LOS ANGELES, Oct. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Elev8 New Media (“Elev8”), an award-winning boutique public and media relations firm specializing in securing earned media and press coverage for its client companies, is proud to announce its second consecutive selection as an honoree on the Inc. Power Partner Awards list.
This recognition spotlights 389 exceptional B2B organizations that have showcased a remarkable history of bolstering entrepreneurs and fostering the growth of startup ventures. The handpicked companies, spanning marketing and advertising, health and wellness, financial services, legal, logistics, productivity, and various other business domains, have earned glowing accolades from their clients. These endorsements affirm their pivotal role in guiding leadership through the ever-evolving landscape of startups.
“The Elev8 team is honored to receive this award for the second consecutive year, alongside other distinguished client service-focused firms on Inc.’s Power Partner list,” commented Jessica Starman, CEO & Co-Founder of Elev8 New Media. “Being recognized by Inc. underscores Elev8’s relentless pursuit of excellence, marked by the consistent growth of our team’s capabilities and focus on staying abreast of evolving trends within the diverse industries we serve.”
“Trusted B2B partners provide guidance and expertise that founders rely on at various steps of their organization’s journey. Partners that possess a demonstrated ability to deliver quality support are at the core of entrepreneurship and help bring big ideas to life,” says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. Business Media.
To view the complete list, please visit: https://www.inc.com/power-partner-awards/2023
The November 2023 Issue of Inc. Magazine is available online now at https://www.inc.com/magazine and will be on newsstands beginning October 31, 2023.
About Inc. Business Media:
The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community they need to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com.
About Elev8 New Media:
Elev8 New Media is an award-winning boutique public and media relations agency known for securing thousands of earned media placements for its clients. These placements, which are not paid but genuinely earned, appear in well-respected outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CNBC, Forbes, Fox Business, among others. Elev8’s reach also extends to trade publications, new media and local media outlets.
Dedicated to providing companies with strategic communication solutions, Elev8 transforms our clients’ business operations into engaging stories that spur significant growth. Our teams, focused on public relations and social media, are committed to building strong relationships with both our clients and the media community. Through thoughtful and cohesive social strategies, we aim to fulfill and surpass business objectives, establishing a prominent presence in the industry characterized by reliability and forward-thinking.
For more information, please visit www.elev8newmedia.com.
Contacts
Jessica Starman, MBA
[email protected]
www.elev8newmedia.com
• Elev8 garnered accolades for its earned media campaigns for technology companies Vuzix and Thumzup
• Elev8 presented with the PRism Award and an Award of Excellence in the Media Relations for Technology category
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 30, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Elev8 New Media (“Elev8”), an award-winning boutique public and media relations firm specializing in securing earned media and press coverage for its client companies, proudly celebrates its dual victory at PRSA-LA’s 59th annual PRism Awards. Specifically within the ‘Media Relations for Technology’ category, Elev8’s campaigns have earned resounding acclaim: a PRism Award for their exceptional promotion of the leading augmented reality (AR) company, Vuzix, at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), and an Award of Excellence for the launch of the innovative LA-based ad tech startup, Thumzup.
PRSA-LA PRism Awards is the Los Angeles region’s premier awards program recognizing excellence in public relations, strategic campaigns, tactical programs, and professional merit. In a gathering of industry minds, hundreds of public relations and communications leaders converged to honor and spotlight the exemplary achievements within their field, celebrating those who set new benchmarks of excellence in the business.
“It’s an incredible honor to be acknowledged by our peers in such a significant way,” says Jessica Starman, Co-Founder and CEO of Elev8 New Media. “These awards are a testament to the passion, creativity, and dedication of our team. We are deeply grateful to our clients, Vuzix and Thumzup, for entrusting us with their brands and allowing us to craft these award winning campaigns.”
Elev8 New Media has established itself as a premier boutique PR agency for leading and emerging companies, expanding far beyond its roots in technology and life sciences to encompass various industries, including consumer goods, beverage brands, financial solutions, and hospitality.
The 59th Annual PRism Awards were held on October 26, 2023, at the Los Angeles River Center & Gardens. PRSA-LA is comprised of nearly 600 agencies, in-house and independent public relations professionals representing Los Angeles-area corporations, academic institutions, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit https://prsala.org/.
About Elev8 New Media
Elev8 New Media is an award-winning boutique public and media relations agency known for securing thousands of earned media placements for its clients. These placements, which are not paid but genuinely earned, appear in well-respected outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CNBC, Forbes, Fox Business, among others. Elev8’s reach also extends to trade publications, new media and local media outlets.
