OBJECTIVE:
Lauren Hefferon, Founder and President of Ciclismo Classico, an adventure cycling company specializing in tours throughout Italy, approached our firm over 3 years ago to assist with media relations outreach. Media coverage had been inconsistent in the past and she was looking for a firm she could work with long-term. Previous firms had let her down with their ability to secure coverage, or were not willing to work in a more partner-like relationship that she was looking for.
SOLUTION:
We developed a six-month plan to capture the attention of key writers that would reach her audience. Since her business is seasonal, we did not have any time to waste. First, we met with Lauren and learned as much as we could of her and the business. We soon realized Lauren's personality was integral to the business' success. Guests booking trips talked directly to Lauren, everyone was a VIP to her. Knowing this, we knew our pitches had to include her; a major reason guests went with Ciclismo over larger, more established companies.
Since communication with editors and reporters had been sporadic in the past, we tailored our first pitch as a re-introduction pitch offering an overview of Ciclismo and glimpse into Lauren's dedication to her company and cycling.
Next, we developed specific pitches to each targeted industry: food and wine tours, extreme tours, senior tours, family tours, etc. Finally, we pitched Lauren exclusively as an expert.
RESULTS:
For over five years we handled Ciclismo's media relations campaign and served as consultants on all marketing projects; from web-marketing, to event planning, to advertising. Results from our fist six-months of outreach were successful. We were able to garner a balance of local and national media attention on both Ciclismo's tours and position Lauren as an expert.
Prior to hiring our firm, Ciclismo Classico had secured very few media hits. Due to our outreach, we have secured over 50 media hits in the past three years. Most impressive is our ability to position Lauren as an expert in her field, with two appearances on NBC's Today Show and coverage with local News shows and national magazines. Following is a sample list of print and broadcast outlets where we secured coverage:
Aspen Daily News Bicycling Blue Adventure and Gear Guide Boston Globe Epicurean NBC Today Show |
New England Travel and Life Newsday Outside Magazine Self Magazine The Wall Street Journal Working Women |