Services
Public Relations
Shadywood Communications can enhance your image with a cost-effective public relations campaign that utilizes an integrated approach to get your business noticed.
Press Releases
A well-written press release, delivered to the proper media outlet, can generate an enormous amount of visibility for your business. Newspapers, television and radio station, and magazines are always looking for good stories to tell. If you are doing something that is truly newsworthy, let's tell them about it. Don't be shy! We'll figure out an angle and use it to pique their interest. Many times, if one outlet picks up your story, others will follow quickly.
Events that might warrant a press release include: grand openings, new services or products, additions to staff or promotions, community activities, company milestones, or awards. But don't be limited by this list. Think like a reporter. Is this newsy? Is it information the reader wants or needs to know?
Another advantage of press coverage is credibility. People tend to believe what others say about you as opposed to what you say about yourself in an advertisement.
Press releases can be as simple as a one-page announcement, depending on subject matter. The goal is to let the press know what you are doing and to encourage them to look closer.
Media Relations
Putting together a press release is half the battle. Getting the media to use it is an equally daunting challenge. When reporters, editors and assignment desks receive a press release or media alert from Shadywood Communications, they know they are getting information that will be useful in putting together a story.
Marketing Communications
On-target advertisements, comprehensive direct mail pieces, newsletters, and informative sales brochures are just a few of the key components of an effective marketing strategy that will become a strategic business asset.
Newsletters
Newsletters are an effective way to stay in touch with your customers and let them know that you care. A properly written newsletter will contain information of value to the reader, not just about your business but about the industry in general. Your customers will look forward to receiving the newsletter because it is important to them. It makes them feel appreciated. It makes them fell wanted. It makes them feel like they matter to you.
And don't forget your employees. They need to know what's going on in the company, too. A weekly or monthly newsletter can keep them up-to-date on all kinds of important information. It's also an opportunity to recognize superior employee performance and to give employees a sense of 'family' that is so conductive to a productive workplace.
Brochures
A well-written brochure can be like a 24-hour salesperson. Customers and prospects can pick up your brochure any time and get a positive image of professionalism and expertise. They can educate your market and build your brand through a coordinated program that includes direct email or regular mail, a sales kit, trade show or seminar, and your Web site. Brochures can be used in conjunction with a special promotion, to give a company overview, or to explain the benefits of a specific product.
Web Content
You can expand your sales reach with a well-designed, well-written website. Words are always important, whether you are selling face-to-face, over the phone, or on the World Wide Web.
But on the web, words are even more important because they are your primary means of communications. They are your sales staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Your words must convey the professionalism of your company, the uniqueness of your product or service, and its benefits. A website should also offer visitors important information, even if it is not directly about your product or service. You can make your website a resource that others in the business find interesting and useful.
The right words are also important because they help determine your position on the all-important search engines. Use the wrong words and people won't be able to find you when they do a Google search. But use the right words and you can be at the top of the search engine results.
Trade Articles
How many times have your read an article in a trade magazine and wondered how that business got such good press? Like the mainstream press, the trade press is always looking for good stories to tell. An expertly written, insightful article about what you do is more effective than any advertisement could hope to be. Let me write one for you and help place it in a trade publication related to your field and your customer base. You'll be surprised at the amount of interest it generates.
Editorial Services
Don't be embarrassed by silly typos or careless grammar in your printed materials. A sharp-eyed editor can catch those gaffes before they reach the public. The editing services I provide fall into three categories: proofreading, copy editing and substantive editing.
- Proofreading includes making sure spelling, grammar and punctuation are correct.
- Copy Editing includes all the services provided under proofreading, plus sentence structure and transitions.
- Substantive Editing includes proofreading and copy editing, plus rewriting for clarity and flow of ideas.
Other Services
If your needs go beyond writing and editing, Shadywood Communications can help in a number of areas.
- Strategic Planning. In addition to writing and editing, I can help clients by reviewing their marketing campaigns to ensure they are generating the maximum response for the dollars spent. You get on-target advice that works, without the obligation of a monthly retainer.
- Graphic Design. I have professional relationships with several graphic artists who can take your project from concept to camera-ready.
- Printing. Depending on the nature of your product, I use only high-quality, cost-effective printers who will deliver on time and on budget.
- Mailing Services. From targeted lists to database management, a trusted sub-contractor will handle your direct mail piece to ensure maximum deliverability and postal discounts.
- Web Site Design/Development. Whether you need a new site from scratch or your existing site redesigned, we can handle the assignment.