Dedicated to providing companies with strategic communication solutions, Elev8 transforms our clients’ business operations into engaging stories that spur significant growth. Our teams, focused on public relations and social media, are committed to building strong relationships with both our clients and the media community. Through thoughtful and cohesive social strategies, we aim to fulfill and surpass business objectives, establishing a prominent presence in the industry characterized by reliability and forward-thinking.
For more information, please visit www.elev8newmedia.com.
Contact Information
Jessica Starman, MBA
[email protected]
www.elev8newmedia.com
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 10, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Elev8 New Media (“Elev8”), an award-winning boutique public and media relations firm specializing in securing earned media and press coverage for its client companies, is proud to announce its sponsorship of the annual ThinkEquity Conference, set to take place at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City on October 19, 2023.
The ThinkEquity Conference stands as a premier gathering for emerging luminaries in the technology, AI/big data, biotechnology, metals & mining, and oil & gas sectors. The conference will feature presentations from industry leaders, panel discussions, one-on-one investor meetings, and more.
“We are delighted to announce Elev8 New Media’s inaugural sponsorship of the 2023 ThinkEquity Conference. This collaboration marks a progression for Elev8 as we further establish our presence within the financial sector,” commented Jessica Starman, CEO and Co-Founder of Elev8 New Media. “With Elev8’s proven track record of success in securing earned media and press coverage for our client companies, we look forward to connecting with leaders in various industries next week.”
The event is expected to attract more than 700 attendees, including investors, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals. Attendees will be able to learn from industry experts, network with peers, and gain valuable insights into the latest trends and developments in their respective fields.
To request a meeting with the Elev8 New Media team, please contact [email protected] or stop by Elev8 New Media’s booth.
To learn more about ThinkEquity, please visit www.think-equity.com.
About Elev8 New Media:
Elev8 New Media is an award-winning boutique public and media relations agency known for securing thousands of earned media placements for its clients. These placements, which are not paid but genuinely earned, appear in well-respected outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CNBC, Forbes, Fox Business, among others. Elev8’s reach also extends to trade publications, new media and local media outlets.
Dedicated to providing companies with strategic communication solutions, Elev8 transforms our clients’ business operations into engaging stories that spur significant growth. Our teams, focused on public relations and social media, are committed to building strong relationships with both our clients and the media community. Through thoughtful and cohesive social strategies, we aim to fulfill and surpass business objectives, establishing a prominent presence in the industry characterized by reliability and forward-thinking.
For more information, please visit www.elev8newmedia.com.
Contact Information
Jessica Starman, MBA
[email protected]
www.elev8newmedia.com
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 03, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Elev8 New Media (“Elev8” or the “Company”), an award-winning boutique media and public relations (PR) firm specializing in securing media and press coverage for its client companies, is thrilled to announce the launch of its new Influencer Marketing division. This strategic move marks a significant step forward in Elev8’s commitment to providing comprehensive and innovative PR solutions for clients across all industries.
In an ever-evolving digital landscape, influencer marketing has become an integral part of successful brand promotion and storytelling. Recognizing the potential and effectiveness of influencer marketing, Elev8 has established a dedicated division to offer tailored influencer marketing services that align with its clients’ goals and objectives.
The new Influencer Marketing division will leverage the Company’s extensive expertise in public relations and communications to forge authentic and impactful connections between brands and influencers. By collaborating with influencers of all sizes, Elev8 will help create compelling, data-driven campaigns that resonate with target audiences and drive engagement.
Key services offered by Elev8’s Influencer Marketing division include:
“Elev8 New Media has always been committed to delivering innovative solutions that drive results. With the launch of our Influencer Marketing division, we are excited to harness the power of influencer marketing to help our clients connect with their target audiences on a more personal level. We believe this expansion will further solidify our position as a one-stop destination for comprehensive public relations and marketing services,” stated Jessica Starman, Co-Founder and CEO of Elev8 New Media.
Elev8 New Media invites both existing and prospective clients to explore the benefits of influencer marketing and discover how the new division can help them achieve their marketing goals.
About Elev8 New Media
Elev8 New Media is an award-winning boutique public and media relations agency known for securing thousands of earned media placements for its clients. These placements, which are not paid but genuinely earned, appear in well-respected outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CNBC, Forbes, Fox Business, among others. Elev8’s reach also extends to trade publications, new media and local media outlets.
