Publicity Oxford

A few of the places we've featured our clients...

Junior Magazine

Heat

Red

The Sunday Times

The Guardian

Metro

The Paul O'Grady Show

A Place in the Sun

The People

Woman's Own

The Telegraph

The Sunday Express

The Independent on Sunday

Why do we do what we do?

Catherine set up Publicity Oxford in 2008 because she felt that there should be a higher standard of service, delivery and communication between a PR team and the client.  She's also been writing stories since she was five and finally realised that she could build a business from that passion and life-long experience.  We like to do things differently.  And that means doing a great job for people.

We also like to think we're helpful types, so if you just need the name of a contact at a newspaper or magazine, or you're stuck trying to add a picture to a tweet, get in touch, we're more than happy to help.

What is PR?

But what is PR really all about?  It's about getting coverage for your brand that makes a difference - coverage that will be seen in the right places, by the right people.

We ignite the spark of interest that creates a buzz about you.  From there, we help the word to spread.

The starting point comes from research, planning and careful targeting.  Our PR philosophy brings together your strategic goals and our expertise.  We bring everything together to create bespoke campaigns that get results, are measured and make you happy!

Alongside fully integrated PR solutions, we also offer market research, copywriting, social media strategies, promotions, incentives and event management.

We saw this and thought of you....

Even if you're not a client, if we see a media opportunity with your name on it, we'll tell you, and set you on the right track to take advantage of it.

Some chances only come along once after all.

What we don't do

Say 'yes' all of the time.  If we're not the right people for the job we'll say so up front and recommend an agency in your specialist area who can help.

Take a 'brief' brief.  We get to know your best bits by digging for the gold - we ask lots of questions and like to learn as much as we can about you.

Palm you off once you're on board.  You always deal with the same person from the first meeting, right the way through a campaign.

Tell you we'll get you on the front page of Vogue if we don't believe it's true - or appropriate.

Spend hours schmoozing people to get press coverage.  We're at our desks working hard.  We will however bring biscuits when we meet you.  Nice crumbly, crunchy ones.

Talk nonsense.  We outline everything in plain English; how we work, what we're good at, what we can do for you, and how it will work.

Choosing a PR Agency

When you make the decision to hire a PR agency, there are some important questions to ask:

- Have they worked within your industry and do they have a good understanding of the sector.

- Do they share your values and are they passionate about your goals.

- Do they have a portfolio or case studies you can look at.  Do they have testimonials.

- If they offer social media services, do they use tools such as Twitter, Facebook and blogs themselves.

- Do they ask for a detailed brief and / or a brainstorming session.

- Do they set out an expectations document so you know what to expect from them.  Are they keen to know your expectations.

- Do they outline your role in the PR strategy and are you comfortable with it.

- Do they set out a clear budget and show what is and isn't included.

- Do you know who from the agency will be handling the account.

- Are the time scales clear.  What period of time will you be contracted for.

- Are they easy to reach by phone and email.

- What information is available about them and the team through a Google search.

For more information on the role of a PR agency, do get in touch.

Useful links

10 ways to improve your customer service - great article from Marketing Donut.

Find the best price online - install Invisible Hand for Google Chrome.

Quicky record voice notes which are automatically translated to text with free iPhone app Dragon Dictation.

Get organised, store information, ideas, websites and images using the brilliant Evernote.  You'll wonder what you did without it.

Home based and feel that the walls are closing in on you? Take a look at Jelly and find out about shared workspaces near you.

Get increased visibility and a ranking for your blog on Technorati.

Run shared projects remotely using Wetpaint.

Feed your blog to Facebook with NetworkedBlogs.

You all know Skype, but if you're not using it already, open an account.  Video calling is free and is an easy way to cut down on travel to meetings - save time and be greener.

Try Hipstamatic on the iPhone - this is one for the keen photographer - or anyone who likes to take pictures using different visual effects.