Tag Archive for: consumer tech

What to Expect from Top FinTech PR Firms

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FinTech companies are at the forefront of innovation in today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, reshaping how businesses and consumers handle finances.  But the question is, how do these firms stand out in an increasingly crowded market? Well, the answer lies in partnering with top FinTech PR firms. These specialized agencies understand the distinctive challenges and opportunities within the FinTech sector, making them invaluable partners in successfully building a powerful brand presence.  Here’s what you can expect from top FinTech PR Firms with PR experts at the helm.

Understanding the FinTech Landscape

When discussing top FinTech PR firms, it’s crucial to recognize that their expertise extends beyond simple press releases and media liaisons. These firms possess a profound and nuanced comprehension of the FinTech ecosystem, including a deep historical perspective, essential in understanding the sector’s evolving dynamics, regulations, competitive state, and future direction.

The history of FinTech traces back to the late 20th century, marking the beginning of a journey that would revolutionize financial services. This era saw technologies like ATMs, electronic trading floors, and essential digital banking services laying the foundation for what FinTech would become. The 1990s and early 2000s heralded the internet and mobile revolutions, bringing about a seismic shift in financial technologies. Online banking, peer-to-peer lending platforms, and the earlier forms of digital payment systems started to emerge, setting the stage for a more interconnected financial world.

The global financial crisis of 2008-2009 was a pivotal moment for FinTech. It not only exposed the vulnerabilities of traditional financial institutions but also accelerated the public’s and investors’ interest in innovative financial solutions that were more transparent, accessible, and user-friendly. This period saw the birth and meteoric rise of numerous notable FinTech startups in the industry, capitalizing on the advancements in mobile technology, big data, and cloud computing.

Blockchain and cryptocurrencies, introduced around this time, further disrupted the financial sector, challenging conventional notions of currency and financial transactions. Meanwhile, advancements in AI and machine learning began transforming everything from risk assessment to customer service.

FinTech is a dynamic and diverse field encompassing everything from investment platforms and online banking to insurtech, regtech, and wealthtech. It’s an industry characterized by rapid innovation, regulatory changes, and evolving customer expectations. Some of the top FinTech PR firms we know today have not only witnessed this evolution but have been an integral part of it.

Services Offered by FinTech PR Agencies

In the dynamic financial technology industry, the role of top FinTech PR firms extends beyond traditional public relations. These agencies offer a suite of specialized services tailored to meet the particular needs of FinTech companies. From meticulously managing media relations to crafting strategic communication plans, these firms play a crucial role in shaping a FinTech brand’s image and success. Let’s delve into the key services these agencies offer, each significant in its own right.

Media Relations

Media relations stand as a fundamental service offered by FinTech PR agencies. The agency’s established connections with journalists and influencers in the FinTech sector are invaluable. These relationships are instrumental in securing features in industry-relevant publications, significantly enhancing a brand’s visibility and credibility. This strategic placement in media outlets garners attention and reinforces the brand’s authority in the financial technology landscape.

Crisis Management

Crises can emerge without warning. Top FinTech PR firms excel in crisis management, skillfully guiding companies through tumultuous periods. Their expertise ensures that a brand’s integrity and reputation remain intact during these critical times. It involves adeptly handling public relations, providing transparent communication, and implementing strategies that mitigate negative impacts, thereby preserving the trust and confidence of customers, investors, and the broader market.

Content Creation

Content creation is a pivotal service provided by FinTech PR agencies. They produce a range of content for the audience, from insightful whitepapers to compelling blog posts. This content showcases a company’s expertise and industry insights and engages the audience effectively. By highlighting thought leadership and knowledge in the FinTech domain, these crafted narratives play a vital role in establishing and reinforcing a brand’s authority in the financial technology sector.

Strategic Communication

A PR agency with FinTech experience offers more than conventional PR tactics; they excel in strategic communication. Developing specialized plans aligned with business objectives, whether for new product launches, market-entry or thought leadership, is their forte. The firm’s deep understanding of complex FinTech subjects ensures that a brand’s message is disseminated, resonates with, and is valued by the intended audience, enhancing brand perception and impact.

Social Media Strategy

Maintaining a solid social media presence is essential in today’s digitally dominated era. FinTech PR firms assist in effectively utilizing platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. They help brands engage with the audience, share valuable industry insights, and enhance brand promotion. This strategic use of social media is crucial for building and maintaining a dynamic online presence for connecting with current and potential customers, investors, and industry peers.

