside world on current events and news will ensure your brand stays relevant and will help create an authentic brand image by showing your unique perspective to the audience.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><u>Trust in brands and their content</u></p>
<p>The place for traditional advertisements in marketing is still prominent; however, consumers are now more concerned about how relevant and valuable the advertisement is to them personally. If ads are not going to become more tailored to the consumer then content marketing, influencer marketing and referral partnerships will be the future’s most used methods in marketing. They are perceived to hold actual value to the consumer and are designed more directly for them rather than a ploy for mass attention.</p>
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<p>New Year, new you doesn’t necessarily stop at personal traits, take the time this January to implement some of the coming year’s latest trends to remain one step ahead of the competition. For any assistance with your Marketing requirements, Brighter Directions are always on hand to provide outsourced services covering PR, Social Media, Content and more. Call our office today on 01246 586 330 to discuss your requirements.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/new-year-new-strategy-trends-to-look-out-for-in-2019/">New year, new strategy: Trends to look out for in 2019</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk">Brighter Directions</a>.</p>
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		<title>How to keep up with the latest trends to increase PR opportunities</title>
		<link>https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/how-to-keep-up-with-the-latest-trends-to-increase-pr-opportunities/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ryan]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Nov 2018 12:12:46 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Marketing Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PR & Communications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brighter directions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trends]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/?p=2336</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>In the business world, trends are constantly changing. As business owners, we need to stay current and up to date with them, so our businesses remain competitive and profitable. Here are some of the ways you can stay current: Social Media It’s crucial to be on social media daily. Use it to stay connected with&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/how-to-keep-up-with-the-latest-trends-to-increase-pr-opportunities/">How to keep up with the latest trends to increase PR opportunities</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk">Brighter Directions</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In the business world, trends are constantly changing. As business owners, we need to stay current and up to date with them, so our businesses remain competitive and profitable.</p>
<p>Here are some of the ways you can stay current:</p>
<p><strong>Social Media</strong></p>
<p>It’s crucial to be on social media daily. Use it to stay connected with the top trendsetters within your industry. That way you’ll see when new trends appear. Customise your business’s feeds on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to easily scan relevant and trending topics. Follow the most influential movers and shakers, on Twitter, in your industry and track what they are talking about in real time. Use Facebook and LinkedIn groups to exchange tips and ask questions of experts about emerging trends and best practices.</p>
<p><strong>Subscriptions</strong></p>
<p>Subscribing to popular mainstream business publications, trade journals or consumer magazines, that cover the latest business or consumer news is still one of the best ways to stay in the know about specific industry issues. It is good practice to schedule regular time in your week to go through the publications, both online and offline, so you can refer to them while you&#8217;re on the go.</p>
<p><strong>Networking</strong></p>
<p>Networking is one of the easiest ways to keep up-to-date with what&#8217;s happening in your industry which allows you to explore how others are addressing challenges and coming up with new ways to serve their clients. The face time you get from networking is also beneficial to your business and a great way to make new business relationships.</p>
<p><strong>Competitors</strong></p>
<p>Competitors are going to see the same emerging trends and opportunities as you do. It is worth checking up on what they are doing to determine what ideas they’ve followed. Being the first one to try out a new trend isn’t always useful. By observing your competitors, you can then decide which methods will work best for you based on their success—or failure.</p>
<p>Don’t be the last person in the know, devote a small amount of your time to understand the emerging trends in your industry and stay on top. That way you can maximise your PR coverage, target and plan your marketing campaigns more effectively and gain more exposure. Proving your business is up to date and relevant!</p>
<p>We have also shared out best insights on how PR is important for your business, click the link to have a read and digest some useful information <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/2018/09/04/why-public-relations-is-important-for-your-business/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/2018/09/04/why-public-relations-is-important-for-your-business/</a></p>
<p><em>If you remain unsure about how to implement your PR strategy, or would just like additional information, please contact Brighter Directions on 01246 586330, or at <a href="mailto:danielle@brighterdirections.co.uk">danielle@brighterdirections.co.uk</a>.</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk/how-to-keep-up-with-the-latest-trends-to-increase-pr-opportunities/">How to keep up with the latest trends to increase PR opportunities</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brighterdirections.co.uk">Brighter Directions</a>.</p>
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