In the Mix…Size Isn’t Everything. A Powerful Reveal Is.

LCWA helped Eureka pique interest and start conversations about its newest vacuum launch with with a unique "teaser campaign." Inspired by the product’s unique selling proposition, the “Size Isn’t Everything” teasers previewed the new lightweight, yet powerful, Eureka AirSpeed ONE vacuum. Posted to the Eureka website, social media channels and mailed out to media as postcards, a series of nine teaser images depicted small but powerful things and a specific call for fans to stay tuned for exciting news from Eureka. Today, the wait for curious fans ended with a Facebook and e-newsletter reveal that’s sure to prove that, when it comes to cleaning, Size Isn’t Everything. Power Is. Check out the Eureka Facebook timeline to see the whole series of images.

Favorite Finds

Guards up this week, Twitter friends! While Q dumped snow all over the Midwest, our Twitter feed was a-flurry with all sorts of hostile takeovers, worst of lists – ok, and some helpful tips, tricks and social media news, too. Below are a couple of our favorite stories from the week:

• Hack Attacks! Our hearts go out this week to Burger King and Jeep, both of which had their Twitter accounts hacked by social pirates who defamed the brands for hours until the accounts could be recovered. On the flip side for the burger giant, it’s followers - which numbered around 50,000 as of Monday evening - shot up to more than 110,000 by the end of the hackers' reign.
• Feeling Miserable? Looks like Q isn’t the only thing making Midwesterners frown. This week Forbes released their most miserable cities in the U.S.- and our home town ranked number four. Good thing our team doesn’t have the Chicago blues!
• Gaga for Graph Search: Social media gurus are abuzz about Graph Search – and so are we. Before declaring it the Holy Grail, we recommend taking a nice long breath and reading this cool-headed review of the obstacles Graph Search will face before it can flourish.
• Tweet-Cuts: PR pros have to work fast; so you know we love a good keyboard shortcut. For those of you stuck with the basic "Ctrl C" moves, upgrade your typing – and social media prowess – with these handy Twitter shortcuts.

Favorite Finds

From politics to love, the Twitterverse was full of partisan affairs, heartbreak and romance. Here are a few of our favorites from this week:

• Digital Love abounds in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Even when it isn’t the holiday of love, people often communicate with their significant other through cyberspace.
• Twitter’s new video sharing app, Vine, offers brands innovative ways to visually connect with consumers.
• What do women want? Time, tone and type are all key to targeting female Facebook users.
• The state of social media is powerful and prevalent. Even if you weren’t in front of the TV screen Tuesday night, you could tune in to President Obama’s State of the Union address and Senator Maro Rubio’s rebuttal speech via Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube or blogs.
• Understand your Facebook fans to create meaningful relationships. Knowing the type of users who “like” your page will allow your brand to generate more engaged online communities.
• Mmmm… the fresh smell of pizza - as a perfume? Followers could tweet #LastMinuteLovers @PizzaHut for a chance to win a bottle for their Valentine.

 

In the Mix...Say Ahh to Get More Zzzz’s

Media is buzzing this month about how local dentists can help treat sleep apnea, and get you back on track for a more restful night’s sleep. LCWA worked with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) to coordinate several stories on oral appliance therapy in national publications like First for Women and more local newspapers, like the Free Lance Star. Oral appliances are mouth-guard like devices custom fit by a dentist that can provide an effective alternative treatment to the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine and mask. We are excited to help AADSM spread the word about this comfortable and effective option and look forward to more great coverage later this spring!

Favorite Finds

Although we’re avoiding Blizzard Nemo in Chicago this weekend, we couldn’t escape the flurry of news that is ever-present through Twitter.  Here are a few of our favorites from the week: 

·         Super Bowl Success. Monday, people were a’twitter with thoughts about the commercials during the big game. What was most surprising, though, is that the biggest success didn’t come from a multi-million dollar commercial – instead Oreo stole the show with some quick thinking.

·         No Purchase Necessary. We loved this creative approach to gaining Facebook fans – no advertising or giveaway costs involved.

·         #We #Love #Hashtags. Whether on Twitter or not, making up your own hashtag is the current trend, but are you using the keywords effectively? All Twitter helped us improve.  

·         The Two Percent. Via Twitter we learned that only about 2% of fans go back to brand’s Facebook page after the initial like.

·         Snail Mail.  Postal mail just got a little slower as the U.S. Postal Service announced it will not deliver mail (except packages) on Saturdays. We have to wonder how this will affect PR…

In the Mix...Physicians Immediate Care Cures Worries in Glendale Heights

Our client Physicians Immediate Care, which is the largest urgent care operator in Illinois based on the number of clinics, recently opened its newest location in suburban Chicago. To kick off the grand opening of the Glendale Heights clinic, we organized two successful events: an official grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony and a consumer open house celebration. Our team reached out to local, civic and community leaders, including members of the local healthcare community, to secure attendance at these celebrations. Both were full of fun, food and helpful tours by the clinic staff. Attendees at both events were able to meet the local doctor, Dr. Talamayan, who explained how the clinic is equipped to cure patients’ healthcare worries in Glendale Heights. We are excited to help Physicians Immediate Care join the Glendale Heights community and look forward to helping them launch additional clinics this year!

Favorite Finds

What a week! As we live through the current cold snap in Chicago, we reminisce about 60 degree temperatures just three days ago. Of course, three days is like years in the Twitterverse. Here are some interesting finds from the past several days: 

• Don’t ignore social media. Advice from Social Media Today reminds us that the social conversation is happening – with or without a given organization. Joining in can help convert prospects to customers and help the execution of marketing campaigns.
• Audiences are hungry … for social integration, that is, according to a new study from Mass Relevance (sign in required). One highlight: consumers are more willing to share content from an organization when it’s social content. Food for thought.
• If you’re happy and you know it … We PR folks are apparently happy but stressed at work. There were lots of posts about this study of marketing professionals from Aquent and the American Marketing Association.
• Is it a game changer? Let’s watch what Google does with YouTube. Will we start paying to see the Gangnam Style video?
• It’s trade show season! And here are some helpful tips on ways to leverage social media at the booth.
• What a great idea! We love the DIY Network’s Blog Cabin 2013 project. Be part of it here! The cabin is in North Carolina, where North Carolinians probably aren’t waking up to sub-zero wind chills…