Last month saw the re-opening of non-essential shops, hairdressers, pubs and restaurants, giving hope, not just to those particular industries, but businesses in general.
Now, after months of stopping and starting and multiple lockdowns, it looks as though the economy may be opening up again and resuming some sort of normality.
With so many businesses wanting to reach their target markets and get themselves back out there, a PR and copywriting agency in Corby has noticed an increase in new business enquiries.
Ballyhoo PR, which works with businesses on all areas of their PR and communications, has been approached by retailers, restaurants and beauty businesses in the county to help support them with a variety of projects from rewriting websites and managing relaunches to the more every day jobs such as managing social media accounts and writing regular blogs.
Emma Speirs, director at Ballyhoo PR, said: “It’s quite interesting to talk to the businesses who have just reopened after a period of closure. To some, they are seeing this as the start of a new chapter and are approaching the opening of their doors in much the same way they did when they first started their business, full of enthusiasm and excitement. Some have been busy making improvements to their services and premises and are now in a place to want to shout about it and create a buzz to get customers through their doors. Others have diversified and created some sort of online service which they now won’t have the time to run whilst simultaneously being physically present at their reopened premises.”
Emma and her team are now supporting local businesses with their website copy, social media and PR activity, as well as encouraging other firms in the area to think about their post-lockdown PR and marketing strategies.
“Whether you have remained visible during the pandemic or have retreated, going into survival mode, now is the time to think about your PR and communications for the second half of 2021,” added Emma.
“Look at your business plans for June to December and think about what may be newsworthy. Will you be launching any new products and services? Taking on any new recruits? Or are you planning a refurbishment? Think about what will be happening and when and try to plan press releases and social media posts and videos in advance to maximise any opportunities to get your name out there.”
During the pandemic, Ballyhoo PR itself has adapted to change, increasing the workforce by 50% but also closing down its office on the Earlstrees Industrial Estate in Corby and working remotely.
“Like all businesses, we have had to make changes to the way we work in the last year and have experienced ups and downs, but remaining visible ourselves through PR and social media has helped us to win new contracts, so we know that PR and comms can help businesses to grow.”
If you would like support in creating a post-lockdown PR and communications plan, contact Emma Speirs on 01536 682800 or email emma.speirs@ballyhoo-pr.co.uk
