Kochou Blog

Pr Tip 21/04 - Links?

2009-04-21T17:54:00.002+01:00

So you’ve written your release, got your contacts sorted, carefully put said contacts in to mail wizard and you're just about to click that send button...is there something you’ve forgotten? No I don’t mean to spell check and proofread your release as I’m sure that would’ve been top on your list. What I mean is...

Is the link you’ve sent to your site working?

No point in sending out a mass email to journalists when your website isn’t working properly...because you will not get a second chance. So please, before hitting that all important send button you need to check, double check and triple check your website.

PR Offers....get them whilst they're hot

2009-04-20T18:14:00.002+01:00

I hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine, I’ve got some great PR offers at the moment, however you’ll have to move fast as only one person per offer. I’m going to be around all evening (20/04/09) and about for the next few days if you want to discuss anything you can catch me on email - hello @ kochou.co.uk or msn rach@kochou.co.uk

So the offers:

Offer One

3 Release package - Special offer price £550

What you get:
A 90 minute online consultation {split in to three 30 minute sessions}
3 press releases written and distributed to a tailor made contact list
Press releases followed up and a report sent to you on their progress
A press kit compiled

Offer Two
Press Release - Written only - £125

30 minute online consultation on your business and to discuss angles for your release/media pitch 
A Press Release produced for you to distribute to your own contacts

Offer Three
Press Release written and Distributed - £175

30 minute online consultation on your business and to discuss angles for your release/media pitch 
A Press Release produced and sent to you for approval 
Your release distributed to a tailor made contact list

Offer Four  
PR consult - £65 **** no limit on numbers for this offer...

If you want to do your own PR but are struggling to come up with some creative ideas and need advice and help on where to take your campaign we are offering a PR consultation package.

What you get:

- 60 minute online session to discuss your business, your current PR and marketing and some ideas

- Templates: Press release, media sheet

- Advice sheets: You will receive tips and hints on how to write a press release and compiling a press kit

- A personalised to do list based on the initial consultation

- 14 days email support

PR Tip 20/04 - Watch what you are saying

2009-04-20T10:05:00.002+01:00

PR Tip 20/04

Watch what you are saying - it will come back to haunt you.

Twitter, facebook, myspace, forums - all great ways to promote your business and brand however, be careful about what you say. Making rude comments, bitching about products, companies, competitors - have you thought about who may stumble upon this information?

Just take a moment to think about it...when you’re looking at using a company how many of you google the company first? I know I do and I know that people around me do too. So you need to think about that when you post on sites such as twitter etc as these do show up in the search engines. Therefore - demolishing your hard work in 140 characters.

Learning just to get along...

2009-04-19T13:27:00.000+01:00

This may not seem like a PR tip but it is! Learning to get on with your competitors can be a really good way to not only network but to get extra business. I work with other PR companies on projects that they feel are more suited to my needs or projects they just can’t handle alone. By getting on with other businesses you open yourself up to a whole new world of work and not to mention one of the most important things - you get to keep an eye on what your competitors are actually doing.

I’m writing this as I’ve received a response to a survey I complied from another agency who’ve just shown themselves to be rude and quite frankly child like. Now, I know who this mystery respondent is I’ve vowed to ensure that I never pass on any leads or referrals to this company. Which is a shame as I’ve spoken to them on twitter several times and was actually quite impressed by the work they did.

Very rarely are you going to be the only business in your field, if you’re reading this now I’m sure that you are one of dozens, maybe even hundreds or thousands of businesses operating under the same activity. You aren’t going to get all the work all the time, learn from your competitors, get on with them, talk to them...this doesn’t mean you’re giving away all your secrets but you will learn things and make good contacts.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2009-01-10T14:44:00.001Z

So, it's the end of the first business week after Christmas and how have you found yours? I'll be honest I've not found it the easiest week after all it's the come down after the festivities and that dreaded diet has to come back in force but this week should be a lot easier – well here's hoping!

But how have you found your marketing for 2009 so far? Have you really thought about it? With a to do list the size of Mount Everest no one would really blame you for not having the time to think about it.

With this is mind Kochou is offering some fantastic packages to get your marketing and PR kick started and get your business noticed!

Check back soon for more details...

So all that's left to do is to wish all my clients and people who visit this blog a VERY Happy and prosperous New Year!

Remember to include your details!

2008-12-01T13:07:00.001Z

Remember your contact details!

Just wanted to post a small message to remind you all to add your contact details on everything! Whilst tidying my desk I found a voucher for £5 off my next online order. The only problem is there are no contact details or logo on the voucher meaning I don’t know who it’s from.

I’m a sucker for a bargain so it’s likely I’d have logged on and had a peek at what I could get so I got my £5 voucher but as I don’t know who sent it’s a waste of paper.

So top tip: when creating a special offer, sending out mail etc do not forget to include your branding!

Rachael

Tip Two

2008-12-01T09:43:00.001Z

Marketing on a budget – part two.

Is it just me or do the weekends seem to be going quicker and quicker? Well, this Monday morning leads us in to December which means just 31 days left of 2008. Have you thought about your plans in 2009? Are you going to organise your marketing and PR ideas in advance so that you’re hitting the ground running and bringing in new business?

Hopefully you said YES to the above, which leads me nicely on to tip number two in our marketing on a budget theme.

Tip two – Become an expert.

