Pictured: Fiona Hawkins
Social media as a way to win new contracts is fast becoming an
essential part of everyday business life - as regional marketing
and PR company Plinkfizz can demonstrate.
Stoke-on-Trent based Plinkfizz provide social media to clients
as part of a comprehensive mix of marketing and PR solutions.
And clients who may be sceptical about modern web based
marketing can draw comfort from Plinkfizz's own experiences, says
Director Fiona Hawkins.
"The use of social media as a marketing tool is still relatively
new to many companies," said Fiona. "As with other forms of
communication, it requires planning but, with a strategy in place,
there is every chance that you can generate new business leads.
"Along with devising social media strategies for clients we
practise the same disciplines in our own approach to platforms such
as Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter.
"It has played a big part in winning contracts with clients
including The Prince's Regeneration Trust and Express Bookers."
Said Fiona: "When the MD of Express Bookers wanted some PR for
the business my name immediately sprang to mind because I've known
him for some time and made sure I kept in touch via Linkedin.
"Companies who use social media well need to know who they want
to talk to online and then develop a strategy to open up
communication.
"By developing a social media presence and joining in the online
conversation you will get noticed - and The Prince's Trust, one of
our newest clients, say this presence helped to bring Plinkfizz to
their attention when they were looking for support in North
Staffordshire."
The Trust is involved in work to restore the historic Middleport
Pottery, Stoke-on-Trent, and Plinkfizz have been commissioned to
design and build a website for the project and produce a supporting
brochure.
HRH The Prince of Wales will be attending the official launch of
the restored pottery on Tuesday, 25 October and Fiona has been
invited to the event.
Fiona said: "Our online image is important to us, and we
work on the same methods with our clients.
"It is important to realize the subtle differences between
social media and traditional PR and that you cannot simply sell to
people through social media.
"The emphasis is far more on sharing information and helping
others by answering questions on Linkedin or retweeting interesting
points via Twitter."