Dedicated to providing companies with strategic communication solutions, Elev8 transforms our clients’ business operations into engaging stories that spur significant growth. Our teams, focused on public relations and social media, are committed to building strong relationships with both our clients and the media community. Through thoughtful and cohesive social strategies, we aim to fulfill and surpass business objectives, establishing a prominent presence in the industry characterized by reliability and forward-thinking.
For more information, please visit www.elev8newmedia.com.
Contacts:
Jessica Starman, MBA
[email protected]
www.elev8newmedia.com
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Elev8 New Media (“Elev8”), an award-winning boutique public and media relations firm specializing in securing earned media and press coverage for its client companies, is proud to announce its sponsorship of the 16th installment of the LD Micro Main Event. The conference will take place at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in Los Angeles, California, on October 3-5, 2023.
In its 16th consecutive year, the Main Event is set to shine a spotlight on a multitude of remarkable companies. The event serves as a nexus for C-level executives, micro-cap investors, financial experts, and industry pioneers, offering three days of insightful presentations, productive one-on-one meetings, and networking opportunities.
Elev8’s sponsorship of LD Micro enables us to support our clients in showcasing their groundbreaking work, spanning a wide spectrum of industries, from healthcare to technology. Additionally, as a returning proud sponsor, Elev8 will engage with leaders from publicly traded companies, emphasizing the pivotal role that public relations and social media management services play in driving success for their businesses.
“We’re excited to align Elev8 New Media with LD Micro’s 2023 Main Event, a pinnacle gathering that celebrates innovation and leadership of micro-cap companies,” commented Jessica Starman, CEO and Co-Founder of Elev8 New Media. “Our sponsorship underscores our collective support and dedication to the vibrant community of micro-cap companies eager to share their innovations with the world, and we are truly honored to be part of next week’s event.”
To request a personalized media briefing with the Elev8 New Media team, contact [email protected] or stop by Elev8 New Media’s booth during the event.
About Elev8 New Media:
Elev8 New Media is an award-winning boutique public and media relations agency known for securing thousands of earned media placements for its clients. These placements, which are not paid but genuinely earned, appear in well-respected outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CNBC, Forbes, Fox Business, among others. Elev8’s reach also extends to trade publications, new media and local media outlets.
Elev8 is dedicated to providing companies with strategic communication solutions, proficient in transforming their initiatives into engaging stories that spur significant growth. Our teams, focused on public relations and social media, are committed to building strong relationships with both our clients and the media community. Through thoughtful and cohesive social strategies, we aim to fulfill and surpass business objectives, establishing a prominent presence in the industry characterized by reliability and forward-thinking.
For more information, please visit www.elev8newmedia.com.
About LD Micro:
LD Micro aims to be the most essential resource in the micro-cap world. Whether it is the Index, comprehensive data, or hosting the most significant events annually, LD’s sole mission is to serve as an invaluable asset for all those interested in finding the next generation of great companies.
To learn more about LD Micro, visit www.ldmicro.com
Contact Information
Jessica Starman, MBA
[email protected]
www.elev8newmedia.com
In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected, the relationship that exists between public relations agencies and the companies that rely on them to get important information out to the public is no longer passive. After all, PR agencies play a crucial role in crafting and refining public image and are often at the center of efforts to promote brand value. Above all else, these agencies serve as lifelines when it comes to protecting brand and reputation.
But these results are not achievable if PR agencies are kept operating on the periphery of your business like any other vendor and without any real inside knowledge of your organization’s operations. Today, the PR landscape has evolved beyond dictating pitches and brand spins to agencies. While the industry roils with new innovations in technology, improved methodologies and best practices, what stands out the most when you compare the industry to what it was 10 years ago are the new levels of collaboration happening between PR agencies and their clients.
When a PR agency acts as a collaborator with your internal teams rather than a vendor, it can significantly enhance the results of your PR efforts and allow your company to respond much more quickly to the dynamics of the market. This collaboration represents a newer, strategic approach that we see being adopted by many organizations.
Collaboration is not a new concept. A large number of American employees currently work in a role that depends on some level of collaboration. But collaboration between organizations and PR agencies is something quite new and refreshing. For example, PR agencies are stepping up to be more effective in helping their clients understand and navigate the unique challenges happening within their industries. We might interpret this as an indication of how the PR industry continues to evolve to help its clients operate and distribute information at the speed of the marketplace, including the rapid pace at which news can now travel across the globe.