This is a fabulous way of getting your name out there as well as bringing more attention to your business. Here are Kochou’s top tips…

Forums: Join forums, answer questions, help people out. Don’t use forums just to sell your wares – join and immerse yourself in the community – help others and learn.
Not only will you get satisfaction from helping out fellow businesses but you will also add to your network and you’ll be demonstrating your knowledge of your subject.
If your business is retail based rather than service based don’t be disheartened. You can still use this method especially around Christmas and other holidays.

…And don’t forget Friday’s tip – USE YOUR SIGNATURE SPACE!
Articles: Start writing articles. Offer a set of tips (much like what we’re doing here) relating to your business. The articles don’t have to be novels or masterpieces but instead short, snappy and informative for example:
’10 tips to becoming your own boss’. Don’t forget don’t overly sell your business but do make references to it and do include your contact details at either the bottom or top of the article.

Start a blog: Start a blog with hints and tips relating to your business. Link with other blogs and make sure you spread the word – the Internet allows you to reach out to a variety of people so take advantage. For micro blogging and getting a network together try Twitter – short blogs of no more that 140 characters so perfect that short and snappy style.

And finally…
Some links that you may find useful -

4 Networking
UK Business Forums
UK Business Labs
Ecademy
Twitter
Squidoo
Blogger

Marketing on a budget?

2008-11-28T10:52:00.000Z

Well, I have to apologise again for the lack of website. We are moving our domains to a new domain guru so it’s taking a few days to process but rest assured we will be back and we will be back with a vengeance.

Luckily as we use an external blog it doesn’t stop us getting those blog posts out there.

Todays post is going to be an ongoing one as there are so many ideas and things that can be done on this subject. Our previous post covered upon mistakes business make when it comes to marketing their businesses. Not only is it a proven fact but it’s also basic common sense that a business that continues to market themselves (regardless of how busy they may be) are businesses that are going to survive times of trouble and quiet periods much like we are experiencing with the credit crunch at the moment.

So over the next few weeks we will attempt to cover a tip each working day to help you with your marketing efforts and getting your business out there on a budget.

Friday’s tip is a simple one but one that often gets neglected.

1. CREATE A SIGNATURE LINE

All emails you send should have a signature line with your logo/business name, your name, title, email, phone number (office and mobile), web address and any other contact information. This makes it a lot easier for potential clients to contact you and to forward your details to other people who maybe interested in your services.

Ideally you should include your logo as it subconsciously sticks in peoples minds and they’ll have that visual to connect you and your company with.

Of course it’s not just emails that should have a signature line attached you can also use this method on any forums you may use, networking websites etc

Look out for more tips soon!

2008-11-25T16:43:00.002Z

Well, it's been a while since the last post to this blog. Now it's not due to laziness but more due to a lack of website. As you may or may not be aware we have had some technical problems which are on there way to being sorted.

SO, whilst the site has been down not only have we been working with some fabulous new clients but we've also been developing new packages and thinking of some new blog topics to get you all thinking.

Rachael

Just 2 mistakes businesses make...

2008-10-10T22:05:00.001+01:00

Just 2 mistakes that are often made when it comes to PR and marketing...Are you guilty of making these mistakes?

Stopping marketing and PR activities when you have customers.

This is such a common mistake. Just because you have work coming through the door at the moment it won't last without maintaining your PR and marketing campaigns. It's just plain old common sense. If you can't cope with the extra workload then of course it's a great time to bring someone else on board so keep reading.

Cutting down on marketing and PR when times are tough...

At the moment this is more prevalent than ever. With the economy taking a down turn it's vital that we look to our own businesses and make sure we do everything we can to keep them afloat. A lot of companies make the mistake to cut their PR and marketing budget when times get tough but think about it. If you cut your marketing and PR how are your potential customers going to know you are out there? You may feel that you're in a good position now with regular customers but what it one or maybe two customers were to stop using your company...? How would your business suffer? By continually keeping on top of your PR and marketing work you constantly grow awareness of your company therefore attracting new clients and keeping your company safe.

For more information on keeping your company in the spotlight then why not get in touch for a chat?

Rachael

CRAZY FRIDAY!!

2008-10-10T11:45:00.003+01:00

Having a bit of a manic Friday at Kochou...not only is it nearly the weekend but the sun is also shining (I know shock horror!). In order to celebrate the new website and the above we are doing some crazy offers. They're only avalible until 5pm this afternoon so if you're interested you need to get in NOW!!

To celebrate it being Friday (or casual Fridays in this company) we have a PR & Marketing offer that you’ll love!!

Now, you may not have sorted your Christmas pr/marketing out yet (if not come on your late!) Or you may want to create a buzz if so this offer is for YOU!!

What do you get?

An email/instant messenger consultation (max 30 minutes on instant messenger)

A press release & distribution to 10 publications of your choice (we will discuss this in your consultation).

A unique PR/Marketing strategy based on the interview

30 days UNLIMITED email support (this will start November 1st until November 30th)

All for £110 (usual price £250)

You can decide when you wish for your press release to be written. It can be delivered to you by Monday 13th October or after the 1st November (please note the 14th - 30th October Kochou will be unavailable due to previous work commitments) so if you don't need it today why not take advantage of it for your future projects...what with the credit crunch you may as well get a bargain!

Terms:

Well its an offer thats only eligible until 5pm Friday 10th October

Conditions:

- Payment must be made immediately through paypal.

- First come first serve there are VERY limited places so get in their quick!

If you’re interested then email hello@kochou.co.uk with Kochou offer in the heading and you will receive an email with further instructions. Please be aware that only a small amount of work can be taken at this price so if your interested (maybe for christmas?) Then contact us.

Coming Soon!

2008-10-08T12:21:00.003+01:00

The new Kochou blog will be coming soon....