The Benefits of Hiring a FinTech PR Consultancy

The decision to hire a FinTech PR consultancy can be a game-changer for companies in the emerging financial technology sector. Believe it or not, these specialized agencies bring many benefits beyond conventional public relations, playing a pivotal role in enhancing a brand’s market presence and reputation. Without further ado, let’s explore the benefits of partnering with a FinTech-focused PR agency, each highlighting how they contribute to the growth and success of your FinTech brand.

Enhanced Brand Visibility

A FinTech PR consultancy significantly amplifies your brand’s visibility in a crowded market. They leverage media connections to ensure your brand is featured on relevant platforms. This targeted exposure increases your brand’s presence and recognition, making it more visible to prospective customers, investors, and partners. After all, effective visibility strategies are essential for differentiating your brand in the FinTech landscape, driving growth and market penetration.

Credibility and Trust Building

In an industry where trust is paramount, a FinTech PR agency excels in establishing and maintaining your brand’s credibility. They achieve this through consistent, transparent, and strategic communication that resonates with your audience. By effectively conveying your brand’s values and strengths, they enhance public trust and confidence, crucial for attracting and retaining customers, securing investments, and establishing long-term relationships in the FinTech sector.

Strategic Market Positioning

These specialized PR firms adeptly position your brand within the FinTech market, utilizing years of deep industry-specific knowledge. They analyze your unique strengths and evolving market trends to strategically place your brand in a niche that highlights its advantages. This positioning is crucial for standing out in the highly competitive FinTech ecosystem, ensuring that your brand carefully captures the right audience’s attention and distinguishes itself as a leader in its specific domain.

Thought Leadership Promotion

FinTech PR consultancies are instrumental in promoting thought leadership. Simply put, they successfully spotlight your expertise and insights through various channels, positioning your executives and key personnel as industry experts. It elevates your brand’s authority and influence in the competitive space, opening doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and a heightened profile in the industry, thereby establishing your brand as a front-runner in financial innovation.

Crisis Management and Mitigation

As discussed in the beginning, crises can arise unexpectedly in the volatile FinTech industry. Top FinTech PR firms are skilled in crisis management, ensuring your brand navigates through challenging times while preserving its reputation. They implement strategic communication plans to manage negative publicity, mitigate risks, and maintain customer trust. This proactive approach to crisis management is critical for safeguarding your brand’s image and stability in the market.

Targeted Audience Engagement

FinTech PR agencies excel in engaging specific audience segments crucial to your brand’s success. Utilizing advanced techniques, they craft and disseminate messages that resonate with your target demographic, whether it’s tech-savvy consumers, investors, or regulatory bodies. This targeted approach ensures that your communications effectively reach and influence the right people, leading to increased engagement, brand loyalty, and a stronger foothold in your desired market segments.

Comprehensive Analytics and Insights

FinTech PR consultancies provide valuable analytics and insights into your PR campaigns, whether daily, weekly, or monthly. They offer detailed reporting on various metrics, allowing you to measure the effectiveness and impact of your communications strategies. This data-driven approach warrants you to make informed decisions, refine your PR tactics, and continuously improve your outreach efforts, ensuring your brand remains dynamic and responsive to market changes and opportunities.

Choosing the Right FinTech Public Relations Partner

Selecting the ideal FinTech public relations partner is a vital decision that can notably impact your brand’s success in the financial technology landscape. This choice involves careful consideration of various factors that align with your company’s objectives and values. Let’s explore critical aspects to consider when choosing the right FinTech PR firm, ensuring that you partner with an agency capable of elevating your brand and meeting your specific needs in the dynamic FinTech sector.

Experience and Track Record

When choosing a FinTech public relations partner, the industry experience and track record are paramount. Investigate the firms’ past campaigns and the outcomes they’ve achieved for other clients. An agency with a proven history of success in FinTech will likely understand your brand’s unique challenges and opportunities. This experience is invaluable in crafting effective PR strategies that resonate within the industry and drive tangible results for your business.

Understanding of Your Business

Selecting a PR firm that deeply understands your business model, technology, and market positioning is extremely crucial. This alignment ensures the agency can articulate your unique value proposition and compellingly tell your brand’s story. An agency that grasps the complexities of your FinTech business will be better equipped to tailor unique strategies to suit your specific needs, ensuring that your messaging hits the mark with your target audience.