When organizations are willing to collaborate with their PR agencies, those agencies are more willing to serve as advocates and take a greater stake in the outcome of their efforts. That can mean taking an organization’s PR efforts to entirely new levels of success.
Here are a few examples of how these collaborative efforts are showing up in modern-day relationships.
An organization’s PR efforts are much more likely to lead to success when they provide their agency with access to the same data as their internal employees. Recognizing this, more organizations today are adopting innovative information-sharing strategies that provide PR agencies with access to key resources via technical solutions like Google Drive or Dropbox. These online (and largely free) software solutions allow organizations to provide agencies with access to important information that is both centrally located and accessible at all hours of the day. In fact, one of the distinctive advantages of this file-sharing strategy is the ability to automatically notify team members whenever critical resources are uploaded, downloaded or edited. Considering how this strategy effectively eliminates the need to deal with the slow and time-consuming process of reading swaths of emails and downloading attachments, it’s easy to see why this information-sharing strategy is being widely adopted.
Online event calendars and project platforms are also playing a major role in these collaborative efforts. For example, Monday.com, the popular cloud-based work management platform, has opened the doors for organizations to collaborate on a new level.
Ultimately, these innovative information-sharing strategies allow all internal and external team members to remain updated on what’s happening without having to ask. And can serve as resources to help accelerate response times in crisis situations.
Another way that PR agencies are working as collaborators rather than traditional vendors is in the way they have refined their approach when working with new clients. Many forward-thinking agencies have adopted a new approach of trying to educate new clients as opposed to simply trying to sell to them. This is especially true for PR agencies that believe they can provide clients with greater value because of their unique and extensive expertise.
Today, it is not uncommon for PR agencies to suggest an onboarding session at the very onset of a new relationship to collect as much information as they can. Agencies will collaborate with new clients and work to determine what they tried in the past and what new strategies they would be willing to consider trying in the future. When sitting down with a new client, modern PR agencies encourage them to be very candid about their past successes and failures. This level of transparency makes it easier for agencies to develop a comprehensive understanding of the internal workings of an organization.
Ultimately, when both parties are transparent, it establishes a great foundation for collaboration and can make each team member feel as though they have a true stake in the outcome.
In conclusion, as the relationship between PR agencies and their clients evolves into a collaborative one, I believe many clients will be pleased to discover that they can have a greater level of control over their brand and reputation because of this collaboration. Considering this, your organization should be making efforts to align your PR agency with your corporate growth strategy and vision. Remember, the more an agency collaborates with its PR agency, the more that agency will be successful at leveraging its expertise to achieve its goals.
Elev8 New Media maintains its unwavering commitment to environmental conservation by proudly supporting Heal the Bay for the second consecutive year
Elev8 New Media (“Elev8” or the “Company”), an award-winning boutique media and public relations firm specializing in securing media and press coverage for its client companies, is delighted to announce its continued commitment to environmental responsibility through its second annual participation in Heal the Bay’s “Suits on the Sand” program. This initiative is focused on ensuring the coastal waters and watersheds of Greater Los Angeles remain safe, healthy, and pollution-free.
On August 11th, the Elev8 team, their immediate families, clients and local business associates will have the opportunity to further their awareness of marine pollution with a Heal the Bay educator and be part of the solution by participating in a private beach cleanup with interactive team-building activities. Cleanup activities will be carried out along several miles of the Venice Beach coastline, benefitting the natural area and local inhabitants.
“Marking our second year of participation in this crucial initiative, we at Elev8 continue to strengthen our commitment to environmental preservation. We are honored to rejoin forces with Heal the Bay in our collective mission to diminish plastic waste and cleanse our cherished local beach. It’s a continued effort that underscores Elev8’s long-term dedication to this cause. We hope our sustained action will inspire other communities to undertake similar endeavors, magnifying the positive impact on coastal regions worldwide,” stated Jessica Starman, Co-Founder and CEO of Elev8 New Media.
Elev8’s commitment to environmental preservation extends beyond the cleanup event. The team is actively implementing measures to diminish carbon emissions and identify waste eligible for recycling, giving it a second lease of life. Elev8 acknowledges the pressing issues posed by climate change, resource depletion, environmental pollution, and ecosystem destruction, and reaffirms its enduring pledge to be part of the global solution.
About Heal the Bay
Heal the Bay is an environmental nonprofit established in 1985 that is dedicated to making the coastal waters and watersheds in Greater Los Angeles safe, healthy, and clean. We use science, education, community action, and advocacy to fulfill our mission. For more information, please visit www.healthebay.org.