Comprehensive Service Offering

Choosing a PR agency that offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to your particular needs is essential. From traditional media relations to digital marketing and beyond, a full range of services ensures that all your PR needs are covered comprehensively by partnering with one agency. This holistic approach allows for a more integrated and cohesive PR strategy, encompassing various channels and tactics to maximize your brand’s exposure and impact in the dynamic FinTech industry.

Cultural Fit

The cultural fit between PR agency and your company is critical to a successful partnership. Select an agency whose values and working style align with your company’s culture. This synergy fosters a robust and collaborative relationship, essential for effective communication and developing PR strategies that resonate with your brand’s ethos. A harmonious cultural fit is often the foundation of a long-lasting and productive partnership in the PR realm.

So, what can you expect from a top FinTech PR firm?

A top FinTech PR firm offers invaluable expertise, strategy, and services tailored to the FinTech industry. Expect comprehensive industry knowledge, strategic media relations, and adept crisis management. They excel in brand positioning, digital marketing, and event management. Their content creation, market research, and investor relations skills are also crucial. Such a firm is also equipped for global outreach, ensuring your FinTech company’s message resonates with its audience.

Partner with Avaans Media

Elevate your FinTech brand with Avaans Media, a top-rated PR agency known for delivering exceptional results. Our executive-level team specializes in emerging industries and hyper-growth companies, offering tailored solutions to your unique PR needs. So, why wait? Join forces with Avaans Media and experience unparalleled success in the FinTech landscape. Reach out to us today.

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How People Discover New Brands?

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You have a new product to launch. How can you ensure consumers find it when they’re shopping? Marketing experts say the average person sees between 4,000 and 10,000 ads in a single day; everyone of them claiming to be perfectly targeted to your ideal customer. People tune out most ads. But for DTC brands, the ad addiction is real. Why? Because it’s easy to establish direct ROI. Even when brands know the ROI isn’t great, they can’t seem to get off the treadmill because they know what to expect.  And with AI emerging, there is likely to be further disruption in the consumer industry. You’ve worked so hard to create a great brand and a great product. So, if not for advertising, how do people discover new brands today?

 

Give Them a Reason to Talk About Your Brand

Because we’re so inundated with signals and ads, buyers rely on friends and family for suggestions more than ever to help them filter through the choices. Every consumer brand understands the value of reviews, but referrals from friends and family are even more essential. 27% of consumers rely on trusted sources like friends for new brand discovery. Also, the older the target customer, the more likely they are to rely on advice from friends, with GenX (30%) and Boomers (35%) relying most heavily on friends and family.

But giving your advocates a gentle nudge and a reason to share your info with friends is even more important. We see this a lot with referral codes. Still, when a customer wants to advocate for you, or want to tell a friend about you, they aren’t likely going to go digging around for a creepy referral link that makes the receiver think their friend is only recommending a brand so they can save $10. It’s icky.

Instead, think about your content and social proof. For example, write tangential content that’s interesting and useful to your customer, not just about your brand. For example, if you’re a food brand, then write content about your favorite cooking tools in your test kitchen.

Also, when you secure consumer press, celebrate it with your customers. This IS a good time to offer a promo code because it’s one more reason to say to a friend, “hey, this is the skincare lotion you asked me about; it’s on sale,” AND it comes right next to the social proof that backs up your customer’s choice to share your product.

 

Search Engine Love

31% of consumers find new products on search engines. Consumers use search engines during two buying phases: the research phase and the buying phase. You want to be present for both, because that’s how people discover new brands

First, assuming your website is well constructed, and your product pages are well designed, your next step is to embrace the reality of the internet: content marketing. With the latest advances in AI-generated content, creating content for your website has never been easier. Just be sure to review your content and ensure the quality is there because content is often a consumer’s first exposure to your brand. There are countless ways you can use content marketing. Look at the way Sarah Blakely was always the #1 brand advocate for Spanx.

Second, if you sell DTC, use Google’s product review advice to help you build content that matters to customers. Our annual guide has many tips and hints about building consumer content that will help you stand out in search engine results.

But it’s not just owned content that customers love. When potential customers search for products, they’re in the buying phase, and that’s when they’re looking for reviews that jump out at them from search results: reviews by trusted media outlets. This is really important because publishers have massive amounts of content and SEO, so their product reviews are highly visible. And it doesn’t seem to matter if the press outlet uses affiliate links, so long as it’s disclosed. We’ve had clients sell out warehouses full of product due to affiliate links. Notably, affiliate links from friends might seem creepy, but product review affiliate links from media outlets are perfectly acceptable. Why might that be? When you learn about how people view lures and rewards, that’s another reason you must allow your marketing and PR to work together when considering your DTC consumer.

Influencers Gonna Influence

We can’t really talk about DTC PR without talking about social media influencers. It’s not just younger generations turning to TikTok for product discovery. And social networks catch buyer in all three phases – the awareness phase, the buying phase, when they’re researching a product, and the curiosity phase. Ensure your influencer campaigns work for both those phases, and be conscious of how impulsive your customers are when strategizing campaigns with content creators, because buyers are increasingly impulsive on platforms like TikTok.; 65% of GenZ and Millenials make impulse buying decisions at least once per month, compared to 38% of GenX and Boomers.

 

Using these modern PR tips to capitalize on how people discover new brands and tactics will make your investment pay for itself much faster.

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3 Great Ways to Leverage a CPG Product Launch Media Coverage

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CPG product launch media coverage is vital to successful CPG product launches. A product launch is an important event for any company – and even more so for consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies. Successful product launches can result in increased market share, brand awareness, and sales. And while there are many different ways to execute a product launch, using public relations (PR) is often a smart strategy. Here are three great ways to use PR for a CPG product launch.

One key strategy regardless of how you product launch: for consumer products, it’s exceptionally important that your consumer product launch media coverage and marketing stand out in the competitive environment for consumer attention. 

 

  1. Secure Early CPG Product Launch Media Coverage & Stay Consistent

For any new CPG, consumer trust is a prerequisite for great sales. Consumer PR leads in trust, so it’s important that consumer packaged goods companies secure early coverage to build consumer trust, awareness, and excitement for their cpg product launch PR. 

Traditional tactics would include samples and a press release. A more modern PR approach is a well-developed, and SEO-optimized media sample kit and specific information a journalist needs to write a winning review of the new product. If you’re pitching digital outlets or podcasts that aren’t generated months in advance, another approach is pitching consumer reporters on-trend stories that will include your product as an example. Securing coverage in the early stages of a product launch will help to set the tone for the campaign and generate excitement among consumers and retailers.

Plan on aggressive PR focusing on earned media throughout the first year. If you’re satisfied with market share after the first year, you may consider moving to more brand awareness PR vs. earned media CPG PR. 

 

  1. Execute A Distinctive Social Media Strategy

Social media is a key channel for consumer packaged goods companies to reach their target audience. Think about how your target demographic uses social media, especially their interests. From there, think of content your target audience would particularly appreciate and where the content will work best. For example, you may have a video for Facebook and YouTube because the content is best suited to the ways your customers use those platforms. On the other hand, you may do something different from Instagram and TikTok. It’s truly time for CPG companies to think beyond the traditional influencer campaign. Be creative. For example, Bounty towels recently hired influencers to put Bounty in the background of their videos – this is a twist on product placements. P.S. be sure you stay out of hot water with the FCC and be sure to disclose the relationship. Always consider how your content can create newsworthy buzz to get extra mileage and earned media. Contests and giveaways can also be incorporated to generate consumer interest around the product launch.

 

  1. CPG Product Launch Media Coverage Boost: Leverage Paid Media

Consumer packaged goods companies should consider leveraging paid media to support their product launch. Again, think creatively and be sure your campaigns align. For an extra dash of newsworthiness, consider incorporating your purpose, or another extension of your brand. Consider paid media outside of traditional print, TV, and radio, and dig deep into target markets with paid placements in locations that specifically resonate.  Paid media helps you quickly and generate awareness for your product launch, and when paired with high-trust PR tactics, paid media can be the conversion point that drives additional sales. 

 

While there are many other strategies and tactics that consumer packaged goods companies can use to support a product launch, these three strategies are a good place to start. By executing a solid consumer packaged goods PR strategy and supporting it with paid media, consumer packaged goods companies will be well-equipped to win the consumer product launch battle.

Since our inception, we’ve been helping consumer packaged goods companies win the launch of their new products. In that time, we have learned many critical elements to a successful consumer packaged goods PR campaign. While there are many strategies and tactics, here are three simple things you can do for your next CPG product launch. 

Read more about our previous work here.

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