About Elev8 New Media
Elev8 New Media is an award-winning boutique media relations firm that effectively secures media and press coverage for our client companies by fully utilizing traditional and modern resources while maintaining an effective social media strategy. Elev8 New Media engages the media to help showcase how its clients and their management teams are key opinion leaders and subject matter experts. Elev8 New Media’s main objective is to increase clients’ media exposure to better position the client company and brands within the marketplace, the investment community, and the world.
With the right PR strategies, companies can effectively navigate this ever-evolving landscape and tap into the growing demand for healthier alternatives.
AS TODAY’S SOCIETY becomes increasingly more aware of the negative effects of alcohol, non-alcoholic beverages have witnessed a surge in popularity among young, health-conscious individuals exploring sober-curious lifestyles. Last year, the non-alcoholic beverage industry’s response was to introduce over 70 new products to satiate demand for healthier alternatives to their boozier counterparts. Public relations (PR) agencies and firms have done a remarkable job operating at the center of the industry’s efforts to get their brands out in front of the right consumers, particularly those in the millennial and Gen-Z demographics who are making a deliberate effort to avoid alcohol consumption.
With a team of PR professionals specializing in the F&B industry, among others, we understand the challenges faced by non-alcoholic beverage makers in effectively engaging with their target market. In this article, you will find valuable PR strategies that can help brands and companies maximize outreach efforts to better resonate with their desired audiences, whether they choose to work with an internal team, external agency or independently.
PR firms have successfully created an alluring and favorable public image for the non-alcoholic beverages industry. By helping the industry distribute this image across a wide array of critical media channels, these PR firms share a large amount of the credit for an industry that surpassed $11 billion in market value last year.
We certainly should not expect the party to end any time soon. With the growing popularity of non-alcoholic beverages like the lineup from Athletic Brewing Co. consisting of several craft beers and Hoppy Refresher from Lagunitas, the industry is expected to remain on a tear for the next few years with some estimates forecasting a +25 percent growth rate through 2026 in the U.S. alone. In fact, the popularity of non-alcoholic beverages is growing so much, The New Bar in Venice Beach, California, sells only non-alcoholic beverages to its patrons.
When Heineken decided to spend over $6 million on a 30-second Super Bowl ad to promote non-alcoholic beer, you could feel the seismic shifts happening in modern branding strategies. That happened last year when the world’s second-largest beer brewer ran a Super Bowl ad to promote its non-alcoholic beer, Heineken 0.0. It was an innovative and groundbreaking branding strategy and a profound example of how the broader landscape is changing — not just PR. Modern marketing and PR firms have played a crucial role in helping industry titans like Heineken and Monster Beverage Corp. maximize their growth potential by navigating this new-age movement that is here to stay.
PR firms are offering key players in the non-alcoholic beverages industry unique expertise as to why so many consumers are turning to this industry. Hint: It is not just social drinking that consumers are after.
There are three strategies to highlight in particular that PR firms have applied to help these non-alcoholic beverage companies elevate their brand(s) with great success:
Storytelling remains a powerful tool in PR and it is particularly effective when targeting the younger, more health-conscious market. Develop a compelling narrative that emphasizes the unique aspects of your brand. Focus on the value your product brings to consumers’ lives and how it aligns with their aspirations for a healthier, more conscious lifestyle. By tapping into their desires and aspirations, you can create a connection that goes beyond simple product promotion.
Authenticity is key in crafting a compelling narrative. Share the story behind your brand — origins, values, missions, etc. People are increasingly drawn to brands they perceive as genuine and trustworthy, so sharing an authentic story can foster a stronger audience connection.
With over 95 percent of society’s younger consumers citing social media as their “go-to” source for shopping inspiration, it is easy to understand why social media dramatically alters how industries promote their brands. One of the most successful PR strategies now being adopted by the non-alcoholic beverage industry that falls within the expansive realm of social media is the use of “influencers.”
And why not? The tremendous value of these online influencers is that they have already done the hard work required to build legions of online followers who all want to see their content. It is a phenomenon that PR firms are capitalizing on to help their clients achieve greater brand awareness. For example, Three Spirit Drinks is a brand of non-alcoholic beverages that are made to appeal to socially conscious consumers because of its natural, plant-based ingredients. However, the company has also used a mixture of micro and macro influencers to promote its brand successfully.
PR firms are vital in managing influencer “campaigns” for their non-alcoholic beverage clients. They have the skills and expertise to properly vet influencers for the industry and play an important role in overseeing the distribution of their client’s messages.
A recent study showed that almost 75 percent of today’s consumers would be willing to change their consumption habits if it meant minimizing their carbon footprint. Half of those consumers would be willing to pay more for the product.
Non-alcoholic beverage companies need to draw in consumers like any other product. Innovative PR firms have been instrumental in helping the industry achieve this by crafting and distributing a simple message: choosing a non-alcoholic beverage means doing your part to save our environment.
In other words, PR firms have helped fuel the growth of non-alcoholic beverages by presenting the industry as a morally upright and socially responsible industry. Consider championing causes that align with your brand’s values, such as promoting sustainable sourcing, supporting local communities or advocating for responsible consumption.
By capitalizing on influencer partnerships, crafting compelling narratives and engaging in purposeful activism, non-alcoholic beverage makers can strengthen their brand image, connect with their target audience and drive organic sales. With the right PR strategies, companies can effectively navigate this ever-evolving landscape and tap into the growing demand for healthier alternatives.
Successful public relations (PR) professionals and the organizations they represent today understand the importance of building solid relationships with the media, and many have made it a core component of their business growth strategy. And why not? Media relationships can provide an effective means of promoting key messages to target audiences and dramatically accelerate the distribution of important information, especially during times of crisis.
It is a trademark of today’s “relationship economy.” Forward-thinking PR professionals are adopting a proactive stance in building these powerful relationships and putting a framework in place for the distribution of critical information before they need it.
However, navigating the modern media landscape can be tricky if you are doing it for the first time. It is a volatile environment in a perpetual state of flux, roiling with new innovations in technology and new methods of distribution and delivery.
To ensure that you are going about the process of building these relationships in a way that leads to long-term success, let’s explore the advantages of these relationships below and demonstrate how you can begin making meaningful connections with key media resources.
The term “media” simply refers to a channel of communication that carries your message. Traditional media channels include radio, broadcast television, newspapers, and billboards. However, the definition of media evolved dramatically when the Internet went mainstream in the 1990s and sparked the explosive growth of “new media,” a.k.a. digital media.
Digital media refers to any type of media distributed via digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. Digital media has many advantages over traditional media. It is a more dynamic, interactive, and engaging form of media that has become very appealing to audiences. What made digital media such a game-changer in the media world is that tools like emails, blogs, and social media platforms provided people, including journalists, with the ability to share their messages with people across the globe.
Media professionals can use their networks and social media platforms to communicate their stories and messages to vast audiences almost instantaneously. Organizations and their PR representatives can use this to their advantage, but it is imperative that they invest the proper time and energy into cultivating these crucial relationships before they are in a position where they need to quickly distribute critical information to the public. In a nutshell: Build them before you need them.
Here are two major advantages of building a network of strong media relationships.
Credibility
Over 90% of journalists today believe that misinformation has become a serious problem in the U.S., meaning that stories and pitches are often vigilantly scoured and analyzed to confirm their accuracy. Therefore, when a reputable media channel publishes your story or message, it is a massive boost to your or your clients’ credibility and can often lead to greater levels of trust from consumers. This is something to consider in a market where over half of consumers say they would pay more to purchase from brands that they trust.
Brand Recognition
When an organization’s name is mentioned in the media, it enhances the visibility of its brand in the marketplace significantly. When an organization gets mentioned in the media, it is considered a form of earned media—a type of media that you don’t pay for. In fact, earned media opportunities can be equally, if not more, effective than paid advertising with over 90% of consumers trusting earned media more than they trust paid advertising.
Modern relationships with the media are not exclusively about what you want to achieve. To optimize the value of these relationships, they must be mutually beneficial. In other words, you must have something valuable and relevant to offer. Before blindly reaching out to influential media sources, develop a compelling reason for them to sit up and take notice!
Here are a few steps you can take:
Offer Value
Some journalists receive as many as 100 pitches a week, according to the new PRM on the block, Propel, and most of these pitches are entirely irrelevant so it is imperative that you communicate the value of a relationship with your clients. One strategy is to show them that you can provide easy access to interesting stories related to your industry and represent a leading voice in the field you are pitching. Oftentimes, that means formulating a pitch that showcases you or your client as a thought leader in your industry.
Research Before Reaching Out
It is vital that you research the backgrounds of media contacts before you reach out to them. Understand what areas they cover (especially their target audiences) so you can present relevant viewpoints. For example, if the media contact you are pursuing covers investments and new trends in finance, do not approach them with a story about HR software.
Think Beyond Email
While email is a common method used in making new media connections, social media sites like Twitter and LinkedIn continue to reign as the fastest method of reaching key members of the media. Journalists and media contacts will also often frequent industry events, tradeshows and conferences in the areas they cover.
The best news is that media professionals are looking to build new connections in their covered industries. Do your research and be proactive about developing new relationships. Be prepared with something unique to offer journalists and watch your media network flourish.
If your organization is serious about building a network of media connections, there are many advantages to tapping into the expertise of a PR firm, especially if you’re new to building relationships with the media. Partnering with these firms gives you access to their vast network of media connections and can be a remarkable way to get introductions.
Biotechnology is revolutionizing how modern scientists and researchers approach various industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotherapies, bioprocessing, agriculture and more. This newfound success has increased the attention biotech companies are receiving from those looking for solutions to global issues, especially following the pandemic.
However, the biotech industry is known for its complex products and processes. It’s also highly competitive, constantly evolving and strictly regulated—for good reason. With so much complexity, it can be difficult for these companies to communicate effectively with their distinct target audiences. That’s where public relations (PR) comes in. Effective PR strategies can help bridge the gap between complex subjects and those who may not be familiar with them.
During my time designing and executing communications strategies for several biotech clients, I have witnessed how implementing effective PR and social media strategies can help biotechnology companies build brand recognition and foster strong relationships with potential partners, the public (including patients), the financial community and beyond. Based on my experience in the industry so far, here are some areas to consider when developing your PR strategy.
When crafting a PR strategy for a biotech company, bear in mind who the target audience is and shape the message accordingly. Different audiences may necessitate distinct approaches. For example, medical experts may require more technical language, while the general public may benefit from simpler terminology that is easier to comprehend. Multimedia tools such as videos or infographics can make complex data easier to digest.
It is also essential to stay in the loop with industry trends. Staying on top of the news cycle can help your PR team create timely messages dealing with current matters in the biotech and pharma industries that resonate with your target audience. Investing in public events and speaking engagements can be beneficial for building relationships with industry colleagues and the general public. I also recommend actively engaging with reporters and media outlets who cover biotech and pharma developments, as this can help spread awareness of your company’s activities and enhance its reputation.
With nearly 4.5 billion people globally using social media, incorporating social media into your overall integrated marketing communications (IMC) strategy is nearly a necessity in today’s market. Social media can help companies expand their reach and engage meaningfully with the public, which is imperative for smaller biotech companies looking to penetrate a market already crowded with multi-billion dollar organizations. Furthermore, social media can help biotech companies cultivate relationships with key industry players, such as journalists, investors and partners, enabling them to build a broader understanding of the company.
When making social media posts, focus on providing valuable and relevant content that can help you establish trust with the public. Informative posts, tech-focused webinars and creative campaigns are great ways to create connections and foster increased public and executive awareness about who you are and what you do. I typically suggest biotech companies remain primarily active on Twitter and LinkedIn, followed by Facebook and other platforms.
There are many analytical tools now available that allow companies to monitor their clients’ industries and stay ahead of the competition. By adopting these tools, you can gain valuable insights into what content resonates best with your target audience and create campaigns accordingly. Additionally, you can employ tools that allow you to more effectively monitor competitor activity, which can help your biotech company identify opportunities for growth and innovation in your field faster than ever.
Public relations can play a vital role in the success of a biotechnology company, helping to shape public perception, build brand awareness and gain market loyalty. By taking an audience-centric approach and utilizing various multimedia tools such as videos and infographics, as well as leveraging social media platforms, you can communicate your message while engaging with your target audiences on a personal level. These are some of the reasons why taking the time to develop an effective PR and social media strategy can help you position your company as an industry leader and stay ahead of the competition.
The rapid digitalization of media is continuing to revolutionize the public relations (PR) industry. We are currently experiencing an accelerated transformation to a “digital society,” and that is thrusting “new media” into the limelight as more organizations embrace them as core components of their public relations (PR) strategies. In fact, how organizations apply these new media concepts can ultimately be the determining factor in the success or failure of today’s PR campaigns.
We’re not at all suggesting that you replace traditional media strategies with new media, but organizations are quickly discovering that including new media as a component of their modern PR strategy can amplify their message in a way that simply wasn’t attainable prior to the internet.
What makes new media so distinctive from traditional media is that it’s internet-driven and takes place almost entirely online. Often referred to as digital media, new media consists primarily of electronic forms of media that people can access and interact with. Websites, online apps, YouTube, social media sites like Facebook and LinkedIn, blogs, podcasts and essentially all internet-related forms of communication fall under the umbrella of new media. (Full disclosure: I am a shareholder in the parent companies of both YouTube and Facebook.) The critical point is that new media is accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
To understand what makes new media so effective, ask yourself when was the last time you stopped at a newsstand to pick up a newspaper. Now ask yourself when you last looked at your smartphone. Innovations in technology are continuing to usher us into a digital world. PR professionals who want to maximize the effectiveness of their campaign strategies should be willing to embrace new media if they hope to reach the typical internet users who are spending close to seven hours per day online.
While digital-based PR is still in its infancy, there is no debate that the PR landscape is quickly transitioning into an electronic environment. Over 60% of the global population has access to the internet, and that number is continuing to grow—a key factor driving new media adoption in today’s PR industry.
With the rapid evolution of technology and widespread access to the internet, innovations in new media are expected to proceed at an accelerated pace. A considerable part of this evolutionary process is the rate at which online platforms are being connected, and that means connecting more people. One of the most defining characteristics of new media, and a key distinction from traditional media sources like television ads, is interactivity. In other words, new media gives organizations the ability to establish and benefit from two-way communication with their target audience. Incorporating PR strategies that include media sites like YouTube allows you to reach and communicate with your target audience in entirely new ways.
While very powerful when correctly applied, it’s essential to understand that the adoption of new media doesn’t mean replacing those traditional media channels that are still effective. With the appropriate application, however, you can complement a traditional PR strategy by integrating the following forms of new media.
As the world slogged through a global pandemic, we relied heavily on technology to help keep us connected. The rate of technical progress over the past two and a half years proceeded at such a frenetic rate that it permanently upended many traditional ways of doing things in many industries, including the PR industry. Understand that PR looks very different than it did twenty years ago and that technology continues to play a pivotal role. By adopting PR strategies that include new media, organizations can capitalize on advancements in technology and reach a broader audience that’s expected to only continue growing.
Elev8 New Media (“Elev8” or the “Company”), a media and public relations firm specializing in securing media and press coverage for its client companies, has been selected for The PR Net Next Gen Awards 2023, an annual program that recognizes exceptional talent, pioneering innovation and noteworthy influence in the PR industry.
“We are thrilled to be listed in this year’s Next Gen Awards alongside an extraordinary lineup of agencies shaping the communications industry forward with innovation and meaningful purpose,” commented Co-Founder and CEO of Elev8 New Media, Mrs. Jessica Starman. “We are thankful to the judging committee for the celebratory recognition and to our clients for their partnership and continued trust.”
Elev8 provides clients with enhanced exposure by maintaining valuable relationships with journalists, outlets, and beyond for ongoing media coverage. In addition, Elev8 bolsters client visibility through digital and social marketing and is consistently developing, implementing, managing, and monitoring client coverage across various platforms.
To briefly summarize the agency’s achievements over the last year, Elev8 has secured print, broadcast, and digital media coverage across trade, national, local, and mainstream publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Fierce Biotech, Forbes, AdWeek, BevNET, Bloomberg, and many more. Additionally, Elev8 continues to effectively manage its clients’ corporate social media accounts, including LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, in addition to marketing campaigns for clients.
Elev8 New Media represents clients across various industries, including consumer and enterprise technology, fintech, consumer products, automobiles, medical technology, blockchain, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, mining, and more. For more information about the agency, visit https://www.elev8newmedia.com/.
Today’s recognition follows noteworthy accolades and accomplishments obtained over the last year, including Inc.’s Inaugural Partner Power List 2022, for which Elev8 New Media was named an honoree. The agency also received an Award of Excellence in Media Relations and earned the 2022 Media Relations: Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Award from The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Los Angeles Chapter for campaign work with technology company clients. Elev8 was also named a winner in the Top Agencies category of PR Daily’s Top Agencies Awards for 2022.
About The PR Net and Next Gen Awards:
The PR Net is the premier global network for marketing and communications professionals. It is a modern take on the classic networking club and an “industry insider favorite” for executives looking for a central platform for industry intelligence and connections. Founded by industry veteran Lisa Smith in 2015, The PR Net consists of online content that reads like a magazine, member-only services, and highly sought-after digital and in-person member events.
‘The PR Net Next Gen Awards’ is a new annual awards program that celebrates agency excellence championing the new thinkers, innovators, and groundbreakers across the field of PR, who are shaping the bright future of the communications industry.